A system for controlling movement of a vehicle includes a user input device and computing system. The user input device dynamically controls a settings or balance of driving dynamics in a vehicle, and the user input device is configured to receive a manual input from a user. The computing system controls the settings of the vehicle driving dynamics and/or balance of the vehicle, the computing system is in data communication with the user input device and configured to change the driving dynamics balance proportionately to the manual input upon receiving an input command based on the manual input from the user input device.

Methods and systems are provided for operating a four-wheel drive powertrain of a vehicle. In one example, a method may comprise: in response to a desired shift from a four-wheel drive mode to a two wheel-drive mode: decreasing a transfer case torque output to a secondary driveline to a lower first level and disengaging a disconnect device of the secondary driveline; increasing the transfer case torque output from the lower first level to a higher second level over a duration; and after the duration, reducing the transfer case torque.

A system for and method of shifting a drive configuration of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is provided. The system includes a shifter assembly, a gear case, and a linkage assembly extending therebetween. The shifter assembly includes a trigger lever for receiving a mechanical user input, thereby moving the shifter assembly between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The linkage assembly translates the user input to the gear case, thereby causing the gear case to shift between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, respectively. A linkage biasing member provides mechanical flexibility between the shifter assembly and the gear case, facilitating shifting on the fly. The trigger lever is operated by toggling it from a rest position to a deployed position. Upon user release, the trigger lever is automatically returned to its rest position for future engagement by the user.

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 transfer case (18) is disclosed. The transfer case (18) includes an input shaft (16) and a sun gear (56). The sun gear (56) includes a collar end (58) and a gear end (60) and at least a portion of the sun gear (56) circumscribes the input shaft (16). A hub (62) circumscribes the collar end (58) and the input shaft (16), and may be slidably move between a first position (64) and a second position (66) opposite the first position (64) along the input shaft (16) and the collar end (58). A plurality of planetary gears (70) is mounted in a carrier body (72) circumscribing the gear end (60), and the carrier body (72) is splined with the transfer case input shaft (16). A ring gear (78) circumscribes the plurality of planetary gears (70) mounted in the carrier body (72), and is integrally joined with an output shaft (20). The ring gear (78) is rotatable around the plurality of planetary gears (70).

A system for controlling movement of a vehicle includes a user input device and computing system. The user input device dynamically controls a settings or balance of driving dynamics in a vehicle, and the user input device is configured to receive a manual input from a user. The computing system controls the settings of the vehicle driving dynamics and/or balance of the vehicle, the computing system is in data communication with the user input device and configured to change the driving dynamics balance proportionately to the manual input upon receiving an input command based on the manual input from the user input device.

A controller for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes a multi-information display, a first operation part for switching of drive modes, a second operation part for switching of off-road traveling modes, a transfer controller that controls the arrangement of a transfer device based on the drive mode, a detector that detects the arrangement of the transfer device, a setter that sets the traveling mode based on the detected arrangement and input operations to the first and second operation parts, and a display controller that instructs the multi-information display to display the drive mode based on the input operation to the first operation part and the detected arrangement and to display the traveling mode set by the setter. The display controller displays the drive mode and the traveling mode on a window when the switched drive mode is a locked drive mode and simultaneously turns off these modes after a predetermined time.

In accordance with one aspect of the techniques described herein, there is provided a vehicle comprising an engine, an automatic, robotic, or continuously variable transmission mechanically coupled to the engine, a four-wheel drive system, a vehicle control system coupled to the engine, the four-wheel drive system and the transmission, a braking system, a gas pedal for controlling the operation of the engine, a brake pedal for controlling the operation of the braking system, the gas pedal and the brake pedal being disposed in the vehicle for control by a right foot of the driver, the vehicle further comprising an additional pedal being disposed in the vehicle for control by a left foot of the driver and coupled to the vehicle control system, wherein the additional pedal is separate and distinct from the brake pedal and the gas pedal and wherein additional pedal controls the four-wheel drive system of the vehicle.

In accordance with one aspect of the techniques described herein, there is provided a vehicle comprising an engine, an automatic, robotic, or continuously variable transmission mechanically coupled to the engine, a four-wheel drive system, a vehicle control system coupled to the engine, the four-wheel drive system and the transmission, a braking system, a gas pedal for controlling the operation of the engine, a brake pedal for controlling the operation of the braking system, the gas pedal and the brake pedal being disposed in the vehicle for control by a right foot of the driver, the vehicle further comprising an additional pedal being disposed in the vehicle for control by a left foot of the driver and coupled to the vehicle control system, wherein the additional pedal is separate and distinct from the brake pedal and the gas pedal and wherein additional pedal controls the four-wheel drive system of the vehicle.

A motor vehicle having: a prime mover; first and second groups of wheels; and a driveline operable by a controller to connect a torque transmission path from the prime mover to the wheels. The driveline connects the second group to the torque transmission path by an auxiliary portion including first and second releasable torque transmitting devices and a prop shaft. The controller operates the auxiliary portion to switch the driveline between first and second modes such that in the first mode the prop shaft is disconnected from both the torque transmission path and second group of wheels. The driveline transitions from the first mode to the second mode responsive to a value of a vehicle operating parameter, and when a transition to the second mode is made the vehicle is operable not to transition back to the first mode from the second mode before a disconnect delay period has expired.