General Characteristics

Performance

  • Capacity – Core variator scalable from sub 1 kW to greater than 300 kW
  • Efficiency – average approx. 85% with 99% available in direct drive lock-up
  • Ratio range – natively 400% to 800% depending on configuration
  • Speed – 10,000 plus, size dependent

Packaging

  • Torque density – Up to 25 Nm/kg rated input torque, excluding external support systems (ratio change actuator and oil cooling circuit)
  • Power density – 6 kW/kg rated input power, excluding external support systems (ratio change actuator and oil cooling circuit)
  • Parts count – 7 principal components (excluding ratio change actuator, oil cooling circuit, and small parts)

Integration & Interfacing

  • Layout flexibility- single shaft type variator with linear (input/output shafts on opposite sides) or co-axial (input/output shafts on same side) arrangement
  • System flexibility - integrates ideally with input/output gearing to match driver/driven requirements and/or produce IVT with integral reverse and launch capability; uni- or bi-directional drive according to requirement
  • Mounting - via housing or supported on input shaft, depending on configuration
  • Ratio control - rotating collar driven mechanically or by electric actuator
  • Shift management - fully flexible (manual, automatic or combined)
  • Ratio availability - continuously variable or stepped

Lubrication

Lubrication may be by grease or splash, for low power applications, or by a low pressure circulatory system incorporating a heat exchanger, for higher power applications.

Efficiency

Average efficiency, which varies with ratio and ratio range, is typically 85%. However, a maximum efficiency of about 99% is available at 1:1 ratio by means of a simple lock-up arrangement. 1:1 ratio corresponds to top gear in an automotive driveline application, the gear in which most fuel is consumed.