Patent ID: 8523724

Claim:
A method of selectively engaging one of a synchronizer and activating one of a clutch assembly of a continuously variable transmission, the transmission including an output shaft assembly having a plurality of output members, first and second clutch assemblies, second and third synchronizers, and first and second rotatable members, the method comprising the steps of: providing first and second power source paths; outputting a combined power of the first and second power source paths through at least one of the output members of the output shaft assembly; engaging the second synchronizer to synchronize a speed of the second rotatable member to one of the output members of the output shaft assembly; activating the second clutch assembly to connect the synchronized second rotatable member to a final output member to output a second speed having a second gear ratio; activating the first clutch assembly to connect the first rotatable member to the final output member to provide a rotational speed to the first rotatable member; maintaining connection of the first rotatable member with the final output member until a shift trigger point is reached; deactivating the first clutch assembly; deactivating the second clutch assembly; engaging the third synchronizer to synchronize the first rotatable member to the one of the output members of the output shaft assembly; activating the first clutch assembly to connect the synchronized first rotatable member to the final output member to output a third speed having a third gear ratio.