Abstract: A retention ring is configured to retain components within a transmission assembly. The retention ring has an annular main body defining an opening through a center thereof. The annular main body defines an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface, the annular main body having a distal face disposed in a distal plane and a proximal face disposed in a proximal plane. A first set of retention features extend from the inner curved surface, and a second set of retention features from the outer curved surface. One of the sets of retention features is configured to engage a backing plate or an outer member, and at least one of the sets of retention features is entirely disposed between the proximal plane and the distal plane. A transmission assembly includes the retention ring and an adjacent external snap ring.

Abstract: An electric drive unit clutch for an automobile includes a first rotatable shaft, a one-way clutch fixedly mounted onto the first rotatable shaft, a dog clutch slidingly mounted onto the first rotatable shaft and adapted to rotate with the first rotatable shaft, a clutch ring positioned between the one-way clutch and the dog clutch, and a second rotatable shaft rotatable engaged with the clutch ring, wherein the clutch ring is adapted to transfer rotational motion from the second rotatable shaft through the one-way clutch and the dog clutch to the first rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A method of joining parts, where at least one of the parts has a faying surface defining grooves therein. One of the parts is formed of a majority of titanium, and the other part is formed of a majority of iron. The method includes providing a set of opposed welding electrodes disposed on a side of each part and applying pressure to and heating the parts via the set of electrodes to form a joint between the parts. A bonded assembly includes a first part formed of a majority of titanium and a second part formed of a steel alloy. The first and second parts having a bond that includes a portion of the first part directly in contact with and attached to a portion of the second part. The parts may be a titanium-containing differential carrier case bonded to a steel gear.

Abstract: An electric drive unit clutch for an automobile includes a first rotatable shaft, a one-way clutch fixedly mounted onto the first rotatable shaft, a dog clutch slidingly mounted onto the first rotatable shaft and adapted to rotate with the first rotatable shaft, a clutch ring positioned between the one-way clutch and the dog clutch, and a second rotatable shaft rotatable engaged with the clutch ring, wherein the clutch ring is adapted to transfer rotational motion from the second rotatable shaft through the one-way clutch and the dog clutch to the first rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A method of joining parts, where at least one of the parts has a faying surface defining grooves therein. One of the parts is formed of a majority of titanium, and the other part is formed of a majority of iron. The method includes providing a set of opposed welding electrodes disposed on a side of each part and applying pressure to and heating the parts via the set of electrodes to form a joint between the parts. A bonded assembly includes a first part formed of a majority of titanium and a second part formed of a steel alloy. The first and second parts having a bond that includes a portion of the first part directly in contact with and attached to a portion of the second part. The parts may be a titanium-containing differential carrier case bonded to a steel gear.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a motor vehicle includes a casing having first and second housing portions cooperating with one another to define a cavity. The propulsion system further includes an electric motor disposed within the cavity. A support mechanism is attached to at least one of the first and second housing portions. The support mechanism includes a first side that faces the first housing portion and a second side that faces the second housing portion and is disposed within the cavity. Bearing seats are formed in the first housing portion, the second housing portion, and the second side of the support mechanism. Bearings are engaged with an associated one of the bearing seats and are configured to rotatably support the input member, the layshaft, and the output member in a fixed-free bearing arrangement. The first side of the support mechanism is free of the bearing seats and the bearings.

Abstract: A retention ring is configured to retain components within a transmission assembly. The retention ring has an annular main body defining an opening through a center thereof. The annular main body defines an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface, the annular main body having a distal face disposed in a distal plane and a proximal face disposed in a proximal plane. A first set of retention features extend from the inner curved surface, and a second set of retention features from the outer curved surface. One of the sets of retention features is configured to engage a backing plate or an outer member, and at least one of the sets of retention features is entirely disposed between the proximal plane and the distal plane. A transmission assembly includes the retention ring and an adjacent external snap ring.

Abstract: Presented are electric drive unit (EDU) assemblies with integrated power electronics, methods for making/operating such EDU assemblies, and motor vehicles equipped with such EDU assemblies. An EDU assembly includes an outer housing that mounts to a vehicle body. The EDU outer housing has internal motor and transmission chambers and an external cavity. A traction motor is mounted inside the motor chamber and drives one or more vehicle wheels to thereby propel the vehicle. A gear train is mounted inside the transmission chamber and drivingly connects the traction motor to the vehicle wheels. An integrated power electronics (IPE) unit, which is operable to control the traction motor, includes an IPE outer housing with a housing chassis mounted inside the external cavity, and a main housing mounted on the housing chassis to define therebetween a power electronics (PE) chamber. Multiple integrated circuit (IC) PE modules are mounted inside the PE chamber.

Abstract: A planetary gear set assembly for a transmission includes a planet carrier, a sun gear, a ring gear, a bearing plate, and a thrust bearing placed between the sun gear and the bearing plate. The bearing plate is retained by the planetary gear carrier and includes a plurality of lubrication features for providing a lubrication path from an input shaft through the thrust bearing and bearing plate to the pinion shafts.

Abstract: A hydraulic assembly includes a pump that is bi-rotationally driven by an output shaft of a transmission or transaxle and a hydraulic circuit that includes a pressure actuated control valve and a plurality of check valves. The check valves are arranged so that, regardless of the direction of rotation of the pump, the suction side of the pump is always in fluid communication with a sump and the pressure side of the pump is always in fluid communication with one of the inlet ports of the spool valve. In one direction of rotation of the pump, pressure in a line is supplied to a control port of a control valve to translate a control element to connect an outlet of the pump to the fluid system of the transmission or transaxle. In the other direction of rotation, no pressure is supplied to the control port and the control element, biased by a spring, connects the other outlet of the pump to the fluid system of the transmission.

Abstract: A ball cam actuated dog clutch assembly for a motor vehicle transmission includes a clutch sleeve having a plurality of gear teeth positioned at a first end and multiple ball bearings disposed at a second end. A clutch hub having multiple helical grooves is created in an outer facing wall. Each of the helical grooves receives a portion of one of the ball bearings. An actuator member acts to rotate the clutch hub. Rotation of the clutch hub causes axial translation of the clutch sleeve in a selected one of a first direction or an opposite second direction by translation of the ball bearings within the helical grooves.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an output member, and first and second simple planetary gear sets. The planetary gear sets each have a first, a second, and a third member including a sun gear, carrier, and ring gear member. The drive unit includes a single electric machine operable as a motor and having a rotor connected to rotate in unison with and drive the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set. An interconnecting member connects the second member of the first planetary gear set to rotate in unison with the first member of the second planetary gear set. The third member of the first planetary gear set or the second member of the second planetary gear set is continuously grounded to the stationary member or operatively connected to be driven by an engine. The third member of the second planetary gear set is continuously operatively connected to the output member.

Abstract: A planetary gear set assembly for a transmission includes a planet carrier, a sun gear, a ring gear, a bearing plate, and a thrust bearing placed between the sun gear and the bearing plate. The bearing plate is retained by the planetary gear carrier and includes a plurality of lubrication features for providing a lubrication path from an input shaft through the thrust bearing and bearing plate to the pinion shafts.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an output member, and first and second simple planetary gear sets. The planetary gear sets each have a first, a second, and a third member including a sun gear, carrier, and ring gear member. The drive unit includes a single electric machine operable as a motor and having a rotor connected to rotate in unison with and drive the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set. An interconnecting member connects the second member of the first planetary gear set to rotate in unison with the first member of the second planetary gear set. The third member of the first planetary gear set or the second member of the second planetary gear set is continuously grounded to the stationary member or operatively connected to be driven by an engine. The third member of the second planetary gear set is continuously operatively connected to the output member.

Abstract: A powertrain for a motor vehicle includes a one mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a torque converter connected to a planetary gear set assembly which is connected to a pulley and a chain assembly or other continuously variable unit (CVU). The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes one planetary gear set, one brake and one clutch. The CVU is connected to a final drive unit. The sheaves of the CVU have an involute spline connection.

Abstract: A ball cam actuated dog clutch assembly for a motor vehicle transmission includes a clutch sleeve having a plurality of gear teeth positioned at a first end and multiple ball bearings disposed at a second end. A clutch hub having multiple helical grooves is created in an outer facing wall. Each of the helical grooves receives a portion of one of the ball bearings. An actuator member acts to rotate the clutch hub. Rotation of the clutch hub causes axial translation of the clutch sleeve in a selected one of a first direction or an opposite second direction by translation of the ball bearings within the helical grooves.

Abstract: A guide pin assembly for a CVT variator includes a retainer and a guide pin coupled to the retainer. The retainer provides at least three functions for the guide pin: pilot, orientation and retention. The guide pin provides lateral and axial constraints to a chain guide through which a chain extends.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes a casing defining a first cavity and a second cavity inside the casing, with the first cavity selectively open to outside of the casing. The transmission also includes a platform at least partially disposed inside the casing to separate the first and second cavities. Furthermore, the transmission includes a power inverter module selectively disposed in the first cavity. The power inverter module includes a cooling system for cooling the power inverter module. The transmission also includes a guide attached to the platform and the casing within the second cavity such that the guide provides fluid communication between the cooling system of the power inverter module within the first cavity and outside of the casing while bypassing the second cavity.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a casing defining a first cavity and a second cavity inside the casing. A platform is at least partially disposed inside the casing to separate the first and second cavities. The platform defines a plurality of first apertures arranged together to define a first group. An interface assembly includes a first support and a plurality of first connectors attached to the first support to define a first bundle. The first support is selectively attached to the platform to position the first bundle relative to the platform such that each of the first connectors are disposed in respective ones of the first apertures of the first group. The first connectors are coupled to a power inverter module and a first motor/generator through the first apertures of the platform to electrically connect the power inverter module and the first motor/generator to each other.

Abstract: A guide pin assembly for a CVT variator includes a retainer and a guide pin coupled to the retainer. The retainer provides at least three functions for the guide pin: pilot, orientation and retention. The guide pin provides lateral and axial constraints to a chain guide through which a chain extends.