Operation and Kinematic Analysis of a Cam-Based Infinitely Variable Transmission

In this paper, the operation and analysis of a novel, highly configurable, infinitely variable transmission of the ratcheting drive type is presented. This particular drive uses a cam and a number of cam followers rotatably mounted to a carrier plate to generate an oscillatory motion in an equal number of planet gears. A number of indexing clutches are then used to rectify this motion into a rotational output. A full description of the mechanism, including its components, operation, and kinematic equations, are presented. There are a number of inversions of this device, and their characteristics and limitations are discussed. In addition, a method is presented to select the most suitable inversion, gearing, and maximum follower velocity for a given set of requirements.