Understanding Car Transmissions

Overview

• Key Role: Transfers power from engine to wheels
• Types: Automatic, manual, intelligent manual transmission (IMT), automated manual transmission (AMT), continuously variable transmission (CVT), semi-automatic and dual clutch transmission

Functions of a Transmission

• Gear Ratio Adjustment: Adjusts the ratio between drive wheels & engine to control speed
• Engine Disconnection: Disconnects engine from drive wheels when vehicle stops
• Acceleration & Efficiency: Enables quick acceleration & allows engine to run slowly for efficiency at constant speeds

Types of Transmissions

Manual Transmission

• Components: Clutch pedal, shifter, input/output shafts
• Operation: Requires driver to select gear, engage/disengage clutch
• Pros:
  • Better for off-road/high torque use
  • Reliable, easy to service/repair
• Cons:
  • Requires skill, lower resale
  • Higher learning curve, more work during driving

Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT)

• Feature: Clutchless manual transmission
• Advantages:
  • Full control without oper. clutch pedal
  • Similar cost to manual
• Drawbacks:
  • Less smooth gear shifts due to single clutch modulation by actuator

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

• Mechanism: Sensors/actuators handle clutch/shift
• Advantages:
  • No clutch pedal, reduces driver fatigue
  • More fuel-efficient than automatic
• Cons:
  • Unplanned shifts during overtaking

Automatic Transmission

• Components: Torque converter, planetary gear system (sun gear, planetary gears, ring gear)
• Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Comfortable driving
• Cons:
  • Complex, prone to more failures
  • Expensive to maintain/repair

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• Mechanism: Belt & pulley system for infinite range of ratios
• Advantages:
  • Smooth ride
  • Great fuel efficiency
• Drawbacks:
  • Not suitable for off-road
  • No engine braking ability

Semi-Automatic Transmission

• Mechanism: Clutchless manual with computer-controlled clutch
• Pros:
  • Smooth shifting
  • Less lag/slippage
• Cons:
  • Complex, prone to failures
  • Expensive to maintain/repair

Dual Clutch Transmission

• Mechanism: Separate clutches for odd/even gears, allows fast shifts
• Advantages:
  • Fast gear changes
• Cons:
  • Complex, expensive
  • Costly repairs