Types of transmissions used in automobiles. this is planet fitness workout plan a simple explanation of the types of transmission that exist.
Start with a simple explanation of what is a transmission.
your transmission is a mechanical device. that is used to transfer the power from the engine to the differential of the driving wheels.
you might be asking why you need a transmission.
well, internal combustion engines have a very specific powerband between specific rpm ranges. so the transmission is designed to keep the engine in its powerband. while still giving the ability to the driver to vary the speed of the vehicle.
so now the other types well let’s start with the most common type
1. Manual transmission
well as the name suggests the driver should manually change the gears using the clutch. there are three pedals in the cars
- accelerator
- brake
- and clutch
when the driver wants to change gears they will press the clutch pedal. which disengages the transmission from the engine. now they can shift the gear and then when releasing the clutch pedal. the clutch engages the engine and transmission again.
So, what are the pros of this transmission, it is simple to manufacture
- it is lightweight
- it is fuel-efficient
- it is reliable
and most important of them all it is fun to drive.
So, what are the cons
- it is difficult to learn to drive a manual transmission
- and the wrong usage might result in damage to the transmission and clutch.
the second one on the list is the automatic transmission.
2. Automatic transmission refers to a torque converter
a torque converter is basically a fluid. where the gears in the transmission are connected to the engine through a torque converter. which basically acts as a clutch. but instead of two separate units, a torque converter is a single unit. in simple terms, it basically has an impeller.
which is connected to the flywheel and a turbine which is connected to the input shaft of the transmission. and there is transmission fluid in the pitch. when the impeller rotates the fluid rotates the turbine. this is how the power is transmitted from the engine to the gearbox.
again this is just an explanation in layman’s terms.
So, the pros
- it is smooth
- it can handle high torque
- it is reliable
So, what are the cons
- it is usually heavier shifting time might be slow
- it is not as fuel-efficient due to the losses in transmission fluid
3. One is CVT which stands for continuously variable transmission
this is the simplest form of transmission. unlike other transmissions, the CVT does not have gears. instead, it has pulleys and a belt through which the power is transmitted. CVT provides a smooth increase in power.
but manufacturers usually limit it to certain steps. which usually means there are certain specific steps in which the CVT operates. instead of operating over a wide band to give the experience of gear shifts.
Pros of CVT
- it is by far the smoothest transmission
- it is lightweight
- it is extremely efficient even more than manual transmissions
What are the cons?
- well it cannot handle high torque
- it is not fun to drive
4. Type of transmission is DCT dual-clutch transmission
It is also called DSG which stands for direct shift gearbox in simple terms. it has a two-manual transmission combined. it has two clutches as the name suggests. one clutch set is connected to the odd gears that are first, third, and fifth. the second clutch set is connected to even gears such as the second, fourth, and sixth.
in this transmission when you are in a gear say second gear then the next gear is pre-selected. and it is already engaged so when you have to shift up. the clutch set is connected to the second gear or even gear releases. and the clutch set connected to the third gear or odd gear engages. this takes place so quickly that is why DCT transmissions are smooth yet they provide quick shifts.
Pros of this transmission
- it is smooth
- it provides faster shifts
- it is lighter than normal automatic transmissions
Cons
- it is not as reliable as regular automatic transmissions
- and it costs more to manufacture
5. Type of transmission is AMT or automated manual transmission
it is also called a GS auto gear shift transmission. this is a simple transmission basically a manual transmission. but the clutch & gear shifts are controlled electronically by an ECU module.
Pros
- It is simple
- it is easier to manufacture
- and it is as fuel-efficient as a normal manual transmission
and, cons
- it is not smooth
6. One types of transmission are sequential manual transmission
this type of transmission usually has straight-cut gears instead of helical gears like other transmissions. and it has a dog engagement this type of transmission is usually used in race cars. but this is the type of transmission that is used in motorcycles as well.
in this type of transmission, you can only shift through the Pearce graduate course. these types of transmissions have three pedals as well as a manual transmission.
- accelerator
- brake
- and clutch
but unlike regular manual transmissions in this transmission. you had to only use the clutch to move from a dead stop. after which you can shift through the gears of the using clutch. this transmission has a distinctive clunk during each gear shift due to the dog engagement.
These transmission pros,
- it is incredibly fast.
- it can handle huge power.
- it is incredibly lightweight as well.
And cons of this transmission
- it has really noisy operations and the NVH levels are so high.
- and hence can’t be used in normal passenger cars.
these are some of the basic types of transmissions used in automobiles. please let me know in the comments below.
