Abstract: A snap ring is configured to retain components within a clutch assembly. The snap ring has an annular body defining an opening through a center thereof. The annular main body defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface. A number of retention features extend from the distal-facing surface of the annular main body. Each retention feature has an axially-extending body portion a radially-extending engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to engage a backing plate. A friction clutch assembly including a snap ring pair is also provided, which includes a clutch snap ring disposed adjacent to the snap ring including the retention features.

Abstract: A snap ring is configured to retain components within a clutch assembly. The snap ring has an annular body defining an opening through a center thereof. The annular main body defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface. A number of retention features extend from the distal-facing surface of the annular main body. Each retention feature has an axially-extending body portion a radially-extending engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to engage a backing plate. A friction clutch assembly including a snap ring pair is also provided, which includes a clutch snap ring disposed adjacent to the snap ring including the retention features.

Abstract: A device and associated method for monitoring a rotatable member is described, and includes a target wheel coupled to the rotatable member, and a sensor that is disposed to monitor the target wheel. The sensor is configured to generate a signal associated with rotation of the target wheel. A controller is in communication with the sensor and includes an instruction set that is executable to dynamically monitor the signal generated by the sensor during rotation of the target wheel and determine a magnitude of an airgap between the sensor and the target wheel based upon the signal. A variation in the magnitude of the airgap between the sensor and the target wheel can be determined based upon the signal, and a fault associated with the rotating member can be determined based upon the variation in the magnitude of the airgap.

Abstract: A device and associated method for monitoring a rotatable member is described, and includes a target wheel coupled to the rotatable member, and a sensor that is disposed to monitor the target wheel. The sensor is configured to generate a signal associated with rotation of the target wheel. A controller is in communication with the sensor and includes an instruction set that is executable to dynamically monitor the signal generated by the sensor during rotation of the target wheel and determine a magnitude of an airgap between the sensor and the target wheel based upon the signal. A variation in the magnitude of the airgap between the sensor and the target wheel can be determined based upon the signal, and a fault associated with the rotating member can be determined based upon the variation in the magnitude of the airgap.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device having a spring pack assembly, includes a first spring retainer ring abutting the hydraulically actuated piston, a second spring retainer ring abutting the piston housing, and a plurality of coiled springs biasing the first spring retainer ring apart from the second retainer ring, thereby urging the hydraulically actuated piston slideably apart from the fixed piston housing. The first and second spring retainer rings includes a plurality of radially extending spring support surfaces defining center openings and a plurality of axially extending tabs. The first and second spring retainer rings are coaxially disposed such that the plurality of tabs of one spring retainer ring extends through the opening of the other spring retainer ring. The tab includes a width sufficiently wide to support the inner diameter of the coiled spring to prevent the spring from bowing out.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device having a spring pack assembly, includes a first spring retainer ring abutting a hydraulically actuated piston, a second spring retainer ring abutting a piston housing, and a plurality of coiled springs biasing the first spring retainer ring apart from the second retainer ring, thereby urging the hydraulically actuated piston slideably apart from the fixed piston housing. A composite spring support ring is coaxially disposed between the first spring retainer ring and the second spring retainer ring. The spring support ring includes cylindrical walls defining cylindrical passageways configured to receive the coiled springs. Each of the cylindrical passageway includes include a diameter (d) that is sufficiently narrow such that the cylindrical wall completely surrounds the mid-portion of the coiled spring thus preventing the coiled spring from bending lengthwise, but sufficiently wide such that the coiled spring does not saw into the cylindrical walls.

Abstract: A multiple-piece backing plate and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The multiple-piece backing plate includes a cap part and a main body backing plate. The cap part is formed of a first material. The main body backing plate is attached to the cap part, and the main body backing plate is formed of a second material, where the second material is different than the first material. The friction clutch assembly includes first clutch plates coupled to a first transmission member and second clutch plates interleaved with the first clutch plates and coupled to a second transmission member. The friction clutch assembly is configured to be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the first and second transmission members are coupled together by compressing the first and second clutch plates directly against the cap part.

Abstract: A backing plate configuration and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The backing plate configuration includes a main body having a reaction section connected to a perpendicularly disposed strength section. The thickness of the strength section may be less than or equal to the thickness of the reaction section. The friction clutch assembly includes interleaved first and second clutch plates. The main body (of the backing plate) is disposed adjacent to an end second clutch plate. The main body is piloted by and/or splined to the same transmission member as the end second clutch plate. In an engaged position, the end second clutch plate is compressed directly against and into contact with the main body. A method of forming the backing plate configuration is included, which includes stamping of the main body.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device having a spring pack assembly, includes a first spring retainer ring abutting a hydraulically actuated piston, a second spring retainer ring abutting a piston housing, and a plurality of coiled springs biasing the first spring retainer ring apart from the second retainer ring, thereby urging the hydraulically actuated piston slideably apart from the fixed piston housing. A composite spring support ring is coaxially disposed between the first spring retainer ring and the second spring retainer ring. The spring support ring includes cylindrical walls defining cylindrical passageways configured to receive the coiled springs. Each of the cylindrical passageway includes include a diameter (d) that is sufficiently narrow such that the cylindrical wall completely surrounds the mid-portion of the coiled spring thus preventing the coiled spring from bending lengthwise, but sufficiently wide such that the coiled spring does not saw into the cylindrical walls.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device having a spring pack assembly, includes a first spring retainer ring abutting the hydraulically actuated piston, a second spring retainer ring abutting the piston housing, and a plurality of coiled springs biasing the first spring retainer ring apart from the second retainer ring, thereby urging the hydraulically actuated piston slideably apart from the fixed piston housing. The first and second spring retainer rings includes a plurality of radially extending spring support surfaces defining center openings and a plurality of axially extending tabs. The first and second spring retainer rings are coaxially disposed such that the plurality of tabs of one spring retainer ring extends through the opening of the other spring retainer ring. The tab includes a width sufficiently wide to support the inner diameter of the coiled spring to prevent the spring from bowing out.

Abstract: A backing plate configuration and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The backing plate configuration includes a main body having a reaction section connected to a perpendicularly disposed strength section. The thickness of the strength section may be less than or equal to the thickness of the reaction section. The friction clutch assembly includes interleaved first and second clutch plates. The main body (of the backing plate) is disposed adjacent to an end second clutch plate. The main body is piloted by and/or splined to the same transmission member as the end second clutch plate. In an engaged position, the end second clutch plate is compressed directly against and into contact with the main body. A method of forming the backing plate configuration is included, which includes stamping of the main body.

Abstract: A multiple-piece backing plate and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The multiple-piece backing plate includes a cap part and a main body backing plate. The cap part is formed of a first material. The main body backing plate is attached to the cap part, and the main body backing plate is formed of a second material, where the second material is different than the first material. The friction clutch assembly includes first clutch plates coupled to a first transmission member and second clutch plates interleaved with the first clutch plates and coupled to a second transmission member. The friction clutch assembly is configured to be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the first and second transmission members are coupled together by compressing the first and second clutch plates directly against the cap part.

Abstract: The invention comprehends friction plates, typically fabricated of metal, having friction material that is disposed in multiple concentric bands disposed in interrupted or discontinuous segments or a combination of both. In a first embodiment, the friction material is arranged in two concentric bands on each face, an inner band having a smaller radial width and an outer band having a larger radial width. In a second embodiment, the inner band is replaced with a plurality of discontinuous sections or segments wherein their circumferential separation is greater than their circumferential length. A third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment except that the inner, discontinuous segments have a circumferential length greater than their circumferential separation.