Four Dutchmen have invented, developed and patented a gearbox without any gear wheels. Compared to traditional transmissions their revolutionary Controlled Rotation System (CRS) has a simple design, is maintenance free, doesn’t require lubricants and saves fuel because it lacks friction between the gears. Therefore it’s a sustainable technology.
The inventors from the Eindhoven region expect the new transmission to change the automotive industry on a worldwide scale. The system has no gear wheels, but uses two discs which are powered by a strong belt. With the help of a digital operated hydraulic oil pump and so called slide units the diameter of the discs is increased and decreased, causing acceleration and deceleration, thus providing a different gear.
The new transmission can be applied in cars, but also in windmills, ships, motorbikes or all kinds of machines. “This innovation fits perfectly in a green economy. It’s easier, more compact and cheaper to assemble than traditional transmissions. It saves energy, offers more gear possibilities and can be used in all kinds of applications. The technique is completely different compared to the traditional gearbox which dates from the 19th century. That’s why you can call it revolutionary,” the designers say. They state that their system can’t be compared with existing CVT systems. To further develop their ideas and techniques they have founded Parts Services Holland Ltd.
Originally the system was developed for bicycles. The four got the idea when they saw how cyclist Andy Schleck lost his bicycle chain during the crucial moment of the Tour de France while he was shifting gear. “Then we thought: we should put an end to gear wheels.” For bicycles the system is called Dual Slide Gear. The two discs replace all the gear wheels normally used for the gears.
After developing a prototype for bikes they modified the system for cars. The first prototype for the automotive industry measures 30 x 22 x 18 centimetres. It’s most effective when used in electric cars because the electric engine can run in a constant rpm. By linking each wheel to a separate transmission a lot of energy can be saved.
