Mechanical transmission continuously variable from forward to reverse

摘要

The transmission couples a cam shaft to an output shaft through a plurality of sets of specialized linkages. Each set of specialized linkages comprises: a displacement waveform generator (DWG) comprising a solid cam rigidly attached to the cam shaft, the outer surface of which produces a periodic displacement that is linearly proportional to rotation angle of the cam shaft over a substantial part of a rotation cycle; an input linear displacement multiplier (ILDM) comprising a link surrounding the cam shaft such that when the cam shaft rotates the link oscillates back and forth with a displacement that is linearly proportional to rotation angle of the cam shaft over a substantial part of a rotation cycle; an output linear displacement multiplier (OLDM) comprising a link pivotally connected to the ILDM through a power coupler, able to slide back and forth, and having a longitudinally extending rack of gear teeth; a disk free to rotate coaxially with the output shaft that has a concentric pinion gear continuously engaging the rack of teeth along the OLDM such that the disk is rotationally oscillated as the OLDM moves back and forth; and one or more calipers that may lock the disk to a flange that is affixed to the transmission's output shaft. Disks are locked to flanges at such times that the output shaft is rotated in a uniform manner. The apparent gear ratio is continuously varied from full forward, to neutral, to reverse by changing the angle between the ILDM and OLDM.