Abstract: A valve directs fluid flow received from a device to one of a heater and a cooler. The valve includes a spool movably disposed in the housing between a first, second, and third position. An actuator is in fluid communication with the fluid. The actuator includes a smart material that deactivates when the fluid temperature is no greater than a first temperature, partially activated when the fluid temperature is greater than the first temperature, and fully activated when the fluid temperature is at least equal to a second temperature. The spool moves to the first position when deactivated and fluid flows from the cavity, to the heater. The spool moves to the second position when partially activated to prevent fluid from flowing to each of the heater and the cooler. The spool moves to the third position when fully activated and fluid flows from the cavity, to the cooler.

Abstract: A vehicle including a transmission and an electronic transmission range selector system in communication with the transmission to shift the transmission to one of a park operating position and an out-of-park operating position. A clutch is movable between an engaged position grounding a portion of a planetary gear set to a transmission casing to operate the gear set in a first gear and a disengaged position. A first pawl is movable between a first position to mechanically couple the first pawl to the portion of the planetary gear set when the clutch is in the disengaged position such that the first pawl operates the gear set in the first gear, and a second position to mechanically decouple the first pawl from the portion of the gear set when the clutch is in the engaged position such that the clutch operates the planetary gear set in the first gear.

Abstract: A torque transfer assembly includes input and output members configured to transfer torque from a prime mover to an automotive transmission. A torque transfer component, such as a torque converter or a dual-mass fly wheel, and a clutch are coupled to the input member. A torsional vibration damper includes a planetary gear set having first, second, and third nodes. First and second spring engagement elements are connected to two of the first, second, and third nodes. One or more springs contacts both of the first and second spring engagement elements. An outgoing member of the torque multiplying device is coupled to the first node of the planetary gear set, a driven element of the clutch is connected to the second node of the planetary gear set, and the output member is coupled to the third node of the planetary gear set.

Abstract: Provided is a multifunctional structure for electrical energy and mechanical environment management, which comprises a main structure module, four rechargeable/dischargeable power source modules (PSMs), a vibration reduction system and a sensor module. The main structure module includes a framework, an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate. Elastic blocks are arranged between the periphery of each PSM and walls of the square cavity used for accommodating the PSM. Elastic cushions are arranged between the bottom surface of each PSM and the lower cover plate, and between the top surface of each PSM and the upper cover plate. The multifunctional structure, by means of embedding the PSMs into the interior of the structure, can realize high integration of multiple functions, such as bearing, power supply and vibration reduction, and can greatly improve the load/mass ratio, the load/volume ratio and the function/structure ratio of a system platform.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission, a transmission control system, and a method is provided. The control system is configured to determine whether a predetermined condition is met for applying a clutch critical pressure to an applied clutch. The clutch critical pressure is less than line pressure and is a pressure at which the clutch may slip upon experiencing a predetermined torque disturbance level. The control system is configured to command the clutch critical pressure to be applied to the clutch if the predetermined condition is met. The control system is further configured to determine whether the clutch is slipping beyond a predetermined threshold, and if the clutch is slipping beyond the predetermined threshold, command a clutch slip control scheme to be applied to the clutch that is configured to bring a clutch slip of the clutch under the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An experimental system for laser beam measurement and steering control, and relates to the technical field of optical, mechanical and electronic integration experimental systems. It includes: a high-precision optical mirror, a piezoelectric micro-actuator, a vibration exciter, a signal collection subsystem, a laser emitter, a beam splitter mirror, a fast steering mirror, a mechanical vibration isolation air bearing table, an optical vibration isolation air bearing table, a data processing and analyzing subsystem, and data transmission lines and power supply lines between subsystems and components. It uses a deflection angle of the laser beam as a control variation, can not only precisely measure the deflection angle of the laser beam, but also inhibit vibration of the high-precision optical mirror by using the piezoelectric micro-actuator and directly adjust the steering of the emitted laser beam by using the fast steering mirror, thereby improving precision of beam steering control.

Abstract: A vehicle engine system includes a combustion engine configured to provide a propulsion torque to satisfy a propulsion demand in response to a driver input. The engine system also includes a controller programmed to receive data indicative of at least one upcoming driving event, and issue a command to impart a predetermined velocity profile based on the upcoming driving event. The predetermined velocity profile is arranged to optimize a performance attribute of the combustion engine and preempt the driver input.

Abstract: A method for generating energy-optimized travel routes with a vehicle navigation system includes generating candidate travel routes between a route origin and one or more route destinations, and then dividing each candidate travel route into a plurality of route segments. The method includes estimating expected travel speeds along each segment using cloud information and calculating an expected energy efficiency over each of the candidate travel routes using one or more vehicle-specific energy efficiency models. The travel routes are displayed via the navigation system, including a trace of the energy-optimized travel routes and an expected or relative energy efficiency along the energy-optimized travel routes. A vehicle includes the navigation system and a powertrain. A powertrain controller may control vehicle speed over a selected route to maintain an optimally energy-efficient speed.

Abstract: A vehicle is described, and includes a drivetrain system including an internal combustion engine and a geartrain, an accessory device, and a route monitoring system. A controller includes an instruction set to monitor operation of the accessory device, and a request to operate the accessory device. When the request to operate the accessory device includes a request to activate the accessory device based upon not exceeding a limit for an operating parameter of the accessory device, the instruction set executes to determine a horizon for the vehicle based upon the projected path for the vehicle, determine a projected road load and a speed constraint based upon the horizon for the vehicle, and determine a projected axle torque command based upon the projected road load. A first routine determines a first command for operating the accessory device that minimizes fuel consumption and meets the projected axle torque command.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion includes an engine and a first electric machine, where each is configured to selectively provide torque to propel the vehicle. The propulsion system also includes a second electric machine coupled to the engine to provide torque to start the engine from an inactive state. A high-voltage power source is configured to power both of the first electric machine and the second electric machine over a high-voltage bus. The propulsion system further includes a controller programmed to deactivate the engine and propel the vehicle using the first electric machine in response to the vehicle being driven at a steady-state speed for a predetermined duration of time. The controller is also programmed to restart the engine using the second electric machine powered by the high-voltage power source.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes an engine and a first electric machine each configured to selectively provide torque to propel the vehicle. A second electric machine is coupled to the engine to provide torque to start the engine from an inactive state. A high-voltage power source is configured to power both of the first electric machine and the second electric machine over a high-voltage bus. A propulsion controller is programmed to start the engine using cranking torque output from the second electric machine powered by the high-voltage power source. The controller is also programmed to operate both of the first electric machine and the combustion engine to propel the vehicle in response to an acceleration demand greater than a threshold. The controller is further programmed to decouple the engine and propel the vehicle using the first electric machine in response to vehicle speed less than a speed threshold.

Abstract: A multi-speed clutch-damper assembly for selectively connecting an output of a power-source to an input of a transmission includes a planetary gear-set. The planetary gear-set is encased in a housing and configured to provide two selectable speed ratios and a damper between the power-source output and the transmission input. The planetary gear-set includes first, second, and third gear members. The second gear member is configured to be connected to the transmission input and the third gear member is configured to be selectively fixed to the housing. The planetary gear-set also includes an elastic element operatively connected to the second gear member and configured to generate torsional vibration damping between the output of the power-source and the input of the transmission. The clutch-damper assembly also includes a first clutch configured to selectively connect the power-source output to the first gear member for transmitting torque of the power-source to the transmission.

Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter, or torque converter assembly, operatively connects a primary mover and a transmission, and includes an input rotationally connected to the primary mover and an output rotationally connected to the transmission. The torque converter includes a fluid coupling having impeller blades and turbine blades. The fluid coupling transfers torque between the impeller blades and the turbine blades when the input and the output are rotating at different speeds. A mini damper is disposed in line with the fluid coupling between the input and the output. A torque converter clutch is configured to selectively slip or selectively lock, such that torque may be transferred directly between the input and the output. A primary damper is disposed between the input and the output.

Abstract: A mechanical diode to transfer torque between a first torque member and a second torque member is described, and includes a first race element, a second race element and a slide plate that are coaxially disposed in the housing. The slide plate includes a tab element projecting radially outwardly. The slide plate is rotatable to one of a first position and a second position. A spring element is disposed between the slide plate and one of the first and second race elements, and is configured to urge the slide plate to the first position. A controllable braking element is disposed to apply a braking force to the tab element of the slide plate to urge the slide plate to achieve the second position in response to a control signal.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes a planetary gear set connected to a transmission input shaft, including a sun gear, a carrier, and a ring gear. A spring cage includes a first spring support member connected to the ring gear having multiple first spring contact members. A second spring support member is connected to the carrier and rotates with respect to the first spring support member. The second spring support member has multiple second spring contact members angularly oriented with respect to the first spring contact members. Multiple springs having opposed ends are positioned between and are compressed by rotation of the first or the second spring support member. The springs compress and extend to absorb vehicle engine vibration pulses. Each end of the springs has one of the multiple first spring contact members and or one of the multiple second spring contact members positioned proximate thereto.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for shifting a vehicle transmission having several members. Each member is a first, second, or third node of a planetary gear set (of multiple planetary gear sets), or an input, output, or stationary member. A first torque transmitting mechanism is applied to transfer torque between first and second members in a low gear state. In some versions, a second torque transmitting mechanism is applied in the low gear state without substantially transferring torque between third and fourth members, and then the second torque transmitting mechanism is disengaged. A third torque transmitting mechanism is then applied without substantially transferring torque between the third and fourth members in the low gear state. The transmission is upshifted by disengaging the first torque transmitting mechanism, keeping the third torque transmitting mechanism applied, and applying the second torque transmitting mechanism to transfer torque between the third and fourth members.

Abstract: A drivetrain system for a vehicle is described, and includes an internal combustion engine, a geartrain, an electric machine, a power take-off unit, and a driveline. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the geartrain via a disconnect clutch and a torque converter. The geartrain includes a transmission and a differential gearset, including an output member of the transmission coupled to an input member of the differential gearset. The input member of the differential gearset is coupled to a rotor of the electric machine and the power take-off unit. The differential gearset is coupled to first and second intermediate driveshaft members of the driveline to transfer propulsion power to vehicle wheels that are arranged in a front-wheel configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrokinetic torque converter (TC) with a TC housing. An impeller is disposed within the TC housing and connects to an engine output shaft. A turbine is disposed within the TC housing and connects to a transmission input shaft via a TC output shaft. A torque converter clutch (TCC), which is disposed within the TC housing and coupled to the TC output shaft, selectively locks the impeller to the TC output shaft. A damper, which is disposed within the TC housing and coupled to the TCC, dampens vibrations transmitted by the TCC. A disconnect device, which is disposed within the TC housing and coupled to the damper assembly and TC output shaft, connects the turbine to the TC output shaft or damper when positive torque is being transferred, and disconnects the turbine and TC output shaft or damper when negative torque is being transferred.

Abstract: A powertrain system is described, and includes an internal combustion engine including a crankshaft and an electric machine including a rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable shaft is coupled to a motor pulley. A torque converter includes an impeller and a pump, wherein the pump is coupled to an outer sheave. An off-axis mechanical drive system includes the outer sheave of the torque converter rotatably coupled to the motor pulley of the electric machine. The electric machine is coupled to the pump of the torque converter via the off-axis mechanical drive system, and the crankshaft is coupled to the pump of the torque converter via a clutch.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes a planetary gear set having a ring gear connected to a transmission input shaft, a carrier rotatably supporting multiple planet gears individually meshed with a sun gear, and with the ring gear meshed with the planet gears. A spring cage includes a first spring support member having: a member first leg fixed to the ring gear; a member second leg rotatably connected to the transmission input shaft; and multiple first spring support member elements. A second spring support member connected to the carrier, the second spring support member having multiple second spring support member elements. Multiple springs each spring have at least one of the first spring support member elements and one of the second spring support member elements in contact with opposed ends of the spring. An inertial mass member is connected to the sun gear at a first end and has an inertial mass connected at a second end.