Abstract: A powertrain system including an internal combustion engine rotatably coupled to a variator of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is described. A method for controlling the CVT includes determining a desired variator speed ratio in response to a change in an operator input and executing a step-upshift in the CVT based upon the desired variator speed ratio. The step-upshift includes determining a preferred CVT input deceleration profile based upon the desired variator speed ratio, a present variator speed ratio, and a preferred shift time and synchronizing the preferred CVT input deceleration profile with a command to reduce engine torque. A change rate for the variator speed ratio is based upon the preferred CVT input deceleration profile, and the CVT is controlled in response to the change rate for the variator speed ratio and the desired variator speed ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring torque from a prime mover to a transmission includes a coupling device, a hydraulic control system and a control module. The coupling device includes a torque converter clutch (TCC), where the coupling device is located between an output of the prime mover and an input of the transmission. The TCC is actuated between a fully engaged position, a slip mode where slip occurs, and a fully disengaged position. The hydraulic control system includes a controller device that communicates an actuation pressure to the TCC. The actuation pressure actuates the TCC between the fully engaged position, the slip mode, and the fully disengaged position. The controller is in communication with the TCC, the output of the prime mover, the input of the transmission, and the controller device of the hydraulic control system. The controller regulates the actuation pressure.

Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber (CPVA) absorbs vibration and transmits a torque between an output of an engine and an input of a transmission of a vehicle. The CPVA includes a plate with at least one retaining member and a first set of vibration absorbers with at least one mass supported by the at least one retaining member. The at least one mass has a predefined movement path with respect to the plate. The CPVA further includes a first torsion vibration damper assembly that connects the CPVA to a turbine of a torque converter that is selectively engaged with engine, and a second torsion vibration damper assembly that connects the CPVA to the transmission. The at least one mass absorbs a vibration of a harmonic order generated by the engine.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes input and output members, a primary variator pulley, and a secondary variator pulley. The respective variator pulleys are responsive to primary and secondary pressures. Speed sensors measure a respective rotational speed of each variator pulley. A controller executes a method by receiving the measured rotational speeds, calculating a current speed ratio of the CVT above a threshold CVT speed ratio using the rotational speeds, comparing the calculated current speed ratio to calibrated threshold ratios during a sudden stop event of the vehicle, and selectively executing a CVT control action after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio during the sudden stop event. The control action depends on which of the threshold ratios is exceeded by the calculated current speed ratio after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio, and on the measured rotational speeds.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes input and output members, a primary variator pulley, and a secondary variator pulley. The respective variator pulleys are responsive to primary and secondary pressures. Speed sensors measure a respective rotational speed of each variator pulley. A controller executes a method by receiving the measured rotational speeds, calculating a current speed ratio of the CVT above a threshold CVT speed ratio using the rotational speeds, comparing the calculated current speed ratio to calibrated threshold ratios during a sudden stop event of the vehicle, and selectively executing a CVT control action after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio during the sudden stop event. The control action depends on which of the threshold ratios is exceeded by the calculated current speed ratio after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio, and on the measured rotational speeds.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, torque converter, and transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes gear sets each having a plurality of nodes, an input member, a binary clutch connected to a node of one of the gear sets, friction clutches, and a controller. The controller detects a requested rolling garage shift of the transmission into a forward drive mode above a calibrated threshold absolute speed, and controls an amount of slip across a selected assisting clutch via modulation of pressure commands to the selected assisting clutch once the vehicle has slowed below the first calibrated threshold speed. The controller also stages the binary clutch to a calibrated staging pressure while controlling slip across the selected assisting clutch, and commands an engagement of the binary clutch and a release of the selected assisting clutch when a speed of the binary node reaches zero or a calibrated low non-zero speed.

Abstract: A clutch latching system is provided for latching and draining a torque transmitting mechanism. The latching clutch control system may include a latching valve, a release valve, and an accumulator. The clutch latching system may include a clutch feed channel configured to provide hydraulic fluid from a pressurized source to a torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged and the engine is running. A latching valve connects the clutch feed channel to the torque transmitting device. The latching valve is configured to selectively trap pressurized hydraulic fluid within the torque transmitting device. A hydraulic pressure storage circuit configured to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the latching valve to unlatch the latching valve. A multiple speed transmission is also provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling a variator of a continuously variable transmission includes combining, by a controller, a periodically repeating excitation signal and a desired variator speed ratio signal. A variator ratio derivative is determined based upon the desired variator speed ratio signal combined with the excitation signal. A variator control parameter is determined based upon the variator ratio derivative. The variator control parameter is sent to the controller for controlling the variator in response thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, torque converter, and transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes gear sets each having a plurality of nodes, an input member, a binary clutch connected to a node of one of the gear sets, friction clutches, and a controller. The controller detects a requested rolling garage shift of the transmission into a forward drive mode above a calibrated threshold absolute speed, and controls an amount of slip across a selected assisting clutch via modulation of pressure commands to the selected assisting clutch once the vehicle has slowed below the first calibrated threshold speed. The controller also stages the binary clutch to a calibrated staging pressure while controlling slip across the selected assisting clutch, and commands an engagement of the binary clutch and a release of the selected assisting clutch when a speed of the binary node reaches zero or a calibrated low non-zero speed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a controller. The CVT has an output shaft, a primary pulley connected to and driven by the engine, a secondary pulley connected to the output shaft, and a belt. The pulleys each have mating halves with conical faces defining a gap in which the belt is positioned. Actuators act on one of the halves of the primary and secondary pulleys in response to a respective primary and secondary pressure. The controller detects a desired CVT ratio change in response to control inputs and determines a required shift force for achieving the desired ratio change. The controller also determines whether a calibrated rate of change is achievable. The controller adjusts the primary and/or secondary pressures when the calibrated rate is not achievable, including transmitting a pressure command to at least one of the primary and secondary actuators.

Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber (CPVA) absorbs vibration and transmits a torque between an output of an engine and an input of a transmission of a vehicle. The CPVA includes a plate with at least one retaining member and a first set of vibration absorbers with at least one mass supported by the at least one retaining member. The at least one mass has a predefined movement path with respect to the plate. The CPVA further includes a first torsion vibration damper assembly that connects the CPVA to a turbine of a torque converter that is selectively engaged with engine, and a second torsion vibration damper assembly that connects the CPVA to the transmission. The at least one mass absorbs a vibration of a harmonic order generated by the engine.

Abstract: A clutch latching system is provided for latching and draining a torque transmitting mechanism. The latching clutch control system may include a latching valve, a release valve, and an accumulator. The clutch latching system may include a clutch feed channel configured to provide hydraulic fluid from a pressurized source to a torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged and the engine is running. A latching valve connects the clutch feed channel to the torque transmitting device. The latching valve is configured to selectively trap pressurized hydraulic fluid within the torque transmitting device. A hydraulic pressure storage circuit configured to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the latching valve to unlatch the latching valve. A multiple speed transmission is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission fluid circuit includes a transmission, a cooler, and a valve. The valve includes a housing, a spool and an actuator. The spool is movable inside the housing between a first position and a second position. The actuator includes a smart material configured to be activated in response to the temperature of the fluid exhibiting at least a first temperature such that the actuator is in a first state. The smart material is configured to be deactivated in response to the fluid being a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature such that the actuator is in a second state. The fluid flows from the housing to the transmission and from the transmission the cavity when the spool is in the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the cooler and from the cooler to the transmission when the spool is in the second position.

Abstract: A system for controlling a hybrid powertrain having an electric motor, an engine and a transmission includes an engine control module that receives a torque request, and when the hybrid powertrain is being powered by the electric motor, determines whether to switch from the electric motor to the engine based on the torque request. A transmission control module, in response to a determination to switch from the electric motor to the engine, determines a target engine speed based on the torque request, and switches the hybrid powertrain from the electric motor to the engine based on a comparison between a current engine speed and the target engine speed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an automatic engine stop-start in conjunction with a transmission having one or more latching valves. The system and method is configured to determine whether conditions are met for an autostop, and if so, to latch or unlatch the latching valve(s) by changing clutch pressure.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission includes the following steps: applying a first assist clutch to interconnect a first stationary member to a first planetary gear set of the transmission; applying a second assist clutch to interconnect a second stationary member to a second planetary gear set of the transmission, wherein the second planetary gear set is coupled to the output member of the transmission; applying a primary clutch to interconnect the first planetary gear set to a third stationary member; reducing a first pressure applied to the first assist clutch of the transmission by a first pressure calibration value; determining whether a gear lash has occurred; and reducing a second pressure applied to the second assist clutch of the transmission.

Abstract: A system of a first vehicle includes a communication module, a translation module, a driver identification module, and an actuator control module. The communication module receives first vehicle control data generated based on operation of a second vehicle by a driver. The first and second vehicles are different. The translation module determines second vehicle control data based on the first vehicle control data and first characteristics of the first vehicle. The driver identification module selectively indicates when the driver is operating the first vehicle. During operation of the first vehicle by the driver, the actuator module controls at least one actuator of the first vehicle based on the second vehicle control data.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes including a selectable one-way clutch actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission also includes a transmission auto start/stop enabler which includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism readies one of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an accumulator for use with a hydraulic circuit is provided. The system and method is configured to determine a set of accumulator temperature indicators and discharge and charge the accumulator as a function of the set of accumulator temperature indicators.

Abstract: A system for controlling a hybrid powertrain having an electric motor, an engine and a transmission, the system comprising: an engine control module that (i) receives a torque request, and (ii) when the hybrid powertrain is being powered by the electric motor, determines whether to switch from the electric motor to the engine based on the torque request; and a transmission control module that, in response to a determination to switch from the electric motor to the engine, determines a target engine speed based on the torque request, and switches the hybrid powertrain from the electric motor to the engine based on a comparison between a current engine speed and the target engine speed.