Abstract: A method for controlling slip across a torque limiting clutch includes determining a driveline slip threshold. A cut-off temperature is determined based on at least one of a clutch temperature, a steering wheel input and a vehicle speed. A driveline slip is determined. At least of a spark retardation and a throttle cut-off is initiated when the clutch temperature is greater than the cut-off temperature and the driveline slip is greater than the driveline slip threshold.

Abstract: A method controls a powertrain that directs power from an engine and a transmission to all four wheels or to just front wheels or to just rear wheels. The method includes monitoring information transmitted over a communications network. The method determines whether one or more components of the powertrain are in an active condition or in an inactive condition. The one or more components of the powertrain are in the inactive condition when not connected to the transmission and not connected to the front wheels or the rear wheels. The one or more components of the powertrain are in the active condition when connected to the transmission and connected to the front wheels and the rear wheels. The method switches the one or more components of the powertrain between the inactive condition and the active condition based only on the information from the communications network and without intervention from a user.

Abstract: A dual transmission includes a first input shaft, a second input shaft, a first input clutch adapted to drivingly couple a power source to the first input shaft and a second input clutch adapted to drivingly couple the power source to the second input shaft. First, third and fifth drive gears are driven by the first input shaft. Second, fourth and sixth drive gears are driven by the second input shaft. First, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth driven gears selectively drive a countershaft. The first through sixth drive gears are in meshed engagement with the corresponding first through sixth driven gears. First through sixth synchronizer clutches are individually associated with the respective first through sixth drive or driven gears to provide first through sixth gear drive ratios to the countershaft. Each synchronizer clutch is selectively actuated by an associated first through sixth electric actuator.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch having first and second outer rings positioned on opposite sides of a center ring having conically shaped friction surfaces. The outer rings each include a plurality of conically shaped friction surfaces selectively engageable with the center ring friction surfaces. A clutch actuator includes a roller clutch having a first set of cam surfaces adapted to be fixed for rotation with a rotary input member, a slipper having a second set of cam surfaces, a plurality of rollers positioned between opposing pairs of the cam surfaces, a first wedge slide and a second wedge slide. Each wedge slide is radially outwardly moveable by radial expansion of the slipper and includes a tapered surface for driving one of the first and second outer rings into engagement with the center ring to transfer torque between the input and output members.

Abstract: A transaxle transfers torque to first and second axle shafts. The transaxle includes a main shaft, a planetary gearset, a first clutch transferring torque between the main shaft and a first member of the planetary gearset and a second clutch transferring torque between the main shaft and a second member of the planetary gearset. An input shaft is fixed for rotation with the first member of the planetary gearset. A countershaft is selectively driven by first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets associated with the input shaft. A final drive unit provides multiplied torque to a differential assembly adapted to drive the first and second axle shafts. Actuation of the first and second clutches selectively provides first through eighth discrete forward drive ratios such that each of the first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets transfers torque during provision of two of the first through eighth forward drive ratios.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes a first power transmission module driven by an input shaft. A second power transmission module is driven by the first power transmission module. A third power transmission module is driven by the second power transmission module and drives an output shaft. Each power transmission module includes an actuation mechanism and a planetary gearset. Each actuation mechanism controls the output of its respective planetary gearset to one of a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. One of the actuation mechanisms includes a clutch and a spring biasing a member to rotate and cause a corresponding actuation of the clutch. The clutch causes two members of the respective planetary gearset to rotate at substantially the same speed and provide the first gear ratio. The actuation mechanism selectively restricts the member from rotating and prevent actuation of the clutch to provide the second gear ratio.

Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts. An overdrive unit is driven at an increased speed relative to the input shaft. A clutch is operable in a first position to establish a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft. The clutch is further operable in a second position to establish a drive connection between the overdrive unit and the first output shaft. An actuator is driven by a motor for moving the clutch between its first and second positions. The actuator includes an axially movable fixed disk fixed for rotation with an output member of the overdrive unit. The shift engages an axially movable sleeve of the clutch.

Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a range unit, an interaxle differential, a clutch assembly and a power-operated actuation mechanism. The range unit includes a planetary gearset driven by an input shaft, and a synchronized dog clutch assembly for releasably coupling one of the input shaft or an output component of the planetary gearset to an input member of the interaxle differential. The interaxle differential further includes a first output member driving a first output shaft, a second output member operably driving a second output shaft. The clutch assembly is a multi-plate friction clutch operably disposed between the first and second output shafts. The power-operated actuation mechanism includes a range actuator assembly, a clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control coordinated actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.

Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A power transmission device for a motor vehicle includes a clutch for transferring torque between first and second shafts. A clutch actuation system includes a drive member and a cam member in cooperation with one another. The drive member is driven by an electric motor and includes first and second rollers rotatably mounted thereon. The cam member includes first and second circumferentially extending channels, each having a continually reducing radius. The first and second channels are separate from and overlap one another. The first roller is positioned within the first channel to engage the drive member and the cam member. The second roller is positioned within the second channel to engage the drive member and the cam member such that relative rotation between the drive member and the cam member translates the cam member along an axis of relative rotation to vary the force applied to the clutch.

Abstract: A power transfer assembly for use in a motor vehicle and having a hydraulic coupling operable to transfer drive torque to a driveline in response to slip. The hydraulic coupling includes a transfer clutch, a clutch operator for engaging the transfer clutch, a fluid actuation system including a fluid pump for controlling movement of the clutch operator, and a magnetorheological pump clutch capable of selectively shifting the fluid pump between operative and inoperative states.

Abstract: A pump system that pressurizes a fluid includes a shaft, a first rotor and a second rotor that is selectively driven by the shaft. Relative rotation between the first rotor and the second rotor generates variable sized pockets therebetween to pressurize the fluid. A clutch regulates a degree of coupling of the rotor to the shaft between a decoupled state and a coupled state to regulate the relative rotation between the first and second rotors.

Abstract: A transfer case for a motor vehicle having an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a clutch, a transfer mechanism, a sensor portion and a magnetoelastic torque sensor. The clutch has a clutch pack and a thrust mechanism that is configured to exert an engagement force on the clutch pack. The clutch pack has a first portion, which is rotatably driven by either or both of the input shaft and the first output shaft, and a second portion that is supported for rotation relative to the first portion. The transfer mechanism couples the second portion of the clutch pack to the second output shaft. The sensor portion is coupled to the first or second output shaft and is at least partially formed of a magnetoelastic material. The magnetoelastic torque sensor is disposed about and radially in-line with the sensor portion.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and one of the first and second axleshafts, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable to decrease the rotary speed of the second axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding increase in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.

Abstract: A trailer includes a pair of wheels rotatably coupled to a trailer frame. A motor is operable to provide drive torque to at least one of the wheels. The energy storage device is mounted to the frame and operable to selectively provide energy to the motor. A load sensor is operable to output a signal indicative of the magnitude of a load being transferred between the trailer and a tow vehicle. A controller is operable to generate control signals in response to the sensor signal. The control signals control operation of the motor.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a power-operated face gear clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline component that includes an input member, at least one output member and a preloaded clutch that is disposed between the input member and the at least one output member. The preloaded clutch limits drive torque transmitted form the input member to each output member. The driveline component is selected from a group consisting of transfer cases, propshafts, viscous couplings and differentials. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A torque transfer coupling includes first and second rotary members. A transfer clutch operatively connects the first and second rotary members. A piston, disposed in a piston chamber, is actuable to engage the transfer clutch. A hydraulic pump in fluid communication with a sump containing hydraulic fluid has a first pump member fixed for rotation with the first rotary member and a second pump member fixed for rotation with the second rotary member such that relative rotation between the first and the second pump members generates a fluid pumping action. A first flow path supplies hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the piston chamber. A second flow path supplies hydraulic fluid from the piston chamber to a control valve for regulating the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the piston chamber. The second flow path includes an aperture extending through the second pump member.

Abstract: A pump system that pressurizes a fluid includes a shaft, a first rotor and a second rotor that is selectively driven by the shaft. Relative rotation between the first rotor and the second rotor generates variable sized pockets therebetween to pressurize the fluid. A clutch regulates a degree of coupling of the rotor to the shaft between a decoupled state and a coupled state to regulate the relative rotation between the first and second rotors.

Abstract: An automated dual-clutch multi-speed transmission is adapted to transfer power from an engine to the driveline of a motor vehicle. The transmission includes an output shaft adapted for connection to the driveline, an input shaft continuously driven by the engine and offset from a position substantially parallel to the output shaft. A countershaft is in constant driving engagement with the output shaft and is offset from and positioned substantially parallel to the input and output shafts. A first clutch is operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and a first driven shaft. A second clutch is operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and a second driven shaft. First and second gearset clutches are operable to releasably drivingly couple first and second gearsets to the countershaft.