Fallbrook Technologies

Leonardo da Vinci photographic credit: Institut für Kulturaustausch, Tübingen, Germany

NuVinci^® Technology Demonstration

Get an inside look at how the NuVinci CVP works in this video demonstration of an in-hub bicycle transmission. Viewing time is approximately three minutes at broadband speeds; slightly longer at dial-up speeds.

The "play" button below initiates a Flash version of the demonstration video. If you are unable to display Flash content, please select one of the alternative versions.

		Alternative versions of the demonstration video
		QuickTime®	Windows Media Player®
		Broadband 11.3 MB	Broadband 11.8 MB
		Dial-up 2.7 MB	Dial-up 2.2 MB

		It may be necessary to turn off pop-up blocking to run the QuickTime® version.

A NuVinci CVP can also function as an Infinitely Variable Transmission

An infinitely variable transmission, or IVT, is a transmission capable of a smooth, seamless transition of output speeds from a top reverse speed, through a “powered zero,” or geared neutral mode, up through forward speeds to its forward extreme. In the powered zero state, the engine is still turning and the transmission output shaft is NOT turning, much like neutral in a car. However, in a true IVT, the transmission output shaft will not turn in either direction if an external torque is applied. A car in neutral can roll down a hill but with an IVT this will not happen.

The unique continuously variable planetary design of a NuVinci transmission enables it to operate both as a CVT and also as an infinitely variable transmission without the addition of any external gears or shafts to the basic CVP, a characteristic we believe is unique among mechanical CVTs. NuVinci technology achieves this by simply routing power through a different combination of components in the transmission than it uses in its conventional CVT mode shown in the video demonstration above. In infinitely variable planetary mode, the balls spin around their own axes and also orbit about the central sun element, just like the motion of our earth around the sun. The energy to drive the orbiting balls is the input from the engine. The output then goes through one of the NuVinci transmission’s two outer rings, with the other outer ring fixed so as to not rotate. This is illustrated in a short, silent video to the right.