Snowmobile reduction drive
US5685387A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62M2027/023
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to an improved snowmobile drive train configuration arrangement that incorporates a fixed ratio speed reduction mechanism directly coupled to the engine crankshaft. This mechanism is in turn coupled to the driving pulley of a variable ratio belt drive system, the driven pulley of which is mounted on the axle of the sprocket wheels that drive the snowmobile track. Interposing the reduction drive between the engine and the belt drive system reduces the operational speed of both the pulleys and the belt, which proves beneficial from several aspects: the mechanical efficiency of the global system is increased, the dynamic response of the transmission to throttle modulation is improved; aerodynamic losses are reduced; the bending vibrations of the crankshaft are no longer transmitted to the drive clutch; and the engine can be run at higher RPM without decreasing the efficiency of the belt drive system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.