Design of an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission for a Baja SAE Vehicle

This project will design, build, and validate a servo-actuated electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) for the University of Arizona Baja SAE vehicle. The system will replace the existing mechanical CVT with a pair of variable-diameter sheaves driven by servo motors to control the transmission ratio in a closed loop across the engine's operating range. Unlike prior teams, which actuated the sheaves through a hydraulic system, this project uses direct servo actuation to eliminate the hydraulic fluid circuit, reducing the risk of additional failures. The scope is limited to the transmission actuation and control system, the competition spec engine will not be modified, and real-time telemetry will be driven from the team's current electrical system with the addition of any necessary sensors not already integrated in their system.