A multi-motor switching system and method for obtaining a global optimization of performance criteria that takes into account variables and conditions across an entire driving cycle. The controller of the system is adapted to conduct a global optimization in that it determines the most optimal distribution of motor loads over an entire trip or driving cycle, as opposed to sequentially determining the optimized solution for a given point of time and localized set of current condition. In one embodiment where the control system provides for global optimization, the controller receives trip information through a trip planning tool. The controller utilizes the trip information to generate a driving cycle and further incorporates this information into the optimization process performed by the controller to determine the optimal solution for the entire trip.

A driveline system for connecting an on-vehicle PTO shaft to on-vehicle auxiliary equipment installed on a vehicle. The driveline system is adapted for mounting to an undercarriage of a vehicle that includes a transmission, a PTO shaft connected to the transmission near a forward end of the transmission, and auxiliary equipment mounted to the undercarriage aft of the transmission. The driveline system includes a first shaft connected to the PTO shaft via a first U-joint, a second shaft connected to the auxiliary equipment via a second U-joint and to the first shaft via a third U-joint, a bearing installed on the first shaft for supporting the first and second shafts adjacent the third U-joint, and a bracket that is attached to the transmission rearward of the PTO shaft.

A fixed ball type joint for a vehicle, which reduces the friction between a cage and an outer race and friction between the cage and an inner race by changing shapes of an inner spherical diameter of the outer race and an outer spherical diameter of the inner race. The fixed ball type joint for a vehicle includes an inner race, an outer race installed at the outside of the inner race, a plurality of balls for transmitting rotational power of the inner race to the outer race, and a cage for supporting the balls. A first inner spherical radius of the outer race is set to be smaller than a second inner spherical radius of the outer race. A first outer spherical radius of the inner race is set to be larger than a second outer spherical radius of the inner race.

A fixed ball type joint for a vehicle, which reduces the friction between a cage and an outer race and friction between the cage and an inner race by changing shapes of an inner spherical diameter of the outer race and an outer spherical diameter of the inner race. The fixed ball type joint for a vehicle includes an inner race, an outer race installed at the outside of the inner race, a plurality of balls for transmitting rotational power of the inner race to the outer race, and a cage for supporting the balls. A first inner spherical radius of the outer race is set to be smaller than a second inner spherical radius of the outer race. A first outer spherical radius of the inner race is set to be larger than a second outer spherical radius of the inner race.

An integrated pinion shaft and constant velocity joint (PS/CVJ) assembly for use in motor vehicle driveline applications to transfer torque between a propshaft and a ring gear. The PS/CVJ assembly includes a pinion shaft having a pinion gear segment meshed with the ring gear and a hollow pinion shaft segment. The PS/CVJ assembly also includes a constant velocity joint having an inner race coupled to the propshaft and an outer race integral with or fixed to an end portion of the pinion shaft segment.

An integrated pinion shaft and constant velocity joint (PS/CVJ) assembly for use in motor vehicle driveline applications to transfer torque between a propshaft and a ring gear. The PS/CVJ assembly includes a pinion shaft having a pinion gear segment meshed with the ring gear and a hollow pinion shaft segment. The PS/CVJ assembly also includes a constant velocity joint having an inner race coupled to the propshaft and an outer race integral with or fixed to an end portion of the pinion shaft segment.

A front final drive assembly for a vehicle can include a housing and a first shaft rotatably supported inside the housing. The first shaft can include a breaking portion such that when a reaction torque applied to the first shaft exceeds a predetermined threshold the first shaft fractures at the breaking portion. The breaking portion can be a reduced diameter portion, and the breaking portion can be positioned inside the housing.

A front final drive assembly for a vehicle can include a housing and a first shaft rotatably supported inside the housing. The first shaft can include a breaking portion such that when a reaction torque applied to the first shaft exceeds a predetermined threshold the first shaft fractures at the breaking portion. The breaking portion can be a reduced diameter portion, and the breaking portion can be positioned inside the housing.

A planetary gear set may include a first rotation element fixedly connected to a first shaft, a second rotation element fixedly connected to a second shaft, and a third rotation element fixedly connected to a third shaft; a first motor which is mounted to supply power to the first shaft continuously; and a second motor which is mounted to supply power to the second shaft continuously, and the third shaft is connected to be selectively connectable to a transmission housing, and any two shafts of the first shaft, the second shaft, and the third shaft are configured to constrain rotations thereof to each other.

A planetary gear set may include a first rotation element fixedly connected to a first shaft, a second rotation element fixedly connected to a second shaft, and a third rotation element fixedly connected to a third shaft; a first motor which is mounted to supply power to the first shaft continuously; and a second motor which is mounted to supply power to the second shaft continuously, and the third shaft is connected to be selectively connectable to a transmission housing, and any two shafts of the first shaft, the second shaft, and the third shaft are configured to constrain rotations thereof to each other.