American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Todd Michael York

Andrew Frank Pinkos

Gary A Oliveira

Paul Joseph Valente

Curt Douglas Gilmore

Brian L Spohn

Gregory M Donofrio

Brian A Calomeni

Larry G Haske

Mark A Danielsen

Brenton J Bergkoetter

Chad R Umscheid

William Leonard Aldrich, Iii

Richard D Starr

Andrew Meintz

A multi-position actuator includes a solenoid selectively energized to extend a rod. The actuator also includes a push-lever pivotably mounted to the rod and a crank-arm rotatably mounted on a first axis. The crank-arm includes multiple engagement elements arranged on a diameter centered relative to the first axis, and also includes a projection. The push-lever engages one of the engagement elements to rotate the crank-arm about the first axis in a forward direction when the solenoid is energized. The actuator additionally includes a pivoting locking-lever that blocks rotation of the crank-arm in forward direction and a one-way-clutch that blocks rotation of the crank-arm in reverse direction when the solenoid is de-energized. Furthermore, the actuator includes a slider-box lever having first and second slots. The projection slidably engages the first slot. The second slot is engaged with and operates an external device when rotation of the crank-arm swings the slider-box lever.

Multi-position actuator

A control module-implemented method for estimating an end of life a belt transferring torque between at least two rotating members of a belt drive system includes monitoring a plurality of belt parameters during a life cycle of the belt and determining an instantaneous damage factor of the belt based on the plurality of belt parameters. The end of life of the belt is estimated based on the instantaneous damage factor.

Method for determining belt life

Method for adjusting a state-of-charge within an electrical energy storage device of a hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring a plurality of electrical energy storage device parameters and determining a discharge power capability of the electrical energy storage device based on the monitored plurality of electrical energy storage device parameters. If the discharge capability is less than a first threshold, a state-of charge adjustment mode is activated. The state-of-charge adjustment mode includes increasing a commanded state-of-charge to an elevated state-of-charge to increase the discharge capability to achieve the first threshold and maintaining the commanded state-of-charge at the elevated state-of-charge until the discharge capability achieves the first threshold.

Control method to bias hybrid battery state-of-charge to improve autostop availability for light-electrification vehicles

A stabilizer bar system that includes a first stabilizer bar, a second stabilizer bar and a clutch having a clutch housing and a plurality of coupling members housed in the clutch housing. The first stabilizer bar is received in the clutch housing for rotation relative to the clutch housing about a rotational axis. The second stabilizer bar is fixedly coupled to the clutch housing. The coupling members are configured to selectively non-rotatably couple the first stabilizer bar to the clutch housing such that the clutch housing is employed to transmit torque between the first and second stabilizer bars.

Apparatus and method for coupling a disconnectable stabilizer bar

An electromagnetic actuator assembly with a frame, a movable element, first and second sensor targets that are coupled to the movable element for movement therewith, first and second sensors that are coupled to the frame and a controller. The first sensor is configured to sense a position of the first sensor target and to produce a first sensor signal in response thereto. The second sensor is configured to sense a position of the second sensor target and to produce a second sensor signal in response thereto. The controller that receives the first and second sensor signals and identifies three or more discrete points along a path of travel of the plunger. A differential assembly that incorporates the electromagnetic actuator assembly is also provided.

Linear actuator with position sensing system

A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.

Apparatus for coupling a disconnectable stabilizer bar

An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. The armature is axially movable relative to the pole piece between a first position and a second position. Magnetic flux is efficiently transmitted between the pole piece and the armature and the pole piece can be employed to guide the armature for movement thereon.

Electronically actuated apparatus

An electromagnetic actuator assembly with a frame, a movable plunger, first and second sensor targets that are coupled to a plunger for movement therewith, first and second sensors that are coupled to the frame and a controller. The first sensor is configured to sense a position of the first sensor target and to produce a first sensor signal in response thereto. The second sensor is configured to sense a position of the second sensor target and to produce a second sensor signal in response thereto. The controller that receives the first and second sensor signals and identifies three or more discrete points along a path of travel of the plunger. A differential assembly that incorporates the electromagnetic actuator assembly is also provided.

An actuator having a linear motor and a plunger that is movable by the linear motor along an axis. The plunger includes an annular flange and a rim that is coupled to an outer periphery of the flange. The annular flange is oriented generally perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of apertures is formed through at least one of the flange and the rim. A locking differential and an axle assembly are also provided.

Annular actuator having plunger configured to translate through a viscous liquid

An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. One of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is axially movable relative to the other between a first position, in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a minimum distance, and a second position in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a maximum distance. The surfaces axially overlap one another but do not touch when the one of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is positioned in the first position and in the second position.

Annular solenoid with axially overlapping electromagnet and armature

Electronically actuated apparatus using solenoid actuator with integrated sensor

A locking differential assembly with a differential case, a gearset, a first dog, a second dog and a thrust member. The differential case has a mounting hub. The gearset is disposed in the differential case and has a side gear. The first dog is coupled to the side gear. The thrust member is slidably supported on the mounting hub and has projections that extend through apertures in the differential case and engage the second dog.

An electromagnetic actuator assembly that includes an annular frame, a coil assembly, an annular armature, a plunger and a sensor. The coil assembly is coupled to the frame and includes an annular core and an annular coil. The annular armature is received in the frame and abutted against the plunger. A sensor target can be coupled to the armature or the plunger and includes a radially outwardly extending sensor target. The sensor is coupled to the frame and configured to sense a position of the sensor target. A method for operating an electromagnetic actuator is also provided.

An axle assembly with an electric locking differential that can include a one-piece differential case and a locking device. The locking device includes a dog that is nonrotatably but axially slidably received into a pocket that is formed in an end of the differential case. An actuator is mounted on the differential case. Actuation of the actuator moves the dog into engagement with a second dog that is coupled to a side gear of the differential to thereby lock the side gear to the differential case.

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Howell, MI, United States of America

Todd Michael York