Suoravedon

Suoravedon is a Finnish term that translates to "direct drive" in English. It is most commonly used in the context of mechanical systems, particularly in automotive engineering and electric motors. A direct drive system eliminates the need for a transmission or gearbox, connecting the power source directly to the driven component.

In automobiles, a direct drive system would mean the engine is directly coupled to the wheels. This contrasts with traditional vehicles that utilize a complex gearbox with multiple gears to adjust the engine's speed and torque for different driving conditions. While offering potential benefits like increased efficiency and simpler design, pure direct drive systems in cars are rare due to the wide range of engine speeds required for effective operation from a standstill to high speeds. Hybrid and electric vehicles, however, often employ direct drive or very simplified transmission systems, especially for their electric motors.

Beyond vehicles, direct drive principles are applied in various industrial machinery, robotics, and home appliances. For example, some washing machines use direct drive motors to spin the drum, which can lead to quieter operation and fewer moving parts compared to belt-driven systems. The core idea remains the same: a direct, unmediated connection between the prime mover and the output.