System for limiting reactive torque in powertrains

A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain system during a sudden braking event in which reactive torque is produced by braking the vehicle's wheels, comprising the step of eliminating an amount of reactive torque at and above a preselected reactive torque value transmitted from the wheels to the powertrain by slipping a drive component comprising a slip clutch disposed on the wheel side of said powertrain, said power train comprising a gear assembly connected to a drive motor;

• wherein said slip clutch is adjusted to slip at and above said preselected value of said reactive torque, said step of adjusting taking place prior to said sudden braking event.

A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain system during a sudden braking event in which excessive driveline torque is produced by rapidly braking the vehicle's wheels, comprising the steps of:

• transmitting positive torque from said powertrain to the wheels through a driveline component comprising a slip clutch during normal driving conditions;
• eliminating an amount of negative torque at or above a preselected level of negative torque transmitted from the wheels through the driveline component to the powertrain during a sudden braking event by slipping said slip clutch at and above said preselected level of negative torque caused by braking force applied to the wheels, said driveline component disposed on the wheel side of a gear assembly connected to a drive motor;
• wherein said slip clutch is adjusted to slip at and above said preselected level of negative torque prior to and during said sudden braking event.