Dynamic Torque Assist

Another module to enhance pedal-response dynamics of the CVT is constituted by the Dynamic Torque Assist module. The Dynamic Torque Assist module is formerly know as “Zero Inertia” and in fact constitutes the first of DTI’s transmission technologies. It replaces the traditional torque-converter by a smart dual flywheel connected to the engine and transmission output gear through a powersplitting planetary gearset. This system enables torque assist at low engine speeds and unsurpassed torsional damping and smooth driving behaviour. It does this through the secondary flywheel that rotates at high speed when the engine inertia is at low speed and vice versa. In this way the engine inertia and secondary flywheel exchange kinetic energy in a way that they cancel out each other’s dynamics (which explains the former name “Zero Inertia”).
This dual flywheel technology is especially suited for 3-cylinder diesel applications that suffer from severe torsional vibrations and lack of performance on the one hand, and premium class CVT vehicles with sluggish response on the other.
The dynamic torque assist system is an enabler for fuel saving as the usage of the high overdrive ratio seen in CVTs is not penalizing the driveability anymore. Instead, immediate torque response occurs even though the engine speed has to rev-up from as low as 1000 rpm. And when running the engine at this low rpm provides an extremely comfortable and low noise driving experience as of the extreme torsional damping capabilities of the dual flywheel system.