Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes initiating a temporary neutral mode of the transmission, in which at least one clutch of the transmission is disengaged to prevent power flow through the transmission, when an upshift paddle selector and a downshift paddle selector are both engaged within a pre-defined engagement time window. At least one of the upshift paddle selector and the downshift paddle selector is held in their respective engaged positions to maintain the temporary neutral mode of the transmission. The temporary neutral mode of the transmission is ended when both of the upshift paddle selector and the downshift paddle selector are disengaged, by re-engaging the at least one transmission clutch that was disengaged to initiate the temporary neutral mode.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an acceleration delta module and a remedial action module. The acceleration delta module determines an acceleration delta of a vehicle based on a difference between an actual acceleration of the vehicle and a desired acceleration of the vehicle. The acceleration delta module also determines an average value of the acceleration delta corresponding to at least one of a first predetermined period and a predetermined number of samples of the acceleration delta. The remedial action module, based on the average value of the acceleration delta and independent of a torque command generated to accelerate the vehicle, selectively takes a remedial action by adjusting operation of at least one of an engine and an electric motor.

Abstract: An electric machine electrically connects to an inverter via a multi-phase power circuit. A method for monitoring the multi-phase power circuit includes non-intrusively adjusting a commanded AC electric current from the inverter after a prescribed time period and comparing a measured magnitude of AC electric current in the multi-phase power circuit with a minimum threshold. Presence of an open circuit fault in the multi-phase power circuit can be detected based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an acceleration delta module and a remedial action module. The acceleration delta module determines an acceleration delta of a vehicle based on a difference between an actual acceleration of the vehicle and a desired acceleration of the vehicle. The acceleration delta module also determines an average value of the acceleration delta corresponding to at least one of a first predetermined period and a predetermined number of samples of the acceleration delta. The remedial action module, based on the average value of the acceleration delta and independent of a torque command generated to accelerate the vehicle, selectively takes a remedial action by adjusting operation of at least one of an engine and an electric motor.

Abstract: A method applying an electric park brake system of a vehicle includes detecting a park request with a first vehicle control module, and sending a park command, from the first vehicle control module, to both an electric brake control module and a second vehicle control module. Upon the electric brake control module receiving the park command, an actuation signal is sent from the electric brake control module to a motor winding of the electric park brake system. A status actuated signal is sent from the electric brake control module to the second vehicle control module. The status actuated signal indicates that the actuation signal has been sent from the electric brake control module. A position of the motor winding is sensed to determine if the motor winding is actuated. When the motor winding is actuated, a message is displayed to indicate that the electric park brake system is applied.

Abstract: A method applying an electric park brake system of a vehicle includes detecting a park request with a first vehicle control module, and sending a park command, from the first vehicle control module, to both an electric brake control module and a second vehicle control module. Upon the electric brake control module receiving the park command, an actuation signal is sent from the electric brake control module to a motor winding of the electric park brake system. A status actuated signal is sent from the electric brake control module to the second vehicle control module. The status actuated signal indicates that the actuation signal has been sent from the electric brake control module. A position of the motor winding is sensed to determine if the motor winding is actuated. When the motor winding is actuated, a message is displayed to indicate that the electric park brake system is applied.

Abstract: A powertrain system is configured to transfer propulsion torque to a driveline of a vehicle. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a magnitude of unintended vehicle motion based upon a difference between a change in actual vehicle acceleration and a change in an operator-intended vehicle acceleration. Propulsion torque to the driveline is limited when a fault associated with unintended vehicle motion is detected and the magnitude of unintended vehicle motion is less than a predetermined first threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for providing fault mitigation in a vehicle system having high side drivers (HSDs) and low side drivers (LSDs) are provided. The system includes a first HSD and a plurality of first LSDs. The system also includes a selected first plurality of actuators, with each actuator connected to the first HSD and connected to a respective one of the first LSDs to operate in a first operational mode. The system further includes a second HSD and a plurality of second LSDs. The system also includes a selected second plurality of actuators, with each actuator connected to the second HSD and connected to a respective one of the second LSDs to operate in a second operational mode. When a failed component sets a fault, the corresponding HSD is turned off and the other HSD is turned on, enabling the vehicle system to operate in the non-faulted operational mode.

Abstract: A powertrain system is configured to transfer propulsion torque to a driveline of a vehicle. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a magnitude of unintended vehicle motion based upon a difference between a change in actual vehicle acceleration and a change in an operator-intended vehicle acceleration. Propulsion torque to the driveline is limited when a fault associated with unintended vehicle motion is detected and the magnitude of unintended vehicle motion is less than a predetermined first threshold.

Abstract: A transmission includes a controller that uses force feedback from a detent mechanism to determine appropriate actuator output for achieving a desired transmission range, which facilitates the implementation of “shift by wire” systems on pre-existing transmission designs.

Abstract: An electric machine electrically connects to an inverter via a multi-phase power circuit. A method for monitoring the multi-phase power circuit includes non-intrusively adjusting a commanded AC electric current from the inverter after a prescribed time period and comparing a measured magnitude of AC electric current in the multi-phase power circuit with a minimum threshold. Presence of an open circuit fault in the multi-phase power circuit can be detected based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A gear selector assembly for selecting a gear position of a transmission includes an internal mode switch having detent lever, a plurality of magnetic field sensors, a control module, a first power supply and a second power supply. The detent lever has a plurality of detents and a magnetized track, where the magnetized track includes a plurality of magnetized elements that are indicative a particular gear selector position. The magnetic field sensors are associated with each of the magnetized elements for sensing changes in a magnetic field of the magnetized track. The control module is in communication with each of the field sensors. Each of the field sensors sends an output current to the control module and the value of the output current is variable. The value of the output current is indicative of at least one of the following: the direction of the magnetic field from the corresponding magnetic track, a short circuit, and an open circuit.

Abstract: A triggering module selectively generates a triggering signal when a vehicle is stopped, a grade of a surface is one of greater than a predetermined positive grade and less than a predetermined negative grade, and a brake pedal position is greater than a predetermined position. A brake actuator provides brake fluid to a braking system when the brake pedal position is greater than the predetermined position. A brake releasing module, after the triggering signal is generated, begins releasing the brake fluid from the braking system a predetermined period after the brake pedal position reaches the predetermined position. A brake applying module selectively operates a brake fluid pump after the triggering signal is generated based on a comparison of a vehicle speed and a predetermined vehicle speed. The brake fluid pump provides brake fluid to the braking system when the brake fluid pump is operated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for shifting or controlling a dual clutch transmission where the transmission may operate in at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The system includes a controller and a plurality of solenoids in fluid communication with a valve assembly. Selective activation of the solenoids by the controller engages the valve assembly to provide the first mode and the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A system and method for providing fault mitigation in a vehicle system having high side drivers (HSDs) and low side drivers (LSDs) are provided. The system includes a first HSD and a plurality of first LSDs. The system also includes a selected first plurality of actuators, with each actuator connected to the first HSD and connected to a respective one of the first LSDs to operate in a first operational mode. The system further includes a second HSD and a plurality of second LSDs. The system also includes a selected second plurality of actuators, with each actuator connected to the second HSD and connected to a respective one of the second LSDs to operate in a second operational mode. When a failed component sets a fault, the corresponding HSD is turned off and the other HSD is turned on, enabling the vehicle system to operate in the non-faulted operational mode.

Abstract: A triggering module selectively generates a triggering signal when a vehicle is stopped, a grade of a surface is one of greater than a predetermined positive grade and less than a predetermined negative grade, and a brake pedal position is greater than a predetermined position. A brake actuator provides brake fluid to a braking system when the brake pedal position is greater than the predetermined position. A brake releasing module, after the triggering signal is generated, begins releasing the brake fluid from the braking system a predetermined period after the brake pedal position reaches the predetermined position. A brake applying module selectively operates a brake fluid pump after the triggering signal is generated based on a comparison of a vehicle speed and a predetermined vehicle speed. The brake fluid pump provides brake fluid to the braking system when the brake fluid pump is operated.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid drive unit includes a pressure regulator valve, a first variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a stationary clutch and a second variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a rotating clutch. The control system controls the stationary clutch and the rotating clutch to operate the hybrid drive unit in four different modes.

Abstract: A hall-effect switching system comprises a hall-effect switch, a voltage comparison module, and a resistance bypass module. The voltage comparison module compares a supply voltage and a reference voltage. The resistance bypass module selectively adjusts a voltage output to the hall-effect switch based on the comparison.

Abstract: A gear selector assembly for selecting a gear position of a transmission includes an internal mode switch having detent lever, a plurality of magnetic field sensors, a control module, a first power supply and a second power supply. The detent lever has a plurality of detents and a magnetized track, where the magnetized track includes a plurality of magnetized elements that are indicative a particular gear selector position. The magnetic field sensors are associated with each of the magnetized elements for sensing changes in a magnetic field of the magnetized track. The control module is in communication with each of the field sensors. Each of the field sensors sends an output current to the control module and the value of the output current is variable. The value of the output current is indicative of at least one of the following: the direction of the magnetic field from the corresponding magnetic track, a short circuit, and an open circuit.

Abstract: A Park inhibition solenoid assembly for preventing the undesirable shifting of a transmission from an out-of-Park mode to a Park mode includes a follower and an armature slidably disposed within a valve body/housing and within a solenoid. The follower is moveable between an out-of-Park position and a Park position and the armature is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The follower and armature include detents for supporting a bearing. The armature and bearing prevent the follower from moving from the out-of-Park position to the Park position when the armature is held in place in the lock position by the solenoid.