720717Development of a new Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT)ClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKThe Project is to research, develop, manufacture, license and monetise a new and completely original Infinitely Variable Transmission patent for Automotive and Industrial applications. The crucial operating characteristics are as follows: -Infinitely variable speed in both forward and reverse. - Multiple variable speed inputs and outputs are easily achievable, so the System can easily be adapted to act as both, the Vehicle transmission and the rear differential / Transaxle. The major advantages being that each wheel can be electronically speed controlled and positively / negatively driven in all dynamic conditions, it also has the capability to dramatically improve the vehicle handling especially for e.g. during cornering, as the inner wheel can be speed reduced and the outer wheel speed increased to account for the varying distance in the track experienced. In low traction situations such as snow / ice and other hazardous driving conditions both wheels are positively driven improving vehicle traction. Furthermore in certain applications the transmission is easily capable of providing forward motion on one output whilst providing reverse motion on the other, so that a vehicle could turn within its own footprint, as is often advantageous with Track and Military vehicles. - The transmission has a high commonality and a fewer number of components meaning reduced production costs compared with modern Automatic Transmissions -The system naturally adjusts for any wear in the contact elements. -Low revs at cruising speed, leading to optimal engine use, reduced engine wear and at least 20% fuel or electric savings, along with increased vehicle performance. -Controlled braking is possible on each wheel, and can be possibly dispense with the ABS braking system. Furthermore in Electrically driven vehicles regenerative braking can be optimised though the infinite ratio the gearbox can provide. Kinetic energy recovery can also be easily added to the rear transaxle assembly.