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Four Dutch inventors have perfected and patented a gearbox that uses zero gears. Destined initially for bike use, the idea came to them while watching a Tour de France participant lose his bike chain while shifting gears. The system was modified for automotive, wind farming, marine, and other motorized uses.
Instead of gears, the gearbox consists of a belt mounted on two discs, while a digitally-operated hydraulic pump increases or decreases the diameter of the discs. It does not need lubricants, and provides fuel savings by eliminating the friction caused by gears.
The first prototype for automotive use measures 30 x 22 x 18 centimetres and will be most efficient in electric vehicle use.
Instead of gears, the gearbox consists of a belt mounted on two discs, while a digitally-operated hydraulic pump increases or decreases the diameter of the discs. It does not need lubricants, and provides fuel savings by eliminating the friction caused by gears.
The first prototype for automotive use measures 30 x 22 x 18 centimetres and will be most efficient in electric vehicle use.
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| Photo: Parts Services Holland Ltd |