Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Theodore E Demers

John C Morgante

Daniel D Richey

Robert E Annis

In an electrical drive system, an electric differential comprises a first rotor for driving a first drive wheel, a second rotor for driving a second drive wheel, the first and second rotors capable of independent relative rotation, and a common stator for driving the first and second rotors. The common stator may comprise a single winding for driving both rotors or first and second windings for driving the first and second rotors respectively. A processor and a sensor system monitor parameters such as torque, speed, magnetic flux, etc. to detect the loss of traction by one or both drive wheels and adjust the operation of the motor until traction is regained.

Electric differential traction-control drive system

A drive range selection employs both a movable shift actuating member that is operatively connected to a customary manual shift valve and a movable park lock actuating member that is operatively connected to a parking lock pawl mechanism. A force transfer device operatively connects the shift actuating member and the park lock actuating member to a selecting lever. Mechanism is provided to disengage the force transfer device from the shift actuating member when the force transfer device is operatively connected to the park actuating member, and to immobilize the shift actuating member in response to activation of the park lock actuating member when the force transfer device is disengaged from the shift actuating member. Provision is further made not only to disengage the force transfer device from the park lock actuating member when the force transfer device is operatively connected to the shift actuating member, but also to preclude movement of the park actuating member when the force transfer device is operatively connected to the shift actuating member. As such, when the selecting lever is placed in the park position by the vehicle operator, none of the drive ratios of the transmission are engageable. Rather, they are disengaged from the shift selecting member until such time as the operator removes said selecting lever from the park position. Conversely, when the selecting lever is in neutral or any one of the drive ranges, the park lock actuating mechanism cannot be activated.

Growing community of inventors

Commerce Township, MI, United States of America

Theodore E Demers