FEVj - Infinitely Variable Transmissions

Infinitely Variable Transmissions
Continously Variable Transmissions

The transmissions in all our vehicles, automatics and manuals alike, are also known to be significantly inefficient and solutions exist in alternatives, including known infinitely variable transmissions.

see original article from Popular Science, August 1992 page 30

There were plans to use in racecars, if race rules would permit. There were plans for use in generators and alternators; even the transmissions of Detroit Diesel Corp. trucks.
One of its characteristics is its ability to handle large amounts of torque, a severe shortcoming of most IVT's with their belts or wear prone sliding parts or fluid couplings that waste energy in the form of heat.

SAE International
A Geared Infinitely Variable Transmission for Automotive Applications
Document Number: 910407

Date Published: February 1991
Author(s):
Frank A. Fitz - Epilogics, Inc.
Paul B. Pires - Epilogics, Inc.

Abstract:
Epilogics, a young engineering firm in Los Gatos, CA, has developed the first fully-geared, high torque, high efficiency, infinitely variable transmission (IVT) suitable for automotive applications. To prove its torque capacity, Epilogics demonstrated a prototype of its patented transmission concept in a Class VII diesel truck in June 1989. In addition to being ideally suited as a transmission for motor vehicle drivetrains, the IVT can provide a means to efficiently and flexibly drive engine accessories independently of engine speed. Products have already been designed or built to drive alternators at a constant speed (irrespective of engine/vehicle speed) and to control cooling fan speeds independently of engine/vehicle speed. Outside of automotive applications, experimental designs of automatically adjusting manual sailboat winches and continuously variable bicycle transmissions have been implemented. Under normal operating conditions, the efficiency of the Epilogics transmission exceeds 90% as derived mathematically and corroborated experimentally. The device does not rely on traction to transmit torque and can therefore match the torque capacity of any typical gear drive. The size, weight, and cost of the device closely approximates that of a four-speed manual transmission.

The expectation is that fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 30%. As such, the IVT may only buy a little time since auto makers seem to keep building larger and heavier vehicles every year and an IVT might just open their door to putting larger engines in the cars to attract everyone who wants more power. Still, the Mini Cooper offers a crude one today and if it saves gas, some of us will "go for it". We know that this one has been bought by Eaton corp. but have no further information yet.

Another IVT, currently in development, is the Variator by ToroTrak.

Some Mini Coopers use a CVT today.

THE MINI COOPER: A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a variable speed automatic transmission is optional.

The Mini Cooper's Continuosly Variable transmission uses a fixed-length steel drive belt to connect two double cone-shaped belt pulleys which transmit the drive output from the engine, essentially offering infinitely variable transmission ratios. Electronically controlled coupling does not transmit the full power until an engine speed of 2,000 rpm. Although the continuously variable transmission is still heavier than manual transmission, it is lighter than a conventional automatic transmission. When the driver presses the accelerator, the action is transmitted to the Powertrain Controller (a Siemens EMS 2000 control unit), which then determines the ideal amount of fuel to supply to the engine. With more powerful acceleration, the system can determine the best fuel feed for maximum performance and minimum emissions.

The Base is equipped with a standard 1.6-liter, I4, 115-horsepower engine that achieves 28-mpg in the city and 37-mpg on the highway.
The S is equipped with a standard 1.6-liter, I4, 163-horsepower, supercharged engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard.

The Honda Insight has an optional CVT.

( Unfortunately, the gas mileage with their IVT is not significantly different)

July-Aug.2008

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Infinitely Variable Transmissions Continously Variable Transmissions

Infinitely Variable Transmissions
Continously Variable Transmissions