on Aug 19th, 2008NuVinci Overview
NuVinci® Overview
The patented NuVinci technology developed by Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook) is the most practical, economical and universally adaptable continuously variable planetary (CVP) transmission for human-powered and motor-powered vehicles and machines. The NuVinci CVP is ideally suited for applications in many major industries including bicycles, light electric vehicles, tractors, automobiles, trucks, and utility class wind turbines among others.
The NuVinci transmission uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of a transmission that tilt to vary the speed of the transmission.
Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio. As a result, the NuVinci CVP offers seamless and continuous transition to any ratio within its range, thus maximizing overall powertrain efficiency, with no jarring or shocks from the shifting process, and improving acceleration, performance and overall vehicle efficiency over conventional transmissions.
When compared to traditional continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), the NuVinci CVP is less complex, has considerably fewer parts, offers more stable control and scalability across product lines, is better packaged, and is less expensive to manufacture and assemble .