The world's first CVT with a gearbox is presented
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The world's first CVT with a gearbox is presented

As is known, the abbreviation CVT denotes a continuously variable transmission, which, to ensure the movement of the vehicle, goes through a series of gear ratios and has no gears. But the presented new product from RatioZero does have them.


The technology works completely differently, on a different principle, which makes the design unique and the first of its kind. More on that below.

Everything in the world is imperfect


Variators, like everything in this world created by man, have their pros and cons. Among the former, we can highlight: infinite gear ratios, the ability to work with almost all existing engines, smooth acceleration and maximum fuel efficiency. In addition, due to the absence of those very gears, they are much lighter than their counterparts.

The world's first CVT with a gearbox is presentedRatioZero developers announce the evolution of the variator. Photo: ratiozero.com

On the other hand, CVTs are not suitable for sporty driving, and they are also quite expensive to repair and maintain. However, for most people, this technology is the optimal choice. So why, as they say, meddle with a well-oiled mechanism?

But the group of Italian engineers behind the RatioZero development don't think so, and are confident that they have reached the next evolutionary stage of the CVT. The team, they say, has a wealth of experience in improving suspensions, brakes, and engine technology. This experience has opened up the prospects for developing an improved transmission.

Complex in simple


The experts decided to simply add gears to the CVT design, which, in their opinion, significantly expands the list of advantages of the CVT, including efficiency at the level of gear transmissions and an easier path to automation of work.

It must be said that they are not the first to try this idea, but previous attempts were unsuccessful, since such designs require additional financial investments.

First, the RatioZero transmission will be tested on a scooter. Photo: rutube.ru

The RatioZero project was based on an idea that originated in the mind of engineer Edison Pavilcu. It centered around a form-locking design based on a planetary gear. This mechanism is said to effectively transmit torque through gears and freewheels, as well as through a four-bar mechanism. Together, these elements recreate the rotation of a variable-ratio gear.

Are the prospects bleak?


All this sounds very interesting, of course, but it is difficult to say whether the invention will find a real commercial application. At the same time, patents for the technology used in RatioZero have already been received, and the developers say that the process of transition from a prototype to a pre-production sample has been launched.

It is said to be installed on the Yamaha TMAX scooter, which will allow us to evaluate all the advantages of a variator with a gearbox. Before that, however, a series of tests are planned to be carried out, which will allow us to evaluate the strength of the structure under the influence of high torques, as well as the kinematic characteristics of the system.

RatioZero has a wide range of applications. Photo: ratiozero.com

However, the RatioZero variator is not intended exclusively for scooters. In the future, this technology can be used in motorcycles, cars, wind turbines, electric bicycles and even power tools. A number of functional prototypes are also being created to test compatibility, and negotiations are underway with various representatives of the automotive industry in order to start testing on other vehicles without delay.

But for now this is only in the plans, and whether the project will be continued, time will tell. At least no specific dates have been given for RatioZero to enter the market, or at least for the launch of serial production.
Which transmission do you prefer?
  • Lilu
  • ratiozero.com, turbotext.ru, rutube.ru
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