A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios.This contrasts with other transmissions that provide a limited number of gear ratios in fixed steps.
source/image(PrtSc): Kaveh Mad
The flexibility of a CVT with suitable control may allow the engine to operate at a constant RPM while the vehicle moves at varying speeds.The most common type of CVT uses a V-belt which runs between two variable diameter pulleys.The pulleys consist of two cone-shaped halves that move together and apart.
The V-belt runs between these two halves, so the effective diameter of the pulley is dependent on the distance between the two halves of the pulley. The V-shaped cross section of the belt causes it to ride higher on one pulley and lower on the other, therefore the gear ratio is adjusted by moving the two sheaves of one pulley closer together and the two sheaves of the other pulley farther apart.
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As the distance between the pulleys and the length of the belt does not change, both pulleys must be adjusted (one bigger, the other smaller) simultaneously in order to maintain the proper amount of tension on the belt.//wikipedia
