Abstract: A method of shifting a vehicle transmission including a first clutching device and a second clutching device is described. At least a portion of the first clutching device is coupled with or configured to be coupled with at least a portion of the second clutching device. The method may include the steps of engaging the second clutching device, where engaging the second clutching device includes controlling a state of the second clutching device by changing a state of the first clutching device. A transmission controller and a vehicle driveline are also described.

Abstract: A method of shifting a vehicle transmission including a first clutching device and a second clutching device is described. At least a portion of the first clutching device is coupled with or configured to be coupled with at least a portion of the second clutching device. The method may include the steps of engaging the second clutching device, where engaging the second clutching device includes controlling a state of the second clutching device by changing a state of the first clutching device. A transmission controller and a vehicle driveline are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for determining filling parameters of a wet clutch system used with a transmission is provided. The method comprises the steps of collecting information about the torque output of the torque converter of the transmission during a filling process associated with the wet clutch system, analyzing the signal associated with the torque output of the torque converter within a time period of the filling process associated with the wet clutch system, and identifying when the signal associated with the torque output of the torque converter changes with respect to the time period of the filling process of the piston to determine a filling parameter associated with the wet clutch system. The system and method eliminates a need for recalibrating the transmission and accommodates production variances for components and assembly of systems using wet clutch systems.

Abstract: A system and method for determining filling parameters of a wet clutch system used with a transmission is provided. The method comprises the steps of collecting information about the torque output of the torque converter of the transmission during a filling process associated with the wet clutch system, analyzing the signal associated with the torque output of the torque converter within a time period of the filling process associated with the wet clutch system, and identifying when the signal associated with the torque output of the torque converter changes with respect to the time period of the filling process of the piston to determine a filling parameter associated with the wet clutch system. The system and method eliminates a need for recalibrating the transmission and accommodates production variances for components and assembly of systems using wet clutch systems.

Abstract: A method for estimating a total mass of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of speed sensors configured to sense a rotational speed of a plurality of components of a driveline of the vehicle, estimating an output torque of the driveline of the vehicle, calculating gear losses based on the output torque of the driveline, estimating friction losses based on a rotational speed of a torque converter, calculating a rolling resistance of the vehicle, calculating an inertia of the vehicle, and estimating the total mass of the vehicle based on the inertia of the vehicle. The method uses currently available sensors found in a vehicle transmission to estimate a total mass of a vehicle or a vehicle payload.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a wet clutch are provided. The clutch comprises a pump, a piston, and a fluid conduit. The pump provides a housing with a hydraulic fluid. The piston is movably disposed in the housing and is movable into an extended position by a preloaded spring and into a retracted position by applying an engagement pressure on the piston by the hydraulic fluid. In the retracted position torque is transmittable through the clutch. The fluid conduit connects the pump and the housing. The method comprises the steps of prefilling the clutch by applying a prefill pressure on the piston, prefilling the fluid conduit line and the housing with the hydraulic fluid. The prefill pressure is lower than the engagement pressure required to move the piston into the retracted position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a wet clutch are provided. The clutch comprises a pump, a piston, and a fluid conduit. The pump provides a housing with a hydraulic fluid. The piston is movably disposed in the housing and is movable into an extended position by a preloaded spring and into a retracted position by applying an engagement pressure on the piston by the hydraulic fluid. In the retracted position torque is transmittable through the clutch. The fluid conduit connects the pump and the housing. The method comprises the steps of prefilling the clutch by applying a prefill pressure on the piston, prefilling the fluid conduit line and the housing with the hydraulic fluid. The prefill pressure is lower than the engagement pressure required to move the piston into the retracted position.