Constantly Variable Transmission

Introduction:

The constantly variable transmission (CVT) uses a pair of cone-shaped pulleys connected by a metal belt. The key to the operation of a CVT system is a high-friction drive belt.

GENERIC ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (ECAT):

• The belt, made from high performance steel, transmits drive by thrust rather than tension.  
• The ratio of the rotations, or the gear ratio, is determined by how far the belt rides from the centres of two pulleys.
• The transmission can produce an unlimited number of ratios. As the car changes speed, the ratio is continuously adjusted.
• Cars with this system are said to use fuel more efficiently than cars with set gear ratios.
• In the gearbox, hydraulic control is used to move the pulleys and hence change the ratio.
• To achieve forward and reverse, a standard epicyclic gear set is used.

The drive belt transmits torque from the primary cone pulley to the secondary cone pulley unit. The belt is V-shaped and consists of several hundred steel elements held together by steel strips.