Continuously Variable Transmission - CVT trainer

5/15/26
This is a variation of the simple planetary bear set by
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5482080
I have added external teeth to the ring gear and a spur gear as an input, plus an idler gear. I used a 3/8" bolt to hold the idler gear for the first CVT base. See comments below on 5/18/26 for the CVT base with thicker support braces because I have added an idler shaft and retaining clip for it.
Here is a link to the video on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELtnadmeRtY

I am trying to upload all of the files. Please be patient with me if I uploaded an incorrect version of a file. You can comment on youtube to let me know.

5/18/26
This evening I added a stronger CVT base (for the CVT that uses the idler). I also added an idler shaft and retaining clip. I tried it out earlier this afternoon and noticed that the sun gear shaft was a little short and did not spline very well to the sun gear. So I lengthened it inside the Prusa slicer. The upgraded CVT base that has thicker braces and also has a smaller diameter for the idler gear shaft. I plan to upload a thicker CVT base in the future for the non idler CVT base. I also hope to get it motorized when time allows.

Here is an updated video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNKXsKbJOJ4

5/20/26
I am uploading two files that are the same. One is a Word document file and the other is the same content in a PDF format. Both can be used as a feedback sheet with your students. It has a link to this video as a reference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODEAQM4qozM
I recommend having the students read Chapter 9 and Chapter 15 of my powertrain book.
https://www.g-w.com/heavy-equipment-power-trains-systems-2024

5/22/26
I am uploading files that allow you to mount an electric DC motor to the CVT trainer. It contains two different motor mounts. You can choose the mount with the nuts countersunk or non countersunk. Here is the electric kit I bought on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHYVYTGR?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

Here is a video of the CVT motorized. I might try to work on a mount for the electrical controls if I get some spare time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD6fIM2pXAQ

I am also prototyping a new base that holds the electrical board, potentiometer and the reverse switch. If it prints and works then I will up load it.

5/23/26
Here is a link to a Planetary Gear set that uses two sets of pinions that also fit this CVT.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7358363
And here is a link to a video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaxNomkiKUc

5/24/26
I got the new CVT base roughed in good enough to upload to Thingiverse. I made a couple of slight changes to it. I moved the circuit board a little closer to the front panel and I lowered the board's four posts (bosses) .100"
Here is a link to a short video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hScsSI4RB4Q