Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with a crankshaft rotating on a first axis, motor/generator unit (MGU), belted drive system, transmission, actuator assembly, and controller. An MGU rotor shaft rotates about a second axis. The belted drive assembly has a first pulley connected to the crankshaft, a second pulley selectively connected to the rotor shaft, and an endless rotatable drive element that connects the pulleys. The transmission is connected to the flywheel via an input clutch. The actuator assembly has a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, a linear actuator(s), pinion gears translatable along the third axis to selectively engage the first and second gear elements, and overrunning clutches to passively disengage the pinion gears from the first or second gear element. The controller transmits control signals to the MGU and linear actuators to command a control state via translation of the pinion gears.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. The motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system are operable regardless of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a method for managing multiple bandwidth boost solutions co-existing in an electronic device. The method includes identifying an ongoing data session associated with at least one of a first bandwidth boost solution and a second bandwidth boost solution. The method includes dynamically selecting at least one bandwidth boost solution based on at least one parameter. The method includes managing multiple bandwidth boost solutions, wherein the bandwidth boost solution can be either network dependent or independent bandwidth boost solution. The method includes determining that the identified event corresponds to a particular bandwidth boost solution or a combination of bandwidth boost solutions. The method includes dynamically selecting another bandwidth boost solution or a combination of bandwidth boost solutions upon determining that the identified event corresponds to a particular bandwidth boost solution or a combination of bandwidth boost solutions.

Abstract: An electric power management system for a vehicle includes a first power bus arranged in parallel with a second power bus between first and second nodes. A third power bus couples a first battery and an auxiliary load at the second node. The second power bus couples a starter, a second battery and a generator at the first node, and selectively couples the first node to the second node when a first switch is activated. The second battery couples to the first node when a second switch is activated and the engine starter couples to the first node when a starter switch is activated. The second power bus couples the first node to the second node when a third switch is activated. A controller monitors states of charge of the first battery and the second battery and controls activations of the first switch, the second switch and the third switch.

Abstract: A method of controlling a powertrain of a vehicle includes opening and/or closing one or more of a first switching device, a second switching device, a third switching device, and engaging and/or disengaging at least one of a pair of actuators for a starter mechanism or a motor/generator clutch. Many different control modes are provided for the powertrain by changing the operation of a motor-generator between a motor or a generator, and changing the electrical connections between a first energy storage device, a second energy storage device, an auxiliary electric system, the starter mechanism, and the motor-generator.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle having a hybrid powertrain with an engine and a motor/generator includes receiving data indicative of anticipated future vehicle operating conditions, and determining via a controller optimal operating parameters for the engine and for the motor/generator based at least partially on the data. A controller then commands a powertrain operating strategy for the engine and the motor/generator based on the determined optimal operating parameters. The data received can be from active onboard sensing systems and from vehicle telematics systems.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. The motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system are operable regardless of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.

Abstract: A network includes vehicle(s) having a battery pack and vehicle telematics unit (VTU), and a server. A server in communication with the VTUs and remote client device(s) is programmed to receive vehicle information from the VTU, including an energy throughput value defined by charging power delivered to the battery pack during an active charging event. The server receives utility information and a load adjustment request from the remote client device, including a power interrupt permission status describing whether interruption of power by a host of the client device is permitted. Charging control signals are transmitted in response to the load adjustment request to enable or postpone the charging event. Energy throughput is recorded over multiple active charging events, which are then combined or aggregated. Output data, e.g., a bill or report describing the aggregated energy throughput values, may be generated by the server. A method and server are also disclosed.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a first switching device transitionable between an open state disconnecting a first energy storage device from one of a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system, and a closed state connecting the first energy storage device to one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. A second switching device is transitionable between an open state disconnecting a second energy storage device from one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a closed state connecting the second energy storage device to one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. A third switching device is transitionable between an open state disconnecting the auxiliary electric system from one of the motor-generator, and the first and second energy storage devices, and a closed state connecting the auxiliary electric system to one of the motor-generator, and the first and second energy storage devices.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with a crankshaft rotating on a first axis, motor/generator unit (MGU), belted drive system, transmission, actuator assembly, and controller. An MGU rotor shaft rotates about a second axis. The belted drive assembly has a first pulley connected to the crankshaft, a second pulley selectively connected to the rotor shaft, and an endless rotatable drive element that connects the pulleys. The transmission is connected to the flywheel via an input clutch. The actuator assembly has a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, a linear actuator(s), pinion gears translatable along the third axis to selectively engage the first and second gear elements, and overrunning clutches to passively disengage the pinion gears from the first or second gear element. The controller transmits control signals to the MGU and linear actuators to command a control state via translation of the pinion gears.

Abstract: Provided is a method of printing a document. An email message comprising a document for printing is received on a cloud server, wherein the email message includes an email address of a printer and an email address of an additional recipient. The email message is transmitted to the printer and the additional recipient. The document is printed on the printer upon receipt of the email message.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. Electrical communication between the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system is independent of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine and a method of assembling the powertrain includes providing the engine. A starter mechanism is selectively operable to start the engine. A motor-generator includes an adapter to dispose the motor-generator and the starter mechanism in alternative assembly configurations being a first assembly configuration and a second assembly configuration. The first assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is coupleable to the adapter to selectively transfer torque from the motor-generator through the adapter and the starter mechanism to start the engine. The second assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is spaced from the adapter to operate independently of the motor-generator such that the starter mechanism selectively transfers torque to start the engine.

Abstract: A method of controlling steering of a vehicle through setting wheel angles of a plurality of modular electronic corner assemblies (eModules) is provided. The method includes receiving a driving mode selected from a mode selection menu. A position of a steering input device is determined in a master controller. A velocity of the vehicle is determined, in the master controller, when the determined position of the steering input device is near center. A drive mode request corresponding to the selected driving mode to the plurality of steering controllers is transmitted to the master controller. A required steering angle of each of the plurality of eModules is determined, in the master controller, as a function of the determined position of the steering input device, the determined velocity of the vehicle, and the selected first driving mode. The eModules are set to the respective determined steering angles.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle and a method of assembling the powertrain are disclosed. An engine includes a crankshaft being rotatable about a longitudinal axis. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of the crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism is selectively operable to rotate the ring gear and the crankshaft to start the engine. A motor-generator includes an adapter selectively cooperating with the starter mechanism to dispose the motor-generator and the starter mechanism in alternative assembly configurations being a first assembly configuration and a second assembly configuration. The first assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is coupleable to the adapter and the second assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is spaced from the adapter to operate independently of the motor-generator.

Abstract: A method of controlling steering of a vehicle through setting wheel angles of a plurality of modular electronic corner assemblies (eModules) is provided. The method includes receiving a driving mode selected from a mode selection menu. A position of a steering input device is determined in a master controller. A velocity of the vehicle is determined, in the master controller, when the determined position of the steering input device is near center. A drive mode request corresponding to the selected driving mode to the plurality of steering controllers is transmitted to the master controller. A required steering angle of each of the plurality of eModules is determined, in the master controller, as a function of the determined position of the steering input device, the determined velocity of the vehicle, and the selected first driving mode. The eModules are set to the respective determined steering angles.

Abstract: A system and method for providing energy to auto systems such as systems after-treating exhaust. Energy may be received from a solar energy source electrically connected to an after-treatment system. At least some of the energy from the solar energy source may be provided to the after-treatment system to purify exhaust from an engine. A control module may provide at least some of the energy from the solar energy source to a heater, for example, to initiate heating the after-treatment system prior to starting the engine. The heater may heat the after-treatment to temperatures within a predetermined temperature range associated with optimal efficiency for the after-treatment system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automobile electrical system including a solar subsystem. Components collect and store solar energy in an advanced energy storage subsystem including a base portion and, in some embodiments, a solar-energy buffer. The components use the solar energy selectively to meet vehicle loads, including selectively using one or more of: energy obtained directly from the solar subsystem; energy from the advanced energy storage system; and energy from a high-voltage energy converter such as an alternator or accessory power module.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. Electrical communication between the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system is independent of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle and a method of assembling the powertrain are disclosed. An engine includes a crankshaft being rotatable about a longitudinal axis. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of the crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism is selectively operable to rotate the ring gear and the crankshaft to start the engine. A motor-generator includes an adapter selectively cooperating with the starter mechanism to dispose the motor-generator and the starter mechanism in alternative assembly configurations being a first assembly configuration and a second assembly configuration. The first assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is coupleable to the adapter and the second assembly configuration is when the starter mechanism is spaced from the adapter to operate independently of the motor-generator.