Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC

Steven Mastroianni

Jeremy M Frenznick

Aaron D Gries

Andrew T Brammer

Martin D Fairchild

Methods and systems are provided for controlling a multi-axle assembly in a vehicle. The multi-axle assembly may be operated according to a requested mode, where the mode includes providing torque at one, two, or no axles of the multi-axle assembly, and the requested mode may be selected based on vehicle speed. In this way, operation of the multi-axle assembly may be adjusted according to a fuel efficiency of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.

Systems and methods for disconnecting tandem axles

Methods of controlling a tandem axle assembly in a vehicle, the tandem axle assembly including an inter-axle differential (IAD), one or more side gears, and a front tandem axle assembly having a pair of front tandem axle half shafts selectively connected to a pair of front tandem axle wheel hub assemblies. When a determined speed of the vehicle is greater or equal to a predetermined speed, the IAD may be locked, the tandem axle wheel hub assemblies may be disconnected from their respective tandem axle shafts, and/or the IAD may be moved out of engagement with the one or more side gears. When a determined speed of the vehicle is less than a predetermined speed, the IAD may be unlocked, the tandem axle wheel hub assemblies may be connected to their respective tandem axle shafts, and/or the IAD may be engaged with the one or more side gears.

Method of controlling a tandem axle assembly

A power divider unit including an input shaft, a drive gear disposed around the input shaft, an inter-axle differential assembly coupled to the input shaft, an output side gear coupled to the input shaft, and a locking system for the power divider unit. The locking system is configured to passively lock the inter-axle differential assembly. The locking system includes a ramped first clutch member in selective engagement with the drive gear, a mating second clutch member configured to engage the first clutch member, a clutch pinion, and a slip clutch assembly. The second clutch member and the first clutch member rotate at different speeds, the clutch pinion rotates and causes the slip clutch assembly and second clutch member to rotate at a speed of the input shaft, causing the first clutch member to mate with the first clutch member.

Passive fully locking mechanical inter-axle differential assembly

One or more guide members for use within a drive unit assembly of a vehicle. The one or more guide members have a body portion with an outer peripheral surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion interposed between the first end portion and second end portion. The intermediate portion of the one or more guide members have a first angularly bent portion defining a first extending portion and a second extending portion extending outward therefrom. The body portion of the one or more guide members have one or more shaft receiving portions therein.

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Perrysburg, OH, United States of America

Steven Mastroianni