Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Chrysler Group LLC

James C Savage

Stephen M Leitner

Brian D Dwyer

Robert P Uhlig

Donald F Schmanski

Brian Edward Beechie

Mark C Azzaretti

Daniel L Brown

Charles Bienenstein

Donald R Hughes

Methods and systems are described to automatically lock and unlock a front axle disconnect mechanism in an all-wheel drive (AWD) system responsive to driving conditions to reduce parasitic losses and increase fuel efficiency. A control algorithm is described which automatically determines whether the front axle disconnect mechanism should lock or unlock responsive to various sensor readings throughout the vehicle. The sensor readings relate to the driving conditions. Advantageously, the present disclosure automatically decides the best mode for optimum fuel economy while safely responding to driving conditions, and therefore removes the requirement for a driver to select the operating mode.

Methods and systems for controlling an axle disconnect device for an all-wheel drive vehicle

A mounting arrangement for an engine/transmission combination in a front wheel drive vehicle including a bearing support at either end of the engine/transmission and a pair of elongated torque struts between the vehicle structure and the engine/transmission. The two torque struts extend substantially parallel to one another and are positioned substantially in a vertically extending plane. The torque struts restrain torsionally induced rolling movements of the engine/transmission.

Engine/transmission combination mounting system

An engine/transmission mounting arrangement in a front wheel drive vehicle including a bearing support at either end of the engine/transmission and an improved torque strut between the vehicle structure and the engine/transmission for restraining torsionally induced rolling movements of the engine/transmission. The improved torque strut having a substantial added mass to an end portion adjacent to the connection of the torque strut with the engine/transmission.

Torque strut with end weights

Growing community of inventors

Lake Orion, MI, United States of America

James C Savage