V-belt pulleys (also called vee belt sheaves) are devices which transmit power between axles by the use of a v-belt, a mechanical linkage with a trapezoidal cross-section. Together these devices offer a high-speed power transmission solution that is resistant to slipping and misalignment.
V-belt pulleys are solely used for transmitting power between two parallel axels. The most notable difference between a v-belt pulley and other types of pulleys (round belt, flat, etc.) would be the geometry of the groove or grooves located around the circumference of the pulley; these grooves guide and gain traction on a v-belt.
A v-belt is a unique mechanical linkage with a cross-section that resembles an isosceles trapezoid. The v-belt and its complementing pulley create the most efficient belt drive known (sometimes achieving 98% transmission efficiency). V-belts were developed in the early days of automobile innovation to improve belt reliability and torque transmission from the crankshaft to rotating assemblies. V-belts remain a common type of serpentine belt today.