New Venture Gear, Inc.

Randy W Adler

David Sperduti

Robert J Wilson

Randolph C Williams

James S Brissenden

Richard E Eastman

Sankar K Mohan

Keith L Snyder

Eric A Bansbach

Joseph A Winks

Victor L Brezee

Christopher W Phelan

Richard J Newer

Robert S Zucker

An electronically controlled shift system is provided for a synchronized manual transmission of a motor vehicle. The shift system provides greater control of gear engagement by determining an optimum shift force at shift time, by adjusting this shift force based upon engine temperature, and by applying variable shift forces to complete a gear shift. In particular, the electronically controlled shift system comprises a manually operated shift lever for selecting a gear, a transmission control module connected to the shift lever for receiving an electrical input signal indicative of a selected gear and a dual motion actuator receiving actuation signals from the transmission control module for actuating a shift rail of the transmission to engage the selected gear. The transmission control module includes a shift-out routine for axially translating the shift rail from a current in-gear position into a neutral position, a shift-across routine for rotating the shift rail (if necessary) from a first neutral position to a second neutral position that aligns with the in-gear position for the selected gear, and a shift-in routine for actuating the shift rail into selected in-gear position. In addition, shift-in routine applies an entry force for taking up synchronizer clearance, determines and applies a synchronization force and applies a lesser end force for easing the shift rail into the in-gear position.

Electronically controlled shift system for a manual transmission

The present invention is directed to an improved 'on-demand' power transfer system of the type having a transfer case incorporated into the driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer case is arranged to normally deliver drive torque to the driven wheels so as to establish a two-wheel drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for selectively delivering drive torque to the non-driven wheels for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode of operation. The transfer mechanism is also equipped with a rotary actuator and a drive mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The power transfer system further includes sensors for detecting various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle and generating sensor input signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided for processing the input signals and controlling actuation of the rotary actuator in response thereto. In one preferred construction, a shift mechanism is used in conjunction with the drive mechanism for selectively de-coupling the output shafts of the transfer case from its input shaft so as to establish a non-driven Neutral mode.

Torque modulated transfer case

The present invention provides a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle which permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes or an 'on-demand' four-wheel drive mode. The power transfer system is adapted for use in conjunction with automatic disconnect-type drivelines and is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into any of the two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes.

Power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle

The present invention provides a hydraulically-actuated shift system that is operable for shifting a mechanical shift apparatus of a power transfer device between first and second operative positions. The hydraulically-actuated shift system includes a hydraulic circuit for providing a source of hydraulic power, a hydraulic actuator for selectively moving a clutch sleeve of the mechanical shift mechanism between the first and second drive positions, and an electric control circuit for controlling selective actuation of the hydraulic actuator. The shift system is particularly well-suited for use with four-wheel drive transfer cases for permitting the vehicle operator to shift between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes and or between various speed ranges.

Hydraulically-actuated shift system for a transfer case

The present invention provides a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle which permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes or an 'on-demand' four-wheel drive mode. The power transfer system is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into any of the two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes.

The present invention is directed to an improved 'on-demand' power transfer system of the type having a transfer mechanism incorporated into the driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer mechanism is arranged to deliver drive torque to the driven wheels so as to establish a two-wheel drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for selectively delivering drive torque to the non-driven wheels for establishing a four-wheel drive mode of operation. The transfer mechanism is further equipped with a linear actuator mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The linear actuator mechanism is preferably mounted directly to the transfer mechanism to substantially minimize the packaging requirements associated with the on-demand power transfer system while concomitantly enhancing in-service reliability and allowing pre-assembly of the transfer mechanism prior to final installation into the vehicle driveline. The power transfer system further includes sensors for detecting various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle and generating sensor input signals indicative thereof, and a controller for controlling actuation of the linear actuator means in response to the sensor input signals.

Linear actuation mechanism for electronically-controlled torque

The present invention provides a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle which permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in conventional two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes or an 'on-demand' four-wheel drive mode. The power transfer system is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into either of the two-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive modes. The system includes a transfer mechanism having a first and second output members coupled to first and second sets of wheels, respectively. The transfer mechanism has a transfer clutch that is operable for transferring drive torque from the first output member to the second output member to establish the part-time four-wheel drive and on-demand modes. A coupling mechanism is provided for mechanically coupling the first and second output members under certain conditions.

Two-speed transfer case with electronic torque modulation

The present invention provides a motor vehicle traction control system for providing on-demand four-wheel drive under certain tractive and operational conditions. The traction control system permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in the conventional two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive mode or the 'on-demand' four-wheel drive mode. Moreover, the traction control system is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into either of the two-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive modes.

Part-time transfer case with traction control

The present invention provides a motor vehicle traction control system for providing on-demand four-wheel drive under certain tractive and operational conditions. The present invention is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into the four-wheel drive mode.

Part-time on-demand transfer case and method

The present invention provides a motor vehicle cold shift assist system for selectively and automatically connecting the non-driven wheels to its associated axle drive mechanism under certain operational and temperature conditions for counteracting the inertial loading acting on the transfer case synchronizer clutch mechanism. The present invention substantially reduces the shift resistance encountered upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into the four-wheel drive mode during cold weather conditions.

Growing community of inventors

Seneca Falls, NY, United States of America

Randy W Adler