Starting with a look at the transmission's primary function -- to couple the engine to the driveline and provide torque ratios between the two -- this updated and expanded seminar covers the latest transmission systems designed to achieve the most efficient engine operation. Current designs, the components and sub-systems used, their functional modes, how they operate, and the inter-relationships will be discussed.
A manual transmission display will be used to explain ratios and how they function within the driveline. Automatic transmission design will illustrate the concept of automatic control and hydro-mechanic decision theory and implementation. Attendees will have the opportunity to supplement these theoretical concepts with practical, "hands-on" experience using the various transmission models and components provided. Mechatronics, toroidal transmission functions, and the future of the automatic transmission will also be discussed.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) systems, which represent a fundamental shift in the way power is transmitted from the primary source to the remainder of the driveline will be the focus of in-depth coverage on the third day of this seminar.
- Explain the development, operational aspects and design principles of passenger vehicle and light truck transmission systems, their major components and sub-systems
- Describe the operational parameters and inter-relationships of each of the sub-systems
- Apply basic design synthesis and analysis techniques for each of the major components and sub-systems
- Compare and contrast 'stepless' to 'stepped' transmission technology
- Identify and describe the function and operation of all major components and sub-systems by participating in hands-on demonstrations
- Recognize the limitations, technological trends, and potential new products under consideration
- Summarize the direction of new passenger car transmission designs and systems
DAY ONE
- Overview of Mechanical Power Transmission in a Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck -- Manual transmission; automatic transmission; continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Theory, Function and Operation of Manual Transmission -- Design; main components; common configurations
- Vehicle Powertrain Requirements and Specifications Assessment
- Shift Strategy Analysis and Control System Implementation
- Components and Sub-systems -- Shifters, clutches, synchronizers, gears, shafts
- Basic Gear Theory and Application Development
- Powerflow Analysis
- Synchronizer Operation and Analysis
- Lubrication and Cooling Requirements Review
DAY TWO
- Development and Layout of the "Automatic" Transmission -- Front-wheel drive; rear-wheel drive; four-wheel drive
- Functionality -- Torque converter operation; gear systems; gear design considerations; type; layout; NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness); epicyclic powerflow
- Extension of Gear Theory to Epicyclic Gear-trains
- Design and Operation of Clutches and Bands
- Application of One-Way/Over-Riding Clutches
- Powerflow Analysis of Torque Converters, Epicyclic Gear Sets
- Review of Shift Strategy
- Implementation of Shift Strategy Through Hydro-Mechanical Control Systems
- Simple Shift Model Analysis
- Lubrication and Cooling Requirements Review
DAY THREE
- CVT Design and Operation -- Theory and function; typical layout; main components
- Technological Development of the CVT
- Basic Theory of Friction Drives
- Toroidal Drive Technology -- Theory of operation; main components; benefits and limitation of the technology
- Functionality and Characteristics of CVT Components, Sub-systems -- Gearbox housing; variators; forward clutch; converter housing; input shaft; selector shift valve; differential; output shaft; mechatronic control unit; belt/push chain
- CVT Power-Flow -- Torque converter; primary variator; secondary variator; output shaft
- Mechatronics -- Theory and operation; general implementation; CVT application
- CVT Manufacturing -- Considerations; major manufacturers; future CVT development
- Future Technologies -- "Manualized" automatics, automated manuals; DCT, SSCT, DSCT
Dr. William Mark McVea, P.E., is currently Chief Technology Officer for Torvec, Inc., an industry leader in the design and development of patented powertrain engineering technology used primarily in the automotive industry. He is also President and Principal Engineer of KBE+, Inc. where Dr. McVea and his team design and develop complete powertrains for automotive and off-highway vehicles. His prior positions include Professor of Vehicle Dynamics and Powertrain Sciences in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology and adjunct professor at Purdue University in their Automotive Sciences Department. He was also formerly a manager of the CAE group within a tier-one powertrain supplier to global automotive markets, a consulting engineer in vehicle dynamics with Gear Consultants, Inc., and a project manager of traction systems for off-highway vehicles with Clark-Hurth International. Dr. McVea has published extensively on the topics of transmission systems, automated design assistant systems, knowledge systems and knowledge based engineering in general. He also holds or is listed as co-inventor on numerous patents related to mechanical power transmissions. Dr. McVea holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a Ph.D. in Design Engineering from Purdue University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.
Jeremy Ling
Product Engineer
Honda of America Manufacturing "Excellent subject matter and overview on how transmissions work. I have learned a great deal about something I use everyday."
Jack Smith
Senior Project Engineer, Transmission Controls
Robert Bosch Corporation
| Also available as an SAe-Learning program delivered online! Fundamentals of Modern Vehicle Transmissions e-Seminar |