MG-IVT: An infinitely variable transmission with optimal power flows

The infinitely variable transmissions (IVTs) allow the transmission ratio to vary with continuity, offering the possibility of also reaching zero values for the transmission ratio and the motion inversion. In this paper an original infinitely variable transmission system is described (MG-IVT). MG-IVT is made up of the coupling of a continuously variable transmission, a planetary gear train, and two ordinary transmissions with a constant transmission ratio. By means of two frontal clutches, the MG-IVT is allowed to get two different configurations. The main purpose is to get the configurations that make the optimal efficiency of the transmission at different transmission ratios. Kinetic characteristics of single component devices are obtained, and the MG-IVT system's performance is determined by considering how the efficiency of the component devices change as a function of operating conditions. The advantages of the MG-IVT are therefore shown in terms of power and efficiency in comparison to the traditional IVT.