Re[2]: Re[2]: D/C Autostick Available Now?

From: fawcett@uism.bu.edu
Date: Fri Apr 14 2000 - 15:28:57 EDT


Thanks Richard. That is exactly what I was thinking of... Good to know I
haven't totally lost my marbles!
Tom

____________________Reply Separator____________________
Subject: Re: Re[2]: DML: D/C Autostick Available Now?
Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Date: 4/14/00 12:17 PM

Tom:

I had posted an article about a new tranny that was in reality a manualk
transmission that shifted automatically:
Is this what you had in mind?

Richard in San Antonio

While the Chrysler Group may use some MB transmissions
 for a few specialized applications, I expect that the bulk of
 future Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles will continue to use
 US built units. In-fact, I recently came across the patents for
 an amazing new electro-mechanical automatic transmission
 Chrysler is developing.

 The goal of this new transmission is to combine the ease of
 operation of an automatic with the superior fuel efficiency of
 a manual. Automatic transmissions are less fuel efficient
 automatic transmission for one primary reason: "In most
 automatics the output of the engine connects to the input of
 the transmission through a torque converter. Most torque
 converters have an input turbine that is connected to the
 output shaft of the engine and an input impeller that is
 connected to the input shaft of the transmission."

 " Movement of the turbine at the input side results in a
 hydraulic fluid flow which causes a corresponding movement
 of the hydraulic impeller connected to the input shaft of the
 transmission.While torque converters provide a smooth
 coupling between the engine and the transmission, the
 slippage of the torque converter results in a parasitic loss,
 thereby decreasing the efficiency of the powertrain."

 "Before a shift between the gear ratios of a manual
 transmission can occur, it is necessary to synchronize the
 rotational speed of the driveshaft with the rotational speed
 of the driven shaft. Typically, synchronization is obtained in
 a manual transmission by way of a synchronizing
 mechanism such as a mechanical synchronizer.. The
 mechanical synchro varies the speed of the driveshaft to
 match the speed of the driven shaft to enable smooth
 engagement of the selected gear set."

 The new transmission uses the basic design of a manual
 transmission to eliminate the parasitic losses associated with
 the torque converter on aconventional automatic. Dodge's
 new transmission is "essentially an automated manual
 transmission."

 The design uses a dual clutch/dual input shaft layout, which
 is the equivalent of having two transmissions in one housing.
 Each transmission can be shifted and clutched independently
 allowing for uninterrupted power when upshifting and
 downshifting between gears. Besides dramaticaly improving
 shifting, the system also yields significant increases in fuel
 economy and performance.

 Another cool feature is an integrated hill holder mechanism
 which is an "engagable overrunning one-way roller clutch.
 This clutch will be engaged when the transmission is in first,
 second, or third gears in order to prevent vehicle rollback on
 a hill. The hill holder prevents rollback of the vehicle when it
 is stopped. Contrary to an automatic transmission, there is
 no engine torque required to hold the vehicle from rolling
 back on a grade, thus efficiency is improved."

 Amazing stuff, proof once again that the engineers at the
 Chrysler Group are always pushing the edge of the envelope.
 Look for the innovative new six-speed transmission to show
 up in the next generation Ram when it debuts in 2002.

 Another interesting tidbit from the patent office is a recently
 issued design patent for a tailgate. It's probably for the next
 generation Ram, or perhaps the next generation Dakota? I
 thought it'd be the perfect end for this column. Have a great
 weekend.

 

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