The automatic transmission has the feature to change gear ratio automatically while the vehicle moves. This aspect helps the driver as the driver does not need to shift the gears manually. It is a type of self-shifting transmission or motor vehicle transmission. Similarly, to other systems of transmissions, it also helps the combustion engine to run at high speed and torque, which is quite necessary for smooth vehicular travel. The most popular form found is the only hydraulic planetary transmission.
Mechanism Process:
The larger versions of this device are usually for vehicles with heavy-duty commercial uses. You can find a fluid coupling where there was a friction clutch with the accomplishment of changes in gear. This aspect gets possible by hydraulically locking the system of gears. The Unlocking process of these gears is also an essential aspect of this process.
Other than the hydraulic automatic transmissions which are quite traditional, various other transmissions such as, continuously variable transmission or CVT, as well as semi-automatic ones, help the driver in shifting gears entirely manually with the help of computers to change all the gears. Although there is a similarity quite superficial with the other transmissions, the traditional automatic transmissions have a lot of difference in comparison to the internal operations.
The CVT, as opposed to the conventional automatic transmissions, uses belts and other types of torque transmission schemes to help in allowance of infinite gear ratios in opposite to the fixed gear ratios. On the other hand, the semi-automatic type of transmission helps in retaining clutch similar to a manual transmission. Instead, the clutch is via the aspect of electro-hydraulic.
Benefits:
- There are vast numbers of benefits while using an automatic transmission. One of the most primary benefits is the absence of a clutch pedal as well as a manual shift while driving. The lack of the clutch and manual shift also helps in reducing the attention you need to give as well as the workload in the vehicle. For example, monitoring of the tachometer as well as taking your hands away from the wheel for moving the shifter.
- These aspects drastically help the driver to keep both hands on the wheel and giving less attention to the other elements contributing to keeping the focus on the road. On the other hand, you can easily control the even at low speeds quite smoothly with the help of an automatic transmission rather than a manual one. This aspect is possible due to the presence of the clutchless design of the fluid coupling or idle creep, causing the movement of the car in driving gear even when it is idle.
- One of the most important disadvantages of hydraulic engines is the reduction of mechanical efficiency between the engine and drive train because of the connection of the fluid coupling to the gearbox. This aspect can result in the lowering of the ratings of power or torque when you compare automatic transmissions with manuals. There have been significant advances in coupler transmissions and transmissions, but clutches are still prevalent in sports cars.
Types
The automatic transmissions used in cars are of various kinds, and it depends on the uses and the specs these automatic transmissions have. They are nowadays quite popular in all the vehicles and are widely used for numerous advantages. Here are some of the types of automatic transmissions
- Traditional Automatic Transmission
- Automated manual transmission
- Continuously variable transmission
- Dual Clutch Transmission
- Direct Shift Gearbox
- Tiptronic Transmission
Conclusion
Automatic Transmissions have come a long way and has evolved and upgraded over the years to become such high-class equipment today. There are quite advantageous over the older models and have various features. The top-selling models now have an automated gearbox which has made the driving experience a lot more beautiful!