On this page we share with you our knowledge and the leading role we have played over years by detailing some of the projects we have completed for our clients across various industry sectors.
Hybrid transmission design
The main task of this project, which started in mid-2009, was to
review a new concept arrangement that was being developed for a hybrid
passenger car by a major Chinese car manufacturer. The work involved
assessment in terms of performance and assembly using both analysis
methods and practical experience. In addition we used unique simulation
methods to devise a suitable duty load cycle that could be applied to
the hybrid application.
We also reviewed the initial concept gearbox design and provided
recommendations for design improvements. Our client has effectively
saved time and cost - they could have produced a gearbox, which would
have failed in production. Sharing our expertise and know-how has
helped our client to make the right design choices.
Sports car 6-speed manual transmission design review
We work with our customers during the whole transmission design and development process, steering them in the right direction and supporting them throughout, whether it be in design, optimisation or manufacturing. This was very much the case when working with a leading UK sports car manufacturer.
In 2008, they approached Romax asking us to assist in developing an existing transmission to suit their new high performance application. By quickly deriving and analysing the vast gear ratios possible, we successfully modified and helped to adapt the gearbox to meet the specific criteria and market expectations demanded of a high quality sports car. Further investigations from Romax for micro-geometry refinement successfully delivered not only quiet and durable gear sets, but increased confidence in design.
Essentially, the support and direction provided by Romax lead to the solution of many unanswered questions taking into account all the key variables such as packaging, performance, durability, manufacturability and overall performance early in the design process quickly and effectively, leading to huge cost savings. We've since continued to work together from the concept design stage through to real life driving evaluation and manufacturing sensitivity analyses. Sharing this invaluable knowledge with our client significantly helps to speed up their learning curve when dealing with future challenging transmission issues and development programs.
Electric motor two stage helical gearbox analysis
The changing nature of our business has seen Romax becoming increasingly involved in green technologies such as hybrid and electric vehicles and wind energy. In early 2009, we were approached by a European axle and transmission manufacturer who benefited from our knowledge and experience. We guided them through the process of developing their electric vehicle gearbox.
With our technology, you don't have to compromise on design so we completed a whole system analysis including durability prediction, transmission error and consideration of the electric motor masses and inertia. This has enabled our client to have the accurate information and confidence in moving forward with their design.
Concept design validation for marine gearbox
In terms of considering the best design for any marine transmission
application, Romax are able to apply our proven methods and expertise to review all
aspects of the marine transmission and in mid-2008 we did just this. We provided expert consultancy to a Japanese marine gearbox manufacturer.
Our team of specialist engineers reviewed a new marine concept layout consisting of a planetary gear arrangement. We provided our client with assurance at an early stage in the development by validating the concept and giving recommendations for improvements and for weight reduction.The client were then able to progress fully with their design with certainty.
Bearing supplier assessment
One of our US clients, a truck transmission manufacturer, benefitted from our full support to assess and approve new bearing suppliers for the client's gearbox applications. The project started in early 2007 and we are still working with them today supporting them at each step of their bearing selection process. We shared our extensive and in depth knowledge with them, providing guidance and in-depth training in terms of evaluating and improving design, manufacturing and metallurgy aspects of bearing technology within the new products.
Railway component failure investigation
In August 2008, a major UK rail bogey company was encountering axle box bearing failures in service on a European underground train system and asked us to review the analysis and investigation work being done to study the problem. Romax, when established in 1989 spent most of its early years, providing consultancy in the form of failure analysis and forensic engineering and so was well positioned to share unique knowledge of this area. We supported the customer to identify and confirm the main potential causes of failure and plan countermeasure actions. Through working with Romax, the client were able to validate their initial assumptions and feel confident and reassured in developing the requried solutions.
Automotive transmission gear whine reduction
Romax have actively taken the lead in many NVH related projects for major vehicle OEMs to investigate the problem of gear whine. Typical workscope involves using RomaxNVH analysis capabilities in conjunction with involvement in vehicle and rig tests to assess transmission error and housing response.
Our experience and knowledge of this subject area means we can provide recommendations to improve the housing design and gear geometry to help reduce whine in the problem areas identified without compromising durability. Ultimately helping vehicle OEMs to deliver more robust, reliable and quieter products to markets which meet the needs of their customers.