The variety of transmissions available for sale today is continuing to grow exponentially in the last 15 years, all while increasing in complexity. The effect is certainly that we are now dealing with a varied amount of transmitting types including manual, regular automatic, automated manual, dual clutch, consistently variable, split power and real EV.
Until extremely recently, automotive vehicle producers largely had two types of transmitting to select from: planetary automated with torque converter or conventional manual. Today, however, the volume of options avaiable demonstrates the adjustments seen over the industry.

This is also illustrated by the many different types of vehicles now being produced for the market. And not just conventional vehicles, but also all electrical and hybrid automobiles, with each type needing different driveline architectures.

The traditional development process involved designing a transmission in isolation from the engine and all of those other powertrain and vehicle. Nevertheless, that is changing, with the restrictions and complications of this method becoming more widely recognized, and the continuous drive among producers and designers to deliver optimal efficiency at reduced weight and cost.

New powertrains feature close integration of elements like the prime mover, recovery systems and the gearbox, and also rely on highly advanced control systems. This is to ensure that the best amount of efficiency and performance is delivered at all times. Manufacturers are under increased pressure to create powertrains that are brand new, different from and much better than the last version-a proposition that’s made more technical by the need to integrate brand elements, differentiate within the marketplace and do everything on a shorter timescale. Engineering groups are on deadline, and the advancement process must be better and fast-paced than ever before.
Until now, the use of computer-aided engineering (CAE) has been the most typical way to build up drivelines. This process involves components and subsystems designed in isolation by silos within the business that lean toward proven component-level analysis equipment. While they are highly advanced equipment that allow users to extract extremely reliable and accurate data, they remain presenting data that’s collected without account of the complete system.

Have you or members of your family members taken into consideration driveline gearboxes?