Paddle-Shift or Semi-automatic transmission: We have adopted the semi-automatic

transmission in our car. A semi-automatic transmission is one in which gears are not changed
automatically but facilitates manual gear changes by depressing paddles. This eliminates the
need to press clutch at the same time.

Reasons/Advantages of paddle shifts:

The driver doesnt have to remove his hands from the steering to shift gears. This helps
the driver to handle the car better.
A driver knows better as to when a gear has to changed. This increases race performance
over automatic transmission.
Cost of semi-automatics is lesser than automatics.
Semi-automatic transmissions are mechanically simpler and have fewer moving parts
than automatic transmissions, they require less maintenance and are easier as well as
cheaper to repair.

Mechanism:
Paddle shift mechanisms usually incorporate solenoids, pneumatic shifters or servos to
actuate the shift. Servos cause delays in the system due to their feedbacks and pneumatics
occupy a lot of space. Hence, we decided to use push-pull solenoids to actuate the gear shifts.
The basic components include paddle switches behind the steering wheel, a control unit and a
push-pull solenoid.
During gear shifts upward, it is necessary that the engine be killed for around 50-100ms
which is done by programming the ECU. While down shifting, the clutch needs to be
actuated.This is done with the help of another pull solenoid.