Abstract: An HVAC system is provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to heat exchangers having tubing with a reduced diameter compared to traditional systems. In one embodiment, a ducted HVAC system comprises an outdoor heat exchanger with tubing that has an outer diameter of eight millimeters (8 mm) or less and an indoor heat exchanger with tubing that has an outer diameter of nine millimeters (9 mm) or less. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for variable angle insertion of surgical fasteners relative to an orthopedic plate with locking of the surgical fastener relative to the plate upon insertion. The systems may include a pivot member secured relative to either the orthopedic plate or the fastener. In either regard, the pivot member may provide locking engagement with the plate to lockingly engage the fastener relative to the plate.

Abstract: A knee airbag includes a cushion portion, which includes overlying panels interconnected along a perimeter connection to define an inflatable volume of the knee airbag. The panels are interconnected within the perimeter connection along one or more interior connections that define inflatable chambers within the inflatable volume. The knee airbag also includes a tether connected to an exterior surface of the cushion portion at spaced locations. The tether has a length that is shorter than the distance between the locations on the cushion portion to which the tether is connected. The tether is configured to become tensioned in response to inflation of the cushion portion and causing a bend to form in the cushion portion.

Abstract: In at least some implementations, a disconnect assembly for a power transfer unit includes a cam and a cam follower. The cam is driven for rotation and has a cam surface that is inclined relative to an axis of rotation and a void spaced from the cam surface. The cam follower has a cam engagement surface and is arranged to be engaged by the cam surface so that the cam follower is displaced axially during at least a portion of the rotation of the cam. One or both of the cam and the cam follower includes an interface surface provided at an angle to the axis of rotation to control axial movement of the cam follower during at least a portion of the rotation of the cam when the cam surface is not engaged with the cam engagement surface.

Abstract: In at least some implementations, a disconnect assembly for a power transfer unit includes a cam and a cam follower. The cam is driven for rotation and has a cam surface that is inclined relative to an axis of rotation and a void spaced from the cam surface. The cam follower has a cam engagement surface and is arranged to be engaged by the cam surface so that the cam follower is displaced axially during at least a portion of the rotation of the cam. One or both of the cam and the cam follower includes an interface surface provided at an angle to the axis of rotation to control axial movement of the cam follower during at least a portion of the rotation of the cam when the cam surface is not engaged with the cam engagement surface.

Abstract: An axle module may comprise an outer housing and a ring gear assembly rotatably supported within the outer housing on a hub. The axle module may further include first and second shafts arranged within the ring gear assembly, and first and second inner hubs rotatably fixed to the first and second shafts, respectively. Additionally, the axle module may include first and second clutch packs, each having a first plurality of friction plates fixed for rotation to the first and second inner hubs, and a second plurality of friction plates fixed for rotation to the hub. Exemplary axle modules may have a reduced packaging width.

Abstract: An axle module may comprise an outer housing and a ring gear assembly rotatably supported within the outer housing on a hub. The axle module may further include first and second shafts arranged within the ring gear assembly, and first and second inner hubs rotatably fixed to the first and second shafts, respectively. Additionally, the axle module may include first and second clutch packs, each having a first plurality of friction plates fixed for rotation to the first and second inner hubs, and a second plurality of friction plates fixed for rotation to the hub. Exemplary axle modules may have a reduced packaging width.

Abstract: A power transfer unit assembly for a vehicle is provided comprising a first input shaft providing rotational drive. A second input shaft is in communication with a gear train assembly which is in communication with a propshaft. A selective engagement element is movable between an engagement position wherein the second input shaft is placed in rotational communication with the first input shaft and a disengagement position wherein the second input shaft is disengaged from the first input shaft. An actuator assembly moves the selective engagement element into the engagement position for all wheel drive mode and into the disengagement position for two wheel drive mode.

Abstract: A power transfer unit assembly for a vehicle is provided comprising a first input shaft providing rotational drive. A second input shaft is in communication with a gear train assembly which is in communication with a propshaft. A selective engagement element is movable between an engagement position wherein the second input shaft is placed in rotational communication with the first input shaft and a disengagement position wherein the second input shaft is disengaged from the first input shaft. An actuator assembly moves the selective engagement element into the engagement position for all wheel drive mode and into the disengagement position for two wheel drive mode.

Abstract: A differential having a differential case, a pair of side gears disposed in the differential case and a biasing element disposed between the side gears to force the side gears against the differential case, creating a torque bias between the side gears and the differential case. The torque bias may also include the torque bias between the biasing element and the side gears. In some embodiments, the differential may include washers disposed between the side gears and the differential case, so that the torque bias may be the sum of the bias created between the side gears and the biasing element, the side gears and the washer, and the washer and the differential case. In an alternative embodiment, the differential includes a pair of pinions rotatably engaging the side gears, wherein the biasing element applies a force to the pinion gears to create a torque bias on the pinion gears, thereby inhibiting the side gears from movement relative to each other until the pinion torque bias is overcome.

Abstract: One or more wheels of an electrically powered vehicle contains a motor rotor and a motor stator that is mounted on an integrated structure having a motor stator mounting element portion and wheel axle portion on each side thereof. The structure is fabricated from a unitary non-ferromagnetic substance. A rotor housing is journalled to the axle portion on both sides of the motor stator mounting element via bearings. A wheel assembly is mounted on the rotor housing thereby to be driven by the rotor. Forced-air cooling is provided through a hollow central passage. A plug separates the passage into two distinct sections, the inlet and the outlet. A plurality of cavities, provided with heat exchanger surfaces, are contained within the stator mounting element portion. Channels at each end of each cavity extend in the radial direction into the central passage.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling system includes a pump, a controller, a clutch assembly, and a valve. The clutch assembly includes an actuator and a multi-disk clutch pack coupled to the actuator. Under the direction of the controller, the pump pressurizes a fluid in the actuator to engage the clutch pack and pumps the fluid through the clutch pack to cool the clutch pack. The valve maintains the fluid pumped to the actuator at a higher pressure than the pressure of the fluid pumped through the clutch pack to cool the clutch.

Abstract: One or more wheels of an electrically powered vehicle contains a motor rotor and a motor stator that is mounted on an integrated structure having a motor stator mounting element portion and wheel axle portion on each side thereof. The structure is fabricated from a unitary non-ferromagnetic substance. A rotor housing is journalled to the axle portion on both sides of the motor stator mounting element via bearings. A wheel assembly is mounted on the rotor housing thereby to be driven by the rotor. Forced-air cooling is provided through a hollow central passage. A plug separates the passage into two distinct sections, the inlet and the outlet. A plurality of cavities, provided with heat exchanger surfaces, are contained within the stator mounting element portion. Channels at each end of each cavity extend in the radial direction into the central passage.

Abstract: A torque transfer assembly including an input gear, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a planetary differential and a torque control system. In one embodiment, the planetary differential includes first and second planetary gear set pairs each with inner and outer planetary gear sets. The torque control system includes first and second torque control mechanisms each having a control element rotating with one of the planetary gear set components as well as a controller communicating with the first and second control mechanisms and selectively controlling a resistance torque exerted by the first and second torque control mechanisms on the first and second control elements.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as an automobile or a truck, is equipped with a mechanism to control output torque to two or more shafts. The mechanism is most usefully adapted to an axle in order to allocate torque among two or more shafts or wheels. The mechanism controls the sum and difference of torque by processing the sum and the difference independently. The mechanism converts a force, such as a torque, into quantities that can be used by the two or more shafts or wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling system includes a pump, a controller, a clutch assembly, and a valve. The clutch assembly includes an actuator and a multi-disk clutch pack coupled to the actuator. Under the direction of the controller, the pump pressurizes a fluid in the actuator to engage the clutch pack and pumps the fluid through the clutch pack to cool the clutch pack. The valve maintains the fluid pumped to the actuator at a higher pressure than the pressure of the fluid pumped through the clutch pack to cool the clutch.

Abstract: A differential having a differential case, a pair of side gears disposed in the differential case and a biasing element disposed between the side gears to force the side gears against the differential case, creating a torque bias between the side gears and the differential case. The torque bias may also include the torque bias between the biasing element and the side gears. In some embodiments, the differential may include washers disposed between the side gears and the differential case, so that the torque bias may be the sum of the bias created between the side gears and the biasing element, the side gears and the washer, and the washer and the differential case. In an alternative embodiment, the differential includes a pair of pinions rotatably engaging the side gears, wherein the biasing element applies a force to the pinion gears to create a torque bias on the pinion gears, thereby inhibiting the side gears from movement relative to each other until the pinion torque bias is overcome.

Abstract: A power train assembly for an all wheel drive automotive vehicle. The power train assembly includes a transmission assembly having a transmission output. A final drive unit is coupled to the transmission output and includes a torque multiplier. After torque multiplication, power from the final drive is provided to the front wheels of the vehicle. A power transfer unit diverts power from the transmission to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The power transfer unit is coupled to the transmission output such that power is received therefrom prior to torque multiplication by the final drive unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a integral subassembly for the power train of an all wheel drive automotive vehicle. The subassembly includes a final drive unit coupled to a transmission output. The final drive unit itself includes a torque multiplier and an output adapted to provide power to the front wheels of the vehicle. Also included in the subassembly is a front differential coupled to the final drive's output. The front differential includes a left front wheel output and a right front wheel output. A power transfer unit in the subassembly is also coupled to the transmission output and provided with a non-parallel gear set and a rear driveline output, the latter being adapted to provide power to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The power transfer unit is coupled to the transmission output independently of the final drive unit. Finally, a housing commonly encloses the final drive unit, front differential and power transfer unit allowing them to be integrally provided as a subassembly.