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From the first attempts in the 19th century to the consolidation of its use in the contemporary automotive industry, this technology has transformed the way we interact with our vehicles.
Since the beginnings of the automobile industry, the search for comfort and efficiency has been constant. In this scenario, automatic transmission emerges as one of the most significant innovations, transforming the driving experience and optimizing performance of the engine. But do you know how this revolution started?
The history of automatic transmission dates back to the 30th century, with the first attempts to automate gear changing. These initial innovations, although not immediately successful, laid the foundation for future development. In the XNUMXs, two brilliant Brazilians arrived on the scene, changing the course of automotive history with the creation of the automatic transmission.
Brazilians at the forefront of innovation
José Bras Araripe and Fernando Lemos, working for Lloyd Brasileiro Companhia de Navigação in the United States, developed an automatic shifting mechanism using hydraulic action. Originally intended for ships, this concept attracted the attention of General Motors, who saw its potential for automobiles. The purchase of the patent from these Brazilian inventors by GM marked the beginning of a new era for automatic transmission.
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The Hydramatic Drive and its evolution
The first commercially viable model of automatic transmission was the Hydramatic Drive, introduced by GM in 1939. With four forward gears and one reverse, this system eliminated the need for the clutch pedal, simplifying driving and promoting greater accessibility. The technology quickly became popular, especially among women and people with special needs after the Second World War.
How does automatic transmission work?
The principle behind automatic transmission is hydraulic actuation, which controls gear changing without direct intervention from the driver. This system, complex in its engineering, uses sets of planetary gears and a torque converter, differing significantly from manual transmission. The result is a smoother drive, with almost imperceptible gear changes, optimizing engine performance in different driving conditions.
Although little remembered, José Bras Araripe and Fernando Lemos contributed to one of the most important automotive inventions of the 20th century. Its legacy, although not widely recognized, is a testament to Brazil's innovative capacity on the global stage.
Automatic exchange today
Currently, automatic exchange dominates the market, especially in countries like the United States, where it represents 96% of car sales. Its convenience in heavy traffic conditions and driving comfort make it the preferred choice for many drivers, despite criticism from purists who prefer the feeling of control of a manual transmission.
The history of automatic transmission is a fascinating journey of innovation, challenges and success. Behind this revolution are brilliant minds, including Brazilian inventors who played a crucial role in this development, highlighting the importance of automatic transmission in optimal use of the energy generated by the engine and the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
