A transmission system is more specifically referred to as the gearbox; in fact, the 5-speed transmission refers simply to the gearbox that uses gears and gear trains. Gears and gear trains provide speed and torque conversion from the rotating power source to another device.
In this reading, we’ll explore what a transmission is, its function, application, diagram, component, and types. We’ll also learn how it works!
What Is A Transmission System?
The transmission system (also known as the power train) is the device that transfers the power produced by an automobile engine to the driving wheels. The entire drivetrain, including the clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, differential, and final drive shafts, is referred to as the “transmission system” in some places. Apart from a vehicle, it is used in other applications to provide speed and torque conversion from a rotating power source to another device.
Applications
Automobiles and some stationary applications, such as wind turbines, rely heavily on transmission systems. Transmissions are also used in agricultural, industrial, mining automotive, etc. Some transmission equipped with gears make extensive use of the hydrostatic drive and electrical adjustable-speed drive.
Diagram Of A Transmission System
Functions
The following is the function of the transmission system and gearbox on an automobile engine:
- Provide means of connection and disconnection of an engine with the rest of the power train without shock and smoothly.
- Provide varied leverage between the engine and the drive wheels
- The means to transfer power in the opposite direction is provided.
- Enable power transmission at varied angles and varied lengths.
- Enable speed reduction between the engine and the drive wheels in a ratio of 5:1.
- Diversion of power flow at right angles is also enabled.
- Provide means to drive the driving wheels at different speeds when required.
- Bear the effect of torque reaction, driving thrust and braking effort effectively.
Components Of Transmission System
For a car to move, power must be transferred from the engine to the wheels via the transmission system. It consists of several essential parts that cooperate to manage the engine’s output and effectively transfer it to the wheels. The main parts of a transmission system are listed below:
Clutch
The road wheels do not get any of the rotational motion that is available at the crankshaft. This part lets the engine stay disconnected from the road wheels. When the driver of the car needs to transfer motion, it makes that possible. Additionally, a clutch enables a vehicle to start going more slowly by transferring motion gradually.
Gearbox
It is made up of a few sets of gear wheels. These transfer, at varying rates, the motion available from the crankshaft via the clutch. This gives the engine and the road wheels the necessary leverage. This leverage may be adjusted to meet the various situations that arise when the vehicle is moving.
Propeller Shaft
the third part of a car’s transmission system that carries motion from the differential end to the gearbox end. There is a long, thin shaft that connects the two since there may be a significant space between them.
Differential
Maintaining a correct angle between the propeller shaft and live axle axis necessitates a 90-degree rotation as part of the transmission system’s requirements. The differential uses the configuration of the wheels and pinion to do this. When the car is turning, the differential also adjusts the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels.
Live axle
A live axle is the axle that transfers motion from the engine’s crankshaft. The other axle is referred to as a dead axle or just the axle, as it just supports the weight of the car. In most cases, the rear axle receives the motion; however, either the front or both axles might receive it. Four-wheel drive is the term used when the motion is distributed across both axles.
Types Of Transmission System
The common types of transmission systems are:
Manual Transmission
In the manual transmission system, all gears are selected manually with the moveable gear selector and driver-operated clutch. This transmission is also called “stick shift” or “standard” transmission.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic types of transmission use planetary gearsets, torque converters, and clutches or bands for the transmission. They are used to shift through a vehicle’s forward gears automatically. Drivers are allowed a limited amount of manual control over the vehicle aside from the forward, neutral or reverse mode.
When the steering wheel’s buttons, paddles, or gear sector are depressed, these controls correspond to the upshifts and downshifts. These transmissions are called “shiftable automatic,” “tiptronic,” and “AutoStick.”
Automated Manual Transmission
The automated manual transmission is just like manual transmission, which also uses a mechanical clutch. However, the driver does not control the clutch in an automated manual transmission, which eliminates the clutch pedal. The clutch is automatically controlled using electronic, pneumatic, or hydraulic means.
This transmission system is also known as “Direct Shift Gearbox DSG” or “Sequential Manual Gearbox SMG.” It features all the engagement methods, such as automatic forward gear shifts or manual shifts through the gear selector and the button or paddles on the steering wheel.
Continuously Variable Transmission
The continuously variable transmission has a variable drive ratio and uses pulleys, belts and sensors. Gear wheels are eliminated to keep a steady acceleration curve with no pauses for gear changes. They help to maintain the engine in its optimum power range and thereby increase the efficiency and gas mileage.
How A Transmission Works
There are two main types of transmission systems: manual and automatic transmission. Here’s how both types of transmission work:
How Does A Manual Transmission Work?
The driver of a vehicle with a manual transmission is responsible for shifting into gear and releasing the clutch. The engine is engaged and disengaged from the transmission using the clutch, pressure plate, and flywheel of the transmission.
With a manual transmission, shifting speeds requires the driver to physically press the clutch pedal and pull on the shifter. A pair of shafts, referred to as the input and output shafts, run a set of gears in these types of transmissions.
The engine is connected to the pressure plate and flywheel. Between them sits the clutch, which is splined to the input shaft of the gearbox. Furthermore, “pushing in the clutch” disengages the clutch from the engine by releasing the pressure plate. You have to engage the clutch first each time you shift.
How Does an Automatic Transmission Work?
In an automatic transmission, the process that powers a manual transmission happens outside of the transmission. This is the major difference between automatic and manual transmissions. The majority of automatic gearboxs don’t have clutches. The automatic transmission changes gears with the help of a torque converter.
In one form or another, automatic transmissions have been around since the early 1900s. The earliest automatic transmission was more like a semi-automatic transmission since it still featured a clutch. The Hydro-Matic, a 1939 Oldsmobile for the 1940 model year, was the first real automatic transmission to be installed in a production vehicle. In addition, Thompson, Earl Avery, was the inventor.