By Siddharth darekar

Siddharthdarekar92@gmail.com

Feasibility of free ball

traction drive (a
continuously variable
transmission) in
automotive applications
(Summary of paper published in Asian journal of
engineering research) Asian J.Eng Res/vol.II/Issue I/Janmarch 2013/1-03

Abstract
A Transmission is a device which allows the transmission
of power from a rotating power source to a rotating load.
Conventional transmissions allow for the selection of
discrete gear ratios, thus limiting the engine to providing
maximum power or efficiency for limited ranges of
transmission output speed. A continuously variable
transmission however is a type that allows an infinitely
variable ratio change within a finite range thereby
allowing the engine to continuously operate in its most
efficient or highest performance range. The paper
included: Design, development and testing of free ball
traction drive

FREE BALL TRACTION DRIVE SUMMARY

The primary function of transmission is to transmit mechanical power from power
source to some form of useful output device .since the invention of the internal
combustion engine, it has been the goal of transmission designers to develop more
efficient methods of coupling the output of an engine to a load while allowing the
engine to operate in its most efficient or highest power range. Conventional
transmissions allow for the selection of discrete gear ratios, thus limiting the engine
to providing maximum power or efficiency for limited ranges of output speed. A
continuously variable transmission (cvt) is a type of transmission, however that
allows an infinitely variable ratio change within a finite range ,thereby allowing the
engine to continuously operate in its most efficient or highest performance range
Continuously variable transmission have been use for many years. Near the
beginning of the twentieth century, Cars like Sturtevant,cartecar,and labert featured
friction dependent CVTs(puttre 1991).these friction drive CVTs were common in
automotive use until engines capable of producing higher torques became common
and necessitated them move to geared, fixed ratio transmissions capable of high
torque transfer and having wear characteristics than friction dependent CVTs.
Only in the past. Few years, with the advent of advanced materials and technology,
have friction dependent CVTs returned to commercial application in the automotive
industry. To provide a foundation and motivation for the research presented, the
report presents a definition of continuously variable transmission. For background
purposes, a review of the current literature on CVTs was included. The families in
which various embodiments can be classified are presented, along with a
description of the operating principles in each family. A new family of embodiments
of the positive engagement classification is also presented, along with principles
governing new classification. The research focused most heavily on embodiments in
the final classification. It included design, development and testing of free ball
traction drive as shown in the picture.
Construction & working
The major components of free ball traction drive are steel ball (1) positioned
between two axially displaced hollow cones (2&3) and acts as a power transmission
element.

When the load is applied the

transmission ball is pulled in triangle
formed by two hollow cone disks by an
amount equal to the elastic deformation
of the parts under load. Thus the contact
pressure is directly proportional to the
output torque. Clockwise or
counterclockwise rotation is permissible.
The output speed of drive is infinitely
variable and is achieved by adjusting the
position of the steel ball by rotating the
speed setting spindle knob (4).speed
setting is permissible both at rest and in

Fig. Free ball traction drive

motion. In the upper adjustment position

ratio of 3:1 reduction is created between
input and output shaft. In the lower
adjustment position the ratio is 1:3 increaser. The total speed range covered is
9:1.for speed range of 6:1, higher input horse power is possible since the output
horse power is determined by lower output speed. The drive maybe used in any
mounting position and can be made hermetically sealed. Power must be transmitted
through the unit only in the direction shown by the arrow on the outer housing.
Operating features
1. The drive is a constant horse power device but can be used as a constant torque
at maximum output speed over the entire adjustment range.
2. Standard speed ratios are 6:1 or 9:1
3. The output speeds can be upto 5400 rpm
4. The drive is 85% efficient
5. Speed accuracy is +/-1% of the output speed at constant load.
The thesis further included design -: 1) system design and 2) mechanical design,
cost analysis, observations and testing, advantages and disadvantages and
applications of the drive.
Experimental findings of advantages in regards automobiles:
Cvts can compensate for changing vehicle speeds allowing the engine speed to
remain at its level of peak power and efficiency. This improves fuel economy and
reduce exhaust emissions.
There are 25% fewer moving parts in transmission
20% fuel economy compared to past transmission technologies.
Experimental findings of drawback in automobile operations:

Become jerky at low speeds

Also, other drawbacks to overcome are
Intricate parts with high material cost e.g., silicon nitride, silicon carbide
Drive looks at situations, better suited for amusement vehicles.
CVT is new technology so there are limited people that understand the operations
with in a cvt.
Conclusion
For variable speeds gearboxes are used in machine tool, but gears are having some
disadvantages like high manufacturing cost, gear shifting difficulty, noisy meshing
of teeth, large space requirement and are prone to backlash.
On the other hand ball traction drive overcomes drawbacks of gearbox. It is smooth
(step less) drive giving wide range speed variations with minimum control for speed
changing.
Due to these characteristics and with proper funding for research it is possible to
create a fbtd satisfy automobile needs.

References
1. Machine design .R.s.khurmi,J.k.gupta ,s chand publication

2. design data book,psg publication

3. infinitely variable transmission using ball manabu kashihara
4. Design of machine elements .V.b Bhandari
5. www.googlescholor.com