Steel Belt
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
It is composed of multiple steel plates (1) and two steel rings (2) stacked to a several number. The feature of this steel belt transmits power with compression of the steel plate in contrast with transmission of power in pulling with a rubber belt. Friction force is required with the pulley slope to transmit power from the steel plate.
The force is generated with the following mechanism:
- Oil pressure applies to the secondary pulley to nip the plate.
- The plate is pushed and extended outward.
- The steel ring shows withstands.
- Pulling force is generated on the steel ring.
- The plate of the primary pulley is nipped between the pulley.
- Friction force is generated between the steel belt and the pulley.
Therefore, responsibilities are divided by the steel plate that transmits the power with compression and the steel ring that maintains necessary friction force. In this way, the tension of the steel ring is distributed on the entire surface and stress variation is limited, resulting in good durability.