Abstract: A method of shifting a vehicle transmission including a first clutching device and a second clutching device is described. At least a portion of the first clutching device is coupled with or configured to be coupled with at least a portion of the second clutching device. The method may include the steps of engaging the second clutching device, where engaging the second clutching device includes controlling a state of the second clutching device by changing a state of the first clutching device. A transmission controller and a vehicle driveline are also described.

Abstract: A method of shifting a vehicle transmission including a first clutching device and a second clutching device is described. At least a portion of the first clutching device is coupled with or configured to be coupled with at least a portion of the second clutching device. The method may include the steps of engaging the second clutching device, where engaging the second clutching device includes controlling a state of the second clutching device by changing a state of the first clutching device. A transmission controller and a vehicle driveline are also described.

Abstract: A method of controlling an all-wheel-drive system connect event including providing a power transmission apparatus having a clutch, a propeller shaft, and a rear drive unit with a clutch pack assembly. The rear drive unit clutch pack is actuated by creating a model of the propeller shaft rotational speed, adapting the model parameters to compensate for temperature and vehicle wheel speed, storing the model, adapting the model utilizing information collected during a previous all-wheel-drive system connect event, and developing a set point for the clutch driving element utilizing the model and a multi-loop control architecture. The power transmission apparatus clutch is then engaged.

Abstract: The inventors' findings relate to a transmission for vehicles, comprising an input side configured for being coupled to a prime mover and an output side configured for being coupled to a driven element wherein the transmission comprises an electromagnetic torque converter (EMTC), wherein the EMTC has at least two output paths, namely the first output path coupled to a gear box which is preferably configured for being coupled to a drive shaft of the vehicle, and a second output path which is configured to be coupled to an auxiliary power provider. The inventors' findings also relate to a vehicle driveline comprising said transmission. Furthermore, the inventors' findings also relate to a vehicle comprising said vehicle driveline.

Abstract: A method for minimizing a fuel consumption rate of a vehicle and a method for tracking an optimal state of charge function for a hydrostatic accumulator are provided. The first method includes the steps of providing a motor and pump, determining an efficiency of the motor and pump using an efficiency map, providing a power source, and controlling the motor independent from the pump with a controller. The controller employs the efficiency of the motor and the pump to minimize the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle. The second method includes the steps of determining the optimal state of charge control function, calculating an optimal state of charge of the hydrostatic accumulator, determining a state of charge error, calculating a corrective value, and adjusting a state of a charge based on the corrective value and the state of charge error by adjusting the charge of the hydrostatic accumulator.

Abstract: A controller for a vehicle system and a method for updating a plurality of control settings and system parameters for a controller for a vehicle system are provided. The controller comprises a control unit portion, a prognostic module, a diagnostic module, and a telematics interface. The control unit portion is in communication with the vehicle system to initiate a vehicle system procedure. The prognostic module is in two way communication with the control unit portion. The diagnostic module is in communication with the prognostic module and is in two way communication with the control unit portion. The telematics interface is in two way communication with the control unit portion. A plurality of control settings and system parameters are sent to one of the diagnostic module and the prognostic module to be compared with previously stored data stored in one of the diagnostic module and the prognostic module.

Abstract: A method to estimate an amount of force in a clutch pack of a clutch actuation system. The method includes engaging an actuation motor to apply a set point force to the clutch pack and monitoring a position of the actuation motor when the set point force is applied. Additionally, the method includes determining one or more clutch clamping curves and one or more clutch releasing curves based on a relationship between the position of the actuation motor and an amount of torque applied by the actuation motor at position of the actuation motor. The method further includes modeling one or more frictional characteristics of the clutch actuation system and estimating an amount of clamping and releasing force within the clutch pack by using a control unit. The amount of torque applied to the clutch pack between the clutch clamping and releasing curves at the set point force is maintained.

Abstract: This invention relates to controlling the speed ratio of a Continuous Variable Transmission with a hydraulic method. The Ball Planetary CVT design is adapted with a mechanical and hydraulic addition. The carrier of the ball-type variator is supported by hydraulic actuators. The result is that the speed ratio is controlled by both a set speed ratio and the torque flowing through the CVT. Subsequently, torque peaks are avoided and controllability of the CVT is increased.

Abstract: A method of controlling an all-wheel-drive system connect event including providing a power transmission apparatus having a clutch, a propeller shaft, and a rear drive unit with a clutch pack assembly. The rear drive unit clutch pack is actuated by creating a model of the propeller shaft rotational speed, adapting the model parameters to compensate for temperature and vehicle wheel speed, storing the model, adapting the model utilizing information collected during a previous all-wheel-drive system connect event, and developing a set point for the clutch driving element utilizing the model and a multi-loop control architecture. The power transmission apparatus clutch is then engaged.

Abstract: A method to estimate an amount of force in a clutch pack of a clutch actuation system. The method includes engaging an actuation motor to apply a set point force to the clutch pack and monitoring a position of the actuation motor when the set point force is applied. Additionally, the method includes determining one or more clutch clamping curves and one or more clutch releasing curves based on a relationship between the position of the actuation motor and an amount of torque applied by the actuation motor at position of the actuation motor. The method further includes modeling one or more frictional characteristics of the clutch actuation system and estimating an amount of clamping and releasing force within the clutch pack by using a control unit. The amount of torque applied to the clutch pack between the clutch clamping and releasing curves at the set point force is maintained.

Abstract: A method for minimizing a fuel consumption rate of a vehicle and a method for tracking an optimal state of charge function for a hydrostatic accumulator are provided. The first method includes the steps of providing a motor and pump, determining an efficiency of the motor and pump using an efficiency map, providing a power source, and controlling the motor independent from the pump with a controller. The controller employs the efficiency of the motor and the pump to minimize the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle. The second method includes the steps of determining the optimal state of charge control function, calculating an optimal state of charge of the hydrostatic accumulator, determining a state of charge error, calculating a corrective value, and adjusting a state of a charge based on the corrective value and the state of charge error by adjusting the charge of the hydrostatic accumulator.

Abstract: The inventors' findings relate to a transmission for vehicles, comprising an input side configured for being coupled to a prime mover and an output side configured for being coupled to a driven element wherein the transmission comprises an electromagnetic torque converter (EMTC), wherein the EMTC has at least two output paths, namely the first output path coupled to a gear box which is preferably configured for being coupled to a drive shaft of the vehicle, and a second output path which is configured to be coupled to an auxiliary power provider. The inventors' findings also relate to a vehicle driveline comprising said transmission. Furthermore, the inventors' findings also relate to a vehicle comprising said vehicle driveline.

Abstract: A controller for a vehicle system and a method for updating a plurality of control settings and system parameters for a controller for a vehicle system are provided. The controller comprises a control unit portion, a prognostic module, a diagnostic module, and a telematics interface. The control unit portion is in communication with the vehicle system to initiate a vehicle system procedure. The prognostic module is in two way communication with the control unit portion. The diagnostic module is in communication with the prognostic module and is in two way communication with the control unit portion. The telematics interface is in two way communication with the control unit portion. A plurality of control settings and system parameters are sent to one of the diagnostic module and the prognostic module to be compared with previously stored data stored in one of the diagnostic module and the prognostic module.