Computer Controlled Transmission Durability Test

A computer can be used as a general-purpose controller and data collector for durability-testing a manual shift transmission. The complex transmission, which is composed of a high-low power shift, a two-range synchronized shift and a four-range manual shift, is sequenced by the computer through a pattern of gear changes and loads. In addition, the computer collects steady-state and shift transient data, presents it in both real-time and summary fashion, and stores it on disk for later analysis. Operation of the system is simplified by presenting commands and options in a menu fashion. Flexibility in modifying test parameters is accomplished through user-alterable parameter tables. Furthermore, adaptation of this system to control different transmission types is possible due to the modular composition of the software.