Technical Paper
A Geared Infinitely Variable Transmission for Automotive Applications
1991-02-01
910407
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.