About Us
About Us


The Controllable Mechanical Diode takes the standard MD to the next level. It offers all of the same advantages as the standard Mechanical Diode and then further enhances the value proposition. The CMD has many different design options tailored around the desired functionality of the application. The engineers at Means continue to develop the technology to be utilized in automatic transmissions, hybrids, EV’s and various driveline systems working closely with our customers through joint R&D efforts to minimize up-front development spending and maximize the overall system performance.

Means Capabilities

Means Engineering
Means Product Engineering


Much like the MD, the CMD utilizes the same core components, just more of them with the addition of hardware for controlling the desired functionality of the assembly. Building off of the core MD mechanics the same principals can be applied to the CMD taking into consideration a more complex set of dynamic system level interactions.

Means Design Analysis


Integration is the name of the game for the Controllable Mechanical Diode. The CMD concept was developed to offer additional system level efficiencies by eliminating shifting components that have traditionally been associated with high levels of spin-loss in the system but could not be eliminated because of their function. Not only does the CMD dramatically cut down on drag but it also lends itself to many of the same advantages as the MD such as overall component reduction and a smaller package as the components it replaces along with increased load capacity.

Means Design & Analysis

Means Testing


The advantages of the Controllable Mechanical Diode have been clearly documented and presented through a joint publication between Means Industries and General Motors. The entire paper can be found at the below link:


http://papers.sae.org/2009-01-0509