Tell me about it!
How does the AT work?
The automatic transmission is a critical component that transmits engine power to the wheels. The conventional speed shifting systems installed on most cars have extremely complex, precision structures.
Here, we present an easy-to-understand explanation of how ATs work
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Tell me about it! How does the transmission work?
What is an automatic transmission?
An automatic transmission (AT) is installed at a point between the engine's rotation and the point where it is transmitted to the wheels.
An AT automatically changes gear depending on the car's running condition, and transmits rotation from the engine to the wheels.
An AT provides functions that the engine alone cannot perform, such as adding power on slopes, adjusting rotation speed as required during running, decoupling power when stopped, and applying the required opposite rotation when in reverse.
Types of ATs
AT's can be categorized into two types: those installed vertically with respect to the automobile and those installed horizontally. Although the layout of the external and internal components differs depending on the type of engine drive method, the functions basically work in the same way.
Longitudinal engine layout
Transversal engine layout
This type of engine is installed vertically on the car and has an elongated shape.
This type of engine is installed horizontally on the automobile and has a rounded shape.
Drive methods for the longitudinal engine layout
Drive methods for the transversal engine layout
RWD vehicles (Front engine, rear drive)
The engine is mounted on the front end and the rear wheels receive the drive power.
RWD vehicles (Front engine, rear drive)
The engine is mounted on the front end and the rear wheels receive the drive power.
FWD vehicles (Front engine, Front drive)
The engine is mounted on the front end and the front wheels receive the drive power.
4WD vehicles (4-wheel drive, FWD
vehicle base)
The engine is mounted on the front end and all four wheels receive the drive power.
MR vehicles (Midship engine, Rear drive)
The engine is mounted between the front and rear wheels and the rear wheels receive the drive power.
RR vehicles (Rear engine, Rear drive)
The engine is mounted on the rear end and the rear wheels receive the drive power.
AT structure and operation
AT's consist of three components: a torque converter that transmits engine rotation to a planetary gear, a planetary gear train that changes rotation speed and transmits it to the wheels, and a hydraulic device that outputs commands to the planetary gear to change speed according to the car's running condition. Generally speaking, those are the three components of an AT.
Let us now take a look at the actual workings of an AT
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