Basic component of an Automobile vehicle.

            Today we’ll discuss about the basic components of Automobile vehicle. In last article we learned about the definition and history of Automobile vehicle. The following are basic units of automobile.Following figure describes the schematic layout of Automobile vehicle and its component location. I called it unit because each of them consists of number of component, it is described below.

A) The Basic Structure

1. Suspension System

      Function of suspension system

• To stable the vehicle from shocks and vibration due to irregular road surface.
• To reduced or prevent the road shocks which are transmitted on the vehicle Frame.
• To regulate stability when vehicle is in motion.
• To maintain proper steering geometry.

Location of suspension system

• Location of suspension is in between axles and chassis.

2. Axle

There are two types of axles

1. live axle
2. dead axle

Function of live axle

• Live axle is the two half axle. In between them differential is attached, function of live shaft is to transmit the power from engine to wheel.
•  It carries the weight of vehicle.

Function of dead axle

• It carries the load of engine.
• When brakes are provided at front wheels then it withstands bending or torsional stresses.
• It is support to the wheels.

3. Wheels and Tires

 Function of wheels or tire

• To support the load of vehicle
• To provide cushion against the shock
• Good road grip when we accelerate or braking the vehicle.

• To sustain the load of vehicle.
• To create contact with road surface.

 Location

• It locate on front or rear axle (depends on drive used in vehicle)

B) The Power source / Power plant:

·                There are various sources of Power for vehicle, the selection of power plant is depends on the type of vehicle used. In many passenger vehicles, the internal combustion engine (IC Engine) is used.

·              Now days the technology has been develop continuously, we can observed that some passenger cars also able to drive by electric motor and batteries. In this year porches  is working on Porsche 618 two wheeler model which is electric drive; Porsche claims that it is able to achieve 160Ps power. Anyway it’s not good point to discuss yet.

·             Engineers worked on Hybrid vehicle, Hybrid vehicle is the fusion of IC engine and electric motor. The vehicle is able to use both IC engine as well as the electric motor.

          There are two basic types of Power-plant of vehicle as follows:

A.     A) IC engine

B.     B) Electric motor

C.     C) Hybrid (fusion of IC engine & Electric motor)

Function of Power-plant / power source:

·        1) To generate a power required for propelling the vehicle.

·         2) To create and transmit the power to transmission system.

·         3) It serves as a prime component in automobile transmission system.

  
Location of Power-plant / Power source:

·         1) In two wheeler bike it is located below the fuel tank.

·         2) In four wheeler it is located near the side doors.

C) Transmission system:

• The transmission system consists of Clutch, Gear-Box, Propeller shaft and differential.
• Clutch is used for enable the drives to transmit the power whenever required, it also has purpose to disconnect the drive from engine from road wheels. Generally we used Multiplate clutch and single plate clutch in vehicle.
• Gear-Box is able to give various ratio of speed to achieve required torque to achieve speed of vehicle. It also worked as torque converter for vehicle; Gear box is able to transmit tractive effort to the wheel to propel the vehicle. Generally we used Manual type, semi-automatic (DCT), Automatic transmission (hydraulic & pneumatic fusion kit) and CVT.
• Differential provides permanent reduction in speed, it is necessary because speed of engine has to be maintained at optimum level at all the times. It also adjust the rotational speed of wheels at turning the vehicle.
• Universal joints are able to provide relative motion between engine and driving wheel due to flexing bad springs.
• Following figure shown the function of CVT.

Function of Transmission system:

• To disconnect engine from road wheels whenever required.
• Connect the engine to driving wheels without shock.
• Vary the torque ratio.
• Turn the drive through right angle.
• Work as torque converter.

D) The Auxiliaries:

            The principles one out of this is that, it is common to almost all types of vehicles i.e., the electrical equipment. This can be subdivided in 4 sub-systems.

A.     Supply system (battery and generator)

B.     Battery and  magneto ignition system.

C.     The starter

D.     Ancillary Devices eg. Driving light, Headlamp, Side light, Tail lights, horn, direction indicator.

E) The controls

It is divided in two types;

A.     1) Steering system

B.     2) Brake

F) The Super-structure

        In those cases, where frame-less construction is not adopted, there must be separate super-structure i.e. the body attached to the frame while in case of frame-less construction; the body performance functions of both.

        The shape of body depends upon the ultimate use for which the vehicle is meant. The shapes like SUV, Sedan, Hatchback, Wagon, sport, mini vehicle, passenger, goods carrier etc.