Fig. 4. Developed by Oaktec, this rally-inspired Honda Insight uses a Bosch CVT automatic transmission.
million medium and heavy commercial vehicles manufactured worldwide each year, the technology could make a significant contribution to reducing vehicle emissions globally.
Opposite directions
But CVT/IVT technology could capture more market share if it starts to be adopted for more small cars - which tend to be produced in higher volumes. Tata Motors has used a Torotrak prototype transmission in the Tata Pixel concept car that was revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show (Fig. 3). This four-seat urban vehicle uses an IVT to boost fuel economy and manoeuvrability. Rob Oliver, Torotrak’s director of product development, explains: “The Tata Pixel is an example of how IVT technology addresses the needs of small and city-cars. Features such as the IVT’s zero-turn capability provide tremendous opportunity to deliver new technology solutions to urban drivers.” The rear-engined Tata Pixel uses Torotrak’s traction-
drive and epicyclic technology to create an integrated IVT. In normal driving, the transmission provides seamless ratio changes. During tight manoeuvring, or parking, the transmission’s ability to control each rear wheel independently means that the wheels can be rotated in opposite directions. By linking the vehicle’s steering system with the IVT’s control mechanism, the car can pivot around its rear axle.
Automotive components supplier Bosch also believes that CVT technology will become more widely accepted: in April 2011 it opened a new factory in Vietnam to make CVT push belts. This is Bosch’s second push belt plant, the first being located in the Netherlands. The new facility is scheduled to produce 1.6 million belts in its first year. “With most of our customers for CVT technology located
in Asia, we expect production volume in the new facility to rise to 2.3 million units by 2015 - to support, in particular, the Japanese and Chinese automotive markets,” said Rolf Bulander, president of the company’s gasoline systems division. A Bosch CVT automatic transmission is used in a hybrid
petrol-electric Honda Insight - which is described as “the world’s greenest rally car” - though this car was banned from rallying because it was said to be “too fast”. The rally Insight, which can achieve 100mpg when driving slowly, was developed by Oaktec Hybrids (Fig. 4). With CVTs becoming more commonly encountered
on high-volume vehicles as gearbox replacements, as well as finding applications in hybrid vehicles, motorsport and indirectly within vehicle power trains, it appears that this technology is finally becoming mainstream. It is difficult to predict whether CVTs will become as commonplace as, say, turbochargers or conventional automatic gearboxes, but the technology is certainly gathering momentum. l
W
Brushless DC blowers for of air-moving applications Windjammer blowers benefit users
indjammer brushless DC blowers offer compact, low-noise, and long-life solutions suited for a
wide array of air-moving applications. The extensive standard product line includes low-voltage and high-voltage versions as well as bypass and through-flow products. Sizes range from 3.0-in to 5.7-in to accommodate the most demanding design envelopes and application requirements. Low-voltage Windjammer blowers (3.0-
in, 3.3-in, 4.5-in, 5.0-in, 5.1-in, and 5.7-in) for vacuum or pressure applications can
8
www.engineerlive.com
deliver variable output pressure up to 98 in. H2
O and flows up to 190 CFM, depending
on model, and high-voltage versions (5.7-in) can provide output pressure up to 169 in. H2
inputs of 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, 120 VAC or 240 VAC, depending on type, with internal electronics converting line voltage AC input to DC on selected models. Speed can be adjusted internally with an onboard potentiometer or with an external PWM or DC control.
O and flows up to 275 CFM. Windjammer blowers can accept voltage
with enhanced service life and virtually maintenance-free operation that is typically associated with brushless DC motor technology. Among available options, designers can
specify an integrated IntelliGen electronic control drive utilising a factory-programmed digital signal processor (DSP) and custom option cards. l
For more information, visit
www.ametektechnicalproducts.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36