Abstract: Presented are torque converters with integrated engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such torque converters, and electric-drive vehicles equipped with such torque converters. A torque converter (TC) assembly includes a TC housing that drivingly connects to an engine output member. A TC output member projects from the TC housing and drivingly connects to a transmission input member. A turbine with a bladed turbine shell is mounted on the TC output member and rotatable within the TC's internal fluid chamber. An impeller with a bladed impeller shell is juxtaposed with the turbine and rotatable within the fluid chamber. An engine disconnect device, which is disposed within the fluid chamber between the impeller shell and TC housing, drivingly couples the impeller to and, when desired, drivingly decouples the impeller from the TC housing and engine output member to thereby transfer torque and prevent torque transfer, respectively, between the engine and transmission.

Abstract: A method of shifting a transmission having a lever configuration including input and output nodes, a first node configured for engagement with a first clutch in a first gear state, and a second node configured for engagement with a second clutch in a second gear state. The transmission is capable of clutch-to-clutch shifting from the first to the second gear state without engagement of a third clutch, the third clutch being capable of connecting two of the nodes during a transition from the first to the second gear state so as to urge the first node from a first lever position to a second lever position. In the first gear state, the first clutch is engaged. During a torque phase, disengagement of the first clutch and engagement of the second clutch are initiated, and during an inertia phase, the third clutch is engaged to connect the two nodes.

Abstract: A method of shifting a transmission having a lever configuration including input and output nodes, a first node configured for engagement with a first clutch in a first gear state, and a second node configured for engagement with a second clutch in a second gear state. The transmission is capable of clutch-to-clutch shifting from the first to the second gear state without engagement of a third clutch, the third clutch being capable of connecting two of the nodes during a transition from the first to the second gear state so as to urge the first node from a first lever position to a second lever position. In the first gear state, the first clutch is engaged. During a torque phase, disengagement of the first clutch and engagement of the second clutch are initiated, and during an inertia phase, the third clutch is engaged to connect the two nodes.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an electric machine, a torque converter, a transmission, a hydraulic pump, and a controller, and it is arranged to transfer mechanical power to a driveline. The torque converter includes a clutch, a pump, and a turbine, and the electric machine is rotatably coupled to the hydraulic pump and to the torque converter pump. The hydraulic pump is fluidly connected to the transmission, and the controller is operably connected to the electric machine and the torque converter clutch. The controller is executable to determine an operator command, and control the electric machine to spin the hydraulic pump in a speed control mode and control the torque converter clutch in an open state. Upon achieving a desired minimum pump speed, the torque converter clutch is applied in a slip state and the electric machine is controlled in response to the operator command.

Abstract: Provided is a multifunctional structure for electrical energy and mechanical environment management, which comprises a main structure module, four rechargeable/dischargeable power source modules (PSMs), a vibration reduction system and a sensor module. The main structure module includes a framework, an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate. Elastic blocks are arranged between the periphery of each PSM and walls of the square cavity used for accommodating the PSM. Elastic cushions are arranged between the bottom surface of each PSM and the lower cover plate, and between the top surface of each PSM and the upper cover plate. The multifunctional structure, by means of embedding the PSMs into the interior of the structure, can realize high integration of multiple functions, such as bearing, power supply and vibration reduction, and can greatly improve the load/mass ratio, the load/volume ratio and the function/structure ratio of a system platform.

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: A powertrain system configured to transfer torque to a driveline is described, and includes an internal combustion engine, a torque converter, a transmission, an electric machine, and a controller. The engine is configured to operate in one of an all-cylinder mode and a dynamic deactivation mode to generate an engine torque. The electric machine is configured to generate a motor torque. The motor torque and the engine torque combine to generate an output torque that is transferable to the driveline and is responsive to an output torque request. The controller is in communication with the engine, the torque converter, the transmission, and the electric machine. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to operate the engine in the dynamic deactivation mode to generate engine torque, and operate the electric machine to generate motor torque to supplement the engine torque to generate the output torque.

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 battery pack voltage-switching (“V-switch”) systems, methods for making/operating such systems, and multi-pack, electric-drive motor vehicles with battery pack V-switch capabilities. A method for controlling operation of a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving a voltage switch signal to change a voltage output of the vehicle's battery system. The vehicle controller determines if a speed of a traction motor is less than a calibrated base speed; if so, the controller transmits a pack isolation signal to a power inverter to electrically disconnect the traction battery packs from the traction motor. The vehicle controller determines if a bus current of a DC bus is less than a calibrated bus current threshold; if so, the controller transmits an open signal to open one or more pack contactor switches and a close signal to close one or more pack contactor switches thereby causing the vehicle battery system to output the second voltage.

Abstract: A powertrain system includes a flex plate, a transmission input shaft, a torque coupling, a one-way clutch, and a damper assembly. The flex plate is configured to be connected to a crankshaft of an engine. The torque coupling connects the transmission input shaft to the flex plate while allowing slip between the transmission input shaft and the flex plate. The one-way clutch is configured to couple the flex plate to the torque coupling. The damper assembly couples the flex plate to the one-way clutch and is configured to inhibit vibration transmission from the flex plate to the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a pump and a turbine fluidly connected together. A vehicle includes the assembly operable between an output shaft of an engine and an input member of a transmission. The assembly includes a damper and a clutch operable between the pump and the turbine. The damper is operable upstream from the clutch such that oscillation from the pump is reduced by the damper before oscillation reaches the clutch. The clutch includes first and second plates and a friction plate disposed between the first and second plates. The assembly includes a casing that contains the pump, the turbine, the damper and the clutch. A first part of the casing and the first plate define a first chamber. A first part of the turbine and the second plate define a second chamber. The clutch between the first and second plates defines a third chamber.

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: Operating a subject vehicle equipped with an adaptive cruise control system includes setting initial states for control parameters, including setting a desired vehicle speed and determining a desired following gap range, wherein the desired following gap range is associated with a lead vehicle. Operation is controlled via the adaptive cruise control system based upon the initial states for the control parameters. Operation also includes monitoring for presence of the lead vehicle. Upon detecting presence of the lead vehicle, an actual following gap is determined between the subject vehicle and the lead vehicle, and the initial states of the control parameters associated with the adaptive cruise control system are adjusted based upon the actual following gap between the subject vehicle and the lead vehicle, and the desired following gap range. Operation is controlled via the adaptive cruise control system based upon the adjusted initial states of the control parameters.

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 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: Presented are battery pack voltage-switching (“V-switch”) systems, methods for making/operating such systems, and multi-pack, electric-drive motor vehicles with battery pack V-switch capabilities. A method for controlling operation of a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving a voltage switch signal to change a voltage output of the vehicle's battery system. The vehicle controller determines if a speed of a traction motor is less than a calibrated base speed; if so, the controller transmits a pack isolation signal to a power inverter to electrically disconnect the traction battery packs from the traction motor. The vehicle controller determines if a bus current of a DC bus is less than a calibrated bus current threshold; if so, the controller transmits an open signal to open one or more pack contactor switches and a close signal to close one or more pack contactor switches thereby causing the vehicle battery system to output the second voltage.

Abstract: A solid-state polymer lithium battery pack and a preparation method therefor are provided. The lithium battery pack includes: single batteries (1), connecting sleeve members (2), electric cables (3), a battery box (4) and a pouring sealant, and has functions of power supply, power storage and multiple charging/discharging. The preparation method includes: connecting a plurality of single batteries in series by means of connecting sleeve members (2) to form combined batteries; connecting a plurality of combined batteries in series to form a lithium battery pack; and finally, assembling the lithium battery pack into a battery box (4), filling a pouring sealant inside the battery box by means of a sealant pouring process for fixing the single batteries (1) and internal electric cables (3), and discharging air in the battery box (4), so that a final solid-state polymer lithium battery pack is obtained.

Abstract: Hybrid vehicles and methods of operating the same are disclosed. Example methods may include providing a powertrain for the vehicle, which includes an internal combustion engine configured to provide rotational power to a rotatable input of a transmission by way of a starting device, and an electric motor-generator comprising a rotor configured to selectively provide rotational power to the rotatable input. The method may further include selectively disconnecting the engine from the rotatable input using a disconnect device separate from the starting device, thereby allowing the rotatable input of the transmission to be driven at a speed faster than an output speed of the engine.

Abstract: A method of controlled stopping an internal combustion engine having a stop-start mode and starter assembly includes detecting when the stop-start mode is active. The method also includes monitoring current rotational speed and position of the engine. The method additionally includes determining when the current rotational position is within a predetermined range of a target stop rotational position and the current rotational speed is less than a threshold rotational speed, and afterward energizing the starter assembly to engage the engine. The method also includes establishing a time delay following energizing the starter assembly to confirm engagement of the starter assembly with the engine. Furthermore, the method includes applying a torque by the starter assembly to stop the engine at the target stop position. A vehicle powertrain employing the engine equipped with the stop-start mode, the starter assembly, and an electronic controller configured to execute the method is also provided.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a pump and a turbine fluidly connected together. A vehicle includes the assembly operable between an output shaft of an engine and an input member of a transmission. The assembly includes a damper and a clutch operable between the pump and the turbine. The damper is operable upstream from the clutch such that oscillation from the pump is reduced by the damper before oscillation reaches the clutch. The clutch includes first and second plates and a friction plate disposed between the first and second plates. The assembly includes a casing that contains the pump, the turbine, the damper and the clutch. A first part of the casing and the first plate define a first chamber. A first part of the turbine and the second plate define a second chamber. The clutch between the first and second plates defines a third chamber.