Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for reducing cold start emissions of a motor vehicle. A brushless DC motor is coupled to an engine for cranking the engine. In response to receiving a cold start signal from a cold start actuator, the motor controller activates the brushless DC motor to crank the engine for a cold start duration and increase fuel pressure. In response to a motor controller receiving an auto start signal from an auto start actuator, the motor controller activates the brushless DC motor to crank the engine for an auto start duration that is shorter than the cold start duration. In response to determining that the cold start duration or the auto start duration has expired, an engine controller activates the fuel delivery system to deliver fuel to the engine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for reducing cold start emissions of a motor vehicle. A brushless DC motor is coupled to an engine for cranking the engine. In response to receiving a cold start signal from a cold start actuator, the motor controller activates the brushless DC motor to crank the engine for a cold start duration and increase fuel pressure. In response to a motor controller receiving an auto start signal from an auto start actuator, the motor controller activates the brushless DC motor to crank the engine for an auto start duration that is shorter than the cold start duration. In response to determining that the cold start duration or the auto start duration has expired, an engine controller activates the fuel delivery system to deliver fuel to the engine.

Abstract: A controllable magnetorheological (MR) damper having first, second and third portions is disclosed. The first and second portions have a translational degree of freedom therebetween, and the third portion has a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the first and second portions. The first and third portions are coupled via a translation-to-rotation converter, and the second and third portions are coupled via a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A bearing is disposed between the first and second portions for supporting a side load therebetween, a magnetic field generator is in field communication with the magnetorheological fluid, and a signal path is in signal communication with the magnetic field generator.

Abstract: An engine coolant pump drive system for a vehicle having an engine, an engine coolant system, and at least one sensor for sensing at least one operational condition of the vehicle is disclosed. The pump drive system includes a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutch, and a coolant pump. The MRF clutch includes a torque input section coupled to a torque output section via a MRF, the torque input section being configured to receive a torque input from the engine. The coolant pump is configured for operable communication with the torque output section of the MRF clutch. In response to a signal from the at least one sensor, the MRF clutch is configured to provide a continuously variable torque transfer from the torque input section to the torque output section, thereby providing for variable coolant flow in the engine coolant system via the coolant pump capable of a continuously variable speed.

Abstract: A control system that reduces a load on an engine during a cranking event includes a first module that determines whether the engine is being cranked. A second module regulates a power steering clutch that is driven by the engine to a disengaged state when the engine is being cranked.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides an improved automotive accessory drive system. The automotive accessory drive system including a drive pulley operatively connected to an engine, and a plurality of driven pulleys operatively connected to one of a plurality of driven devices. A flexible drive belt connectively couples the drive pulley and the plurality of driven pulleys, and is operable to transfer drive forces therebetween. The automotive accessory drive system also includes a flexible drive belt tensioner operable to maintain frictional engagement between the flexible drive belt and the drive pulley and at least one of the driven pulleys. The flexible drive belt tensioner has a damper element that preferably includes a damper housing, and a variable viscosity fluid disposed within the damper housing. The variable viscosity fluid is configured to provide a variable dampening rate and is selectively operable to lock the flexible drive belt tensioner.

Abstract: A seat assembly including a seat stroking device for a vehicle and methods of use include a seat adjustment mechanism comprising a stationary rail fixedly attached to a vehicle floor and a movable rail slidably engaged with the stationary rail, wherein the seat adjustment mechanism is adapted to position a seat; an active material based stroking device having one end fixedly attached to a non-movable portion and an other end in operative communication with the movable rail; and a controller in operative communication with the active material, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a change in an attribute of the active material, wherein the change in the attribute results in force and acceleration adjusting energy absorption.

Abstract: A damper assembly is provided including a linear to rotary motion conversion mechanism having an outer tube member. An inner tube member is reciprocally movable and at least partially disposed within the outer tube member. The inner tube member is adapted for linear translation in a first and a second direction. A rotatable shaft is disposed within the inner tube member. The translation of the inner tube member produces a rotation of the shaft. Also included within the damper assembly is a damping mechanism having a rotor fixed to the shaft. A coil is configured to generate an electromagnetic field in response to an applied current. A magneto-rheological fluid is in contact with the rotor, and has a variable viscosity in the presence of the electromagnetic field that, in turn, provides variable resistance to rotation of the rotor and translation of the inner tube member within the outer tube member.

Abstract: A child seat anchor assembly includes a fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion is secured to a motor vehicle structural member or a child seat structural member; a latchable portion for releasable engagement with a child seat or a motor vehicle; an energy absorbing mechanism disposed between and in operative communication with the fixed portion and the latchable portion, wherein the energy absorbing mechanism comprises an active material; and a controller in operative communication with the active material, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a change in an attribute of the active material, wherein the change in the attribute results in force and acceleration adjusting energy absorption.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological coupling (MRC) is provided having an input assembly operable to receive a torque input and an output member operable to selectively transmit torque to a driveshaft. A magneto-rheological fluid, or MRF, having a variable viscosity in response to a magnetic flux field is operable to vary the torque transmitted from the input assembly to the output member. At least one annular lip forming a magneto-rheological fluid retention pocket is provided on at least one of the input assembly and the output member of the MRC. The annular lip is operable to direct MRF away from a roller bearing, thereby reducing the likelihood of MRF fluid incursion within the roller bearing. Additionally, a labyrinth seal may be employed to provide additional protection to the bearing. The labyrinth seal may have an annular bushing disposed therein to reduce the clearances of the labyrinth seal.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological coupling (MRC) having an input assembly and an output member. The output member includes a generally cylindrical drum portion and a hub portion extending radially inwardly therefrom. The generally cylindrical drum portion has a low magnetically permeable region having a plurality of passages defined therein. Additionally, a plurality of apertures are defined by the hub portion. The plurality of passages and apertures enhance the flow of magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) within the MRC. The drum portion has a surface treatment of tungsten-carbide to enhance wear resistance. Additionally, the drum portion has an average roughness, or Ra value, of between 10 and 250 microns.

Abstract: A method of controlling a magneto-rheological power steering coupling is provided. The method is to be employed by a controller and is initiated upon engine start-up. The method includes initializing calibration parameters and reading a plurality of input values. Subsequently, a hand wheel angle rate value is calculated from one of said plurality of input values. A pump speed command value is calculated as a function of at least the hand wheel angle rate value. A pump speed error value is then calculated, and a proportional-integral-derivative calculation is performed acting on the pump speed error value to determine a pulse width modulation duty cycle value. The duty cycle value is then output to a power driver to provide a control signal to the magneto-rheological power steering coupling. Also provided is control system and apparatus operable to perform the functions described hereinabove.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and diagnosing the coil temperature of a magnetorheological (MR) clutch connected to a power steering pump of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a processing circuit, and a storage medium, readable by the processing circuit, for storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for receiving a plurality of input signals representative of dynamic operating conditions relating to the vehicle, using the input signals to generate an output signal representative of a temperature of the coil of the MR clutch, determining from the output signal whether the temperature of the coil exceeds a threshold limit, and in response to the temperature of the coil exceeding a threshold limit, triggering at least one of a remedial action and a data storage algorithm.

Abstract: A controllable magnetorheological (MR) damper having first, second and third portions is disclosed. The first and second portions have a translational degree of freedom therebetween, and the third portion has a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the first and second portions. The first and third portions are coupled via a translation-to-rotation converter, and the second and third portions are coupled via a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A bearing is disposed between the first and second portions for supporting a side load therebetween, a magnetic field generator is in field communication with the magnetorheological fluid, and a signal path is in signal communication with the magnetic field generator.

Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle includes a hydraulic pump interconnected with a power steering gear and a fluid coupling that operatively connects a drive shaft of an engine of the vehicle with the hydraulic pump. The power steering system also includes an electronic controller operable to provide a variable control signal based on received input and a power electronic converter that energizes the fluid coupling in response to the control signal to vary torque transmitted via said fluid coupling.

Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) fluid coupling for vectoring torque with respect to a shaft capable of rotary motion is disclosed. The coupling includes a stator, a rotor having a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the stator and configured for physical communication with the shaft, and a magnetic field generator. The stator and rotor define an annular space therebetween and are coupled via a MR fluid disposed within the annular space. The magnetic field generator is in field communication with the MR fluid and is disposed to produce a substantially radially directed magnetic field across the annular space. The rotor is rotationally responsive to the application of a magnetic field at the MR fluid.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are described for controlling a vehicle electrical generator. A regulator for controlling a generator in response to an input signal received from a control module suitably includes a discriminator module, a processing module and a switching circuit. The discriminator determines whether the regulator is operating in voltage or torque control mode. If the input signal is a voltage control, the output generator produces a modulation signal to produce a desired voltage between two battery terminals. If the input signal is a torque control, the output generator produces one or more modulation signals (e.g. pulse width modulation signals) to control the torque of the generator. The modulation signals are applied across a field coil or other controllable element of the generator by a switching circuit that applies positive and/or negative voltage from the battery terminals as appropriate.

Abstract: A belted-alternator starter system that continuously provides pre-flux when the vehicle ignition is on and the engine is off to provide a faster torque response when the engine is turned on. The alternator/starter device operates as an alternator for providing electrical energy to vehicle electrical devices and the battery when the ignition is on and the engine is running, and operates as a starter for providing engine torque to start the engine when the engine is off and the ignition is on. The system further includes an inverter/rectifier circuit to provide AC current to the armature coils when the alternator/starter device is operating as a starter. The system provides an operating field current to the field coil when the ignition and the engine are on and provides a pre-flux field current to the field coil when the vehicle ignition is on and the engine is off.

Abstract: A roll control system for a vehicle is disclosed. The roll control system includes front and rear stabilizer bars, first and second magnetorheological actuators, and an electronic control system. The first magnetorheological actuator is disposed between the front stabilizer bar and the front suspension on one side of the vehicle, and a first droplink is disposed between the front stabilizer bar and the front suspension on the other side of the vehicle. The second magnetorheological actuator is disposed between the rear stabilizer bar and the rear suspension on one side of the vehicle, and a second droplink is disposed between the rear stabilizer bar and the rear suspension on the other side of the vehicle. The electronic control system is responsive to a vehicle operating characteristic and is in signal communication with the first and second magnetorheological actuators.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a reflective surface disposed on a substrate; an actuator in operative communication with at least a portion of the substrate, wherein the actuator comprises an active material; and a controller in operative communication with the active material, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a change in a property of the active material, wherein the change in the property results in movement of the at least the portion of the substrate from a first position to a second position.