What is the principle of a car transmission?
2 Answers
The principle of a car transmission is to utilize gear combinations with different numbers of teeth in meshing transmission to achieve changes in speed and torque. The functions of a transmission are: 1. To alter the transmission ratio, meeting the traction needs under various driving conditions and enabling the engine to operate under favorable circumstances; 2. To allow the car to move in reverse; 3. To interrupt power transmission, such as when the engine is started and idling, when the car is shifting gears or parked, cutting off power to the drive wheels; 4. To achieve neutral gear, stopping the transmission's power output when the clutch is engaged. The functions of a manual transmission are: 1. To change the transmission ratio, expanding the range of torque and speed variations for the drive wheels; 2. Under the premise that the engine's rotation direction remains unchanged, to use the reverse gear to enable the car to move backward.
The principle of a car's transmission, as I understand it, is like a bridge between the engine and the wheels. The engine spins very fast, but when starting or climbing hills, more force is needed—high RPMs alone don't provide enough power. The transmission uses a set of gears to adjust this relationship. Imagine lower gears, like first or second gear, where the gears are larger—similar to the big chainring on a bicycle. Here, the engine turns once, and the wheel turns slowly but with greater force, ideal for starting or going uphill. Higher gears, like fifth or sixth gear, have smaller gears, allowing the wheels to spin faster while the engine works less, perfect for high-speed cruising. Manual transmissions rely on the driver pressing the clutch to cut power and shift gears, while automatic transmissions use planetary gear sets and a torque converter to shift automatically. The torque converter acts like a fluid coupler, providing a soft connection for smoother power delivery and reducing jerks. Maintenance-wise, regular transmission fluid changes are crucial—dirty fluid can cause rough shifting or noise, ensuring safe and smooth driving. In the future, electric vehicles might simplify this system, but traditional gasoline cars still rely on it.
