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From sliding to synchronized: What's the secret behind the evolution of manual transmissions?
Manual transmission (MT), also called a manual gearbox or "crop" transmission, this multi-speed motor vehicle transmission system requires the driver to manually select gears by operating a shift lever and clutch (usually a foot pedal). With the evolution of automotive technology, manual transmissions have come a long way and gradually evolved into today's multi-speed transmission systems.
Early automobiles used a sliding mesh manual transmission, offering up to three forward gear ratios
Manual gearbox overview
The operation of the manual transmission is simple and straightforward. The driver must manually adjust the gear lever and clutch to change gears. Therefore, most manual transmissions allow the driver to select any gear ratio at any time, such as switching directly from second to fourth gear.
Manual transmissions in modern cars typically have five or six forward gear ratios and one reverse gear, while truck and heavy equipment transmissions can range from eight to twenty-five gear ratios.
The history of manual transmissions
1890s to 1940s
Early designs of automobiles were mostly rear-engined and equipped with a simple belt drive as a single-speed gearbox. The 1891 Panhard et Levassor is considered an important advancement in manual transmission systems, using a three-speed manual gearbox. This asynchronous design requires the driver to operate the throttle precisely when switching gears.
1950s to 1980s
In 1929, the first car to use synchronized gears was the Cadillac. By the late 1940s, many North American brands had adopted synchronized manual transmissions in mid- to high-end cars.
1990s to present
As the demand for power in high-performance cars increases, six-speed and seven-speed manual transmissions gradually appear. For example, the BMW 850i in 1990 and the Porsche 911 (991) in 2012 both used these new technologies.
Internal structure of gearbox
Modern manual transmissions are usually of the "constant mesh" type, which includes an input shaft, a counter-rotating gear shaft and an output shaft. These bear gears of various sizes and ensure that the individual gears are in constant mesh, providing a smooth driving experience.
The design of these manual transmissions allows drivers to enjoy more precise control when shifting gears without the limitations of traditional designs.
The manual transmission of the future
As automation technology advances, the future of manual transmissions remains challenging. Although today's drivers prefer the comfort and convenience of automatic transmissions, many still prefer the driving pleasure and control of manual transmissions.
Thinking and future challenges
Manual transmissions are undergoing a technological revolution, making the driving experience more refined and rich. In the process, will drivers' love for manual transmissions continue to appeal to future generations?
