Abstract: A system and method are provided for placing a hybrid vehicle having a plurality of electric propulsion motors into an operating state in anticipation of a vehicle event, the method may include the steps of: monitoring roadway traffic and conditions surrounding a vehicle using one or more vehicle sensors and/or wireless communications; anticipating a vehicle propulsion operation change based on the monitored roadway traffic and conditions; in response to anticipating the vehicle propulsion operation change, obtaining a present propulsion operating state; and carrying out an anticipatory vehicle propulsion system transition before receiving a vehicle propulsion operation change request.

Abstract: A communication module is configured to obtain, from a first computing device associated with an energy receiver, an energy request. The energy request includes a location of the energy receiver and an amount of energy requested. A selection module is configured to generate a list of energy sources available to satisfy the energy request. The communication module is further configured to: transmit the list of energy sources to the first computing device for display; receive, from the first computing device, a selection of one energy source from the list of energy sources; and transmit, to the first computing device and a second computing device associated with the selected one energy source, a location at which the energy request is to be fulfilled. An energy transfer module is configured to selectively enable an electrical energy transfer from the selected one energy source to the energy receiver.

Abstract: A permanent magnet electric machine (PM machine) for a vehicle or other system includes a rotor assembly, fixed permanent magnets, a stator, an actuator, and one or more repositionable/moveable flux-shunting elements. The flux-shunting element is repositioned to control flux at specific operating points of the PM machine. The rotor assembly has a rotor coaxially surrounding and coupled to a rotor shaft. The permanent magnets are mounted to or in the rotor, and the moveable flux-shunting element is positioned between the rotor shaft and a respective one of the permanent magnets. Inboard and outboard ends of each respective permanent magnet may be oriented toward the rotor shaft and stator, respectively. The actuator selectively positions the moveable flux-shunting element at one or more operating points of the PM machine to vary reluctance in a magnetic circuit formed by the stator and rotor assembly.

Abstract: A powertrain system for a vehicle is described, and includes an internal combustion engine that is selectively coupled to a driveline. The engine is configured to operate in a coasting mode, wherein the coasting mode includes operating the powertrain system with the engine in an OFF state and decoupled from the driveline. Devices are configured to monitor an output torque request, vehicle speed, and vehicle operating conditions. An executable instruction set monitors the vehicle speed and the output torque request. The engine is controlled to operate in the coasting mode when the output torque request is within the predetermined torque region and the vehicle speed is greater than a minimum speed threshold. The engine is controlled to discontinue operating in the coasting mode in response to the output torque request being outside the torque region of the vehicle speed being less than a minimum speed threshold.

Abstract: A permanent magnet electric machine (PM machine) includes a rotor with rotatable magnets and a stator defining an air gap with the rotor. An actuator rotates the rotatable magnets at predetermined operating points through an angular distance sufficient for changing magnetic pole orientations of the rotatable magnets, and thus modifies magnetic flux linkage with stator windings across the air gap. Fixed magnets may be arranged around a circumference of the rotor. The actuator may be actively or passively driven. Flux-shunting elements are optionally disposed in the rotor to further modify the flux linkage. A gear set connected to torque transfer elements may be driven by the actuator to rotate the rotatable magnets. A vehicle includes drive wheels, a transmission, and the PM machine. A method controls magnetic flux linkage in the PM machine noted above.

Abstract: A permanent magnet electric machine (PM machine) for a vehicle or other system includes a rotor assembly, fixed permanent magnets, a stator, an actuator, and one or more repositionable/moveable flux-shunting elements. The flux-shunting element is repositioned to control flux at specific operating points of the PM machine. The rotor assembly has a rotor coaxially surrounding and coupled to a rotor shaft. The permanent magnets are mounted to or in the rotor, and the moveable flux-shunting element is positioned between the rotor shaft and a respective one of the permanent magnets. Inboard and outboard ends of each respective permanent magnet may be oriented toward the rotor shaft and stator, respectively. The actuator selectively positions the moveable flux-shunting element at one or more operating points of the PM machine to vary reluctance in a magnetic circuit formed by the stator and rotor assembly.

Abstract: A modular rear drive unit for a hybrid vehicle comprises a torque distributing unit, an electric motor-generator, and a gearing arrangement operatively connecting the electric motor-generator with the torque distributing unit. The modular rear drive unit also includes an integrated housing and rear cradle supporting and surrounding the torque distributing unit, the electric motor-generator, and the gearing arrangement. The integrated housing and rear cradle operatively mounts to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A parallel (P2) hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain assembly includes a torque converter and a motor-generator unit (MGU). The parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain assembly can be equipped in a rear wheel drive (RWD) powertrain architecture, or in another architecture arrangement of the powertrain. The torque converter includes an impeller and a turbine. The motor-generator unit includes a rotor and a stator. The torque converter and the motor-generator unit exhibit an at least partially axially overlapping relationship with respect to each other.

Abstract: A switching circuit includes a semiconductor switch having a Gate terminal, and includes first, second, third, and fourth Gate resistors. The Gate resistors have upstream and downstream ends relative to a location of the semiconductor switch or a driven load. The downstream ends connect to the Gate terminal. First, second, third, and fourth buffer switches have Gate terminals and Source terminals, with the Source terminals connected to the upstream ends of the first, second, third, and fourth Gate resistors, respectively. An optional Gate driver integrated circuit (IC) connects to the Gate terminals of the buffer switches. A microcontroller, responsive to circuit measurements, selects switching control values and Gate resistor identities based on the measurements, and transmits switching control signals and a Gate resistor selection signal to select on/off states of the buffer switches and an optimum switching speed for the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A planetary gear assembly for transferring torque in a transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets, each including a ring gear, a sun gear, and a carrier bearing a plurality of planet gears. A bridge portion connects a first carrier of the first planetary gear set to a second ring gear of the second planetary gear set. The bridge portion may be disposed radially outward of the first sun gear, and the bridge portion may be connected to an outer side of the first carrier. In some examples, a first ring bearing assembly is constrained by the first ring gear and the bridge structure; a first carrier bearing assembly is constrained by a first case portion and a bridge extension extending from the first carrier; and a second ring bearing assembly is constrained by a second case portion and a second bridge extension extending from the second ring gear.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for placing a hybrid vehicle having a plurality of electric propulsion motors into an operating state in anticipation of a vehicle event, the method may include the steps of: monitoring roadway traffic and conditions surrounding a vehicle using one or more vehicle sensors and/or wireless communications; anticipating a vehicle propulsion operation change based on the monitored roadway traffic and conditions; in response to anticipating the vehicle propulsion operation change, obtaining a present propulsion operating state; and carrying out an anticipatory vehicle propulsion system transition before receiving a vehicle propulsion operation change request.

Abstract: A permanent magnet electric machine (PM machine) for a vehicle or other system includes a rotor assembly, fixed permanent magnets, a stator, an actuator, and one or more repositionable/moveable flux-shunting elements. The flux-shunting element is repositioned to control flux at specific operating points of the PM machine. The rotor assembly has a rotor coaxially surrounding and coupled to a rotor shaft. The permanent magnets are mounted to or in the rotor, and the moveable flux-shunting element is positioned between the rotor shaft and a respective one of the permanent magnets. Inboard and outboard ends of each respective permanent magnet may be oriented toward the rotor shaft and stator, respectively. The actuator selectively positions the moveable flux-shunting element at one or more operating points of the PM machine to vary reluctance in a magnetic circuit formed by the stator and rotor assembly.

Abstract: A permanent magnet electric machine (PM machine) includes a rotor with rotatable magnets and a stator defining an air gap with the rotor. An actuator rotates the rotatable magnets at predetermined operating points through an angular distance sufficient for changing magnetic pole orientations of the rotatable magnets, and thus modifies magnetic flux linkage with stator windings across the air gap. Fixed magnets may be arranged around a circumference of the rotor. The actuator may be actively or passively driven. Flux-shunting elements are optionally disposed in the rotor to further modify the flux linkage. A gear set connected to torque transfer elements may be driven by the actuator to rotate the rotatable magnets. A vehicle includes drive wheels, a transmission, and the PM machine. A method controls magnetic flux linkage in the PM machine noted above.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a first electric device, and a second electric device. A first planetary gear set is coupled to the first electric device. A second planetary gear set is coupled to the second electric device. The output is coupled to both the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set. The input is connected to the first planetary gear set. A fixed ratio gear reduction system couples the input and the second planetary gear set. The fixed ratio gear reduction system is operable to transmit rotation from the input to the second planetary gear set at a reduced rotational speed and at an increased torque.

Abstract: A planetary gear assembly for transferring torque in a transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets, each including a ring gear, a sun gear, and a carrier bearing a plurality of planet gears. A bridge portion connects a first carrier of the first planetary gear set to a second ring gear of the second planetary gear set. The bridge portion may be disposed radially outward of the first sun gear, and the bridge portion may be connected to an outer side of the first carrier. In some examples, a first ring bearing assembly is constrained by the first ring gear and the bridge structure; a first carrier bearing assembly is constrained by a first case portion and a bridge extension extending from the first carrier; and a second ring bearing assembly is constrained by a second case portion and a second bridge extension extending from the second ring gear.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a first electric device, and a second electric device. A first planetary gear set is coupled to the first electric device. A second planetary gear set is coupled to the second electric device. The output is coupled to both the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set. The input is connected to the first planetary gear set. A fixed ratio gear reduction system couples the input and the second planetary gear set. The fixed ratio gear reduction system is operable to transmit rotation from the input to the second planetary gear set at a reduced rotational speed and at an increased torque.

Abstract: A gravity fed bearing lubrication system for distributing lubricant to powertrain components in a motor vehicle, including a lubricant supply, a bearing, and a bearing housing. A three-dimensional cast-in portion of the bearing housing controls the communication of lubricant to the bearing.

Abstract: A gravity fed bearing lubrication system for distributing lubricant to powertrain components in a motor vehicle, including a lubricant supply, a bearing, and a bearing housing. A three-dimensional cast-in portion of the bearing housing controls the communication of lubricant to the bearing.

Abstract: A powertrain system is described, and includes an internal combustion engine and an electric machine configured to generate propulsion torque responsive to a driver torque request. A method for operating the powertrain system includes determining, in response to a request to execute an engine autostart operation, whether a driveline torque sag may occur. The method further includes forgoing executing the engine autostart operation when it is determined that a driveline torque sag will occur during the execution of the engine autostart operation.

Abstract: A modular rear drive unit for a hybrid vehicle comprises a torque distributing unit, an electric motor-generator, and a gearing arrangement operatively connecting the electric motor-generator with the torque distributing unit. The modular rear drive unit also includes an integrated housing and rear cradle supporting and surrounding the torque distributing unit, the electric motor-generator, and the gearing arrangement. The integrated housing and rear cradle operatively mounts to the vehicle body.