Patent · US Expired

Continuously variable transmission or clutch with ortho-planar compliant mechanism

US7338398B2 · kind B2 · utility

16Cited by
28References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 14, 2004
Grant dateMar 4, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 10, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16F2236/027
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A continuously variable transmission or clutch device (10) includes at least one pulley (18) rotatable on a pivot (28) and having a pair of adjustable sheaves (30, 34) including a movable sheave (30) movable along the pivot. An ortho-planar compliant mechanism (14) is capable of elastic deformation and operatively coupled to the movable sheave to bias the movable sheave towards or away from the other sheave. The ortho-planar compliant mechanism includes a substantially flat configuration and is deflectable therefrom as the movable sheave moves. The ortho-planar compliant mechanism can include a center platform (38) disposed on the pivot and a plurality of arms (42) extending from the platform to distal ends (46) coupled to the movable sheave.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.