Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes a DC/DC converter is described. In one example, the method includes adjusting an output voltage of the DC/DC converter to increase torque of a belt integrated starter/generator. The output voltage of the DC/DC converter may be adjusted before and during engine cranking.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a coupling device. In one example, the coupling device may maintain a position of an accessory component within its mount as one or more bolts are tightened.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a coupling device. In one example, the coupling device may maintain a position of an accessory component within its mount as one or more bolts are tightened.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes a DC/DC converter is described. In one example, the method includes adjusting an output voltage of the DC/DC converter to increase torque of a belt integrated starter/generator. The output voltage of the DC/DC converter may be adjusted before and during engine cranking.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a starter/generator in a vehicle drivetrain. In one example, a system may include an integrated starter/generator (ISG) rotationally coupled to an engine crankshaft via a belt drive system, the belt drive system including a first decoupler configured to engage a shaft of the ISG in a first torque transfer direction only and a second decoupler configured to engage the shaft of the ISG in a second torque transfer direction only, the second torque transfer direction opposite the first torque transfer direction. In this way, hubloads that occur while transitioning the ISG between driving the belt drive system and being driven by the belt drive system may be reduced while a response time of the transitioning may also be reduced.

Abstract: The disclosed inventive concept provides a rotary cutter and method of accurately cutting a ribbed transmission belt lengthwise to a desired width. The rotary cutter includes an upper portion having a handle end and a pivot end and a lower portion having a handle end and a pivot end. The pivot ends of each portion are joined by a common pivot. A belt input pulley and a rotary cutting wheel are rotatably attached to the upper portion. A drive wheel is rotatably attached to the lower portion. A belt output pulley is rotatably attached to the common pivot. Preferably but not absolutely the belt input pulley and the belt output pulley have ribbed outer surfaces. A cutting wheel cover is fixed around at least a portion of the cutting wheel. The upper portion is movable between an open, belt-fitting position and a closed, belt-cutting position relative to the lower portion.

Abstract: The disclosed inventive concept provides an adjustable and lockable bracket assembly that allows a stretch fit belt to be installed loosely on the pulleys of an accessory drive system. The assembly includes a fixed bracket attached to the engine, a pivoting and lockable bracket attached to the fixed bracket and an adjustable driven unit, an adjustable arm for moving the adjustable driven unit between a “belt install” position allowing attachment of the belt and a “final” position for stretching the attached belt, and a rotatable insert having an offset threaded hole with a threaded fastener attached to the adjustable arm for moving the driven unit between the “belt install” and “final” positions. In the “belt install” position, the stretch fit belt may be fitted over the FEAD pulleys. Once in position, the rotatable insert is rotated to move the driven unit to the “final” position again via the adjustable arm.

Abstract: An anti-rotation oil filter system to prevent inadvertent release of the oil filter from a lubrication system is provided. The system includes a ratchet gear attached to one of either the oil filter or the engine's oil filter attachment base. In both embodiments, a spring-loaded ratchet release pawl is provided to engage the ratchet and to thereby hold the filter in place against the attachment base until such time as the filter needs to be changed. Where the ratchet gear is fitted to the filter, a ratchet release pawl is associated with the engine's oil filter attachment base. The teeth of the ratchet ring gear extend outwardly from the filter. Alternatively, where the ratchet gear is fitted to the engine's filter attachment base, a ratchet release pawl is associated with the filter. Regardless of the embodiment, the ratchet gear and pawl arrangement restricts filter rotation to maintain clamp load.

Abstract: A two piece pulley is provided in which the pulley main housing and the outer pulley shell are molded without the bearing in place, thus eliminating an over-molding process. The pulley main housing is molded with a bear slip fit pocket. At least one of the bearing races of the bearing assembly includes an axially-protruding raised surface such as knurls or bumps. Each of the pulley main housing and the outer shell includes a bearing shield. On assembly, the bearing is slipped into the pocket on the pulley main housing and the outer shell is then ultrasonically welded to the main housing, thereby compressing the pulley material axially into the raised surface of the bearing race, locking the outer race of the bearing to the pulley in an axial direction. The raised surface on the bearing race allows the bearing assembly to grip the pulley in an axial direction.

Abstract: The disclosed inventive concept provides an adjustable and lockable bracket assembly that allows a stretch fit belt to be installed loosely on the pulleys of an accessory drive system. The assembly includes a fixed bracket attached to the engine, a pivoting and lockable bracket attached to the fixed bracket and an adjustable driven unit, an adjustable arm for moving the adjustable driven unit between a “belt install” position allowing attachment of the belt and a “final” position for stretching the attached belt, and a rotatable insert having an offset threaded hole with a threaded fastener attached to the adjustable arm for moving the driven unit between the “belt install” and “final” positions. In the “belt install” position, the stretch fit belt may be fitted over the FEAD pulleys. Once in position, the rotatable insert is rotated to move the driven unit to the “final” position again via the adjustable arm.

Abstract: An anti-rotation oil filter system to prevent inadvertent release of the oil filter from a lubrication system is provided. The system includes a ratchet gear attached to one of either the oil filter or the engine's oil filter attachment base. In both embodiments, a spring-loaded ratchet release pawl is provided to engage the ratchet and to thereby hold the filter in place against the attachment base until such time as the filter needs to be changed. Where the ratchet gear is fitted to the filter, a ratchet release pawl is associated with the engine's oil filter attachment base. The teeth of the ratchet ring gear extend outwardly from the filter. Alternatively, where the ratchet gear is fitted to the engine's filter attachment base, a ratchet release pawl is associated with the filter. Regardless of the embodiment, the ratchet gear and pawl arrangement restricts filter rotation to maintain clamp load.

Abstract: An easily attached and highly tunable spring arrangement for use with existing front end accessory drive automatic belt tensioners is provided. The spring arrangement of the disclosed inventive concept includes an external spring that can be attached to tensioners to provide a specifically desired amount of additional tension. The spring is flat or round and is externally mounted, conforming to the outer dimension of a portion of the tensioner. The spring can be used on existing tensioner-to-engine bosses using conventional fasteners. The spring includes an attachment end and a biasing end. The attachment end includes at least one bolt sleeve that is formed as part of or is fitted to the external spring by welding. The biasing end contacts the outside of the front end accessory drive automatic belt tensioner at an area adjacent the tensioner pulley. The spring length, material and thickness may be varied for proper tension.

Abstract: The disclosed inventive concept provides a rotary cutter and method of accurately cutting a ribbed transmission belt lengthwise to a desired width. The rotary cutter includes an upper portion having a handle end and a pivot end and a lower portion having a handle end and a pivot end. The pivot ends of each portion are joined by a common pivot. A belt input pulley and a rotary cutting wheel are rotatably attached to the upper portion. A drive wheel is rotatably attached to the lower portion. A belt output pulley is rotatably attached to the common pivot. Preferably but not absolutely the belt input pulley and the belt output pulley have ribbed outer surfaces. A cutting wheel cover is fixed around at least a portion of the cutting wheel. The upper portion is movable between an open, belt-fitting position and a closed, belt-cutting position relative to the lower portion.

Abstract: A zero distortion bearing pulley including a bearing is provided. The bearing clamps axially on the outer bearing raceway instead of radially. The pulley includes a stamped pulley body having a central axis, a pulley face having a periphery, a belt running surface extending perpendicularly from the periphery of the pulley face, a bearing slip pocket formed in the face coaxially with the axis of the pulley body, and a plurality of slots formed between the bearing pocket and the periphery of the pulley face. The slip pocket has a rear stop for retaining the bearing. A disc-shaped, stamped bearing retainer is provided having tabs that fit into the slots in the pulley body. The tabs may be folded over. Optionally, each tab may have an end hook allowing attachment of the stamped retainer bearing to the pulley body face by rotation following insertion of the tabs into the slots.

Abstract: An easily attached and highly tunable spring arrangement for use with existing front end accessory drive automatic belt tensioners is provided. The spring arrangement of the disclosed inventive concept includes an external spring that can be attached to tensioners to provide a specifically desired amount of additional tension. The spring is flat or round and is externally mounted, conforming to the outer dimension of a portion of the tensioner. The spring can be used on existing tensioner-to-engine bosses using conventional fasteners. The spring includes an attachment end and a biasing end. The attachment end includes at least one bolt sleeve that is formed as part of or is fitted to the external spring by welding. The biasing end contacts the outside of the front end accessory drive automatic belt tensioner at an area adjacent the tensioner pulley. The spring length, material and thickness may be varied for proper tension.

Abstract: Belt-driven systems, such as a front-end accessory drive for an internal-combustion engine, often include one or more idler pulleys. It is typical for these idler pulleys to be retained by a bolt or bolt and washer. To obviate the bolt and washer, a fastener-less system has a shaft with a circumferential groove and a bearing with an inner race that has a circumferential ridge. An idler pulley is mounted on the bearing. The ridge engages with the groove of the shaft to retain the idler pulley/bearing on the shaft. Additionally, either a key inserted into keyways or stakes are used to avoid relative rotation of the inner race of the bearing with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A zero distortion bearing pulley including a bearing is provided. The bearing clamps axially on the outer bearing raceway instead of radially. The pulley includes a stamped pulley body having a central axis, a pulley face having a periphery, a belt running surface extending perpendicularly from the periphery of the pulley face, a bearing slip pocket formed in the face coaxially with the axis of the pulley body, and a plurality of slots formed between the bearing pocket and the periphery of the pulley face. The slip pocket has a rear stop for retaining the bearing. A disc-shaped, stamped bearing retainer is provided having tabs that fit into the slots in the pulley body. The tabs may be folded over. Optionally, the tabs may have close-ended slots that allow attachment of the stamped retainer bearing to the pulley body face by rotation following insertion of the tabs into the slots.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for removing condensate from an intercooler of a turbocharged internal combustion engine. Using valves to drain condensate may create a direct fluidic connection between the compressed air of the intercooler and ambient exterior air, allowing both condensate and compressed air to escape due to valve design or failure of valve actuation devices. To provide a simple and reliable method for removing condensate without removing compressed air, a hollow valve is used to shuttle condensate from the intercooler to the exterior environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for removing condensate from an intercooler of a turbocharged internal combustion engine. Using valves to drain condensate may create a direct fluidic connection between the compressed air of the intercooler and ambient exterior air, allowing both condensate and compressed air to escape due to valve design or failure of valve actuation devices. To provide a simple and reliable method for removing condensate without removing compressed air, a hollow valve is used to shuttle condensate from the intercooler to the exterior environment.