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Something big happened at the 2018 CTI Symposium in Berlin. Carl Beiser, Means Technical Business manager, completely changed the narrative of propulsion system design—unveiling two revolutionary technologies.

The first is our static, electrically actuated Controllable Mechanical Diode (or, CMD-e) that provides all the benefits of latching in state without a constant power supply. Now hydraulic control is completely eliminated, along with the associated costs and complexities. Even electricity requirements are reduced as power is only consumed during state transition.

The second breakthrough is our new Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC). Using electric actuation, our DCC creates substantial packaging and system efficiencies by eliminating complex hydraulic systems.

Furthermore, we have combined these electro-dynamic and electrically actuated controllable clutch technologies into a single, multi-speed gearbox—a level of sophistication hitherto unheard of in electrified automobiles. Now more speeds can be added to the transmission with markedly improved efficiencies, minus the need for more packaging space.

Talk about a game changer!

Want to learn more about the impact of our new technologies on the future of electrified propulsion? Download the complete technical paper today.

Means Industries is launching four mass production Controllable Mechanical Diodes (CMDs) with three different customers between 2016 and 2017. This is the first time Means’ CMD technology will be integrated with its successful Mechanical Diode (MD) technology, and the first selectable one-way clutches (SOWCs) to be used in high-volume powertrain applications. Means CMDs are proven to facilitate improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

What is a Selectable Clutch? What advantages does it provide? Where can this design be used in a powertrain system? What are the benefits of a Selectable Clutch? These are common questions from around the world across all types of powertrain engineers.

Vehicle electrification is challenging conventional propulsion system design like never before, especially in transmission development. Of the numerous competing challenges, electrified propulsion systems need to be energy efficient, compact, and flexible, all while meeting vehicle performance criteria. This has OEMs and automotive suppliers diligently working to determine what attributes future transmissions really need.