Conversion of Hydraulic to Pneumatic Control in a CVT Model: An Educational Approach

Abstract

Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) are now widely used in various vehicle models due to their superior advantages. To facilitate learners to learn and research on the structure and operating principle of CVT gearboxes, this study replaces the hydraulic control system with a pneumatic control system. Because maintaining the hydraulic control system will increase the complexity and cost to build the model. The study investigates the structure and operating principles of a CVT model and proposes modifications for conversion and control algorithm development. A new pneumatic control unit is designed to enhance the visualization and safety of CVT operation. The pneumatic control system enables learners and researchers to better understand the principles of gear ratio variation and directional control of the vehicle. Specifically, with the gear selector in position D, the control system successfully adjusts the transmission ratio from 2.60 to 0.41 as the throttle pedal position changes from 5% to 99%.