What is the working principle of the Kia IVT transmission in South Korea?
2 Answers
The working principle of the Kia IVT transmission in South Korea is as follows: 1. Rotation principle: Also known as a continuously variable mechanical transmission. The biggest difference between this transmission and a typical gear-type automatic transmission is that it eliminates the complex and bulky gear combination for speed change and instead uses only two sets of pulleys for variable speed transmission. 2. Tool principle: Speed variation is achieved by changing the contact radius between the driving pulley and the wheel transmission belt. The transmission belt is usually made of rubber belts, metal belts, or metal chains. Its advantages include light weight, compact size, fewer components, higher operational efficiency compared to AT transmissions, and lower fuel consumption.
Kia's IVT transmission is quite interesting, and I've also studied the mechanical parts of the car. It is essentially a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that relies on two adjustable conical pulleys and a high-strength steel belt to achieve gear shifting. When you press the accelerator to accelerate, the electronic control unit adjusts the width of the pulleys in real-time via a hydraulic system, changing the position of the steel belt, so the gear ratio changes continuously without fixed gears. The principle is similar to adjusting chain tension on a pedal bicycle but is more advanced and intelligent. Engine power is transmitted seamlessly, making acceleration exceptionally smooth and fuel-efficient. Compared to traditional automatic transmissions, friction is significantly reduced, extending its lifespan considerably. Kia has optimized the algorithm by adding simulated shift sensations, making the driving experience less monotonous. It offers high reliability for daily use, but regular oil changes and steel belt wear inspections are necessary to prevent minor issues from escalating. The overall design is simple and efficient, making this solution increasingly popular in modern vehicles.