Abstract: A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain controller, an energy storage system (ESS), a traction motor, an electrical device such as an HVAC system and/or auxiliary system, and a navigation system. The navigation system generates a recommended eco-route or other travel route. The navigation system receives vehicle state information including a current powertrain state from the controller and a power load value from the device(s), including a state of charge of the ESS. The vehicle state information is used to select between a charge-depleting and a charge-sustaining costing model. The route is generated using the selected model, and then displayed. The navigation system includes a host machine which selects the model and generates the route, and a display screen for displaying the route. A method for generating the route includes receiving the current powertrain state and power load values, and using the state information to select between the charge-depleting and charge-sustaining models.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pressure vessel is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing the pressure vessel and a first temperature-pressure relief device, the temperature-pressure relief device having a housing; affixing the first temperature-pressure relief device to the pressure vessel; and forming a vent hole in the housing of the first temperature-pressure relief device after affixing the first temperature-pressure relieve device to the pressure vessel. The vent hole is selectively oriented in a desired direction via the method for manufacturing the pressure vessel. Temperature-pressure relief devices for vent hole alignment and selective orientation are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-segmented active material actuator producing a variable, tailored, or staged/staggered stroke in response to an activation signal, including a plurality of segments joined in series, having differing constituencies and geometric configurations, and presenting differing activation thresholds, activation periods/rates, and/or strokes as a result.

Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor module, and a transmission. The electric motor module includes a hydraulic cooling circuit for the electric motor. The hydraulic cooling circuit includes a fluid passage and an annulus in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The annulus is radially outwardly disposed relative to a stator of an electric motor for circulating hydraulic fluid around an outer circumference of the stator.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and six torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A vehicular distributed embedded real-time controller area network system includes ECUs that function in an event-triggered mode to initiate a transmission of the message to the communication bus. Each ECU includes a sender buffer for storing the generated message. A bus controller interfaces with the ECUs and manages the transfer of messages to and from the communication bus. The transfer of messages onto the communication bus is executed by the controller area network controller on an interrupt basis. The bus controller being unavailable to receive a message from the ECU when a previous message stored within a memory of the bus controller is awaiting transmission on the communication bus. The bus controller is available to receive a message from the ECU when the memory is empty. The sender buffer stores messages received from the electronic control unit when the bus controller is unavailable.

Abstract: A rear floor module of a motor vehicle is provided that is arranged between two rear longitudinal beams of the vehicle body that essentially extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The floor module features a floor pan that essentially extends in a planar fashion between the longitudinal beams and at least one integrated cross member for separate connection to the longitudinal beams with its end sections that lie in the lateral direction of the vehicle in order to transmit mechanical forces.

Abstract: A transmission system is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members a plurality of torque transmitting devices, a launch clutch, and a hydraulic circuit. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A closure system is provided, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a lock device, which is arranged in or on the outer side of a wall element, in particular of a motor vehicle, and which has an opening, into which an unlocking and/or locking device, which is implemented as corresponding to the opening in particular and is manual in particular, is insertable in an insertion direction, and having a cover device, which can be or is arranged on the lock device, so that it entirely covers the opening of the lock device at least in the insertion direction, and which is at least partially removable from the lock device to expose the opening for the unlocking and/or locking device.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of a fluid in fluid flow path of a fuel cell system is disclosed. The pressure sensor includes a housing provided with a communication path formed between the fluid flow path and an interior of the housing, the communication path having a hydrophobic feature to militate against a formation and an accumulation of an undesired material within the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes signaling a transmission to shift into a first gear ratio and sensing a current gear ratio of the transmission after signaling the transmission to shift into the first gear ratio. The method further includes implementing a diagnostic transmission shift control strategy to override a normal transmission shift control strategy when the current sensed gear ratio is not equal to the requested first gear ratio to verify proper functionality of a mode control valve that is responsible for shifting the transmission into the first gear ratio.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting trends in service repairs for vehicles. Service repair verbatims are accessed from a warranty database that includes information relating to an identified concern with the vehicle. A thesaurus of service repair related terms is provided. The service repair related terms are each associated with at least one of a component category, a concern category, a cause category, and a correction of repair category. Key terms are identified in each service repair verbatim that have an association with the service repair related terms in the thesaurus. The key terms are extracted from each of the service repair verbatims. A user selectively generates a report based on a key term in the component category and at least one other key term from at least one other category. The report identifies an aggregate number of service repair verbatims associated with the key terms selected by the user.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system to provide an oil or pressurized fluid supply to a variable cam phasing system in an engine is provided. The hydraulic control system includes a valve housing attachable to a front cover assembly of the engine; a first valve installed in the housing; and an inlet passage defined by the front cover assembly hydraulically communicating with the first valve in the housing to carry pressurized fluid from a fluid source to the first valve. A first and a second outlet passage defined by the housing hydraulically communicates with the first valve to allow the pressurized fluid to flow to the cam phasing system, thereby variably moving a camshaft assembly operatively connected to the cam phasing system.

Abstract: A panels-off painting process and system adapted for use with a plurality of workpieces includes a carrier having a main platform, stationary support structures, and at least one rotatable assembly interconnected to the platform, configured so as to be caused to shift at least a portion of the workpieces between first and second orientations, and including a counterbalance that reduces the force necessary to cause the shift, and preferably further includes a retrofitted robotic arm programmably configured to apply a coat to the workpieces and subsequently engage the assembly so as to cause the shift.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling torque includes a first torque transmitting mechanism and a second torque transmitting mechanism. The first torque transmitting mechanism is engageable to achieve a first gear ratio of the transmission. The second torque transmitting mechanism has an apply chamber that is pressurized at a first pressure level to achieve a first engaged position and is pressurized at a second pressure level to achieve a second engaged position. The first pressure level is less than the second pressure level and the second engaged position achieves a second gear ratio of the transmission. A controller is in communication with the first and second torque transmitting mechanisms. The controller includes a control logic for pressurizing the apply chamber of the second torque transmitting mechanism to the first pressure level if the first operating condition has exceeded a threshold operating condition.

Abstract: A vehicle has a multi-gap magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutch connecting rotatable input and output members, and includes a drum connected to the output member and a rotor connected to the input member. The drum contains a magnetically-permeable stator and a magnetic core, while the rotor has a magnetically-permeable member extending axially into the drum to define an outer working gap in conjunction with the stator and an inner working gap in conjunction with the magnetic core. MR fluid fills the working gaps, and a magnetic field generator or electromagnet induces a magnetic field when electrical current is passed through a field coil therein to change an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid. The inner and outer working gaps have a predetermined inner to outer gap thickness ratio balancing the slip power dissipation per unit volume in each of the working gaps.

Abstract: A charging regulator assembly for an energy storing device includes an active material actuator configured to move a contact from a connected position permitting current transfer between the contact and a power bus into a disconnected position preventing current transfer between the contact and the power bus. The active material actuator is engaged in response to a temperature of the active material actuator rising above a pre-determined value. Moving the contact into the disconnected position prevents further current transfer into or out of the energy storing device, thereby preventing further heating of the energy storing device and preventing potential damage to the energy storing device form overheating.

Abstract: A battery thermal system for use in a vehicle having a power plant, an air conditioning system and a battery pack, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The battery thermal system may include a refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger that selectively receives a refrigerant from the vehicle air conditioning system; a battery radiator located adjacent to a cooling fan; a valve that receives a liquid coolant from the battery pack and selectively redirects the liquid coolant to the refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger and the battery radiator; and an electric pump for pumping the liquid coolant through the battery pack, the valve, the refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger and the battery radiator. The battery thermal system may also include a battery coolant heater for selectively heating the coolant that flows into the battery pack.

Abstract: A steering knuckle for a wheel of a vehicle is provided, particularly a motor vehicle, with a wheel bearing mounting section that serves for mounting the wheel bearing and with a control arm mounting section that serves for mounting control arms. The wheel bearing mounting section can be elastically pivoted relative to the control arm mounting section.