Project Variable Gear Transmission
What is the Issue/Category?
The aim of this project is for Industrial Products (Vehicles and Power Plants). The only advancements in traditional transmissions for the last fifty years have only been in materials and lubricants. The same operating principles have been in use. Transmissions are limited to the number of gears that also effects the amount of ratios options. The range of transmission operation is limited and selective (Output).
Who is the product aimed for?
It is aimed for any industrial product that requires transmission of power from a power plant to an output. Including vehicles with a high RPM turbine engine that still need a variation output from vehicle's stationary position to full operating power. Industrial machines limited in weight.
What does it do and how does it function?
Instead of an assortment of multiple gears to be combined for a selective ratio, the VGT has one primary gear that changes shape to meet all the ratios requested. The way the VGT function is by inverting one of the intermediate gears inside out. But instead of using a solid inverted gear we accomplish this with two link chains. An array of control arms separates the two linked chains. One of these arms operates as a drive train for the second gear. The way this system changes shape is from the base that rotates the chain also contracts or separates the links of the chain, much like how your belt buckle holds your belt at a certain circumference.
Why is it better than your competitor's products?
Currently, a model transmission that has variable gear capabilities does exist. However, because it is belt driven, this transmission relies on the friction of two masses contact, leaving it susceptible to slipping if the torque from the input or the output is too strong. The VGT overcomes this by the use of gears. Gears allow for stronger support because teeth engage in a stronger connection to the chain belt. Therefore far less likely to slip, which makes the operation for more reliable.