Antonov Developing Low Cost Transmissions for Ultra Low Cost Cars

21 May 2008

Antonov, the automotive technology company, is returning to its first principles to develop low cost transmission systems required for ultra low cost cars.
Antonov’s underlying automatic transmission concept for this nascent market segment uses its original patented shift system, which the company is also currently employing for a number of ancillary two-speed applications including alternators, superchargers and engine front-end pulleys.
The Antonov shift system is implemented through a combination of centrifugal forces and the axial thrust from helical gears. The system uses purely mechanical forces already present in meshing gears. The principle can be extended to produce a simple,low cost yet robust and efficient three- or four-speed automatic transmission system.
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We have unique experience of mechanical automatic shifting and alternative launch systems gained over almost 20 years. Such systems are ideally suited to the development of low cost automatic gearboxes much needed for the low cost vehicles required for emerging markets.

Minimum cost can be achieved through the use of innovative technology and design and a careful review of the technical functions required. Above all the transmission must be simple, low cost, reliable and repairable. And if possible this means no pneumatic or hydraulic controls, minimal components and only the simplest of electrical systems.
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The transmission must also ensure ease of use for inexperienced drivers trying to cope with heavy traffic and be able to handle a wide range of vehicle payloads. The challenge today for the low cost car is to maintain only essential functionality.

—John Moore, Antonov CEO

Antonov is considering a range of alternative launch systems including a torque converter and various clutch systems including a centrifugal mechanism and stationary magnetic powder clutch.

A low cost torque converter, for example, can be integrated with the engine to avoid the need for a separate transmission oil pump, circuit and cooler. A torque converter provides an excellent launch mechanism for a vehicle and allows it to creep along in slow moving traffic—two essential requirements for emerging markets. Efficiency issues are mitigated by having a direct drive for high ratios and only taking the drive through the converter for low ratios.

—Antonov chief engineer Simon Roberts

Antonov proposes the use of the simplest possible three or four speed systems depending on the application and precise requirements of each car maker approaching the company as a client.

Each gear can be selected by a mechanically applied band brake and the whole system splash lubricated to eliminate the need for a pump. The brakes across one-way clutches can be eliminated provided the vehicle has sufficient brake capacity to avoid the need for engine braking. Shift calibration can be maintained very simply by use of electric solenoids, which only require simple on/off control from a throttle switch and can replace hydraulic pistons. And, if required, we can dispense with electric solenoids and hydraulic pistons altogether and employ a purely mechanical means for shift control, making use of direct linkage from the throttle to alter the shift point.

—Simon Roberts

To help facilitate the continued commercialization of its patents and intellectual property, Antonov has recently opened a new engineering centre near Warwick. The new facility has allowed the consolidation of all Antonov product development activity onto one site and the expanded engineering team has helped strengthen its design services to the automotive industry and in particular the export of those services abroad.