Abstract: This invention is a control system for a clutch for connecting an engine to the powertrain of an HEV. The system includes a controller programmed to determine a filtered speed error of the engine and a starter/motor and to determine an engine run command. Monitoring devices operatively connected to the engine and the starter/motor are connected to output data representing the engine and starter/motor speeds to the controller. The controller is programmed to generate a clutch position command, dependent on the data, to a servo-actuator connected to the clutch. The invention, further, provides methods for controlling such a clutch including the steps of determining an engine run command, determining a filtered speed error of the engine and a starter/motor and generating a clutch position command.

Abstract: This invention is a control system for a clutch for connecting an engine to the powertrain of an HEV. The system includes a controller programmed to determine a filtered speed error of the engine and a starter/motor and to determine an engine run command. Monitoring devices operatively connected to the engine and the starter/motor are connected to output data representing the engine and starter/motor speeds to the controller. The controller is programmed to generate a clutch position command, dependent on the data, to a servo-actuator connected to the clutch. The invention, further, provides methods for controlling such a clutch including the steps of determining an engine run command, determining a filtered speed error of the engine and a starter/motor and generating a clutch position command.

Abstract: A post-transmission, parallel hybrid electric vehicle and method of control thereof is provided having an engine 200 joined to a differential 206 by an automated layshaft transmission 212. A motor 202 is provided which additionally provides torque to the differential 206 during gear changes of the transmission 212 to minimize the affects of clutch shudder from an engine clutch 210.

Abstract: A variable assist power steering system (10) uses vehicle speed and steering wheel rate to vary the steering assist provided. A control module (30) receives vehicle speed and steering wheel rate data from sensors (24, 25) and produces a control signal for a flow control valve actuator (32) that bypasses fluid flow from the pump (22) to a reservoir (36), rather than to the steering valve (20) thereby affecting steering valve pressure which controls the rack piston (16) which changes the angle of the front vehicle wheels used for steering. The control module (30) employs first and second calibration tables (38, 40) to determine base and evasive desired actuator current values and then selects a final desired actuator current value using these values in combination with the steering wheel rate data.

Abstract: A variable assist power steering system (10) uses vehicle speed, steering wheel rate and steering valve inlet pressure to vary the steering assist provided. A control module (30) receives vehicle speed, steering wheel rate and pressure data from sensors (24, 25, 26) and produces a control signal for a flow control valve actuator (32) that bypasses fluid flow from the pump (22) to a reservoir (36), rather than to the steering valve (20) thereby affecting steering valve pressure which controls the rack piston (16) which changes the angle of the front vehicle wheels used for steering. The control module (30) employs first and second calibration tables (38, 40) to determine the control signal that ensures adequate flow while consuming the least amount of energy.