Transmission showing all gears in mesh. (Cut No. 11)
The Ford Transmission
| What is the function of the Transmission? | Answer No. 69 |
It is that part of the mechanism of an automobile which lies between the crank shaft and the drive shaft and by which one is enabled to move at different speeds from the other. It is the speed gear of the car. It sends the car forward at low and high speeds and by it the car is reversed.
| What is meant by the term "Planetary Transmission?" | Answer No. 70 |
One in which the groups of gears always remain in mesh and revolve around a main axis. The different sets of gears are brought into action by stopping the revolution of the parts which support the gears. By means of bands (similar to brake bands) the rotation of the different parts is stopped. The planetary transmission is the simplest and most direct means of speed control—and is a distinct advantage of the Ford car.
| What is the purpose of the Clutch? | Answer No. 71 |
If the crank shaft of the engine ran without break straight through to the differential—and through it applied its power direct to the rear wheels—the car would start forward immediately upon the starting of the engine (were it possible to get it started under such conditions). To overcome this difficulty the shaft is divided and by means of the clutch the part of the shaft to which the running engine is delivering its power is enabled to take hold of the unmoving part gradually and start the car without jolt or jar. The forward part of the shaft is referred to as the crank shaft, the rear part as the drive shaft.