The variator cartridge is ideal for vehicle manufacturers who do not wish to develop their own IVT design. It is not necessary to take a licence from Torotrak if you wish to follow the variator cartridge route.
It is a standard ‘plug and play’ unit, which can be used in any configuration, typically single, two or three regime shunt. Initially a variator cartridge is being developed for up to 110kW applications such as Back Hoe Loaders and medium size agricultural tractors. A smaller variator cartridge is also being developed that will be suitable for up to 50kW applications.
The cartridge is based on the compact lever variator design and includes all the hydraulics in a block at the base of the unit. It will be a sealed unit containing the traction fluid required to ensure there is no metal-to-metal contact between the discs and rollers in the variator (to learn more see traction fluid page in the ‘How it Works’ section). The cartridge has been designed to be ‘fill for life’; the traction fluid will not need replacing over the life of the vehicle.
The image below shows a typical cartridge unit assembly.
Click on image to view a full size version
