Wolfgang Novak

Overview of the Traffic – Vehicle – Transmission System

The interrelations between traffic and traffic engineering and the economy as a whole are as close as they are fundamental. Transport processes have a basic economic function similar to that of money, without which a modern economy, based on the division of labour and with complex system processes, cannot function. As an example of this interrelation, Figure 2.1 shows a constant increase in goods traffic performance, both universally and with reference to the population of Germany. The lion’s share of this goods traffic takes place on the road.

Vehicle Transmission Systems: Basic Design Principles

This chapter presents a systematic exposition of basic design concepts for vehicle transmissions. These principles are related to specific examples in Chapter 12 “Typical Designs of Vehicle Transmissions”.

Mediating the Power Flow

Vehicle transmissions mediate between the engine and the drive wheels. The transmission adapts the power output to the power requirement by converting torque and rotational speed. The power requirement at the drive wheels is determined by the driving resistance [3.9].

Typical Designs of Vehicle Transmissions

This chapter examines some particular transmission designs, and considers their structural design. With regard to the gearwheel configurations in the transmissions examined, you may refer to the gearbox diagrams in Sections 6.6 “Passenger Car Transmissions”, 6.7 “Commercial Vehicle Transmissions”, 6.8 “Final Drives” and 6.9 “Power Take-Offs”.

Design and Configuration of Further Design Elements

This chapter deals with the theory, design and configuration of vehicle transmission bearings, lubrication, oil supply, oil pumps, housings, seals and continuous service brakes. The aim is to give guidance for tackling these design elements. Sophisticated modern quantitative techniques, such as the Finite Element Method (FEM) for calculating housings or designing bearings for operational fatigue strength, are not examined in fine detail. Further literature references are given where appropriate.

Specification and Design of Shafts

The specification and design of transmission shafts is of special significance in the layout of vehicle transmissions. Shaft diameters are a key factor in determining the centre distance of a gearbox, and thus its size. Strength andresistance to deformation must therefore be carefully considered during the design process.

The Automotive Transmission Development Process

The purpose of this book is to present the development process for automotive transmissions in its totality. A product is only successful if people buy it!

Moving-Off Elements

The internal combustion engine has a minimum speed (idle speed). To move-off from vehicle standstill, the speed gap between the lowest engine operating speed and the stationary transmission input shaft must be closed by means of a speed converter (see also Section 4.1 “Powertrain”).

Design of Gearwheel Transmissions for Vehicles

The declared aim of this book is to present a complete picture of the development process for vehicle transmissions. Chapters 3 to 5 showed how the ratios are selected-the fundamental design decision. In Chapter 6 some basic design concepts were introduced. Chapters 7 to 11 consider the layout and design of important components.

Reliability and Testing of Automotive Transmissions

Legislation (e.g. that relating to product liability and environment protection), higher product complexity, shorter innovation cycles and increased customer expectations require more and more efforts to produce reliable, safe products. To achieve this, certain basic rules need to be observed, even during the development of the product.