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 transmission has four planetary gear sets, four interconnecting members and six torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable in different combinations of four to establish ten forward speed ratios. One of the six torque-transmitting mechanisms is a mechanical on-off clutch that engages to prevent rotation of a first member of a first of the planetary gear sets rotates in a first direction, and freewheels when the first member rotates in an opposing second direction. When engaged, the first member is grounded to a stationary member.

Abstract: A torque transmission device for a powertrain system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVU) arranged in parallel with a transfer gear set. The CVU variator includes a first pulley rotatably coupled to a first rotating member and a second pulley rotatably coupled to a second rotating member. The transfer gear set includes a first gear selectively rotatably coupled to a second gear via activation of a clutch. The clutch includes a first rotating element and a second rotating element that rotate in concert when the clutch is activated. The first rotating element rotatably couples to the first rotating member and the second rotating element rotatably couples to the first gear. The first gear rotates in a fixed ratio with rotation of the second gear when the clutch is activated. The second gear rotatably couples to the second rotating member.

Abstract: A transmission has four planetary gear sets, four interconnecting members and six torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable in different combinations of four to establish ten forward speed ratios. One of the six torque-transmitting mechanisms is a mechanical on-off clutch that engages to prevent rotation of a first member of a first of the planetary gear sets rotates in a first direction, and freewheels when the first member rotates in an opposing second direction. When engaged, the first member is grounded to a stationary member.

Abstract: A method of detecting a failure of a hydraulic pump includes sensing a rotational speed of the engine, and a rotational speed of a rotating drivetrain component. A numerical difference between the rotational speed of the engine and the rotational speed of the rotating drivetrain component is calculated. The numerical difference is compared to a threshold value to determine if the numerical difference is less than the threshold value, or is equal to or greater than the threshold value. A failure of the hydraulic pump is identified when the numerical difference between the rotational speed of the engine and the rotational speed of the rotating drivetrain component is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the transmission is positioned in the neutral gear mode. When a failure of the hydraulic pump is identified, the operation of the engine is stopped.

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: A method of controlling a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) valve includes defining a desired pressure output for the MEMS valve. The desired pressure output is related to a control reference value. The control reference value relates an output pressure of the MEMS valve to a measurable characteristic of the MEMS valve. The measurable characteristic may include a resistance, an electrical power, or an electrical current of the MEMS valve. The control reference value is converted to an initial Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal that is applied to the MEMS valve. The initial PWM signal may be adjusted to define an adjusted PWM signal based upon a difference between an actual value of the measurable characteristic at the initial PWM signal and the control reference value, until the actual value of the measurable characteristic at the adjusted PWM signal is within a pre-defined range of the control reference value.

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: A method of modeling initial temperatures of a dry DCT includes reactivating a controller after a time lapse between first and second clock times representing an offline period. The last known temperatures of a first component and a second component are read and a first temperature difference therebetween is calculated. The method calculates a stop time and a start time on a predefined exponential function from the calculated temperature difference. A first conductive heat transfer between the first and second components is calculated by integrating the predefined exponential function between the stop time and the start time. Based upon the calculated first conductive heat transfer, a first conductive temperature change between the first and second components is calculated. A starting temperature of the first component is calculated from first conductive temperature change, and a control action on the dry DCT is executed based upon the calculated starting temperature.

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 transmission includes a first gear set with a first sun gear member rotatable about a first axis of rotation, a first carrier member, and a first ring gear member radially outward of and concentric with the first sun gear member. The first ring gear member has a radially inward-facing surface with inner teeth and a radially outward-facing surface with outer teeth. A second gear set has a second carrier member, and a second ring gear member radially outward of and concentric with the first ring gear member. The second ring gear member has a radially inward-facing surface with inner teeth. A first annular gear has a radially inward-facing surface with inner teeth and a radially outward-facing surface with outer teeth. The first annular gear is rotatable about a second axis of rotation and meshes with the first ring gear member.

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 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 method of determining temperatures for a dry dual clutch mechanism includes one or more steps, such as determining a first heat input from a first clutch and determining a second heat input from a second clutch. The second clutch is separated from the first clutch by a center plate. The method also includes determining a housing air temperature of housing air within a bell housing case of the dry dual clutch mechanism. A thermal model is applied with the determined first heat input and second heat input. The thermal model includes temperature states for at least the first clutch, the second clutch, and the center plate. From the thermal model, the method determines at least a first clutch temperature and a second clutch temperature. The method includes executing a control action with the determined first clutch temperature and second clutch temperature.

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: A method for determining initial or starting temperatures for a dry dual clutch mechanism at vehicle start-up includes as determining a time lapse from shut-down to start-up. The method determines a housing air start temperature of the housing air within a bell housing case of the dry dual clutch mechanism at vehicle start-up, reads a first clutch stop temperature of a first clutch at vehicle shut-down, reads a housing air stop temperature of the housing air at vehicle shut-down, and determines a heat transfer coefficient between the first clutch and the housing air. The method includes determining a first clutch start temperature from, at least: the heat transfer coefficient between the first clutch and the housing air; a temperature differential between the first clutch stop temperature and the housing air stop temperature; and the housing air start temperature.

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.