Browse Topic: Transaxles

Items (72)
Development and Validation of A High Fidelity Distributed Loss Powersplit Transaxle Model2015-01-11534/14/2015
The powersplit transaxle is a key subsystem of Ford Motor Company's hybrid electric vehicle line up. The powersplit transaxle consists of a planetary gear, four reduction gears and various types of bearings. During vehicle operation, the transaxle is continuously lubricated by a lube oil pump. All these components consume power to operate and they contribute to the total transaxle losses which ultimately influences energy usage and fuel economy. In order to enable further model-based development and optimization of the transaxle design relative to vehicle energy usage, it is essential to establish a physics-based transaxle model with losses distributed across components, including gears, bearings etc. In this work, such a model has been developed. The model accounts for individual bearing losses (speed, torque and temperature dependency), gear mesh losses, lube pump loss and oil churning loss. The losses are implemented as physics based equations as opposed to 2D or 3D table data, to enable smooth acausal simulation. Required bearing loss data are initially obtained from bearing suppliers. To aid the model development process, transaxle spin loss and torque loss tests were conducted. The test data was used to calculate unknown component loss information. The developed model was calibrated to match the transaxle test data. The model was also validated through comparison of dynamometer test data with vehicle level fuel economy simulations of the standard EPA City, Highway, US06 and FTP20 drive cycles and detailed energy analysis.
Samuel, KingslyBrigham, DavidJennings, Mark
The Next Generation “Voltec” Extended Range EV Propulsion System2015-01-11524/14/2015
The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle (EV) with extended-range (ER) that is capable of operation on battery power alone, and on power generated by an on-board gasoline engine after depletion of the battery charge. For 2016, GM has developed the next generation of the Volt vehicle and “Voltec” propulsion system. Building on the experience of the first generation Volt, the second generation targeted improved all-electric range, improved charge sustaining fuel economy, and improved performance. All of this was to be accomplished while maintaining the EV character of the first generation Volt which customers clearly valued. This paper describes the next generation “Voltec” system and the realized improvements in efficiency and performance. The features of the propulsion system components, including energy storage, transaxle, electric motors and power electronics, on-board charging, and engine are described and compared with the previous generation. Next, the transaxle powerflow is discussed and operation under typical driving conditions is explained. Finally, system efficiency and performance data, based on component tests, is presented and compared with the previous generation. This system includes a battery pack with greater energy density, a new transaxle with integrated power electronics and motors, and an engine with optimized displacement, direct injection, and other advanced features. As a result of these improvements, the second generation Volt vehicle is projected to achieve a 30% increase in EV range, an 11% improvement in charge sustaining label fuel economy, and improved vehicle performance both as an electric vehicle, and in extended range mode.
Conlon, Brendan M.Blohm, TrevorHarpster, MichaelHolmes, AlanPalardy, MargaretTarnowsky, StevenZhou, Leon
Thermal Flow Analysis of Hybrid Transaxle Surface Using Newly-Developed Heat Flux Measurement Method2015-01-16524/14/2015
This research developed a new measurement technology for thermal analysis of the heat radiation from a hybrid transaxle case surface to the air and improved the heat radiation performance. This heat flux measurement technology provides the method to measure heat flux without wiring of sensors. The method does not have effects of wiring on the temperature field and the flow field unlike the conventional methods. Therefore, multipoint measurement of heat flux on the case surface was enabled, and the distribution of heat flux was quantified. To measure heat flux, thermal resistances made of plastic plates were attached to the case surface and the infrared thermography was used for the temperature measurement. The preliminary examination was performed to confirm the accuracy of the thermal evaluation through heat flux measurement. The oil in the transaxle was heated and the amount of heat radiation from the case surface was measured. The input energy and heat radiation amount were compared. As a result, it was found that the measurement was accurate to be within about 13%. In addition, thermal analysis with conditions simulating an actual vehicle was performed. The surface temperature distribution and heat flux distribution were measured and results were obtained that reflected the effects of internal oil flow path layout and cooling air flow. Based on these results, locations with a large potential for improved heat radiation performance were identified and it became possible to effectively improve heat radiation performance by installing fins at those locations to enlarge the heat radiation surfaces.
Ozaki, YukikatsuSekiya, Keisuke
Selection of Gear Ratio for Smooth Gear Shifting2012-01-20059/24/2012
Manual transmissions are characterized by gear ratios that are selectable by locking selected gear pairs to the output shaft inside the transmission. Top gear is selected to get a maximum speed and is limited by the engine power, speed and the fuel economy. Lower gears are selected to get maximum speed at maximum gradient. Lower gears are also expected to give creeping speed to avoid usage of clutch and brake in city traffic. Selection of intermediate gears is such that it provides a smoother gear shift. Gear spacing is done in geometric progression. Spacing between the higher gears is usually closer than in the lower gears because drivers shift more often between the lower gears. This is opposed to the conventional idea of progressive spacing where higher gears had more space between them. An objective method is provided for selecting gear ratios for use in vehicle transmission having multiple selectable gears. The method includes selecting gear ratios for a specific application followed by calculating a low gear ratio and a high gear ratio based upon vehicle parameters and performance requirements. The total ratio spread is determined by dividing the low gear ratio by the high gear ratio. Using the total ratio spread a geometric sequence is created with a plurality of terms, such that each of the terms respectively represents the ratio steps between the gears. Lastly, each gear ratio is divided by its respective ratio step plus one to find the gear ratio for the next gear. This method provides an objective method for selecting gear ratios, such that the steps between each of the ratios are uniformly progressive. Not only the procedure is generalized and validated but also a performance prediction tool is developed in house for quick validation and results. The theoretical gear ratio thus calculated was formulated and made using ROMAX as indicated in fig. 1. Thus, for a range of torques different gear boxes like 5 MT- 320Nm transmission, 6MT transmission, 6MT transaxle, 5MT-100Nm were tested. Performance prediction for vehicles with the designed gear ratios was rigorously done and required parameters were recorded and compared. An experience with the wide range of gear boxes with different number of gears and varying engine torques has proved that the above adopted method of gear selection is optimum and can be made a standard for gear selection. With this standard method of gear ratio selection the optimum gear ratio can be selected with ease and best results can be obtained.
Singh, JaideepSrinivasa, k.v.v. raoSingh, Jagmindar
Since the torque converter and fluid coupling are commonly used components of automatic transmissions in industry, the SAE appointed a committee to standardize terminology, test procedure, data recording, design symbols, and so forth, in this field. The following committee recommendations will facilitate a clear understanding for engineering discussions, comparisons, and the preparation of technical papers. The recommended usages represent the predominant practice or the acceptable practice. Where agreement is not complete, alternates have been included for clarification. This SAE Recommended Practice deals only with the physical parts and dimensions and does not attempt to standardize the design considerations, such as the actual fluid flow angle resulting from the physical blade shape.
Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Committee
The following schematic diagrams reflect various methods of illustrating automotive transmission arrangements. These have been developed to facilitate a clear understanding of the functional interrelations of the gearing, clutches, hydrodynamic drive unit, and other transmission components. Two variations of transmission diagrams are used: in neutral (clutches not applied) and in gear. For illustrative purposes, some typical transmissions are shown.
Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Committee
Adaptive nth Order Lookup Table used in Transmission Double Swap Shift Control2008-01-05384/14/2008
The new Chrysler six-speed transaxle makes use of an underdrive assembly to extend a four-speed automatic transmission to six-speed. It is achieved by introducing double-swap shifts. During double-swap shift, learning the initial clutch torque capacity of the underdrive assembly's subsystem has a direct impact on the shift quality. A new method is proposed to compute and learn the initial clutch torque capacity of the releasing element. In this paper, we will outline a new mathematical method to compute and learn the accurate starting point of the clutch torque capacity for double swap shift control. The performance of the shift is demonstrated and the importance of the adaptation to shift quality is highlighted. An nth order lookup table is presented; this table contains n rows and m columns. Every row defines a relationship between the dependent variable such as actuator duty cycle and one independent variable such as transmission oil temperature, input torque or battery voltage. For given values of the independent variables, one dependent variable is computed as a function of weighted linear combination of n different interpolations. An example is given to calculate the initial duty cycle based on two independent variables (transmission oil temperature and the input torque). Based on shift results, this method is demonstrated to be effective, and accurate.
Dourra, HusseinMourtada, Ali
To provide a Recommended Practice for validating the function and integrity of an automatic transmission park mechanism with its associated control system and environment.
Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Committee
The scope and purpose of this SAE Recommended Practice is to provide a standard pattern or sequence for the manual control of automatic transmissions in passenger cars and light-duty trucks. This generally refers to left hand drive mechanical shift applications.
Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Committee
Passenger Car and Light Truck Automatic Transmission and Automatic Transaxle Test CodeJ651_200506 (Historical)6/22/2005
To provide a means of obtaining the performance characteristics of automatic transmissions and automatic transaxles. It outlines dynamometer tests that map the steady-state characteristics over a range of operations of an automatic transmission/automatic transaxle and provides a method of presenting test data. This procedure must be followed, with similar test facilities so that results obtained from different laboratories are comparable. For this SAE Recommended Practice, the transmission is defined as the complete automatic transmission or transaxle assembly between the engine and the driveshaft(s) used to effect a ratio change in transmitting power. This test procedure deals with the aspect of conducting complete transmission and transaxle assembly testing. However, by its very nature a transmission should be viewed as a compilation of three major component systems: pump, torque converter, and gearbox (all ratio change elements). From a design perspective, it is important that the losses associated with each of these components be determined by conducting separate tests of each component under controlled test conditions that simulate the in-transmission operating conditions. Torque converter testing is described in SAE J643. If done with strict attention to detail it is possible to subtract off the pump and torque converter losses from the transmission assembly losses in order to obtain gearbox losses only, eliminating the need to conduct a separate gearbox test.
Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Committee
Application of Transmission Systems for Different Driveline Configurations in Passenger Cars2001-01-08823/5/2001
The most common driveline configurations in cars are the standard drive with front longitudinal engine and rear wheel drive and the front-transverse drive with east west installed powertrain as well as all-wheel drive variants derived from these. These driveline configurations are used in different vehicle segments. The transmission systems mainly used today are automatic transmissions with 4 or 5 speeds and manual transmissions with 4, 5 or 6 speeds. A small number of automated manual transmissions (AMT) and continuously variable transmissions (CVT) are in production. Various systems of automated manual transmissions, powershift transmissions designed as double clutch transmissions and toroidal transmissions are currently being developed. A brief explanation will be given about the structure of all different driveline configurations and the transmission systems will then be considered for specific applications in these different drivelines. The installation situation with transmission structure and space, potential for fuel savings with overall ratio and efficiency, reduction of emissions and noise levels, performance, drive comfort, transmission weight and manufacturing costs are considered as the main aspects within this paper. This leads to an assessment and recommendation for the use of certain transmission systems for the various driveline configurations. In the future, both 6-speed automatic transmissions and 6-speed manual transmissions will be used on a wider scale with standard drives. The use of continuously variable transmissions will increase for front transverse drive. In the field of manual transmissions the 5-speeds will dominate in front transverse drive applications. The degree of automation will increase in this segment. For torque levels of up to approximately 180 Nm, preference will be given to the use of automated manual transmissions. The range of up to 350 Nm will be predominantly covered by CVT's, five and six-speed automatic transmissions will subsist in the segment above 350 Nm for transverse installation.
Wagner, Gerhard
Methodology: Automatic Transaxle Lash Study for Park Disengagement Clunk1999-01-17655/17/1999
The purpose of this paper is to explain a methodology for diagnosing noise and vibration of internal components of the automatic transaxle and particularly for park disengagement clunk. The method for determining contributing lash is three-fold. First the lash values are physically measured. Secondly, in-vehicle test data is taken using accelerometers, microphones, and stress gages. The data is taken at a baseline condition and then when various lash interfaces are set at zero. Thirdly, component impact testing can be done to identify noise contributing parts. For the condition of park disengagement clunk this method helps to diagnose the source of the noise. When a vehicle is parked on an incline and the transaxle put in park, there is an energy transfer of the weight of the vehicle through the transmission and onto the suspension of the vehicle. When the transmission is pulled out of park, the released energy results in a loud clunk. The clunk has a high and low frequency content. This study shows how the higher frequency responses of the transaxle internals can be identified. The suggestion that this method makes of grouping components together to find particular NVH contributors is significant for reducing costs and test time. The result is an opportunity for reducing the specific lash(es) that contribute to automatic transaxle noise and vibration. The methodology is demonstrated on the park disengagement clunk problem and can also be used for other transaxle NVH phenomena such as tip-in and back out clunk. It can be used to diagnose noise and vibration for rear wheel drive transmission applications as well.
Volinski, Bridget
Passenger Car and Light Truck Automatic Transmission and Automatic Transaxle Test CodeJ651_199601 (Historical)1/1/1996
To provide a means of obtaining the performance characteristics of automatic transmissions and automatic transaxles. It outlines dynamometer tests that map the steady-state characteristics over a range of operations of an automatic transmission/automatic transaxle and provides a method of presenting test data. This procedure must be followed, with similar test facilities so that results obtained from different laboratories are comparable. For this SAE Recommended Practice, the transmission is defined as the complete automatic transmission or transaxle assembly between the engine and the driveshaft(s) used to effect a ratio change in transmitting power. This test procedure deals with the aspect of conducting complete transmission and transaxle assembly testing. However, by its very nature a transmission should be viewed as a compilation of three major component systems: pump, torque converter, and gearbox (all ratio change elements). From a design perspective, it is important that the losses associated with each of these components be determined by conducting separate tests of each component under controlled test conditions that simulate the in-transmission operating conditions. Torque converter testing is described in SAE J643. If done with strict attention to detail it is possible to subtract off the pump and torque converter losses from the transmission assembly losses in order to obtain gearbox losses only, eliminating the need to conduct a separate gearbox test.
Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Committee
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