Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080207363 | Low cost torque vectoring system - A torque vectoring drive system is presented for use in a motor vehicle. The torque vectoring drive system includes a differential unit having an input shaft, a first axle shaft, a second axle shaft, and a carrier, the differential rotatably driving the axle shafts while permitting the axle shafts to have independent speeds of rotation. The system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having an input shaft driveably coupled to the carrier of the differential and an output shaft driveably coupled to the first axle shaft of the differential. The CVT is operable to variably control the drive torque of the first axle shaft relative to the second axle shaft to provide torque vectoring. | 08-28-2008 |
20080234106 | ENGINE CONTROL FOR DISPLACEMENT ON DEMAND - An engine control system for controlling a displacement on demand engine having a plurality of cylinders includes a torque converter with a torque converter clutch. A control module determines a slip speed of said torque converter clutch, estimates a temperature state of said torque converter clutch based on said slip speed, and selectively activates at least one of said cylinders based on said temperature state. | 09-25-2008 |
20090005212 | ONE WAY CLUTCH AND SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLY - A one way clutch and synchronizer assembly includes a stationary member having a plurality of clutch struts and camming surfaces, a second circular selector member, an third rotating controlled member and a fourth stationary member. The selector member includes apertures or windows through which the clutch struts may pass to engage the rotating member and camming surfaces which provide a selective frictional coupling between the stationary members and the rotating member. A bidirectional hydraulic or electric actuator selectively, bi-directionally rotates the selector member. | 01-01-2009 |
20090098968 | Hybrid Powertrain With Single Electric Motor Integrated Within Automatic Transmission - A hybrid transmission is provided that is operatively connectable to an engine. The transmission has an electric motor and a clutch, which may be a brake-type clutch or a rotating-type clutch, depending on the embodiment, integrated within the transmission. Absent the electric motor and the clutch, and with the addition of a torque converter and torque converter lock-up clutch, the transmission would be a non-hybrid, operable automatic transmission. The transmission is operable to provide an electric-only operating ode, an engine-only operating mode, an electrically-variable operating mode and a parallel hybrid operating mode. | 04-16-2009 |
20090152028 | HYBRID DRIVE POWERTRAINS WITH REDUCED PARASITIC LOSSES - An apparatus for reducing parasitic losses in a hybrid electric powertrain of a vehicle includes a drivetrain, an electric motor, and a connecting mechanism operative to selectively engage and disengage the drivetrain and the electric motor. | 06-18-2009 |
20090182463 | HYBRID VEHICLE POWERTRAIN CONTROL METHOD - A method for controlling a powertrain of a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a motor/generator, a battery that is rechargeable using at least one of the engine and the motor/generator, and a powertrain control module (PCM) includes determining a current location of the vehicle as a starting point of a preferred route, recording a user-selected ending point of the preferred route, and processing route information using the PCM to thereby determine an optimally fuel efficient route for reaching the ending point. The method includes automatically executing the powertrain control strategy over the optimally fuel efficient route by substantially depleting a charge level of the battery as the vehicle travels over the optimally fuel efficient route such that the charge level of the battery is depleted when the vehicle reaches the ending point. When the ending point is not recorded, the PCM can default to a charge-sustaining mode. | 07-16-2009 |
20090210139 | Self-Tuning Active Engine Mount for Vehicles with Active Fuel Management Engine - An active engine mount assembly for counteracting resultant forces in active fuel management systems, wherein resultant forces are transmitted to a frame of a motorized vehicle generated by the deactivation of at least one cylinder in an internal combustion engine. The active engine mount assembly is fluidly connected to a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit is operatively connected to an engine crankshaft and operable to actively generate pressure pulses having frequencies self-synchronized with the rotational speed of the crankshaft. | 08-20-2009 |
20100018786 | Electric Drive System with a Selectable One-Way Clutch - A vehicle has a motor and axles which are selectively rotatable by the motor, a reduction gear set, a differential transferring torque from the motor to the axles, and selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) assemblies. The SOWC assemblies are connected to a different one of the axles, and are engaged to transfer torque to the drive axles whenever the motor is energized. The SOWC assemblies are disengaged when the motor is de-energized to prevent rotation of the rotor and various elements of the reduction gear set and differential. A method minimizes parasitic spin losses in an electric rear drive motor (eRDM) system. The method includes engaging a pair of SOWC assemblies when the motor is on to transfer torque from the motor to the axles, and disengaging the SOWC assemblies when the motor is off to prevent rotation of a rotor and of elements of the reduction gear set and differential. | 01-28-2010 |
20100069191 | 8-Speed Hybrid Transmission Architectures - The hybrid powertrain has a plurality of members that can be utilized to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in a hybrid transmission architecture. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine, a damper, a pump, an engine disconnect clutch, and a drive motor, all operatively connected with the transmission to provide strong hybrid operating capability. | 03-18-2010 |
20100087290 | Hybrid Transmission with Disconnect Clutch and Method of Starting an Engine Using Same - A hybrid transmission is provided with a motor and a torque-transfer device is operable to transfer torque from the motor to a transmission input member upstream in power flow from the transmission gearing arrangement. The torque transfer device may be a fluid coupling, such as a torque converter, including a torque converter lock-up clutch. In other embodiments, the torque transfer device is a launch clutch that may be either a wet clutch engagable via pressurized transmission fluid, or a dry clutch, such as used in a manual transmission. A disconnect clutch is selectively engagable to operatively connect an engine connection member with the motor to permit the motor to start the engine, such as after a stop. Many embodiments of the transmission include a one-way clutch arranged in parallel with the disconnect clutch. A method of starting the engine using such a transmission is also provided. | 04-08-2010 |
20100263426 | COMPACT OIL TRANSFER MANIFOLD - The present invention relates to a manifold for a vehicle transmission. The manifold defines a plurality of laterally extending channels suitable for simultaneously transferring oil at separate flow rates and pressure signals and may be subdivided to provide a plurality of like defined manifolds. The manifold, formed through an extrusion process, is fittable within or around a transmission shaft. | 10-21-2010 |
20100263480 | ENGINE STARTING APPARATUS - An engine starting apparatus is provided that has a constantly engaged starter pinion and a one-way clutch lubricated with transmission fluid, without modification to the engine and without adding axial length to the transmission. Specifically, a starting apparatus for cranking an engine crankshaft using a starter motor is provided for an engine that is operatively connected to a transmission through a torque converter. | 10-21-2010 |
20110009236 | METHOD FOR TRANSITIONING CONTROL IN A MULTI-MODE HYBRID TRANSMISSION - A multi-mode hybrid transmission including a selectable one-way clutch and first and second torque machines transitions to operating in a target continuously variable mode including applying a selectable one-way clutch and controlling input torque and motor torques of the first and second torque machines using a second kinematic relationship. A multi-step process is executed to transition the first clutch to a deactivated state, transition the second selectable one-way clutch to the applied state, and transition to using the second kinematic relationship to achieve a preferred output torque. | 01-13-2011 |
20110015021 | CLUTCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR AN ELECTRICALLY-VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have a first and a second motor-generator, a first and a second planetary gear set, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the second planetary gear set. The rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanism is a dog clutch with a synchronizer. The stationary-type torque-transmitting mechanism may be either a dog clutch with a synchronizer or a selectable one-way braking clutch (SOWBC). | 01-20-2011 |
20110066308 | PREDICTIVE ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONTROL SCHEME FOR A VEHICLE INCLUDING A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method for controlling a vehicle having a hybrid powertrain includes monitoring vehicle navigation and traffic patterns associated with a predicted travel path. It extends the powertrain instantaneous controller into a predictive control framework, and utilizes previewed traffic and geographic information based on on-board sensing and navigation information. An impending road load is predicted from which a fuel cost factor is optimized under a model predictive control framework. A state-of-charge trajectory is predicted from the impending road load and operation of the hybrid powertrain system is controlled in response thereto. | 03-17-2011 |
20110070985 | Drive Belt Tensioner for Motor Generator Unit - A drive belt tensioner assembly for a motor-generator unit is comprises a motor-generator unit having a rotatable drive pulley, configured to engage a drive belt, extending therefrom. A drive belt assembly housing is fixed to the motor-generator unit and has an inner surface defining an opening through which the rotatable drive pulley of the motor-generator unit extends. A tensioner mounting ring is mounted to, and rotatable with respect to, the drive belt assembly housing. A tensioner pulley is mounted for rotation on the tensioner mounting ring and is configured to engage the drive belt on a side of the motor-generator unit drive pulley. A biasing assembly having a first end mounted to the tensioner mounting ring and a second end mounted in a fixed relationship to the motor-generator unit exerts a biasing force on the tensioner mounting ring to rotate the ring and the tensioner pulley against the drive belt. | 03-24-2011 |
20110070986 | Drive Belt Tensioner for Motor Generator Unit - A drive belt tensioner for mounting to a motor-generator unit comprises a tensioner pulley support having a centrally located pivot defining a pivot axis and first and second reaction arms extending outwardly from the centrally located pivot to define an angle therebetween. Tensioner pulleys are rotatably mounted to the second ends of each of the first and second reaction arms. The reaction arms are configured to flexibly bias the tensioner pulleys when engaged by a drive belt force to maintain a desired drive belt tension. | 03-24-2011 |
20110079454 | HYBRID VEHICLE CONFIGURATION AND METHOD OF RECONFIGURING NON-HYBRID VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE AS HYBRID VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE - A hybrid vehicle has an engine, and a transmission having a transmission input member operatively connected to the engine and a transmission output member. A transfer case is operatively connected to the transmission output member and has a first and a second transfer case torque distribution member, each operable to distribute torque from the transmission output member. The first transfer case torque distribution member is operatively connected with one of the front and rear pairs of wheels for providing driving torque from the transmission output member to the one of the front and rear pairs of wheels. A propeller shaft extends from and is operatively connected at one portion to the second transfer case distribution member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to another portion of the propeller shaft. | 04-07-2011 |
20110297466 | LOW CONTENT EXTENDED-RANGE ELECTRIC VEHICLE POWERTRAIN - An extended-range electric vehicle includes drive wheels, an engine having an output shaft, a planetary gear set having a node driven by the output shaft of the engine when the engine is on, and first and second electric machines. The first electric machine is connected to another node, and operates as a generator when the engine is on. A one-way clutch is connected to the remaining node. The second electric machine is connected to an output side of the one-way clutch, with a shaft connecting the drive wheels to the second electric machine. A controller provides a forward electric-only (EV) mode, a reverse EV mode, power-split mode(s), and series mode(s). The series mode(s) provide a direct mechanical path between the engine and drive wheels, with the one-way clutch overrunning in the forward EV mode. The one-way clutch may be activated passively or by a PRNDL device. | 12-08-2011 |
20120130574 | ELECTRICALLY ASSISTED VARIABLE-K CONTROL - A vehicle includes a transmission, a motor configured to provide a motor torque to the transmission, and an engine configured to provide an engine torque to the transmission. A torque converter is operably disposed between the transmission and the motor, the engine, or both. The torque converter is configured to at least partially transfer at least one of the motor torque and the engine torque to the transmission in accordance with a plurality of k-factors. The torque converter includes a clutch configured to at least partially engage to change the effective k-factor applied by the torque converter. A control processor is configured to blend the plurality of k-factors and at least partially engage the clutch based on the blended k-factor. | 05-24-2012 |
20120150371 | CONTROL OF A HYBRID VEHICLE WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION - A vehicle includes a transmission that receives torque from an engine and/or a motor. A clutch assembly that may be actuated by a driver is operably disposed between the transmission and the motor, the engine, or both. A controller is configured to control the torque provided by the motor and the engine to prevent engine stall, excessive engine flare, or both, during manual actuation of the clutch assembly by the driver of the vehicle. | 06-14-2012 |
20130102162 | INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - An integrated electrical connector comprises one or more terminals housed within a connector body. The connector body is configured and arranged to structurally join an auxiliary component to a host vehicle to which the integrated electrical connector is mechanically fixed and electrically coupled. The connector body is configured to facilitate electrically coupling electrical circuitry of the auxiliary component to the host vehicle. The connector body is configured to facilitate transmission of information among the auxiliary component and the host vehicle. | 04-25-2013 |
20140024493 | HYBRID POWERTRAIN WITH INPUT BRAKE - A hybrid powertrain includes a hybrid transmission that has an input member operatively connectable to an engine crankshaft, at least one motor/generator, a gearing arrangement, and an output member operatively connectable to both the input member and said at least one motor/generator. An input brake has a first and a second brake shoe, a selectively energizable solenoid, and a mechanical biasing mechanism. The solenoid is operatively connected to the brake shoes via the mechanical biasing mechanism so that both brake shoes are operatively connected with the input member when the solenoid is energized. When the solenoid is deenergized, the first brake shoe remains operatively connected with and resists rotation of the input member when clockwise torque is applied to the input member and the second brake shoe remains operatively connected with and resists rotation of the input member when counterclockwise torque is applied to the input member. | 01-23-2014 |
20140335995 | HYBRID POWERTRAIN AND MODULAR REAR DRIVE UNIT FOR SAME - A powertrain includes an engine that has a crankshaft. A first motor-generator is drivingly connected to the crankshaft via an endless rotatable device. The powertrain includes a transmission that has a transmission input member driven by the crankshaft and a transmission output member. A front differential is operatively connected with front half shafts. A transfer case has a gearing arrangement configured to distribute torque of the transmission output member to the front differential and to a driveshaft. A rear differential is operatively connectable with the driveshaft, and is configured to transfer torque from the driveshaft to rear half shafts. A second motor-generator is drivingly connected to the rear differential. A controller is operatively connected to the second motor-generator, and controls the second motor-generator to function as a motor that provides torque to the rear wheels through the rear differential. A modular rear drive unit operatively connects to the vehicle body. | 11-13-2014 |