A continuously variable transmission for efficient urban transportation

This paper describes a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) that may be used in a variety of machines and transport devices. Unlike many CVTs that are relatively heavy and bulky, the present CVT, named "eDrive", is fairly small and lightweight. These attributes allow eDrive to be used in human-powered transport devices such as bicycles. The eDrive incorporates a sprocket able to vary its effective diameter via computer controlled actuation. The sprocket accommodates a rotational input and provides an output using a loop belt rotationally engaged with sprocket. The eDrive promises to increase a bicyclist's user experience, provide more efficient conversion of human energy to locomotion, and overall promote sustainable urban transportation. In addition, eDrive can be configured and scaled to provide CVT functionality for a variety of other vehicles and machines, such as wind or water turbines and electric vehicles. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.