B60K2023/046

System and method for operating vehicle in selected vehicle mode

A system includes a differential, sensors, and a controller. The differential is operable in a first differential mode in which a first shaft and a second shaft are allowed to rotate at different speeds, and a second differential mode in which the differential inhibits relative rotation between the first and second shafts. The sensors are configured to measure vehicle operating conditions. The controller is in communication with the sensors and the differential. The controller, when the vehicle mode is selected, is configured to determine if an intended path of the vehicle is straight, determine if a vehicle speed is less than a predetermined vehicle speed, and operate the differential in the second differential mode for a predetermined time period in response to the controller determining that the intended path of the vehicle is straight and the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined vehicle speed.

Actuator for differential mode shift with position sensing circuit
11353099 · 2022-06-07 · ·

An actuator is used to longitudinally move a spline sleeve for controlling drive mode of a differential on an off-road vehicle. The actuator's motor rotates an eccentric knob through a drive train including intermediate gears and a worm gear. The eccentic knob is linked to the spline sleeve through a torsion spring carried on a pivot plate, with legs of the torsion spring pushing a slide block, transferring a moment provided by the eccentric knob into a linear slide force. The pivot plate and torsion spring are jointly mounted on the actuator housing by a hub, opposite the rotational axis of the eccentric knob from the slide block. The slide block includes a contact which completes a circuit through conductive pads on the actuator housing, so the position of the slide block can be directly sensed.

DRIVING SYSTEM OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE
20220105801 · 2022-04-07 · ·

A driving system includes an electric motor, a transmission apparatus, a differential apparatus and a brake. The differential apparatus includes an input portion coupled to an output portion of the transmission apparatus, a pair of output portions, and a differential device that allows differential rotation of the pair of output portions. A brake is provided in a drive path from an output portion of the electric motor to the input portion of the differential apparatus. The differential apparatus includes a clutch member movable between a first position in which a differential rotation of the differential device is allowed and a second position in which the differential rotation of the differential device is stopped, a clutch actuator that moves the clutch member to the first position, and a holding portion that holds the clutch member to the second position when the clutch actuator is in a non-operating state.

TORQUE VECTORING FOR UTILITY VEHICLES

A utility vehicle is configured for independently controlling torque at each of the ground-engaging members.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING CATALYST FROM A PRODUCT STREAM

A process for recovering catalyst from a fluidized catalytic reactor effluent is disclosed comprising reacting a reactant stream by contact with a stream of fluidized catalyst to provide a vaporous reactor effluent stream comprising catalyst and products. The vaporous reactor effluent stream is contacted with a liquid coolant stream to cool it and transfer the catalyst into the liquid coolant stream. A catalyst lean vaporous reactor effluent stream is separated from a catalyst rich liquid coolant stream. A return catalyst stream is separated from the catalyst rich liquid coolant stream to provide a catalyst lean liquid coolant stream, and the return catalyst stream is transported back to said reacting step.

System and method for controlling traction of tandem axles

Methods and systems for improving traction and control of a tandem axle are described. In one example, a controller automatically locks an inter-axle differential so that traction of a vehicle may be improved. The approach may also include automatically locking one or more axle differentials in conjunction with locking of the inter-axle differential.

Differential sensor apparatus and method of use

An axle assembly including a differential case and a side gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface disposed in the differential case. The side gear outboard surface defines a first plurality of locking teeth. A locking gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface, wherein the inboard surface includes a second plurality of locking teeth selectively engaged with the first plurality of locking teeth. A biasing member disposed axially between the side gear and the locking gear. An electromagnetic coil disposed adjacent the locking gear. A first inductive sensor for sensing a position of the locking gear.

Method for operating a vehicle drive train
11117587 · 2021-09-14 · ·

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle drive train (1) comprising a prime mover (2), comprising a transmission (3), and comprising a driven end (4). A friction-locking shift element (10) is provided, the power transmission capacity of which is variable and, with the aid of which, at least a portion of the torque transmitted in the vehicle drive train (1) can be transmitted between a transmission output shaft (8) and an area (6) of the driven end (4). One shift-element half is operatively connected to the transmission output shaft (8) and the other shift-element half is operatively connected to the area (6) of the driven end (4). The rotational speed of the transmission output shaft (8) is determined as a function of the rotational speed in the area (6) of the driven end (4) and also as a function of the rotational speed of the prime mover (2) and the ratio currently engaged in the area of the transmission (3). In the event of a deviation between the rotational speed of the transmission output shaft (8) determined on the output end and the rotational speed of the transmission output shaft (8) determined on the transmission-input end, which is greater than or equal to a threshold value and/or an operating temperature in the area of the friction-locking shift element (10), which is greater than or equal to a limiting value, measures reducing loads of the friction-locking shift element (10) are initiated.

Off-road utility vehicle

An off-road utility vehicle includes a frame, an engine, a continuously variable transmission, a transaxle comprising a rear differential, an intermediate drive assembly comprising an intermediate differential, and a front drive assembly comprising a front differential. The intermediate drive assembly and transaxle are coupled via an intermediate driveshaft and the front drive assembly and the intermediate drive assembly are coupled via a front drive shaft. The front drive shaft and the intermediate drive shaft are counter rotating.

ELECTRIC DRIVE AXLE WITH MODE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF SAID AXLE AND MODE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM
20210291645 · 2021-09-23 ·

Systems and methods for an electric drive axle are provided. In one example, the electric drive axle may include an electric motor-generator rotationally coupled to a gearbox having a one-way clutch mounted on an output shaft and operable in an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, where in the engaged configuration, the one-way clutch transfers rotational energy from the output shaft to an output gear rotationally coupled to a plurality of drive wheels. The gearbox further includes a mode adjustment mechanism including a lock ring rotationally coupled to the output shaft and configured to selectively engage an input gear and the one-way clutch in a plurality of operating modes.