Electromagnetic stepable variation gear with clutch function

An electromagnetic gear with fine stepable variation of the gearing ratio has been developed; it also offers the function of a clutch. Such a gearbox operates without any friction and abrasion and needs no lubrication. The ratio of this variable gearing can be altered without any mechanical intervention from outside using a remote control, and also under full load conditions. The gear is composed of a drive pulley with magnetic coils with separately selectable excitation and permanent magnets on the drive end. Torque transmission is accomplished not only in the line of the magnets defining the gear ratio, but also in the complete overlap zone of the drive pulley and drive end. The prototype of this drive was designed and realized; measurements coincide well with the calculated values.