A Methodology for Enumeration of Clutching Sequences Associated with Epicyclic-Type Automatic Transmission Mechanisms

This paper presents a systematic methodology for the enumeration of clutching sequences associated with epicyclic-gear-type automatic transmission mechanisms. The methodology is based on the concept that an epicyclic gear mechanism can be decomposed into several fundamental geared entities and that the overall speed ratio of an epicyclic gear mechanism can be symbolically expressed in terms of its fundamental geared entities. First, a procedure for estimating the overall speed ratio of an epicyclic gear mechanism, without specifying the exact gear dimensions, is outlined. Then, an algorithm for comparing various possible speed ratios of an epicyclic gear mechanism is described. Finally, a methodology for systematically enumerating all possible clutching sequences of an epicyclic gear mechanism is established.