Design, Modeling, and Experimental Validation of a Novel Infinitely Variable Transmission Based on Scotch Yoke Systems

Abstract

A novel infinitely variable transmission (IVT) based on scotch yoke systems is designed to provide a continuously varied output-to-input speed ratio from zero to a specified value. By changing the crank length of scotch yoke systems, the speed ratio of the IVT can be continuously adjusted. The IVT consists of a pair of noncircular gears and two modules: an input-control module and a motion conversion module. The input-control module employs two planetary gear sets to combine the input speed of the IVT with the control speed from the stepper motor that changes the crank length of scotch yoke systems. The motion conversion module employs two scotch yoke systems to convert the combined speeds from the input-control module to translational speeds of yokes, and the translational speeds are converted to output speeds through rack–pinions. The speed ratio between the output of the motion conversion module and the input of the input-control module has a shape of a sinusoidal-like wave, which generates instantaneous variations. Use of scotch yoke systems provides a benefit to isolate the interaction between the crank length and the shape of the speed ratio, and a pair of noncircular gears can be used to eliminate the instantaneous variations of the speed ratio for all crank lengths. A prototype of the IVT was built and instrumented, and its kinematic behavior was experimentally validated. A driving test was conducted to examine the performance of the IVT.