Abstract: Systems and methods provide active control of rotor cooling. In a number of embodiments, a system includes a controller coupled with an electric machine having a rotor. The controller evaluates parameters related to the electric machine for flow rate requirements of the rotor, where the flow rate requirements relate to cooling of the rotor. A flow rate of a fluid for cooling the rotor is computed, where the flow rate is based on a composite of the flow rate requirements. A control valve signal is delivered to set a control valve to supply the flow rate to the rotor based on the parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide active control of rotor cooling. In a number of embodiments, a system includes a controller coupled with an electric machine having a rotor. The controller evaluates parameters related to the electric machine for flow rate requirements of the rotor, where the flow rate requirements relate to cooling of the rotor. A flow rate of a fluid for cooling the rotor is computed, where the flow rate is based on a composite of the flow rate requirements. A control valve signal is delivered to set a control valve to supply the flow rate to the rotor based on the parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for active thermal management of transmission lubricant includes a transmission having a housing and a rotating gear. A baffle arrangement is disposed within the housing operative to shroud a portion of the rotating component and direct transmission lubricant flow through at least one route. A heat exchanger disposed in the at least one route is operative to transfer thermal energy from a heat source to the transmission lubricant.

Abstract: A system and method for managing transmission temperature includes a transmission housing enclosing transmission components for transmitting kinetic energy and transmission fluid, and a heat exchanger within the transmission housing.

Abstract: Assembly tools or aides assist the installation of chains and sprockets for a power take off in a motor vehicle automatic transmission. A first tool is an assembly clip having a semi-circular channel that engages the periphery of a chain disposed about a socket. The clip facilitates installation of the chain and a first sprocket through a slot or other opening in the side of a transmission housing while a second sprocket is being secured to a transmission shaft and the chain is engaged thereabout. The clip also facilitates positioning of the first sprocket in a desired location, typically on a driven shaft while retaining the chain thereabout. A second tool includes a pair of elongate, parallel pins which cooperate with the clip and the first sprocket to hold it in place during assembly of certain components of the transmission such as a power take off shaft or bulkhead.

Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission housing, six co-planar gear sets, a first and second input shafts, an output member, a first and second countershaft, and six synchronizer assemblies. The six synchronizer assemblies are selectively engaged to establish one of at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between the transmission input shaft member and the output member.

Abstract: A shaft assembly for a powertrain includes a shaft having a cavity extending at least partially from a first axial end to a second axial end of the shaft and opening at at least one of the first axial end and the second axial end. For example, the shaft may be a balance shaft, a camshaft, or a transmission shaft. A first core plug is disposed in the cavity. The shaft and the core plug may be the same material, or may be different materials. The shaft may have a first density, first cross-sectional area, or first area modulus, and the core plug may have a different second density, second cross sectional area, or second area modulus which may be less than the first density, the first cross-sectional area, or the first area modulus.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a circular resilient grommet-type seal having one or more through axial openings equal in number to the wires which pass through the seal and a rigid wire channel or guide which is received within a complementary pocket aligned with the seal between the seal and a reaction surface. The rigid wire channel or guide is retained in the pocket and carries any force exerted on the seal by pressure within the device to the aligned reaction surface. A method of installation includes the steps of mounting an electrical device within a component, routing the electrical wires leading from the device through an opening, routing the wires through corresponding openings in a grommet-type seal, pressing the seal into the opening, routing the wires through passageways in the rigid wire channel or guide and installing the guide in a complementary pocket which is aligned with the seal at one end and includes a reaction surface at the other end.

Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) system for a motor vehicle includes a PTO housing. The PTO housing is mounted to a transmission case. A disconnect clutch assembly is positioned within the PTO housing acting when supplied with a first volume of a pressurized oil from the transmission case to engage an output shaft member. A controlled lube oil circuit is isolated from the first volume of the pressurized oil. The controlled lube oil circuit supplies a second volume of the pressurized oil directly to the disconnect clutch assembly to lubricate the disconnect clutch assembly. A lube oil drain return is connected to the PTO housing. The lube oil drain return receives oil that collects inside the PTO housing to be returned to the transmission case.

Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission housing, six co-planar gear sets, a first and second input shafts, an output member, a first and second countershaft, and six synchronizer assemblies. The six synchronizer assemblies are selectively engaged to establish one of at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between the transmission input shaft member and the output member.

Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) system for a motor vehicle includes a PTO housing. The PTO housing is mounted to a transmission case. A disconnect clutch assembly is positioned within the PTO housing acting when supplied with a first volume of a pressurized oil from the transmission case to engage an output shaft member. A controlled lube oil circuit is isolated from the first volume of the pressurized oil. The controlled lube oil circuit supplies a second volume of the pressurized oil directly to the disconnect clutch assembly to lubricate the disconnect clutch assembly. A lube oil drain return is connected to the PTO housing. The lube oil drain return receives oil that collects inside the PTO housing to be returned to the transmission case.

Abstract: Assembly tools or aides assist the installation of chains and sprockets for a power take off in a motor vehicle automatic transmission. A first tool is an assembly clip having a semi-circular channel that engages the periphery of a chain disposed about a socket. The clip facilitates installation of the chain and a first sprocket through a slot or other opening in the side of a transmission housing while a second sprocket is being secured to a transmission shaft and the chain is engaged thereabout. The clip also facilitates positioning of the first sprocket in a desired location, typically on a driven shaft while retaining the chain thereabout. A second tool includes a pair of elongate, parallel pins which cooperate with the clip and the first sprocket to hold it in place during assembly of certain components of the transmission such as a power take off shaft or bulkhead.

Abstract: A transmission comprising housing and an axially compliant hub having a central plate with an axial opening and an outer circumference. The central plate is attached to the attached to the circumference with at least one strap spring. A method of managing axial stack up in a transmission is also disclosed where the transmission has a plurality of planetary gear sets aligned in series and at least one torque transmitting device. The planetary gear has gear members. The method includes providing a an axially compliant hub having a central plate with an axial opening and an outer circumference, wherein the central plate is attached to the attached to the circumference with at least one strap spring and wherein the outer circumference is connected to the torque transmitting device and wherein the central plate is connected to a gear member of a planetary gear set.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a circular resilient grommet-type seal having one or more through axial openings equal in number to the wires which pass through the seal and a rigid wire channel or guide which is received within a complementary pocket aligned with the seal between the seal and a reaction surface. The rigid wire channel or guide is retained in the pocket and carries any force exerted on the seal by pressure within the device to the aligned reaction surface. A method of installation includes the steps of mounting an electrical device within a component, routing the electrical wires leading from the device through an opening, routing the wires through corresponding openings in a grommet-type seal, pressing the seal into the opening, routing the wires through passageways in the rigid wire channel or guide and installing the guide in a complementary pocket which is aligned with the seal at one end and includes a reaction surface at the other end.

Abstract: A transmission comprising housing and an axially compliant hub having a central plate with an axial opening and an outer circumference. The central plate is attached to the attached to the circumference with at least one strap spring. A method of managing axial stack up in a transmission is also disclosed where the transmission has a plurality of planetary gear sets aligned in series and at least one torque transmitting device. The planetary gear has gear members. The method includes providing a an axially compliant hub having a central plate with an axial opening and an outer circumference, wherein the central plate is attached to the attached to the circumference with at least one strap spring and wherein the outer circumference is connected to the torque transmitting device and wherein the central plate is connected to a gear member of a planetary gear set.

Abstract: A porous insert for a gearbox or transmission which retards fluid motion and flow within the device when it is subjected to rapid acceleration. The insert may be fabricated of any porous material such as open cell plastic foam, a porous ceramic or sintered metal and is shaped to conform to and is installed in a bottom rear region of the transmission housing. The insert retards motion of the fluid during rapid acceleration, preventing pump starvation and permitting a smaller charge of fluid to be placed in the gearbox or transmission.

Abstract: A porous insert for a gearbox or transmission which retards fluid motion and flow within the device when it is subjected to rapid acceleration. The insert may be fabricated of any porous material such as open cell plastic foam, a porous ceramic or sintered metal and is shaped to conform to and is installed in a bottom rear region of the transmission housing. The insert retards motion of the fluid during rapid acceleration, preventing pump starvation and permitting a smaller charge of fluid to be placed in the gearbox or transmission.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a rotary input member such as an engine crankshaft, a torque coupling such as a hydraulic torque converter, a drive plate, such as a flex plate or spider, connecting the input member to the coupling, and an annular generator rotor having an electrical power annulus, such as an annular induction member extending around the coupling, and a mounting ring fixed to the power annulus and including means extending inward for securing the mounting ring to the coupling and to the drive plate. Several embodiments of mounting rings and assemblies are disclosed which improve methods for assembly of the powertrain.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a rotary input member such as an engine crankshaft, a torque coupling such as a hydraulic torque converter, a drive plate, such as a flex plate or spider, connecting the input member to the coupling, and an annular generator rotor having an electrical power annulus, such as an annular induction member extending around the coupling, and a mounting ring fixed to the power annulus and including means extending inward for securing the mounting ring to the coupling and to the drive plate. Several embodiments of mounting rings and assemblies are disclosed which improve methods for assembly of the powertrain.