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In recent years, topology optimization technology has been widely applied as a means of achieving weight reduction. On the other hand, the development of additive manufacturing technology (3D printing) is making it possible to manufacture structures called lattices. In this paper, we show that it is possible to create even stiffer structures by combining both technologies, and we develop a design process that includes optimization calculations.

This paper presents a practical simulation model of the rubber V-belt CVT which is widely used as a low cost driveline element for small displacement motorcycles. The characteristic of this CVT is determined by the axial force balance between driver and driven pulleys, and the elastic force of a rubber V-belt. Because these axial and elastic forces are calculated by the kinematic and FEM analysis, a large-scale simulation model which costs long execution time for the calculation is needed to estimate the characteristic of CVT. This calculation uses the one-dimensional simulation model built up with MATLAB and SIMULINK environment, so that it was possible to get the calculation result with relatively low execution time. The elastic deformation of the rubber V-Belt was calculated by a simple spring model which was verified by experiments and FEM.

Aisin AW Co., Ltd. was established in 1969 from Japanese and American investment as a new company specializing in automatic transmission (AT) manufacture. Aiming to reach and overtake the Western advanced technology while "pursuing the essence of the role of ATs within the whole vehicle system", it has since achieved its goal of becoming the world's No. 1 AT manufacturing company. In 1985, Aisin AW established a research and development lab for the development for new products other than ATs. Operating under the motto of creating a single, attractive basic design concept layout while "pursuing the essence of the role of the vehicle within society", this lab developed the world's first voice navigation system (VNS), an innovative, creative product born from our company's exclusive product concept. Aisin AW is now achieving the biggest share of the vehicle navigation system market in Japan

A new hybrid vehicle system has been developed, the Dual System, which combines the series and parallel hybrid systems. Combination with a motor has reduced the engine size, only using the most efficient range of the engine. A transaxle employing a generator motor and a traction motor in one compact package is applicable to currently produced vehicles with little modification. Use of the generator as a motor realizes multiple control functions. A prototype vehicle with this new Dual System was built and tested. Its driving performance and the fuel economy were measured, and the fuel economy results were analyzed.