Multibody Dynamics Simulation of a Mechanism for Generating Continuously Variable Motion

In this paper, the functionality of a swashplate mechanism coupled with a series of one-way overrunning clutches is studied. The novel mechanism is constructed by coupling a swashplate and one-way overrunning clutch with other mechanical components to allow producing a continuously varying gear ratio. To access the capability of the proposed mechanism, a multibody dynamic simulation of the said mechanism was carried out as follows. First, the kinematics of the components making the mechanism is studied, then followed by the dynamics of the entire system. Preliminary predictions dictate that the proposed mechanism has the potential to produce continuously variable output motion including the zero-output using a constant input. However, the results indicate that the swashplate mechanism should be studied further to allow obtaining a smooth output. Initial results indicate that the proposed mechanism has the potential of converting a constant rotational motion to a continuously variable rotational speed.