Abstract: A torque transmission device for a powertrain system includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) arranged in parallel with a fixed-gear-ratio transmission. The fixed-gear-ratio transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets and a plurality of transmission clutches, wherein the first and second planetary gear sets are arranged to transfer torque between an input member and an output member in one of first and second fixed-gear-ratio modes by selectively activating the transmission clutches. The torque transmission device operates in a first fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a first set of two of the transmission clutches is activated. The torque transmission device operates in a second fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a second set of two of the transmission clutches is activated.

Abstract: A torque transmission device for a powertrain system includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) arranged in parallel with a fixed-gear-ratio transmission. The fixed-gear-ratio transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets and a plurality of transmission clutches, wherein the first and second planetary gear sets are arranged to transfer torque between an input member and an output member in one of first and second fixed-gear-ratio modes by selectively activating the transmission clutches. The torque transmission device operates in a first fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a first set of two of the transmission clutches is activated. The torque transmission device operates in a second fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a second set of two of the transmission clutches is activated.

Abstract: A torque transmission device for a powertrain system is described, and includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) arranged in parallel with a fixed-gear-ratio transmission to transfer torque between a transmission input member and a transmission output member. The fixed-gear-ratio transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets arranged to transfer torque between the transmission input member and the transmission output member in one of a plurality of fixed-gear-ratio modes by selectively activating a plurality of transmission clutches. The transmission input member rotatably couples to one of the nodes of the first planetary gear set and one of the nodes of the second planetary gear set. The torque transmission device transfers torque in one of a continuously variable mode, a fixed underdrive input/output speed ratio, or a fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio.

Abstract: A powertrain system in a hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulator valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulator valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulator valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve.

Abstract: A wet dual clutch transmission includes at least one hydraulic component and a pilot valve operably connected to the hydraulic component to actuate the hydraulic component. The pilot valve includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based pressure differential actuator valve. The hydraulic component may include but is not limited to a first clutch and a second clutch of the wet dual clutch transmission, a lube regulator valve, an on/off solenoid, a synchronizing shift fork or a line pressure control valve.

Abstract: An actuation system for actuating a clutch piston of a transmission includes an actuator and a lever. A first end of the lever is attached to the actuator. The lever is pivotable about a lever connection location. Movement of the actuator rotates the lever about the lever connection location. A spring assembly is pivotable about a spring connection location, and pivotably connected to the lever at a second end of the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an un-actuated position, the spring assembly is positioned such that a pre-loaded spring force is directed along a zero moment path to generate a zero moment in the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an actuated position, the spring assembly is rotated so that the spring force is directed along a moment generating path in order to generate a moment in the lever to rotate the lever.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical-systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve.

Abstract: A pressure and flow control system includes a hydraulically-controlled component, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal, which controls the hydraulically-controlled component.

Abstract: A pressure and flow control system for a dog clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a selector. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The selector is configured to engage and disengage the dog clutch in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An actuation system for actuating a clutch piston of a transmission includes an actuator and a lever. A first end of the lever is attached to the actuator. The lever is pivotable about a lever connection location. Movement of the actuator rotates the lever about the lever connection location. A spring assembly is pivotable about a spring connection location, and pivotably connected to the lever at a second end of the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an un-actuated position, the spring assembly is positioned such that a pre-loaded spring force is directed along a zero moment path to generate a zero moment in the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an actuated position, the spring assembly is rotated so that the spring force is directed along a moment generating path in order to generate a moment in the lever to rotate the lever.

Abstract: An automated manual transmission includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulating valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve.

Abstract: A clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a clutch control valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The clutch control valve is configured to engage and disengage the clutch in response to the control signal. The clutch may be configured as one of a wet clutch and a dry clutch.

Abstract: A dry dual clutch transmission includes at least one hydraulic component and a pilot valve operably connected to the hydraulic component to actuate the hydraulic component. The pilot valve includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based pressure differential actuator valve. The hydraulic component may include but is not limited to a first clutch and a second clutch of the dry dual clutch transmission, an on/off solenoid, a line pressure control valve or a synchronizing shift fork.

Abstract: A powertrain system in a mild hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulator valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulator valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulator valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve.

Abstract: A pressure control system configured to control a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) includes a pilot valve and a SOWC actuator. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The pressure control system may further include a regulating valve in fluid communication with the pilot valve and configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The SOWC actuator is configured to select between operating modes of the selectable one-way clutch in response to one of the pilot signal and the control signal.

Abstract: A pressure and flow control system for a torque converter clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a torque converter control valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The torque converter control valve is configured to engage and disengage the torque converter clutch in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A torque transmitting system includes a case, first and second clutch plates, and a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface. The system also includes an electric motor having a motor housing, wherein the case is rotatable relative to the housing about the axis. The motor is configured to selectively apply torque to rotate the ramp member. The system additionally includes a roller element mounted with respect to the case and contacting the ramp surface. The ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates. A transmission assembly including the above described torque transmitting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure control system includes a hydraulically-controlled component, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal, which controls the hydraulically-controlled component.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having first and second rotatable members, speed sensors, and a controller. The speed sensors generate output signals encoding the speeds of the respective first and second rotatable members. The controller calculates a rotation angle of the members using the output signals and estimates a torque value in the powertrain as a function of the rotation angles. The sensors may count the teeth of respective first and second toothed gear elements and encode the count as the output signals. The controller may estimate the torque value as a function of a linear coefficient and the present gear ratio of the sensors. The controller may also detect a commanded upshift of the transmission and detect a fill event of an oncoming clutch of the transmission as a function of the corresponding rotation angles for the rotatable members. The members may be input, output, or intermediate members.