Means Named As A 2016 Automotive News PACE Awards Finalist

SAGINAW, Mich. - Oct. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- Means technology has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2016 Automotive News PACE Awards.

Means’ patented Controllable Mechanical Diode (CMD)is a strut-based, mechanical clutching mechanism that significantly improves fuel economy by way of reduced drag torque, lowered mass and improved packaging. Also referred to as a Selectable One Way Clutch (SOWC), this technology will start production in 2016. In addition to Automatic Transmissions, the CMD is being considered for several hybrid transmissions under development.  Its function in hybrids can be either as a shifting device for node control or as an electric motor disconnect device.

Its function in automatic transmissions is the coupling and decoupling of power flow nodes to achieve gear ratio change. Actuation can be accomplished hydraulically or electrically.  The first applications in Automatic Transmissions are using the CMD to replace the Low/Reverse disk clutch and one-way-clutch combination, typically yielding a 50% reduction in drag torque, up to 1.5 kg reduction in mass and 5mm to 25mm in length reduction.  Furthermore, the design requires no holding power and actuation power is very low, offering additional energy savings when compared to traditional clutches.

“We feel that our CMD technology will be a significant contributor to helping OEM’s meet the 2025 emissions and mileage targets”, said Bill Shaw, President of Means.

Sponsored by Automotive News, Ernst & Young and the Transportation Research Center Inc., the annual PACE Awards honor superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. Known around the world as the industry symbol of innovation, PACE stands for Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges and will be announced in Detroit on April 11, 2016.

About Means:

Headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan, Means is a division of AMSTED Industries, based in Chicago, Illinois. AMSTED Industries is a diversified, global manufacturer of industrial components serving the railroad, vehicular, construction, and building markets. Through our deep powertrain expertise, Means partners with OEM engineers to research, design, test and produce pioneering, fuel-efficient powertrain components and assemblies.  Means pursues its advanced powertrain technology goals with its “Clutch Systems” and “Transform Advanced Metal Forming” businesses.