Abstract: Presented are dual-clutch engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such disconnect devices, and motor vehicles equipped with such disconnect devices. An engine disconnect device for a vehicle includes a first one-way clutch (OWC) with concentric inner and outer races and torque elements interposed between and transferring torque across these races in a first direction. The first outer race rigidly attaches to a damper plate for common rotation therewith, and the first inner race rigidly attaches to a pump cover of a torque converter for common rotation therewith. A second OWC, which concentrically aligns within the first OWC, includes concentric inner and outer races with torque elements interposed between and transferring torque across these races in a second direction. The second outer race is splined to the first inner race for common rotation with the pump cover. The second inner race rigidly attaches to the damper plate for common rotation therewith.

Abstract: Presented are clutch-type engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such disconnect devices, and motor vehicles equipped with such disconnect devices. An engine disconnect device includes a notch plate, which has multiple notches and attaches to a torque converter, and a pocket plate, which has multiple pockets and attaches to an engine's crankshaft. A pawl is movably mounted within each notch; these pawls selectively engage the notches with the pockets. A notch plate insert is nested within each notch, supporting thereon one of the pawls. A selector plate interposed between the pocket and notch plates moves from a first position, to shift the pawls out of engagement with the pockets, and a second position, to move the notch plate inserts within the notches and allow the pawls to engage the notches with the pockets to thereby lock the notch plate to the pocket plate to rotate in unison with each other.

Abstract: Presented are wedge-type engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such disconnect devices, and motor vehicles equipped with such disconnect devices. An engine disconnect device includes an outer race that attaches to a torque converter's pump cover. The outer race's inner diameter (ID) surface has circumferentially spaced grooves. An inner race is concentrically aligned within the outer race and attaches to an engine's output shaft. The inner race's outer diameter (OD) surface has circumferentially spaced pockets. A wedge plate interposed between the inner and outer races has multiple circumferentially spaced ramps. Each ramp slidably mounts within one groove and one pocket. The wedge plate moves between an engaged position, whereat the ramps wedge between the ID and OD surfaces to thereby transfer torque between the inner and outer races, and a disengaged position, whereat the ramps unwedge to thereby free the inner race to rotate with respect to the outer race.

Abstract: A system for controlling flow of transmission fluid in a vehicle may include a first pump, a second pump, a first check valve, a second check valve, and a fluid line. The first pump may include a first intake in fluid communication with a transmission discharge and a first discharge in fluid communication with a transmission intake. The second pump may include a second intake and a second discharge. The first check valve may include a first input in fluid communication with the second discharge and a first output in fluid communication with the transmission intake. The second check valve may include a second input in fluid communication with the transmission discharge and a second output in fluid communication with the second intake. The fluid line may include a first end in fluid communication with the second discharge and a second end in fluid communication with the second input.

Abstract: The continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly includes a CVT including a drive pulley, a driven pulley, and an endless rotatable device coupled between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the drive pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an angle sensor coupled to the endless rotatable device such that the angle sensor is configured to measure an angular position of the endless rotatable device. The CVT assembly also includes a controller in communication with the actuator and the angle sensor. The controller is programmed to: (a) determine a speed ratio of the CVT based on the angular position of the endless rotatable device; and (b) control the actuator to adjust the clamping force exerted on the drive pulley in response to determining the speed ratio of the CVT.

Abstract: A powertrain coupling includes a flexplate configured to be connected to an engine output, a torque converter configured to be connected to a transmission input, and at least one friction clutch disposed between the flexplate and the torque converter and configured for actuation by movement of the torque converter. A powertrain one-way clutch includes engagement elements movably coupled between input and output elements, and at least one friction clutch carried between the input and output elements. A torque converter includes a rear cover, a front cover coupled to the rear cover, and including a frontward facing clutch surface, and a one-way clutch integrated into the front cover and including a one-way clutch plate integrated into the frontward facing clutch surface of the front cover.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes an input member to receive an input torque from a propulsion source, and an output member coupled to the input member to transfer the input torque to a driveline component. A multi-component damping mechanism is disposed between the input member and the output member which includes a first spring element cooperating with a second spring element to couple the input member to the output member. The first spring element defines a greater stiffness and shorter deflection relative to the second spring element.

Abstract: The continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly includes a CVT including a drive pulley, a driven pulley, and an endless rotatable device coupled between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the drive pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an angle sensor coupled to the endless rotatable device such that the angle sensor is configured to measure an angular position of the endless rotatable device. The CVT assembly also includes a controller in communication with the actuator and the angle sensor. The controller is programmed to: (a) determine a speed ratio of the CVT based on the angular position of the endless rotatable device; and (b) control the actuator to adjust the clamping force exerted on the drive pulley in response to determining the speed ratio of the CVT.

Abstract: A transmission includes a housing, and a transmission input member. A torque converter includes a pump and a turbine. The turbine of the torque converter is connected to the transmission input member. A lock-up clutch selectively connects the pump and the turbine. A cover is connected to and rotatable with the pump. The cover at least partially defines an interior of the torque converter. A torque converter input member passes through the cover. A one way clutch interconnects the torque converter input member and the cover. An engine brake friction clutch is disposed within the interior of the torque converter. The engine brake friction clutch selectively interconnects the torque converter input member and the cover in torque communication to transfer a braking torque therebetween.

Abstract: A transmission includes a housing, and a transmission input member. A torque converter includes a pump and a turbine. The turbine of the torque converter is connected to the transmission input member. A lock-up clutch selectively connects the pump and the turbine. A cover is connected to and rotatable with the pump. The cover at least partially defines an interior of the torque converter. A torque converter input member passes through the cover. A one way clutch interconnects the torque converter input member and the cover. An engine brake friction clutch is disposed within the interior of the torque converter. The engine brake friction clutch selectively interconnects the torque converter input member and the cover in torque communication to transfer a braking torque therebetween.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes an input member to receive an input torque from a propulsion source, and an output member coupled to the input member to transfer the input torque to a driveline component. A multi-component damping mechanism is disposed between the input member and the output member which includes a first spring element cooperating with a second spring element to couple the input member to the output member. The first spring element defines a greater stiffness and shorter deflection relative to the second spring element.