The Influence of the Transmission on the Reliability, Economics, and Driving Safety of Commercial Vehicles 785028

The paper examines the transmission in terms of the reliability, economics, and safety of the commercial vehicle in order to establish criteria for future models.

Distinction is made between reliability, which measures probability of required repairs, and serviceability, which measures probability of successful maintenance operations within specified limits. Both characteristics relate to the cost-effectiveness of the vehicle and both must be promoted during the development stage of vehicle design. A check-list of developmental measures to assure these characteristics is presented. Finally, experimental testing for both of these characteristics is required.

Economical operation of transmissions rests on two bases: amount of operational losses, and appropriate selection of transmission ratios. The paper concentrates on ratio selection and suggests design approaches.

The final topic is driving safety which is discussed in terms of alleviating driver concern for gear-shifting, permitting greater concentration on other controls.