Automatic Car Transmission - Definition, Function, and How It Works
Some people indeed prefer to use four-wheeled vehicles with automatic transmission.
Drivers will find it easier to operate the vehicle because this type of transmission does not have a clutch.
So how does an automatic transmission work to make it easier for the driver? Let's take a detailed look at the following review.
What is Automatic Transmission?
Automatic transmission or A/T can be defined as a type of transmission with gears that can shift by itself.
This can happen based on the engine load from the gas pedal pressure and the speed of the vehicle being driven.
Operating it is also different from manual transmission because it requires a gear shift lever.
Meanwhile, the automatic transmission will shift gears by itself to adjust to road conditions and varying loads.
In addition, the automatic transmission is equipped with a torque converter that functions as an automatic clutch to propel the vehicle.
Read also: What is Meant by the Transmission System in Cars?
How Automatic Transmission Works
The principle of this automatic transmission generally starts from the torque converter which functions as a mechanical clutch. After that, this component will transfer using a turbine and pump mechanism.
The first blades inside the torque converter work as a pump that will be directly connected to the engine. Next, the turbine and planetary gear will function as a stator to develop the blade system into three.
In this process, the blades will continue to rotate to keep pumping transmission oil in a closed chamber. The pressure generated is used to push the turbine, resulting in increased torque.
Meanwhile, the automatic working principle in the planetary gear also functions similarly to the gears in manual transmission to change the turbine's rotation.
This makes it similar to the gear lever used as a medium to control the car. The difference lies in its physical design, as planetary gears are not found.
However, in the working principle of automatic transmission, the planetary gear has a gear wheel surrounded by many small gears inside it.
This is used to produce optimal power. Therefore, to change the gear ratio hydraulically, this system requires the performance of the valve body.
Read also: Tips for Maintaining Automatic Cars
Functions of Automatic Transmission in Cars
Automatic transmission is used to shift the transmission gears while the vehicle is being driven. Generally, the vehicle being operated will adjust to the speed and engine load.
In addition, the function of automatic transmission can also be distinguished based on its type, such as full hydraulic and Powertrain Control Module (CPM)
For full hydraulic, it functions as a timing regulator for the lock up and gears hydraulically.
Unlike CPM, this type of automatic transmission works to regulate the timing of the lock up and gears electronically.
It doesn't stop there, CPM also uses data in the form of shifts for fail-safe and for diagnostics.
That is some information regarding the working principles of automatic transmission. By understanding the working principle of automatic clutches, it will certainly be beneficial for you who have just acquired a new car with that system.
You can easily apply it for better driving so that the transmission system remains in optimal condition.
Read also: Don't Get It Wrong, This is the Difference Between Transmission Oil and Differential Oil
