Quote:
Originally posted by ChrisH
I'm not sure if it would be considered a true CVT or not. But you can use an epicyclic or planetary gear system to create a similar effect. As GregT mentioned, it does require two torque sources and the ratio is changed by changing their relative rotational speeds.
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I don't think I'd consider that a CVT. Yes, I've studied it before, and even created my own design. It's merely a dual-input viariable speed gearbox.
As for efficiency, in high speed it is extremely inefficient, because you must provide power to the central motor in order to give a surface for the high speed motor to react from. But it does serve its purpose since we have a limited set of motors to work from. I suppose you could make it fairly efficient if there was only a 2:1 difference between the two motors.