Search Results (3)

This paper outlines the design, development, and practical implementation of a rubber belt-driven dual cone continuously variable transmission (CVT) model. This model enables a demonstration of stepless changes in the transmission ratio between input and output shafts. Although the model can be operated manually via a control panel, enhanced functionality, such as automated measurement, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) speed control, and data measurement and storage, is achieved through a control application created within the LabVIEW virtual instrument environment. This work also includes a partial comparison between the practical implementation and its simulation model created in MATLAB-Simulink. Full article

In human-centered robotic applications, safety, efficiency, and adaptability are critical for enabling effective interaction and performance. Incorporating electromagnetic continuously variable transmission (EM-CVT) systems into robotic designs enhances both safety and precise, adaptable motion control. The flexible power transmission offered by CVTs allows robots to operate across diverse environments, supporting various tasks, human interaction, and safe collaboration. This study presents a CVT-based mechanical subsystem developed using two cones and an intermediate belt-driven transmission mechanism, providing efficient power and motion transfer. The control subsystem consists of six strategically positioned electromagnets energized by signals from a microcontroller. This electromagnetic actuation enables rapid and precise adjustments to the transmission ratio, enhancing overall system performance. A linear relationship between slip percentage and gear ratio was observed, indicating that the control system achieves stable and efficient operation, with a measured power consumption of 2.95 W per electromagnet. Future work will focus on validating slip performance under dynamic loading conditions, integrating the system into robotic platforms, and optimizing materials and control strategies to enable broader real-world deployment. Full article

This paper investigates the design and performance of a tunable pendulum energy harvester (TPEH) integrated with cone continuously variable transmission (CVT) to enhance energy harvesting efficiency in broadband and non-stationary vibrational environments. The cone CVT mechanism enables the tunability of the harvester’s natural frequency, allowing it to dynamically adapt and maintain resonance across varying excitation frequencies. A specific focus is placed on the system’s behavior under chirp signal base excitation, which simulates a time-varying frequency environment. Experimental and analytical approaches are employed to evaluate the system’s dynamic response, energy output, and frequency adaptation capabilities. The results demonstrate that the proposed TPEH system achieves significant energy harvesting performance improvements by leveraging the cone CVT to optimize power generation under resonance conditions. The system is also shown to be effective in maintaining stable operation over a wide range of frequencies, demonstrating its versatility for real-world vibrational energy harvesting applications. This research highlights the importance of tunability in energy harvesting systems and the role of mechanical transmission mechanisms in improving adaptability. The proposed design has strong potential for applications in environments with non-stationary vibrations, such as transportation systems, industrial machinery, and infrastructure monitoring. Full article