10 types of transmission systems used in vehicles.

Working Principle of a Car Transmission System:

The transmission system's operation differs based on the kind of transmission. The transmission system typically permits the gear ratio between the driving wheels and the engine. It may be modified when the automobile speeds up and slows down.

When you start your automobile and arrive at your location, you must now come to a complete stop. In this case, the gearbox disconnects the engine from the driving wheels, allowing the engine to idle while the wheels are not in motion.

The gearbox can also give more rapid acceleration from a standstill and let the engine operate more slowly when the vehicle is operating normally. So, let's have a look at the various available transmission technologies.

Types of Car Transmission Systems

Following are the types of transmission used in automobile vehicles:

•          Manual Transmission
•          Intelligent manual transmission (IMT)
•          Automated manual transmission (AMT)
•          Automatic transmission (AT)
•          Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
•          Semi-automatic transmission
•          Dual-clutch transmission
•          Sequential transmission
•          Torque converter transmission
•          Tiptronic transmission

#1. Manual Transmission

A manual gearbox is a mechanism that requires the driver to change gears manually by manipulating a gear shift and clutch. This transmission system is made up of a set of gears (of various sizes) and a pair of shafts.

The input shaft is linked to the engine, and the output shaft, which has numerous gears, is continually coupled to the input shaft. The driver must manually choose gears and engage or disengage the clutch pedal.

To engage and disengage the engine from the transmission, a flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch are used. The clutch is positioned between the flywheel and pressure plate, which are coupled to the engine.

The term "push in the clutch" refers to the process of releasing the pressure plate that detaches the clutch from the engine every time you shift.

The Benefits of Manual Transmission

• A Manual gearbox is said to be superior for off-road use.
• This gearbox system can handle large torque loads.
• These are far more dependable and easy to maintain than other sorts.

The Drawbacks of Manual Transmission

• Not everyone is capable of driving.
• A steeper learning curve.
• These demand greater effort when driving.

#2 Transmission with Intelligent Manual Shift (IMT)

The IMT is a clutch-less manual gearbox, to put it simply. It features gears and a gear lever, much like a manual gearbox. Because the IMT lacks a clutch pedal and only has a brake and accelerator pedal, the driver has the sensation of driving an automated automobile.

You have entire control over the transmission in circumstances such as downhill or passing, and this is without the headache of manipulating the clutch pedal. You don't need to raise the accelerator when shifting gears in this sort of transmission system, but doing so will help things function smoothly.

The IMT transmission technology cannot automatically shift gears. However, when comparing an IMT automobile to a manual gearbox car, fuel efficiency, and mileage are subjective and based on the driver's driving style.

The Benefits of IMT

• You may have total control over what gear your automobile is in by utilizing IMT Car, and you won't have to rely on software.
• An IMT is also less expensive than a standard manual gearbox.
• IMT relieves the driver of clutch manipulation, which is especially useful in city stop-go traffic.

NIMT's disadvantages

• Gear changes in IMT are not smooth since the system depends on a clutch that must be controlled by an actuator.

#3 Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT)

An automated manual gearbox is a better or upgraded version of a manual transmission that eliminates the need to utilize the clutch pedal when changing speeds. It is similar to a manual gearbox, except that with this system, sensors and actuators function as the clutch and shift gears.

AMT vehicles do not have a clutch pedal and instead, just have the accelerator and brake pedals. Manual gear shifts are possible with this transmission when necessary. The AMT gearbox is driven by hydraulics and a computer that is linked to the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

This machine's gear shift patterns are pre-programmed and generally function within the set RPM range. The ECU initiates the actuators that control the clutch and gearbox when the system determines the maximum RPMs. AMT is used in automobiles such as the Maruti Suzuki Alto, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and others.

The Benefits of AMT

• The ease of use of the AMT over the manual transmission is critical because utilizing the clutch is not part of the diver's job, reducing fatigue.
• AMT is more fuel-efficient than automatic transmission because it allows more energy to be sent to the wheels.
• You can drive it however you want, which means that most AMT-equipped vehicles have a manual mode as well.

AMT's disadvantages         

• Because AMTs rely on predefined RPM levels, they may produce unexpected fluctuations when overtaking, which can be annoying.
• It takes up more space and weighs more than a manual transmission.

#4 Automatic Transmission (AT)

It is a multi-speed gearbox found in automobiles that eliminates the need for drivers to change forward ratios under normal driving situations. It has a planetary gear set, hydraulic controls, and a torque converter.

The engine is connected to a torque converter, which is connected to a gear system, which is eventually connected to the gearbox. Some torque converter parts interact with one another. The outermost part houses the flywheel, which rotates the entire system.

The fluid rushes out of the pump during the revolution, turning the turbine. The fluid flows independently in both portions as well as via the stator. The turbine is connected to the shaft, which is connected to the rest of the system, and energy is transferred to the gear system.

AT's Benefits         

• The fundamental advantage of automatic transmissions is that they are easier and more straightforward to use.
• They improve the driving experience for both the driver and the passengers.
• ATs have more horsepower than manual gearboxes.

AT's disadvantages

• It is a complex system with numerous separate components that are susceptible to failure.
• It is more expensive to maintain and repair than a manual transmission.   

#5 Transmission with Continuous Variable Speed (CVT)

These are pulley-based gearboxes that are commonly used in compact cars with smaller engines and can shift gears smoothly by using a constant gear ratio. In contrast, some transmissions offer a limited number of gear ratios in predetermined phases.

In the CVT, a steel belt connects two pulleys. The CVT varies the diameter of both the "drive pulley" that transfers torque from the engine and the "drive pulley" that distributes torque to the wheels to maintain a consistent gear ratio.

Depending on the power required, the width of these pulleys changes, with one getting larger and the other going narrower. As a result, strong and consistent acceleration is attainable. CVTs are now used in automobiles manufactured by Toyota, Nissan, and Honda.

The Benefits of CVT         

• They can provide you the smoothest ride possible since they eliminate the sense of shifting.
• It consumes less gasoline because the engine is always running efficiently.
• It can help you respond more rapidly to changes in driving scenarios.

CVT disadvantages         

• They are considered unfit for off-road use.
• There is no engine braking capability like there is with the manual transmission.

#6 Transmission Type: Semi-Automatic

A semi-automatic transmission is a multi-speed transmission that runs partially automatically but requires manual input from the driver to start the vehicle and change speeds. It has both a manual and an automatic transmission.

It may also demonstrate how to manipulate the gears, as manual and automatic options exist. The kinetic energy of the engine helps the wheels spin, while gear ratios control how quickly or slowly your wheels spin.

Semi-automatics, in particular, are devoid of a clutch pedal. Instead, when the driver changes gears, the car's CPU and sensors operate the clutch, making semi-autos easier to drive. Semi-automatic transmissions are commonly seen in Hyundai automobiles.

The Benefits of Semi-Automatic Transmission         

• They can provide seamless shifting as compared to manual transmissions.
• Semi-automatic gearboxes have less shifting inefficiency, implying less lag time or slippage.
• You can change gears quickly and easily.

Drawbacks of semi-automatic transmission         

• Objects are prone to failure because they are complex systems.
• These transmission systems require more maintenance than manual transmissions.
• Repairing is often more expensive than simply replacing.

#7 Transmission with Dual Clutch

This transmission has two distinct clutches for odd and even gear sets, allowing for extremely fast changes. The design is frequently identical to two independent manual gearboxes in that the clutches are contained within a casing and act as a single unit.

The DCT functions similarly to an automatic gearbox, needing no driver input to shift ratios. This sort of gearbox may be handled entirely automatically or manually using the pedals on the steering wheel.

These gearboxes are now found mostly in race vehicles and high-end sports cars, and they are rather costly.

The Benefits of Dual-clutch Transmission

•          DCTs outperform automatic gearboxes in terms of fuel efficiency and performance.
•          They are frequently favored in performance driving because they shift smoothly and with a high degree of precision.

The Drawbacks of Dual-Clutch Transmission

•          They are pricey, and this disadvantage is exacerbated by their complexity, which results in more frequent and costly maintenance.
•          It tends to pull and lock when traveling at moderate speeds, such as in a parking lot or on the other side of the automobile.

#8 Transmission in Sequence

A sequential manual gearbox allows you to pick the next gear (e.g., changing from first to second gear) or the previous gear (e.g., moving from third to second gear) through electronic pedals positioned on the back of the steering wheel.

You just tap a lever or pedal to click through each gear, whether you're up-shifting or down-shifting, in a car with a sequential gearbox. To shift up or down, some cars include a lever that the driver either pushes forward or pulls backward.

It is a sort of non-synchronous manual gearbox that is typically utilized on motorcycles and racing automobiles. Sequential gearboxes and sequential transmissions are other names for them.

Benefits of Sequential Transmission

•          Shifting gears is simpler in a sequential gearbox.
•          You may change your speed without pausing or feeling a loss of speed.

The Drawbacks of Sequential Transmission

•          One downside of a sequential gearbox is that you cannot "skip the shift" — that is, change gears in any order.
•          It might be tough to restart after a panic stop since they do not like to shift readily when stopped.

#9 Transmission with Torque Converter

One of the earliest forms of automatic transmission is torque converter transmission. The original torque converters were not intended for performance or fuel economy.

Torque converters nowadays, on the other hand, are quite responsive and suited for both city and motorway driving.

The casing is connected to the flywheel and rotates at the same rate as the crankshaft within the turbine housing. Finally, the impeller or centrifugal pump transports transmission fluid to the turbine fins, which spin or transmit torque to the gearbox.

The torque converter is utilized in vehicles that have automatic transmissions. Torque Converter is available on Hyundai Creta AT, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz AT, and other vehicles.

The Benefits of Torque Converter Transmission

•          When compared to a vehicle fitted with a clutch, it produces the most torque.
•          It can improve driver comfort by eliminating the need to change gears manually.
•          They take away the clutch pedal, making driving simpler.

Drawbacks of Torque Converter Transmission

•          Torque converter transmissions use less gasoline than manual transmissions or CVTs.
•          These transmission systems are more expensive to install.

#10 Tiptronic Transmission

The Tiptronic gearbox technology is comparable to an automatic transmission in that the driver may exit "automatic mode" and shift up and down using the paddles like a manual transmission. Tiptronic transmissions are sometimes known as Sportmatic transmissions or Steptronic transmissions.

It is an automatic transmission with manual gear selection. A Tiptronic transmission functions similarly to a manual gearbox but without the clutch. This gives you more control over the gears, which is good for driving up steep slopes or for better control while overtaking on the highway.

The Tiptronic gearbox includes safety features that will automatically shift if the driver forgets. These are often seen in Volkswagen, Audi, Land Rover, and Lamborghini automobiles, among others.

Tiptronic Transmission Benefits

•          When changing gears, driving a car with a Tiptronic gearbox gives you more control.
•          When going up or down a steep hill, you can change gears manually to make the ride smoother and safer.
•          In manual mode, automatic shifting supports the driver by delaying the engine in the event of a downshift failure.

Drawbacks of Tiptronic Transmission's

•          The Tiptronic technology employs a torque converter rather than a traditional clutch mechanism, which may result in considerable power loss.
•          Because the ECU moves gears in manual mode, there is a tiny delay during the shift, which becomes noticeable in more aggressive driving.

Conclusion:

As previously stated, the purpose of any gearbox is to transfer engine power to the driveshaft and a differential, which then turns the wheels. Knowing about the many types of transmission systems will help you pick the best one for your driving comfort when purchasing a car.