Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an electromagnetic coil assembly. As one example, a method comprises responsive to energization of an electromagnetic coil of an electromagnetic coil assembly, translating the electromagnetic coil along a central axis of the electromagnetic coil assembly toward a magnetic armature while maintaining the armature fixed along the central axis. The electromagnetic coil assembly may be utilized within various clutching, braking, or lever applications.

Abstract: A braking mechanism is provided for a hydraulic motor driven wheel utilizing a two-piece design of a hub that rotates by means of a drive shaft. A hydraulic chamber is created on the hub in which a piston resides. The piston is grounded (i.e., non-rotatable relative to the motor housing) in the sealed chamber. The piston face inside of the chamber has a radial set of face teeth. These face teeth are similar to the face teeth inside of the hydraulic chamber. When the chamber is pressurized, the piston face teeth are pushed away from the hub face teeth allowing the hub to freely rotate. When pressure is released from the chamber, a spring, or a number of springs, push the piston into the hub causing it to stop rotating relative to the piston.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a motorized disconnect operable to selectively engage and disengage two rotating components of a vehicle drivetrain. As one example, a motorized disconnect system is provided that operates via an electric motor and includes a shifter assembly with an oscillating gear track and cam profile for rotating the shifter assembly while moving it in an axial direction to selectively couple two rotating components.

Abstract: A fairlead assembly includes a frame structure having an opening therein. A pair of rollers are disposed on opposite sides of the opening. The frame structure includes a pair of opposed curved surfaces disposed between the end portions of the pair of rollers and defining a bordering surface of the opening. The frame can be cast as a unitary structure with the pair of rollers each rotatably supported by a support pin having opposite ends received in a first set of corresponding semi-cylindrical recesses in a surface of the cast frame. A clamp structure having a second set of corresponding semi-cylindrical recesses secure the support pins to the cast frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for remotely controlling winch operation via a user interface of a remote. In one example, a user interface of a remote for a winch includes a menu display including a plurality of menu items, the menu items navigable and selectable with a series of buttons of the remote. The user interface further includes a plurality of control displays, each of the plurality of control displays generated upon selection of a corresponding menu item of the plurality of menu items, each of the plurality of control displays including selectable icons for controlling one of an operation of a winch, an operation of one or more auxiliary devices, or settings of the remote.

Abstract: A pulling tool is provided with a rotatable drum having a cable wound thereon. A motor is drivingly connected to the rotatable drum and the rotatable drum and motor are disposed within a unique housing structure. The rotatable drum is driven by a planetary gear system that is disposed within the rotatable drum to provide a compact assembly. A belt and pulley system is provided for delivering torque from the motor to the planetary gear system. The rotatable drum is provided with a two-piece stepped construction that allows the planetary gear system to be assembled within the drum and allows for the initial wraps of a cable around the smaller diameter portion of the stepped drum.

Abstract: A wireless remote forms a two-way radio frequency (RF) communication network with a winch control module that allows the wireless remote to control both the winch and additional vehicle accessories through the winch control module. Further accessory control modules allow the control of more accessories utilizing the wireless remote by way of RF communication. Feedback from either the winch control module or the accessory control module is sent back to the wireless remote to allow the operator to view the current operating conditions of the winch or accessories.

Abstract: A locking hub system in a vehicle is provided. The locking hub system includes an inner drive gear assembly including a drive gear having a drive gear interior splined surface configured to attach to a vehicle axle and a bearing housing rotationally coupled to the drive gear having a bearing housing exterior splined surface configured to mate with a wheel attachment interface and a clutch ring assembly including a pin ring having a plurality of cantilevered pins extending from a support ring, partially enclosing a clutch ring, and unsupported at one end, the clutch ring including a clutch ring splined interior surface slidably moveable to mate with an drive gear splined exterior surface of the drive gear in an engaged configuration and slidably moveable to decouple from the drive gear splined exterior surface in a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A winch is provided including a rotatable drum and a gear train drivingly connecting a motor to the rotatable drum. The gear train includes a clutch that is operable to be disengaged to allow the rotatable drum to free spool. A clutch actuator is provided for disengaging the clutch and the clutch includes a pivoting pawl having a first end that engages a clutch dog of a planetary ring gear and the clutch actuator includes an electro-magnetic solenoid having a plunger that engages a second end of the pivoting pawl.

Abstract: A winch includes a motor having a motor housing including a motor case and an integrated first drum support attached to the motor case for closing an end of the motor case. A gear reduction unit is drivingly attached to the motor and has a gear housing including a gear case and second drum support attached to the gear case. A tie plate is connected to the first and second drum supports. A control unit is removably mounted to the tie plate. A rotatable drum is supported by the first and second drum supports.