Tech Readers
These are basically the manual transmission operated automatically, hydraulically, or electronically. They do not require clutch actuation and gear shifting manually by the driver.
The transmission is controlled electronically through shift-by-wire. In this system Vehicle Speed Sensors (VSS) are used to give input to the ECU for gear shifting. Here electronic shifting is achieved by a stepper motor as the ECU gives the signal to the motor after analyzing the input from VSS. AMTs are operated depending upon the vehicle speed only and not according to load. The main advantage of the AMT system is its cost-effectiveness.
Single-sided clutch transmission (SSCT)
This type incorporates actuators with an existing manual transmission, for operating the clutch and shifting the gears, it is the cheapest method of all the AMT types.
Double-sided clutch transmission (DSCT)
In this type, the double-sided clutch allows power from the engine to be transferred between either of the two power paths in the transmission itself. Due to this, the total clutch travel time is drastically reduced, consequently improving the shift quality.
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT/DSG)
The heart of the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is the combined dual-clutch system. The DSG acronym is originally derived from the German word – “Doppel Schalt Getriebe” but it also has an English alternative of “Direct Shift Gearbox”. The reason for such naming is because two transmission systems are integrated into one. Transmission one includes the odd gears (first, third, fifth, and reverse), while transmission two contains the even gears.
Using this arrangement, gears can be changed without interrupting the traction from the engine to the driven wheels. This allows dynamic acceleration and extremely fast gear shifting times that are below human perception.
Select Shift Manual (SSM) & Auto-Shift Manual (ASM) Modes
SSM mode allows a driver to control gear changes as per his personal preference as in a conventional manual transmission, whereas ASM mode provides automatic gear shifting as in an automatic transmission. Both SSM and ASM use a combination of auto clutch and shift by wire electronic control technology.
Both of these modes make use of an electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuation system controlled by a separate transmission control module. The request of the driver for a particular gear shift is transmitted by a sensor to the controller which sends a command to the actuators to open or close the clutch and disengage or engage the gear with very fast responses.
A quick check of the fluid condition can be made by placing one or two drops of fluid from the end of the dipstick on a paper towel. As the towel absorbs the fluid, examine the stain for specks or particles. This indicates solid material in the fluid.
Last word
Divide the students into small groups. Ask the students to prepare a detailed report about the function, construction, working, and advantages of the work assigned to them.
