Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a clutch pack and a ball-screw actuator. The ball-screw actuator functions to axially translates an apply plate to operatively engage the clutch pack and vary the frictional engagement. This arrangement yields numerous operational advantages over the prior art including, but not limited to, establishing a direct drive between the motor output shaft and the apply plate, concentric mounting of the actuator elements with the motor output shaft, and a simplified mechanical arrangement that reduces the number of frictional elements increasing operational efficiency and decreasing motor requirements.

Abstract: An electronically controlled shift system is provided for a synchronized manual transmission of a motor vehicle. The shift system provides greater control of gear engagement by determining an optimum shift force at shift time, by adjusting this shift force based upon engine temperature, and by applying variable shift forces to complete a gear shift. In particular, the electronically controlled shift system comprises a manually operated shift lever for selecting a gear, a transmission control module connected to the shift lever for receiving an electrical input signal indicative of a selected gear and a dual motion actuator receiving actuation signals from the transmission control module for actuating a shift rail of the transmission to engage the selected gear.

Abstract: A fluid-based torque transfer device modulates the amount of torque which is transmitted from an input shaft to an output shaft. The torque transfer device includes a first plate connected to the input shaft. A second plate is connected to the output shaft and spaced from the first plate. A magnetorheological fluid is provided between the first and second plates. A magnetic circuit, including a coil wound around a core material defining a gap, applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid to variably control the rotation of the second plate in response to the rotation of the first plate. A controller adjusts the current to the coil to vary the magnetic field. Sensors detect at least one of the rotational speed and the torque of the input shaft, the output shaft, vehicle speed, steering direction, throttle position, gear position and brake position. The controller varies the current provided to the coil based thereon.

Abstract: A fluid-based torque transfer device modulates the amount of torque which is transmitted from an input shaft to an output shaft. The torque transfer device includes a first plate connected to the input shaft. A second plate is connected to the output shaft and spaced from the first plate. A magnetorheological fluid is provided between the first and second plates. A magnetic circuit, including a coil wound around a core material defining a gap, applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid to variably control the rotation of the second plate in response to the rotation of the first plate. A controller adjusts the current to the coil to vary the magnetic field. Sensors detect at least one of the rotational speed and the torque of the input shaft, the output shaft, vehicle speed, steering direction, throttle position, gear position and brake position. The controller varies the current provided to the coil based thereon.