Abstract: A hydraulic control system and method for controlling a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices and logic valve assemblies in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.

Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid having an inlet port and an outlet port. A bypass valve includes an inlet port in communication with the outlet port of the pump, a first outlet port in communication with the inlet port of the pump, and a second outlet port. The inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the second outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a first position and the inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the first outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a second position. A control device and accumulator are operatively associated with the bypass valve.

Abstract: A multiplexed electromechanical shift mechanism includes a single linear actuator with multiple independently selectable linkages actuating a clutch and multiple gears for use in motor vehicle transmissions such as a dual clutch transmission. The linear actuator may be a ball screw, a planetary roller screw or hydraulic or pneumatic operator capable of controlling bi-directional linear motion of an output member. A plurality of linear clutches selectively couple the output member to one of a plurality of linkages adapted to transfer the bi-directional motion of the output member. One of the linkages is coupled to and engages an input (main) clutch of the transmission and the remaining linkages are coupled to and bi-directionally translate shift forks and synchronizer clutches which achieve gear selection and engagement.

Abstract: A method of detecting filling of a hydraulic cylinder and incipient full engagement of a hydraulically operated clutch of a vehicular transmission utilizes a pressure sensor disposed in a hydraulic line to the clutch cylinder which provides a signal that the hydraulic pressure has dropped as the clutch cylinder begins to fill and also that the pressure has returned to a substantially normal level. The pressure sensor may be a continuously variable output device such as an analog sensor, pulse width modulation (PWM) sensor, a similar device or, less desirably, a two state sensor. An iterative algorithm utilizes data from the sensor and a timer to determine when clutch fill is complete.

Abstract: A multiplexing valve assembly includes a valve slidably disposed within a valve body, hydraulic module, or packaged in a stand alone solenoid cartridge. A plurality of fluid passages communicate with the multiplexing valve assembly. The valve includes a plurality of lands. Radial fluid passages disposed in the lands and a longitudinal fluid passage disposed in the valve allow hydraulic fluid within the fluid passages to be selectively exhausted via a single exhaust port. Movement of the valve within the valve body directs hydraulic fluid from one or more input fluid passages to a plurality of outlet fluid passages. The valve is actuated directly by an armature in the solenoid directly acting on the valve or through hydraulic fluid controlled by a solenoid.

Abstract: A solenoid pump and associated hydraulic circuitry are intended for use in automatic transmissions capable of engine start stop (ESS) operation. In a first embodiment, a solenoid pump provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to respective inputs of two way check valves. The other inputs are provided with controlled hydraulic fluid from a transmission valve body. The outputs of the check valves are provided to those hydraulically operated torque transmitting devices associated with first gear. The solenoid pump is activated when the transmission is in gear and the engine is stopped to maintain hydraulic pressure in those actuators associated with first gear. A second embodiment provides hydraulic fluid to actuators associated with reverse. A third embodiment includes a solenoid pump and latching solenoid valve both communicating with a hydraulic supply In a fourth embodiment, a solenoid pump provides hydraulic fluid to the exhaust backfill circuits of hydraulic operators in an automatic transmission.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.

Abstract: A synchronizer actuation assembly for actuating at least one synchronizer member includes a barrel cam, at least one shift fork, a hydraulic piston assembly, and a motion converter. The barrel cam includes at least one cam groove that circumscribes the barrel cam and defines at least a neutral position and a first engaged position. The at least one shift fork has a first end portion disposed in the at least one cam groove and a second forked end portion. The hydraulic piston assembly includes a housing and a piston disposed in the housing. The motion converter includes a translatable input member engaged with the piston of the hydraulic piston assembly, a rotatable output member rotatably coupled with the barrel cam, and a direction selection mechanism. The translatable input member is selectively rotatably coupled with the rotatable output member in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices and logic valve assemblies in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices and logic valve assemblies in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of solenoids and valves in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.

Abstract: A device or actuator includes a first component made of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) that applies force to a second component of the device to provide a controllable actuator. The SMA component is selectively energized by using active electric current through it.

Abstract: A transmission includes a housing, an input member connectable to an engine output member, a sleeve member, and a launch clutch assembly connected to the input member and to the sleeve member, wherein the launch clutch is selectively engageable to transmit torque from the input member to the sleeve member. A first countershaft is rotatably supported within the transmission housing. A second countershaft is rotatably supported within the transmission housing. A plurality of co-planar gear sets are connected to the input member, sleeve member, and the countershafts. A plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms are provided for coupling various components of the co-planar gear sets to the input member, sleeve member, and countershafts. The selective engagement of the launch clutch assembly and the torque transmitting mechanisms establishes at least one of five forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A piston actuator assembly having includes a piston liner slidably disposed within a housing. A piston is slidably disposed within the piston liner and partially slidably disposed in the valve body. A plurality of pressurized fluid passages communicate with the piston actuator assembly and provide a first flow of hydraulic fluid and a second flow of hydraulic fluid. A plurality of seals maintains separate fluid pressure chambers selectively pressurized to achieve a plurality of actuator positions. A plurality of exhaust passages communicate with the piston actuator assembly providing pressure relief to allow for predictive movement of the piston and piston liner.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes a transmission control module having a processor configured to determine an output torque command and having a pulse width modulation (PWM) switch configured to generate a PWM signal at least partially representative of the output torque command. A network is in communication with the transmission control module and is configured to receive and transmit the PWM signal. A driver is integrated with the electromagnetic actuator and is in communication with the network. The driver is configured to receive the PWM signal and convert the PWM signal into a drive current that enables the electromagnetic actuator to fulfill the output torque command.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, first and second actuator control devices in downstream fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, and first and second clutch control devices in downstream fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A first valve is in downstream fluid communication with the first and second actuator control devices. A second valve is in downstream fluid communication with the first valve, the first clutch control device and the second clutch control device, and the second valve is moveable between two positions by the first and second clutch control devices. Selective activation of combinations of the control devices allows for a pressurized fluid to engage the dual clutch and an actuator in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.

Abstract: Pairs of variable feed solenoid valves provide fluid to a pair of input clutch actuators and a pair of inlet ports of a first or logic valve. The position of the first logic valve spool is controlled by a solenoid valve. A first pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide fluid to a first piston which selects two speed ratios. A second pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide fluid to a pair of inlet ports of a second logic valve. The position of the second logic valve spool is controlled by fluid from the input clutch circuits. A first pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a second piston which selects two other speed ratios and a second pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a third piston which selects two additional speed ratios.

Abstract: Hydraulic control systems for a dual clutch transmission include a regulated source of pressurized hydraulic fluid including an electric pump, a filter and an accumulator, a pair of pressure control valves and a branching hydraulic circuit including pressure or flow control valves, spool or logic valves and two position valves which collectively supply and exhaust hydraulic fluid from a plurality of shift actuators. The actuators are connected to shift rails which include shift forks and are slidable to engage synchronizers and positive clutches associated with the various gear ratios.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a control system for controlling a clutch of the transmission. The control system includes a first variable flow solenoid and a second variable flow solenoid, each in selective fluid communication with the clutch. The first variable force solenoid provides hydraulic fluid within a first pressure range of 0 and 1,000 kPa. The second variable force solenoid provides hydraulic fluid within a second pressure range of 0 and 2,000 kPa. A transmission controller sends an electrical signal having a current between the range of 0 and 1 amp to one of the first and second variable flow solenoids. The pressure output of each of the first and second variable force solenoids is a function of, within their respective first and second pressure ranges, the amplitude of the current of the electrical signal to provide two distinct power gains to the single clutch.

Abstract: Pairs of variable feed solenoid valves provide fluid to a pair of input clutch actuators and a pair of inlet ports of a first logic valve. The position of the first logic valve spool is controlled by a solenoid valve. A first pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide hydraulic to a first piston which selects two speed ratio. A second pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide fluid to a pair of inlet ports of a second logic valve. The position of the second logic valve spool is controlled by fluid from the input clutch circuits. A first pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a second piston which selects two other speed ratios and a second pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a third piston which selects two additional speed ratios.