Abstract: An apparatus for transferring torque from a crankshaft to a dual input transmission includes: a flywheel connected at one end to the crankshaft and at the opposite end to a torque transmitting device or dual clutch. The flywheel has a first coupling member that is configured to engage a second coupling member attached to a center plate of the dual clutch. The first coupling member is fixedly secured to the second coupling member by a fastening means. A dual clutch actuation device generates the axial compression force required to compress a first and second set of frictional elements of a dual clutch.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, coupling members, and torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish at least eleven forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. A clutch assembly for use in an automatic transmission is provided that includes an apply piston and a stationary fluid supply member. The apply piston is configured to rotate during at least one gear speed of the automatic transmission. The stationary fluid supply member has portions forming a channel in the stationary fluid supply member and defining an outlet end of the channel. The stationary fluid supply member is configured to supply fluid to the apply piston through the outlet end of the channel.

Abstract: A multiple shift fork, single shift rail assembly reduces weight and complexity in manual and dual clutch transmissions. In a first embodiment, a stationary shift rail includes pluralities of detenting recesses and cooperating detent assemblies are mounted on the shift forks. Associated actuators translate the shift forks and synchronizer clutches. In a second embodiment, the detenting recesses reside on the outside surface of the shift forks and the detent assemblies are mounted in the transmission housing. In a third embodiment, one shift fork is slidably mounted on the shift rail and includes an external detent assembly. The shift rail itself translates and includes detenting recesses and a second shift fork connected thereto.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a four coupling members and a six torque-transmitting mechanisms. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. An electromechanical rotating clutch assembly is provided that includes a rotor, an armature, and an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is operable to selectively engage the rotor with the armature.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. At least one of the torque transmitting mechanisms includes a backing plate having an annular outlet for distributing cooling fluid.

Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly for selectively transmitting torque between a first member and a second member includes a plate clutch interconnected between the first member and the second member, the plate clutch having a maximum torque capacity limited to enabling full throttle single-transition up-shifts in the transmission when the plate clutch is fully engaged. A dog clutch is connected to the first member and selectively connected to the second member. The dog clutch is in frictional engagement with the plate clutch when the plate clutch is engaged, and the dog clutch is connected to the second member prior to the transmitted torque exceeding the maximum torque capacity of the plate clutch.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a gearbox with a forward mode and a reverse mode. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear members and further includes at least two torque transmitting devices such as, a clutch and a brake that are selectively employed to engage various combinations of the gear members such that a particular combination is associated with one of the forward mode and the reverse mode.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. One of the torque transmitting devices includes a friction clutch disposed in parallel with a binary clutch.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine, electric motor, disconnect clutch and a transmission. The transmission has an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio. The electric motor is connected to the input of the transmission and the engine is selectively connected to the input member through the disconnect clutch. A controller is configured to control the operation of the powertrain.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. One of the torque transmitting devices includes a friction clutch and a binary clutch which have a spring-ball structure disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A transmission with an integrated electric motor includes an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A centrifugally balanced hydraulic clutch assembly includes a hydraulic chamber configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and a clutch piston that is partially situated within the hydraulic chamber and defines both an apply volume and a release volume. The clutch piston includes an inner surface and an outer surface, where a portion of the outer surface faces the apply volume and defines an apply area, and a portion of the inner surface faces the release volume and defines a release area. Additionally each portion of the apply area is provided at a respective distance from the axis of rotation, and, for each portion of the apply area, there is a corresponding portion of the release area provided at the same radial distance.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The transmission input member is connected to a dry launch clutch. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are for example clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A dual clutch actuation assembly includes a housing, an annular central piston, a plurality of satellite pistons, and an annular apply member. The housing includes an inner cylindrical wall, an outer cylindrical wall, and a plurality of satellite cylindrical walls. The inner and outer walls define an inner piston annulus and the satellite walls define a plurality of satellite piston bores. Each of the satellite walls is disposed at least partially radially outward of the outer wall. The central piston is disposed in the inner piston annulus and is in sliding engagement with the inner and outer walls of the housing. The satellite pistons are disposed in the satellite piston bores and are in sliding engagement with the satellite walls of the housing. The apply member is axially engaged with each of the satellite pistons and includes an annular plate portion disposed radially outward of the outer cylindrical wall of the housing.

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 powertrain for a vehicle is provided having an engine, a transmission, a torque transfer mechanism, a hydraulic fluid circuit, and a transmission control module. The torque transfer mechanism includes a hydraulic fluid pump and is drivingly connected to an output member of the engine and an output member of the torque transfer mechanism is drivingly connected to the input member of the transmission. The hydraulic fluid circuit has a hydraulic valve in communication with the first fluid port of the hydraulic fluid pump. The transmission control module include a control logic for operating the powertrain during a vehicle launch event.

Abstract: A selectable overrunning clutch and breakaway, i.e., energy absorbing, cone clutch is disposed in series between two elements of a planetary gear automatic transmission. An annular piston is received within a complementary cylinder and includes a male cone clutch member that mates with a stationary female cone clutch member. Also carried by the annular piston is an annular drive ring which engages a planetary gear assembly element such as a ring gear. Disposed between the drive ring and the piston is a selection ring having a plurality of circumferential apertures or ports that receive a like plurality of struts. The face of the annular piston includes pockets or recesses that receive the struts and the face of the drive ring includes notches or surfaces against which the struts engage.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system in a vehicle includes a prime mover, a starting device connected to the prime mover, and a transmission having a transmission input shaft connected to the starting device. A pump/motor is functionally interconnected between the starting device and the transmission. A first accumulator is in fluid communication with the motor/pump for storing a hydraulic fluid under pressure and a second accumulator is in fluid communication with the pump/motor for storing hydraulic fluid discharged from the first accumulator. Discharge of the first accumulator drives the pump/motor to provide a drive torque to the transmission input shaft and to provide a drive torque to the prime mover for starting the prime mover.

Abstract: A torque sensor system for a transmission and other powertrain components in a motor vehicle includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is operable to induce and detect a signal from the transmitter that is indicative of a torque load on the transmitter. The receiver is cylindrical and has an outer surface with a maximum, constant diameter. The outer surface defines one or more fluid transfer grooves and a docking port for an electrical connection. The fluid transfer groove and the docking port do not extend beyond the maximum outer diameter of the outer surface. Therefore, the receiver is capable of being press-fit within a component and is capable of routing fluid flow.