Abstract: An electrical system includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism, and engine systems also include the engine. The electrical system includes a first energy storage device having a first voltage level and a second energy storage device having a second voltage level less than the first voltage level. The electrical system further includes a controller configured to control the motor-generator, the starter mechanism and first and second switching devices. Current from at least one of the first and second energy storage devices is delivered to the motor-generator when at least one of the first switching device is in a first closed state and the second switching device is in a second closed state such that the motor-generator transfers torque to the starter mechanism and the starter mechanism uses the torque to start the engine.

Abstract: A dual clutch continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) includes an input member connected to an engine of the motor vehicle, an output member connected to a final drive unit, a first member, a second member, a third member, and a dual input assembly having a first element and a second element. The dual input member may be a dual clutch or a torque converter and clutch assembly. The dual clutch CVT also includes a fixed gear assembly having a first co-planar gear set selectively connectable to the first member and fixedly connected to the third member and a second co-planar gear set fixedly connected to the third member and fixedly connected to the output member. A continuously variable unit is connected directly to the second member and the third member. The output from the fixed gear unit may be connected to drive wheels separate from the continuously variable unit.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain has a turbine generator having a shaft. The hybrid powertrain includes a power-split hybrid transmission that has an input member, an output member, and a ratio-controlling motor/generator controllable to vary a speed ratio of the input member to the output member. The turbine generator is in electrical communication with the ratio-controlling motor/generator to electrically power the ratio-controlling motor/generator when the ratio-controlling motor/generator functions as a motor during a power-split operating mode.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided that has an engine with a rotatable crankshaft. The powertrain has a transmission with a transmission input member and a transmission output member. A final drive is operatively connected to the transmission output member and includes a drive axle. An engine clutch has an engaged state that operatively connects the engine crankshaft with the transmission input member, and has a disengaged state that operatively disconnects the engine crankshaft from the transmission input member. A motor/generator is provided and a first torque-transmitting device has a selectively engaged state in which the first torque-transmitting device transmits torque between the motor/generator and the transmission output member independent of the engine, the crankshaft, and the engine clutch.

Abstract: A transmission for transferring mechanical power between an input member and an output member is described, and includes a first synchronous electric machine including a first stator, a first distal rotor and a first proximal rotor and a second synchronous electric machine including a second stator, a second distal rotor and a second proximal rotor. The input member rotatably couples to the first distal rotor and to the second proximal rotor and the output member rotatably couples to the second distal rotor and to the first proximal rotor. Mechanical power is transferrable between the input member and the output member without torque being applied by the first stator.

Abstract: A transmission for transferring mechanical power between an input member and an output member is described, and includes a first synchronous electric machine including a first stator, a first distal rotor and a first proximal rotor and a second synchronous electric machine including a second stator, a second distal rotor and a second proximal rotor. The input member rotatably couples to the first distal rotor and to the second proximal rotor and the output member rotatably couples to the second distal rotor and to the first proximal rotor. Mechanical power is transferrable between the input member and the output member without torque being applied by the first stator.

Abstract: A powertrain is disclosed. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of a crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about a longitudinal axis. A motor-generator includes a motor/generator shaft rotatable about a first axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism includes a first starter gear coupleable to the motor/generator shaft and rotatable about a second axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. The first and second axes are spaced and substantially parallel to each other. The first starter gear is movable along the second axis between a first position engaging the ring gear such that torque is transferred from the motor/generator shaft through the first starter gear and the ring gear to the crankshaft to start the engine, and a second position disengaged from the ring gear to rotatably disconnect the starter mechanism from the ring gear.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with a crankshaft rotating on a first axis, motor/generator unit (MGU), belted drive system, transmission, actuator assembly, and controller. An MGU rotor shaft rotates about a second axis. The belted drive assembly has a first pulley connected to the crankshaft, a second pulley selectively connected to the rotor shaft, and an endless rotatable drive element that connects the pulleys. The transmission is connected to the flywheel via an input clutch. The actuator assembly has a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, a linear actuator(s), pinion gears translatable along the third axis to selectively engage the first and second gear elements, and overrunning clutches to passively disengage the pinion gears from the first or second gear element. The controller transmits control signals to the MGU and linear actuators to command a control state via translation of the pinion gears.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. The motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system are operable regardless of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. The motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system are operable regardless of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with a crankshaft rotating on a first axis, motor/generator unit (MGU), belted drive system, transmission, actuator assembly, and controller. An MGU rotor shaft rotates about a second axis. The belted drive assembly has a first pulley connected to the crankshaft, a second pulley selectively connected to the rotor shaft, and an endless rotatable drive element that connects the pulleys. The transmission is connected to the flywheel via an input clutch. The actuator assembly has a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, a linear actuator(s), pinion gears translatable along the third axis to selectively engage the first and second gear elements, and overrunning clutches to passively disengage the pinion gears from the first or second gear element. The controller transmits control signals to the MGU and linear actuators to command a control state via translation of the pinion gears.

Abstract: A method of controlling a power inverter coupled to an electric motor in a vehicle powertrain having an engine is provided. The method includes generating a voltage waveform signal and a switching frequency signal for the inverter via a controller. At least one of the voltage waveform signal and the switching frequency signal is at least partially based on at least one commanded engine operating parameter. For example, the engine on/off state, engine torque, and engine speed can be considered. A vehicle having a controller configured to implement the method is also provided.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. Electrical communication between the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system is independent of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine and a method of assembling the powertrain includes providing the engine. A starter mechanism is selectively operable to start the engine. A motor-generator includes an adapter to dispose the motor-generator and the starter mechanism in alternative assembly configurations being a first assembly configuration and a second assembly configuration. The first assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is coupleable to the adapter to selectively transfer torque from the motor-generator through the adapter and the starter mechanism to start the engine. The second assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is spaced from the adapter to operate independently of the motor-generator such that the starter mechanism selectively transfers torque to start the engine.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a hub portion supporting a plurality of controllable variable length radially-oriented spoke elements supporting a conformable rim assembly supporting a tire element. The hub portion is concentric to an axis of rotation and includes a support structure. The controllable variable length radially-oriented spoke elements are perpendicular to the axis of rotation and each includes a first end mechanically coupled to the support structure of the hub portion, a length-varying actuator individually controllable to a selected length and a second end coupled to an inner periphery of the conformable rim assembly. The conformable rim assembly includes a plurality of segmented sections.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle and a method of assembling the powertrain are disclosed. An engine includes a crankshaft being rotatable about a longitudinal axis. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of the crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism is selectively operable to rotate the ring gear and the crankshaft to start the engine. A motor-generator includes an adapter selectively cooperating with the starter mechanism to dispose the motor-generator and the starter mechanism in alternative assembly configurations being a first assembly configuration and a second assembly configuration. The first assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is coupleable to the adapter and the second assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is spaced from the adapter to operate independently of the motor-generator.

Abstract: A powertrain system includes a multi-link power-split electric power system including first and second electric machines. The first electric machine mechanically rotatably couples to a drive wheel and the second electric machine mechanically rotatably couples to an internal combustion engine. The first electric machine electrically connects in series between first and second inverters. The first inverter electrically connects to a first high-voltage DC electric power bus and the second inverter electrically connects to a second high-voltage DC electric power bus. The second electric machine electrically connects to a third inverter that electrically connects to the second high-voltage DC electric power bus.

Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided that has an engine with a rotatable crankshaft. The powertrain has a transmission with a transmission input member and a transmission output member. A final drive is operatively connected to the transmission output member and includes a drive axle. An engine clutch has an engaged state that operatively connects the engine crankshaft with the transmission input member, and has a disengaged state that operatively disconnects the engine crankshaft from the transmission input member. A motor/generator is provided and a first torque-transmitting device has a selectively engaged state in which the first torque-transmitting device transmits torque between the motor/generator and the transmission output member independent of the engine, the crankshaft, and the engine clutch.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain has a turbine generator having a shaft. The hybrid powertrain includes a power-split hybrid transmission that has an input member, an output member, and a ratio-controlling motor/generator controllable to vary a speed ratio of the input member to the output member. The turbine generator is in electrical communication with the ratio-controlling motor/generator to electrically power the ratio-controlling motor/generator when the ratio-controlling motor/generator functions as a motor during a power-split operating mode.