Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC

Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.

Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC

Perry M Paielli

Michael Z Creech

Sagar B Bangar

Peter Alfred Beesley

Terry W McGraner

Richard A Nellums

Justin S Davis

Jeremy M Frenznick

Scott R Green

Scott A Smith

Peter A Beesley

Mike Z Creech

Methods and systems are provided for encoding position and temperature in a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The method includes acquiring a PWM signal from an eddy current sensor, and determining the temperature of the eddy current sensor based on a PWM signal feature. The PWM signal feature is a PWM frequency and/or a PWM logic level.

Dual data encoding in a pulse width modulation signal

Methods and systems for a locking differential are provided. The locking differential system includes an electromagnetic solenoid actuator designed to induce locking and unlocking of the differential and a circuit board assembly designed to programmatically control the locking and unlocking functionality. The circuit board assembly includes a sensor and control circuity enclosed in a continuous sealed enclosure, the sensor extends down the face of a coil assembly in the solenoid.

Differential system and method for operation of a differential system

Methods and systems for operating a dog clutch actuator are disclosed. In one example, the voltage that is supplied to a dog clutch actuator is gradually reduced when a dog clutch is returned to a base position via a return spring. The voltage may be reduced at a rate that is based on a temperature of a fluid in which a dog clutch may be submerged.

System and method for controlling dog clutch actuator

Methods and systems are provided for a multi-stage solenoid actuator. In one example, a system may include a solenoid actuator comprising a series of coils, the first coil enclosed by a first housing, the second and third coils enclosed by a second housing, and a plunger enclosed by the second housing. The method may include the first and second housing, and the plunger, moving in series, increasing the total displace of the actuator via single electric signal.

Multi-stage solenoid actuator and method for operation of a multi-stage solenoid actuator

A network including a sensory assembly having a first wire coil coupled to a stationary component, and a spaced apart second wire coil coupled to a movable component. An interstice is formed between the wire coils. The stationary first wire coil is employed in a primary electrical circuit and the movable second wire coil is employed in a second electrical circuit. A magnet flux field permits at least a portion of an electrical current varied as a function of a parameter of the movable component to be transmitted between the electrical circuits.

Non-contact sensor assembly and method of sensing using the same

Methods and systems are provided for sensing a clutch position. In one example, a method may include generating a single output signal by combining at least an output of a first sensor and an output of a second sensor output, the first sensor and second sensor connected in parallel, and the first sensor and the second sensor sensing a common moving element of a clutch. In one example, the method may further include a first sensor output and a second sensor output provided on a common sensor bus. As another example, the first sensor output may be a master pulse width modulation output, and the second sensor output follows a modulation frequency of the first sensor output.

Systems and methods for driveline control

Methods and systems for estimating an amount of torque that is transferred via a differential ring gear assembly are described. In one example, axial displacement of the differential ring gear assembly is determined and converted into a torque estimate. The torque estimate may be used to verify other powertrain torque estimates or for closed loop torque control.

System and method for measuring torque and speed of an axle

Methods and systems for a differential assembly are provided herein. In one example, a method is provided that includes operating a clutch motor coupled to a differential locking clutch to place the differential locking clutch in a locked configuration. The method further includes, after the differential locking clutch is placed in the locked configuration, reducing electric power delivered to the clutch motor at a first rate and increasing the electric power delivered to the clutch motor when it is determined that clutch disengagement is occurring based on outputs from a motor position sensor or outputs from shaft speed sensors coupled to a pair of shafts coupled to the differential locking clutch.

Control and diagnostic method for a differential system

Methods and systems for a locking differential are provided. The locking differential system includes an electromagnetic solenoid actuator designed to induce locking and unlocking of the differential and a circuit board assembly designed to programmatically control the locking and unlocking functionality. The circuit board assembly includes a sensor and control circuitry enclosed in a continuous sealed enclosure, the sensor extends down the face of a coil assembly in the solenoid.

Methods and systems for a differential assembly are provided herein. In one example, a diagnostic method includes generating a clutch fault according to a variance between an initial engagement position and a lock point position of a clutch motor that occur during engagement of an interaxle differential (IAD) locking clutch coupled to the clutch motor. In the IAD system, an actuation assembly is coupled to the clutch motor and the IAD locking clutch.

Methods and systems are provided for estimation of a ride height of a vehicle axle via a linear displacement sensor. In one example, a method may include, during motion of vehicle wheels, estimating a change in ride height of an axle based on a distance of axial movement between a first axle constant velocity universal (CV) joint and a differential unit.

System and method for ride height estimation

Methods and systems are provided for a sensor assembly for a differential apparatus. In one example, the sensor assembly includes a microcontroller and an eddy current sensor communicatively coupled to the microcontroller and configured to detect a distance between an axially slidable and an axially stationary component of a differential apparatus.

Eddy current sensor assembly

A valve assembly includes a first valve plate defining at least one first opening and at least one second opening. A valve element located above the first valve plate has a central portion, and at least one tab extending outwards from the central portion. The at least one tab includes a narrow portion axially aligned with the at least one first opening such that the narrow portion at least partially covers the at least one first opening. The at least one tab is selectively provided with electrical energy to melt the narrow portion to form an orifice. The orifice is fluidly coupled with the at least one first opening.

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Sand Creek, MI, United States of America

Perry M Paielli