As an introduction to readers, my name is Jeffrey Richards, I am the National President of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME).
I been working in the automotive and transmission sector for around 55 years, specialising in a range of services within the area of automatic transmissions, servicing and rebuilding. This article will focus on the rise of nine and 10 speed transmission manufacturing.
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The automotive industry has witnessed a remarkable evolution in transmission technology over the years. One of the significant advancements has been the proliferation of multiple-speed transmissions, with manufacturers increasingly rolling out nine to 10-speed variants. This shift represents a departure from the traditional four to six-speed transmissions that were once standard in vehicles. But what’s driving this trend, and why are manufacturers gravitating toward more gears?
Efficiency and performance
One of the primary reasons behind the adoption of higher gear counts is to enhance both fuel efficiency and performance. With additional gears, engines can operate more efficiently across a broader range of speeds. By spreading the power delivery over more gear ratios, engines can operate closer to their optimal RPM (revolutions per minute), leading to improved fuel economy. Simultaneously, more gears allow for smoother acceleration and a seamless power delivery, offering drivers a more refined and responsive driving experience.
Meeting stringent emission standards
Stricter emission regulations have been a driving force behind the automotive industry’s pursuit of more efficient technologies. Higher gear counts help in reducing emissions by enabling engines to run at lower RPMs during cruising, where they tend to be more efficient. This contributes to lower overall emissions, aligning with the stringent environmental standards imposed globally.
Balancing performance and fuel economy
Another critical aspect is the balance between performance and fuel economy. Multi-speed transmissions afford automakers the opportunity to offer vehicles that provide both exhilarating performance and impressive fuel efficiency. The broad range of gear ratios allows for quicker acceleration when needed while maintaining lower engine speeds during highway cruising.
Enhanced driving dynamics
From a driver’s perspective, more gears often translate to a smoother and more responsive driving experience. Quick and precise gear changes ensure the engine remains in its optimal power band, enhancing overall vehicle dynamics. This not only results in better performance but also elevates the comfort and control felt by the driver.
Technological advancements
Advancements in transmission technology and materials have made it more feasibleand cost-effective for manufacturers to produce transmissions with higher gear counts. Improved manufacturing processes, along with the use of lightweight materials and sophisticated computer-aided design, have allowed for the creation of more compact and efficient transmissions.
Competitive edge and market demand
In an increasingly competitive automotive market, offering vehicles with higher gear counts has become a distinguishing factor. As consumers become more conscious of fuel efficiency and performance, manufacturers vie to meet these demands by equipping their vehicles with advanced transmission systems. Additionally, as rival companies introduce vehicles with higher gear counts, it compels others to follow suit to remain competitive.
Looking ahead
The trajectory of automotive transmission technology seems inclined towards further advancement. The development of even higher gear counts or the integration of alternative transmission systems, such as continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) or electrically assisted transmissions, are shaping the future of automotive drivetrains.
The shift towards nine to 10-speed transmissions in the automotive industry is driven by a convergence of factors, including the pursuit of efficiency, meeting stringent regulations, enhancing driving dynamics, and satisfying consumer demands. As technology continues to evolve, expect to see further innovations that optimise the balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and environmental responsibility in the vehicles of tomorrow.
With ever-changing technology comes the need to learn how to correctly diagnose and service any major repairs required to the transmission. This is always an ongoing learning curve for those who specialise in this sector within the automotive industry.
The advancing transmissions are fully electronically controlled and are incorporated with one unit that controls the engine and transmission. This unit has a powerful memory processor that communicates to the controlling units within the vehicle, so if one or the other controlling units locates a problem within the vehicle then it can affect the functioning of the transmission.
This results in the transmission technician specialist needing to have full mechanical and electrical knowledge on how all the vehicle component’s function. The engine/transmission control unit with its inputs and outputs, controls the transmission throughout all of its various ranges via a valve body which is attached inside the transmission.
Attached on the valve body are a range of Pressure solenoids that control the oil pressure or line pressure within the transmission and the shift solenoids control the various valves and their movements. The oil flow through the solenoids is constantly changing and varying.
This, over time through the valves constantly moving backwards and forwards, can create a range of wear on the spools of the valves and also in the bores in which the valves move. This wear and tear can affect the rise and fall of the oil or line pressure of the transmission, causing damage to the transmission, but also can affect the controlling of the up and down shift points and patterns.
Recent advances in valve body technology focus on optimizing fluid dynamics, enhancing shift precision, and improving overall operation of the transmission and its performance. These innovations often involve the use of advanced materials, sophisticated design techniques and precision manufacturing processes to achieve higher efficiency and durability. As a crucial link between the (electronic control unit) and the hydraulic system the evolution of the humble valve body has changed dramatically over the years and has become a significant contributor to the overall efficiency, responsiveness, and longevity of modern-day transmissions.
Part of the transmission industry that has expanded in helping to control and overcome some of these problems, is a specialisation in valve body reconditioning. They have computerised equipment available to recondition and test a range of different model valve bodies efficiently and accurately.
These companies, such as recent AATR Member, VALVE BODIES AUSTRALIA are one of the very few businesses that specialise in this area in Australia. Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission of today they work solely with automatic transmission specialist to overcome the issues that have been previously diagnosed by the specialist.
VALVE BODIES AUSTRALIA has invested heavily in state-of-the-art diagnosis machinery and believe it will play a pivotal role in providing precise insights into a valve body’s functionality. These advanced diagnostic tools allow Valve Bodies Australia to access real-time data, identify specific issues and streamline the troubleshooting process. With in-depth analysis capabilities, this machinery provides “dyno-like” data to be able to fine tune and optimise a valve body performance and overall health and longevity.