All of the transmissions available in the market today has grown exponentially in the last 15 years, all while increasing in complexity. The result is definitely that we are actually dealing with a varied number of transmission types including manual, conventional automatic, automatic manual, dual clutch, continuously adjustable, split power and natural EV.
Until extremely recently, automotive vehicle manufacturers largely had two types of transmitting to select from: planetary automated with torque converter or conventional manual. Today, nevertheless, the volume of choices available demonstrates the adjustments seen across the industry.
This is also illustrated by the countless different types of vehicles now being produced for the market. And not merely conventional vehicles, but also all electric and hybrid automobiles, with each type requiring different driveline architectures.
The traditional development process involved designing a transmission in isolation from the engine and the rest of the powertrain and vehicle. However, that is changing, with the limitations and complications of this method becoming more more popular, and the continuous drive among producers and designers to provide optimal efficiency at decreased weight and cost.
New powertrains feature close integration of components like the primary mover, recovery systems and the gearbox, and also rely on highly sophisticated control systems. This is to make sure that the best amount of efficiency and functionality is delivered all the time. Manufacturers are under increased pressure to create powertrains that are brand new, different from and better than the last version-a proposition that’s made more complex by the need to integrate brand components, differentiate within the marketplace and do it all on a shorter timescale. Engineering teams are on deadline, and the advancement process must be more efficient and fast-paced than ever before.
Until now, the use of computer-aided engineering (CAE) has been the most typical way to develop drivelines. This technique involves parts and subsystems designed in isolation by silos within the business that lean toward proven component-level analysis equipment. While these are highly advanced tools that enable users to extract very reliable and accurate data, they are still presenting data that is collected without factor of the complete system.
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