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Hydrostatic torque modulation is a new, at moment theoretical approach, to developing advanced AWD4WD transmissions. The basic component is a rotational hydrostatic modulator. It is derived from a low-speed high-torque hydrostatic machine. As such, it can be integrated into a standard mechanical AWD4WD transmission as a replacement for the clutch, where torque is controlled through energy dissipation. Controlled by a simple solenoid valve, it provides torque vectoring with a reaction time shorter than 0.5 s, and it provides additional safety features that result in a more robust AWD4WD transmission. As it can modulate torque with energy flow control/transfer, it offers much more than existing systems based on controlled clutches. Specifically, hydrostatic torque modulation, when it is integrated into the AWD4WD transmission, brings CVT or ICT performance.

Among the various types of hydrostatic transmissions, those based on radial piston multi-stroke machines are well-known solutions for off-road mobile machines. The balance between compactness, efficiency, control, comfort and price is the main reason for this. For the same reason, several car companies have tried to introduce hydrostatic transmissions into on-road applications. All such efforts have failed, mainly due to the whine noise produced by the hydrostatic machines. In particular, well-known standard solutions that aim to address the noise of radial piston multi-stroke machines, such as optimized relief grooves known as ‘notches’, are oriented toward reduction of the noise level. Unfortunately, the remaining whine noise, even with well-optimized notches, is unacceptable for automotive NVH standards.

The purpose of this paper is to present a concept of a new hybrid transmission based on a free piston engine technology [1, 2]. The novelty of the system is a hydraulic-electric synergy. Two main components of the concept are: the continuously variable displacement linear hydraulic pump and the linear electrical actuator, mounted in parallel with the pump. It is shown that having hybrid transmission with hydraulic-electric synergy, new possibilities arise in overall hybrid transmission optimization that is not possible with existing hybrid transmissions.