Patents Assigned to Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
  • Control and diagnostic method for a differential system
    Patent number: 11333209
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a differential assembly are provided herein. In one example, a method is provided that includes operating a clutch motor coupled to a differential locking clutch to place the differential locking clutch in a locked configuration. The method further includes, after the differential locking clutch is placed in the locked configuration, reducing electric power delivered to the clutch motor at a first rate and increasing the electric power delivered to the clutch motor when it is determined that clutch disengagement is occurring based on outputs from a motor position sensor or outputs from shaft speed sensors coupled to a pair of shafts coupled to the differential locking clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Perry M. Paielli
  • DRIVE UNIT ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20220136595
    Abstract: A drive unit assembly including a differential assembly. The differential assembly includes a ring gear including an annular flange portion having an inner face and a differential case having an inner face configured to cooperate with the inner face of the annular flange portion of the ring gear. The differential case is configured to receive a spider therein, wherein the spider includes a main body including center bore formed therein, and wherein the center bore is configured to receive at least one output shaft therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Saket V. Kale, Vijay D. Kadam, Rahul S. Shah
  • Method of determining the health of a seal in a tire inflation system
    Patent number: 11298987
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the health of a seal in a tire inflation system are provided. In one example, a method of determining the health of a seal of a tire inflation system on a vehicle includes obtaining one or more pressure measurements of a tire of the vehicle with a pressure transducer in communication with an electronic control unit and sending the one or more pressure measurements to a computer network via a communication network that receives signals from the electronic control unit, the communication network including a telematics device in communication with the computer network, wherein the computer network is configured to determine the health of the seal based on the one or more pressure measurements communicated by the telematics device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Ramakanth Kona, Christopher P. Lewark
  • Differential locking system
    Patent number: 11287022
    Abstract: A differential locking system that can rotationally lock a shift fork and a sliding clutch assembly to ensure correct engagement of an axle shaft with a sliding clutch assembly during reassembly of an axle shaft. The differential locking system includes a first portion of a push rod is selectively engaged with a portion of the shift fork and a second portion of the push rod is selectively engaged with a portion of a carrier housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Prashant L. Chaudhari, Akash A. Aware, Virendra V. Kumbhar, Pravin V. Karande
  • Electric drive axle powerpath and the drive axle made therewith
    Patent number: 11273701
    Abstract: An electric drive axle having first and second axle shafts operatively connected by a differential apparatus, and an electric motor having a driving shaft coupled with a rotor of the electric motor is provided. A driving shaft may be coupled for rotation with a rotor of the electric motor, and disposed parallel with the first axle shaft. A first driving gear may be disposed on the driving shaft. A driven shaft having a first driven gear and a second driven gear, wherein the first driven gear meshes with the first driving gear. A layshaft disposed parallel with the first axle shaft may comprise a first layshaft gear coupled therewith and meshed with the second driven gear. A second layshaft gear disposed on the layshaft may be in meshed engagement with a first drive gear coupled with the differential apparatus case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Thibault G. Devreese, Wouter W. A. Galoppin
  • Lubricant collector
    Patent number: 11274738
    Abstract: A vehicle drive unit assembly having a ring gear with a plurality of ring gear teeth extending from an outer surface thereof. At least a portion of a lubricant collector having a body portion with a first side, a second side, a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion is disposed proximate to and directly adjacent at least a portion of the ring gear. The lubricant collector has one or more first receiving portions and/or one or more second receiving portions defining a collector reservoir therein. The one or more first receiving portions and/or one or more second receiving portions of the collector reservoir receive an amount of lubricating fluid that is expelled or thrown from the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Shane T. Smith
  • Suspension system
    Patent number: 11273680
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle beam and a suspension system. The suspension system includes a mounting member, at least one positioning member, and at least one coupling member configured to cooperate to maintain a position of a working component. The mounting member having at least one aperture formed therein is freely disposed on the axle beam and the at least one coupling member is disposed through the at least one aperture of the mounting member and entirely outside the axle beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Stoyan I. Stoychev
  • Electric axle assembly
    Patent number: 11254205
    Abstract: An electric axle assembly having dual motors and dual disconnects allowing for selectably disconnecting either one of the motors so that either motor may operate as the primary drive motor. Each of the dual motors is coupled to a layshaft, and each disconnect is positioned between a gear reduction at the output of the motor and a gear reduction connected to the layshaft. The layshaft is coupled to a differential via a clutch and gear set, the gear set providing a two-speed transmission for power delivered from the layshaft to the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Cook, Darren J. Ziskovsky
  • Modular head assembly for an electric axle
    Patent number: 11247548
    Abstract: A modular electric axle head assembly for a vehicle. An axle assembly of the vehicle includes a banjo portion with a first opening extending from an inner surface to an outer surface of an inboard side of the banjo portion. At least a portion of a differential assembly disposed within at the banjo portion of the axle assembly and is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a gear assembly. The gear assembly is also drivingly connected to a motor output shaft. At least a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within a hollow portion of a gear assembly housing. An outboard portion of the gear assembly housing has a mounting flange that is integrally connected to the inboard side of the banjo portion. A first and second protruding portion extends from the axle assembly mounting flange and provides rotational support for the differential assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Thibault G. Devreese, Wouter Wa Galoppin, Nicholas W. Laforce, Lewis H. Nickell, Robert L. Vailliencourt, Steven J. Wesolowski, George A. Willford, Ned W. Wright
  • Lubricant regulating system and an axle assembly made therewith
    Patent number: 11242924
    Abstract: Provided herein is an axle assembly, including: a carrier housing defining an interior cavity; a pinion shaft rotatably supported in the carrier housing by at least one bearing; a lubricant channel disposed in the carrier housing, the lubricant channel having a first end in fluid communication with the at least one bearing and a second end in fluid communication with the interior cavity; and a lubricant controller at least partially disposed in the lubricant channel, wherein the lubricant controller includes a lubricant capture portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas A. Balistreri, Shane T. Smith
  • Axle range shift-assist for auxiliary braking
    Patent number: 11235771
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline including a first axle assembly having a first drive ratio. A second axle assembly in selective driving engagement with the first axle assembly, the first and second axle assemblies having a second drive ratio when in driving engagement. A control system in electrical communication with the first and second axle assemblies, wherein the control system selectively engages the second axle assembly with the first axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Scott A. Smith
  • Axle assembly
    Patent number: 11235654
    Abstract: A method and system for an axle assembly are provided. The axle assembly, in one example, includes a cover at least partially circumferentially surrounding a shaft, a bearing coupled to the shaft and the cover, the bearing including an outer race, and a bearing adjuster including a first axial side adjacent to the outer race and configured to set a bearing preload and/or end play. The assembly further includes a lubricant seal spaced axially away from the bearing adjuster and sealing a lubricant bore and the lubricant bore traverses the cover and extends axially toward the bearing adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Mark W. Leber
  • Electric axle drivetrain assembly
    Patent number: 11220150
    Abstract: An electric axle drivetrain assembly for use in a vehicle. The electric axle drivetrain assembly includes a motor that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a differential assembly. Drivingly connected to ends of the differential assembly is a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft. At least a portion of a first and second wheel end assembly is connected to at least a portion of an end of the first and second axle half shafts opposite the differential assembly. A vehicle suspension system having a support member has a first hub carrier portion connected to a first end portion thereof and a second hub carrier portion connected to a second end portion thereof. Connected to at least a portion of a chassis is the motor and/or the differential assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Laforce, Seth A. Metzger, Brian Thisse, Robert L. Vailliencourt, Steven J. Wesolowski, James F. Ziech
  • Cradle assembly for an electric axle assembly
    Patent number: 11214136
    Abstract: A cradle assembly for housing and supporting a motor and a gearbox of an electric axle assembly. The cradle assembly has generally an “open air” design which provides a space for a motor and/or gearbox to be positioned within a pre-assembled cradle assembly and allows for easy access to the motor and gearbox for maintenance. The cradle assembly includes two end caps, a plurality of tube portions connecting the end caps and a plurality of motor mounts for supporting the motor and gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Brock, Jeremy M. Frenznick, Brian A. Mattila, Scott L. Steward, Jr.
  • Inter-axle differential assembly
    Patent number: 11209077
    Abstract: An inter-axle differential (IAD) assembly including a unitary IAD case having one or more spaced-apart apertures extending therethrough, wherein each of the IAD case apertures defines a groove, and a spider having a plurality of radially, outwardly extending legs, wherein one or more of the legs include an opening at an outward end thereof, and wherein each IAD case apertures are aligned with each of the leg openings. The IAD assembly further includes a locking mechanism having one or more fastening elements, wherein the fastening elements are selectively inserted through the IAD case apertures and into the one or more leg openings and/or into the grooves of the IAD case apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory R. Andres, Akash A. Aware, Prashant L. Chaudhari, Vijay D. Kadam, Sandeep G. Nargide, Jared T. Reichert
  • Assembly for a tire inflation system
    Patent number: 11203237
    Abstract: An assembly for a tire inflation system includes a ring portion. The ring portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. A first projection and a second projection each extend from the inner surface. A valve assembly is connected to the ring portion and disposed in from the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Blessing, Jason M. Sidders
  • Integrated-sensor valve apparatus
    Patent number: 11198335
    Abstract: An assembly (8) for a central tire inflation system includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The housing defines a fluid conduit disposed through the first and second ends. The assembly also includes one or more sensors (205, 210) having a portion disposed in the fluid conduit. Further, a power source (245) is in electrical communication with the sensor. The assembly additionally includes a kinetic energy device (220) in electrical communication with the power source. The kinetic energy device may comprise a magnet (255) sliding on a guide (265). As an alternative, the kinetic energy device may comprise a turbine (275).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Lewark, Jason M. Sidders, Douglas D. Turner
  • Pressurized fluid supply apparatus and method of supplying pressurized fluid
    Patent number: 11199186
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid supply apparatus and method of supplying pressurized fluid is provided. The pressurized fluid supply apparatus includes a housing configured to rotate about an axis, at least one fluid pump coupled to the housing and configured to pressurize a fluid therein, and at least one movable element disposed within the housing. The at least one movable element is configured to move within the housing when the housing rotates about the axis, which causes the at least one movable element to be in periodic driving engagement with the at least one fluid pump to cause the fluid to be pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Steven G. Slesinski, Harry W. Trost
  • Methods and systems for an electric drive arrangement
    Patent number: 11198356
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a drive arrangement for a vehicle including a housing, a double planetary gear set partially or fully contained within the housing, an input shaft selectively engaged with the double planetary gear set, a first clutch assembly coupled to the input shaft and selectively engaged with the double planetary gear set, a second clutch assembly coupled to the input shaft and selectively engaged with the double planetary gear set, and a sliding spline coupled to the input shaft and selectively engaged with the double planetary gear set. The double planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a second sun gear, a first set of planetary gears, a second set of planetary gears, a planetary gear carrier, and a ring gear, wherein components of the double planetary gear set are lockable thereby providing three different gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew T. Brammer, Michael D. Cook
  • Control strategies for single and multi mode electric secondary or tag electric axles
    Patent number: 11173782
    Abstract: A method of controlling an axle assembly includes providing an axle assembly in a first state. A first controller is provided in electrical communication with the axle assembly. The first controller determines if a source of power has an available amount of electrical energy that is within a predetermined range and a predetermined period of time has elapsed. If the available amount of electrical energy is within the predetermined range and the predetermined period of time has elapsed, then electrical energy is transferred from the source of power to an electric motor generator and an axle disconnect clutch is engaged to provide the axle assembly in another state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Krishna Kumar, Vivian Valerian D'Souza