Systems and methods for disconnecting tandem axles
AssigneeDana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
InventorsSteven MASTROIANNI, Andrew T. BRAMMER, Jeremy M. FRENZNICK
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a multi-axle assembly in a vehicle. The multi-axle assembly may be operated according to a requested mode, where the mode includes providing torque at one, two, or no axles of the multi-axle assembly, and the requested mode may be selected based on vehicle speed. In this way, operation of the multi-axle assembly may be adjusted according to a fuel efficiency of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.
Claims20
A method for controlling a multi-axle assembly in a vehicle, comprising:
- in a first mode, operating a first disconnect in a first axle assembly to decouple a first wheel from a prime mover;
- and
- operating a second disconnect in the first axle assembly to decouple a second wheel from the prime mover;
- wherein the multi-axle assembly includes:
- the first axle assembly driven by the prime mover;
- and
- a second axle assembly driven by an electric machine.
A multi-axle system, comprising:
- a first axle assembly driven by a prime mover and including a first disconnect and a second disconnect;
- a second axle assembly driven by a first electric machine and including a third disconnect and a fourth disconnect;
- and
- a controller with instructions stored on non-transitory memory that, when executed during a first mode, cause the controller to:
- operate the first disconnect to decouple a first wheel from the prime mover;
- and
- operate the second disconnect to decouple a second wheel from the prime mover.
A method for controlling a tandem-axle assembly in an electric vehicle, comprising:
- in a first mode, operating a first disconnect, in a first axle assembly, to decouple a first wheel from a prime mover;
- and
- operating a second disconnect, in the first axle assembly, to decouple a second wheel from the prime mover;
- wherein the tandem-axle assembly includes:
- the first axle assembly driven by an engine;
- and
- a second axle assembly driven by a motor-generator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.