Abstract:
This paper describes a new breed of transmission system, combining the compactness of a CVT and on- demand responsiveness of a conventional transmission. The concept is to use belt drive as in CVT, but with pulleys whose diameter can be varied using specially designed rack & pinion gears. The benefit of this hybrid is it does not have that 'rubber-band effect' of typical CVTs, still being as light & compact. Its flexibility is it can be operated manually using levers or as an Automatic using a setup of microcontrollers and motor, hence named as "AutoMan". The expected upshots are lightness, space-efficiency, and a better blend of convenience, performance & economy.

Keywords: lightweight transmission, hybrid transmission, modified CVT, belt drive manual gearbox, AutoMan gearbox