A controller adjust a clutch actuator position is response to movement of a clutch pedal. During an engagement or a disengagement, the controller monitors sensor signals to determine the actuator position corresponding to the touch point. The sensors may directly indicate clutch torque or may respond indirectly. A Giant Magneto Resistive (GMR) sensor provides a precise shaft rotational position signal which can be twice numerically differentiated to yield an accurate and stable acceleration signal. The controller updates the touch point based on a change in the sensed acceleration or torque. The controller then adjusts the relationship of actuator pedal position to clutch pedal position, making mechanical wear adjustment unnecessary.

A conventional vehicle typically behaves like a single rigid body with fixed characteristics defined during the design phase of the vehicle. The rigid nature of the conventional vehicle limits their ability to adjust to different operating conditions, thus limiting usability and performance. To overcome these limitations, a reactive vehicle may be used that includes a sensor and a reactive system. The sensor may monitor the position and/or orientation of an operator, the vehicle operating conditions, and/or the environment conditions around the vehicle. The reactive system may adjust some aspect of the vehicle based on the data acquired by the sensor. For example, the reactive system may include a video-based mirror with a field of view that changes based on the operator's movement. In another example, the reactive system may include an articulated joint that changes the physical configuration the vehicle based on the operator's movement.

A hybrid drive device includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine and an impulse start module which comprises two clutches and a flywheel mass. A method for operating the hybrid device includes opening the first clutch of the impulse-start module and establishing a start-up requirement for the internal-combustion engine. The method also includes closing the first clutch with the second clutch in an open or closed position for a start of the internal-combustion engine.

Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle including a first motor coupled to a first gear train, a second motor coupled to a second gear train, and a spool lock configured to variably couple the first gear train and the second gear train, allowing a first torque output by the first motor and a second torque output by the second motor to be combined and output to a first wheel coupled to the first gear train or a second wheel coupled to the second gear train.

A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift actuator selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. An integrated actuator housing includes a single external power access for the shift actuator. A controller interprets a shaft displacement angle, determines if the transmission is in an imminent zero or zero torque region, and performs a transmission operation in response to the transmission in the imminent zero or zero torque region.

A transmission is subject to gear shift management that provides for shifting gears in a controlled manner in order to provide for a simplification of part and reduction in system complexity. In particular, a range synchronizer component can be replaced with a simplified range jaw clutch, without incurring a requirement for an installation of other components such as a motor generator or starter-generator.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an electric machine control system for a vehicle, the electric machine control system comprising one or more controllers, wherein the vehicle comprises an electric machine arranged to be selectively coupleable to provide torque to at least one wheel of an axle of the vehicle, the control system comprising input means arranged to receive a speed signal (410) indicative of a speed of the vehicle and a status signal (470) indicative of a status of a coupling of the electric machine to the at least one wheel of an axle of the vehicle, output means (340) arranged to output a coupling signal to control coupling of the electric machine to the at least one wheel of the axle, and processing means arranged to determine (1210) a coupling state of the electric machine to the at least one wheel of the axle and to control the output means to output (1220) a coupling signal indicative of the determined coupling state, wherein the processing means is arranged, in dependence on the status signal being indicative of a failure (1230) to change the coupling state of the electric machine to the at least one wheel of the axle in dependence on a change in the determined coupling state, to control the output means to output the coupling signal (345) indicative of a retry (1250) of the change in the coupling state in dependence on the speed signal.

An electronic control unit is configured to: output a first command value to the hydraulic control circuit system and then output a second command value to the hydraulic control circuit system during a transition in which the control state of the clutch is switched from a disengaged state to an engaged state when starting the engine; perform first control in which the motor outputs the cranking torque, and second control in which the engine starts operation, when starting the engine; and when the vehicle is in a predetermined state in which a required hydraulic pressure is not secured stably when starting the engine, start output of the first command value when the vehicle is not in the predetermined state, the required hydraulic pressure being a hydraulic pressure supplied from the hydraulic control circuit system to the clutch actuator and required to switch the control state of the clutch.

A vehicle includes at least one drive wheel, a powerplant, a clutch, and a controller. The powerplant is configured to generate and deliver power to the at least one drive wheel. The clutch is disposed between the at least one drive wheel and the powerplant. The controller is programmed to, in response to detecting the at least one drive wheel disengaging the ground during a vehicle jump, open the clutch to disconnect the at least one drive wheel from the powerplant.

A vehicle control system that ensures a sufficient distance to empty in the event of a failure of a clutch for changing an operating mode of a vehicle. The control system is configured to: determine a reduction in performance of the clutch based on a value of a parameter for determining a performance of the clutch; and select the operating mode in which a distance to empty is longer and inhibit to actuate the engagement device, when a reduction in performance of the engagement device is determined.