Planetary Gearset & Simpson

Planetary Gearset

Planetary Gearset
A simple planetary or epicyclic gearset can provide
overdrive,
reverse,
forward reduction,
neutral, and
direct drive ratios.

Planetary Gearset
3 main Components
Sun gear with external gear teeth
Carrier

with planetary pinion gears mounted to it

An internally toothed

ring gear or annulus

Planetary gear configuration

Maximum forward reduction

Maximum forward reduction

greatest torque,
lowest speed
is produced with the sun gear as input, the ring gear
stationary, and the carrier as the output.

Maximum Overdrive

Maximum overdrive
lowest torque,
greatest speed
is produced with the carrier as input, the ring gear
stationary, and the sun gear as output.

Minimum forward reduction

Minimum forward reduction

good torque
low speed
is produced with the ring gear as input, the sun gear
stationary, and the carrier as the output

Slow Overdrive

Slow overdrive
lower torque
greater speed
is produced with the carrier as input, the sun gear
stationary, and the ring gear as output.

Slow Reverse

Slow reverse
opposite output direction
greatest torque
lowest speed
is produced with the sun gear as input, the planetary
carrier stationary, and the ring gear as output.

Fast Reverse

Fast reverse
opposite output direction
greater torque
low speed
is produced with the ring gear as input, the carrier
stationary, and the sun gear as output.

Direct Drive

Direct Drive
Direct drive is produced if any two gearset
members are locked together.

Neutral Condition

Neutral Condition
With no held or stationary member, there can
be no output. The result is a neutral condition.

Planetary Gearset
An automatic transmission does not require a conventional
flywheel because the weight of the torque converter
provides enough mass to dampen engine vibrations.

Planetary Gearset

Planetary Gearset

Planetary Gearset

Planetary Gearset

SIMPSON GEAR TRAIN

One of the most popular compound planetary design is the
Simpson gear set.
Named for its inventor, Howard Woodworth Simpson
(18921963), an American automotive engineer, the
Simpson gear set consists of two simple planetary gear sets
that share a common sun gear.
This combination is capable of providing three forward
gears, as well as neutral and reverse.

Shift Modes

Shift Modes : P
The engine will only start if the selector is in either the park
or neutral position.
In park, the drive shaft is locked so that the drive wheels
cannot move.

Shift Modes : R
The reverse gear selector position is used to move the
vehicle in reverse.
Reverse usually uses a lower gear ratio than any of the
forward gears.

Shift Modes : N

In the neutral position no torque is being transmitted

through the automatic transmission/transaxle.

Shift Modes

: D

For ordinary driving, the driver moves the selector to the

drive position.
The transmission starts out in the lowest gear and
automatically shifts into higher gears as the car picks up
speed.

Shift Modes

: 2

The second position is used for slowing the vehicle while

descending long grades.

In this gear selection, the vehicle speed is controlled and

the engine speed is increased to provide engine
compression braking.

This gear selection is used for the gentle grades at a

moderate vehicle speed.

Shift Modes

: L

The first (or low) position is used for slowing the vehicle
while descending long grades.

In this gear selection, the vehicle speed is controlled and

the engine speed is increased to provide engine
compression breaking.
This gear selection is used for the steepest grades at the
lowest possible speed.

Clutch Application Chart

Schematic

Schematic

D 1

Schematic

D 1

Powerflow

D 1

Schematic

D 2

Schematic

D 2

Powerflow

D 2

Schematic

D 3

Schematic

D 3

Powerflow

D 3

Powerflow

D 3

Schematic

Powerflow