Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a disconnect assembly in an electric drive unit. In one example, the system includes a dog clutch positioned in a differential, configured to selectively mechanically decouple an electric motor from one or more drive wheels, and including a first interface designed to selectively engage a second interface. In such an example, each of the first interface and the second interface include a plurality of teeth, each tooth in the plurality of teeth includes a drive flank and a coast flank, and the coast flank has a first tooth angle greater than a second tooth angle of the drive flank.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting an imbalance in a rotating shaft along with a method for correcting the imbalance in a rotating shaft is identified. The apparatus includes a joint assembly having a first joint member that is drivingly connected to a second joint member by one or more third joint members. At least a portion of a first shaft may be drivingly connected to at least a portion of the first joint member and at least a portion of a second shaft may be drivingly connected to at least a portion of a second end portion of the second join member. A boot can may be connected to at least a portion of a first end portion of the second joint member. One or more balancing elements may then be connected to at least a portion of the boot can and/or the second joint member of the joint assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a disconnect device. In one example, a system for an electric drivetrain comprises a differential and a disconnect device arranged in a transmission housing and coupled to the differential, the disconnect device comprising a plurality of cam ring lugs engaged with a differential case, wherein each of the plurality of cam ring lugs is asymmetric.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting an imbalance in a rotating shaft along with a method for correcting the imbalance in a rotating shaft is identified. The apparatus includes a joint assembly having a first joint member that is drivingly connected to a second joint member by one or more third joint members. At least a portion of a first shaft may be drivingly connected to at least a portion of the first joint member and at least a portion of a second shaft may be drivingly connected to at least a portion of a second end portion of the second join member. A boot can may be connected to at least a portion of a first end portion of the second joint member. One or more balancing elements may then be connected to at least a portion of the boot can and/or the second joint member of the joint assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable camber and caster bushing. The bushing comprises a planar portion having a first side, a second side, an aperture and an outer perimeter. The bushing also comprises a tubular portion, which is integrally formed with and unitary with the planar portion. The tubular portion comprises an inner diameter, an outer diameter, a first end, and a second end. The inner diameter defines an aperture extending the length of the tubular portion. The inner diameter is tapered, while the outer diameter remains constant. The tubular portion also comprises a slot extending the length of the tubular portion.

Abstract: A method is provided for quickly and inexpensively balancing an article, such a driveshaft tube for use in a vehicular driveshaft assembly, for rotation about an axis. Initially, a balancing structure is provided that includes a chamber that contains a quantity of a first component of a balancing material. The balancing structure is secured to the article. Then, a quantity of a second component of the balancing material is disposed within the chamber so as to initiate solidification of the balancing material. Lastly, before the balancing material solidifies, the article and the balancing structure are rotated so as to cause the balancing material to move within the chamber to a position wherein the combined assembly of the article and the balancing structure are balanced for rotation. The balancing material solidifies in this position, thus permanently balancing the article for rotation.

Abstract: A device measures the operating angle of a universal joint in a drive train system without any physical contact with the components of the drive train system. The drive train system can include first and second shafts that are connected together by the universal joint. The device includes a first sensor for generating a first signal that is representative of the angular orientation of the first shaft relative to the horizontal and a second sensor for generating a second signal that is representative of the angular orientation of the second shaft relative to the horizontal. Each of the first and second sensors can include a pair of non-contact sensors, such as a pair of laser distance sensors, that are mounted on a base. A controller is responsive to the first and second signals for determining the operating angle of the universal joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the movements of a component in a drive train assembly, such as an axle housing in a vehicular drive train assembly, includes a motion transfer member having a first end that is connected to the axle assembly for movement therewith. A second end of the motion transfer member extends from the axle assembly into engagement with a measuring device that is supported co-axially with or relative to the axle assembly. The measuring device is responsive to the movements of the axle assembly for generating a signal that is representative thereof. The electrical signals generated by the measuring device are fed to an electronic controller for storage and/or analysis.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting a sensing device on a variety of differently sized and shaped articles and for protectively enclosing such a sensing device when the article is moved during use includes a base including a pair of spaced apart feet that engage the outer surface of the article. The feet defined a recessed area in the bottom surface of the base that can receive portions of the article therein regardless of the radius of curvature or other shape thereof. An enclosure area is provided in the base that can receive a sensing device therein. A lid cooperates with the base to provide a protective enclosure for the enclosed area and the sensing device disposed therein. The lid can be retained on the base by any desired retaining structure. A seal can be provided between the lid and the base to prevent dirt, water, and other contaminants from entering into the enclosed area when the lid cooperates with the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of balancing an article provides a visual indication that precisely defines the location of a balance weight that can be secured thereto. A balancing machine rotates the article and is responsive to vibrations for determining the size and location of one or more balance weights that, if secured to the article, will minimize or eliminate these imbalances. The balancing machine then ceases further rotation of the article and generates a first indication of the size of the balance weight that is necessary to counterbalance the sensed imbalance in the article and a second indication when the location on the article at which the balance weight is to be secured is oriented at the top dead center position of the article. At the same time, a light emitter emits a beam of light that causes a narrow line to be illuminated along the top dead center position of the article.