Abstract: Systems for removing excess coolant oil and air from a radial air gap between a stator and a rotor of an electric motor are provided. In one example, the systems may include a ring covering the radial air gap, the ring configured to route coolant out of the radial air gap via one or more channels.

Abstract: A traction device including a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to at least one of the ring member, the carrier, and the sun member.

Abstract: A traction device including a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to at least one of the ring member, the carrier, and the sun member.

Abstract: A component for an electrochemical cell is formed by additive manufacturing process. The additive manufacturing process can be repeated to produce fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Regular series-parallel hybrid electric powertrains (powersplit eCVT) are two-motor HEV propulsion systems mated with a planetary gear, and most mild or full parallel hybrid systems are single motor systems with a gearbox or continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled with an electric machine. Coupling a ball-type continuously variable planetary (CVP), such as a VariGlide®, with one electric machine enables the creation of a parallel HEV architecture with the CVP functioning as a continuously variable transmission, and the motor providing the functionality of electric assist, starter motor capability, launch assist and regenerative braking. Two motor variants provide series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) architectures.

Abstract: An electric axle having an electric drivetrain including a motor/generator, a first planetary gear set operably coupled to the motor/generator, and a second planetary gear set operably coupled to the first planetary gear set, wherein the first planetary gear set includes a first ring gear, a first planet carrier, and a first sun gear, and wherein the second planetary gear set includes a second ring gear, a second planet carrier, and a second sun gear; a drive wheel axle operably coupled to the electric drivetrain; and a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the drive wheel axle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power is transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. A continuously variable transmission is provided with a ball variator assembly having an array of balls, a planetary gear set coupled thereto and an arrangement of rotatable shafts with multiple gears and clutches that extend the ratio range of the variator. In some embodiments, a locking clutch is operably coupled to the planetary gear set to selectively couple two of the elements of the planetary gear set during operation. Engagement of the locking clutch corresponds to a fixed ratio operating mode. Disengagement of the locking clutch corresponds to a variable ratio operating mode.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power is transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. A continuously variable transmission is provided with a ball variator assembly having an array of balls, a planetary gear set coupled thereto and an arrangement of rotatable shafts with multiple gears and clutches that extend the ratio range of the variator. In some embodiments, clutches are coupled to the gear sets to enable shifting of gear modes. In some embodiments, the speed ratio of the ball variator is adjusted in concert with the adjustment of clutches.

Abstract: Provided herein is a control system for a multiple-mode continuously variable transmission having a ball planetary variator. The control system has a transmission control module configured to receive a plurality of electronic input signals, and to determine a mode of operation from a plurality of control ranges based at least in part on the plurality of electronic input signals. The system also has a dither control module configured to store at least one calibration map, and configured to determine an oscillating change in speed ratio applied to a commanded speed ratio signal during operation of the CVP to manage thermal and mechanical stress on the surface of the ball.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power can be transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. A continuously variable transmission is provided with a ball variator assembly, a planetary gear set coupled thereto and an arrangement of rotatable shafts with multiple gears and clutches that extend the ratio range of the variator. In some embodiments, clutches are coupled to the gear sets to enable synchronous shifting of gear modes. In some embodiments, clutches are coupled to chain drives to enable synchronous shifting of gear modes.

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: Devices and methods are provided herein for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power can be transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. A continuously variable transmission is provided with a ball variator assembly, a dual pinion planetary gearset coupled thereto and an arrangement of rotatable shafts with multiple gears and clutches that extend the ratio range of the variator. In some embodiments, a launch gear CVP bypass enables is provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for a vehicle having an engine, a battery system, a first motor/generator, and a second motor/generator, each motor/generator operably coupled to a ball-planetary variator (CVP), the computer-implemented system comprising: a digital processing device comprising an operating system configured to perform executable instructions and a memory device; a computer program including instructions executable by the digital processing device, the computer program comprising a software module configured to manage a plurality of vehicle driving conditions; a hybrid supervisory controller; and a plurality of sensors configured to monitor vehicle parameters including at least one of CVP input speed, engine torque, accelerator pedal position, CVP speed ratio, and battery charge, wherein the software module includes a plurality of software sub-modules configured to optimize the CVP speed ratio based at least in part on one of the vehicle parameters monitored by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An electronic controller is described herein that enables electronic control over a variable ratio transmission comprising a continuously variable ratio portion, such as a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), or variator. The electronic controller is configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with a prime mover or an engine coupled to the transmission. The parameters include throttle position sensor values, vehicle speed, gear selector position, user selectable mode configurations, and the like, or some combination thereof. The electronic controller also receives one or more control inputs. The electronic controller determines an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs.

Abstract: Regular torque split planetary gear trains for automotive hybrid powertrains are limited by the fixed ratio of the planetary gear train. A powertrain incorporating a continuously variable transmission using a torque split with variable ratios enables the powertrain to use the ideal operating lines (IOL) of the engine, electric motor-generator along with the high voltage battery charge/discharge paths, depending upon the mode of operation (charge sustain or charge deplete modes) of the hybrid powertrain. A powertrain further equipped with a hybrid supervisory controller that chooses the torque split and path of highest efficiency from engine to wheel, optionally operate at the best potential overall efficiency point in any mode and also provide torque variability, thereby leading to the best combination of powertrain performance and fuel efficiency. Embodiments of powertrain configurations that optionally improve the efficiency of hybrid vehicles are discussed herein.

Abstract: A torque ripple compensating device for an internal combustion engine is provided. The torque ripple compensating device comprises a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is in driving engagement with an output of the internal combustion engine. The second member is in driving engagement with the first member. The third member is in driving engagement with the second member. An angular deviation between the first member and the third member causes a cyclical acceleration of the third member. The cyclical acceleration of the third member applies a torque to the output of the internal combustion engine through the first member. The torque ripple compensating device is able to be passively or dynamically adapted for both an amplitude and a phase of a torque ripple while minimizing an interference with an operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a ball planetary variator (CVP), providing a smooth and controlled operation. In some embodiments, the control system implements a rollback prevention sub-module. The rollback prevention sub-module is adapted to receive a number of signals, for example, a signal indicative of a transmission output shaft speed and a signal indicative of a commanded CVP shift actuator position. In some embodiments, the rollback prevention sub-module determines a correction value to be applied to the commanded CVP shift actuator position. The correction value is based at least in part on the transmission output shaft speed signal. In some embodiments, the rollback prevention sub-module is adapted to monitor and determine the deactivation of a CVP shift actuator.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power can be transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner, with smaller and even less mechanical components, by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. A power transmission apparatus comprises a power input shaft, a planetary gear set coupled to the power input shaft, and a variator, such as a continuously variable transmission (CVT), coupled to the gear set. The various components of the planetary gear set and the variator are arranged such that torque is split between two or more torque paths and then recombined before power is output to a gear box and a differential of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring torque input into a transmission from a torque source comprising a torque sensing device and a control mechanism. The torque sensing device adapted to transfer torque from the torque source to the transmission input while measuring said torque. The control mechanism may be adapted to control the transmission in order to prevent damage from a high torque situation.

Abstract: Regular torque split planetary gear trains for automotive hybrid powertrains are limited by the fixed ratio of the planetary gear train. A powertrain incorporating a continuously variable transmission using a torque split with variable ratios enables the powertrain to use the ideal operating lines (IOL) of the engine, electric motor and generator along with the high voltage battery charge/discharge paths, depending upon the mode of operation (charge sustain or charge deplete modes) of the hybrid powertrain. A powertrain further equipped with a hybrid supervisory controller that chooses the torque split and path of highest efficiency from engine to wheel, can operate at the best potential overall efficiency point in any mode and also provide torque variability, thereby leading to the best combination of powertrain performance and fuel efficiency. Embodiments of powertrain configurations that can improve the efficiency of hybrid vehicles are discussed herein.