Switching system for a power transmission unit

Abstract

A power transmission system and device, comprising: a first shaft rotatable at a variable speed; a second shaft rotatable at a variable speed; a planetary gear assembly between the first shaft and the second shaft, the planetary gear assembly having at least a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio; wherein the first gear ratio has a torque reaction path; wherein the second gear ratio has a torque reaction path; a first clutch assembly having a torque-transmitting locking member, the first clutch assembly positioned in the torque reaction path of the first gear ratio; a second clutch assembly having a torque-transmitting locking member, the second clutch assembly positioned in the torque reaction path of the second gear ratio;a control unit, the control unit using a sensor to determine the speed of the second shaft, the speed of the second shaft and the second gear ratio being used to determine an input speed of the second gear ratio; and a motor connected to the first shaft, the motor varying the speed of the first shaft relative to the input speed of the second gear ratio such that engagement of the torque-transmitting element of the second clutch assembly is based on the speed of the first shaft relative to the input speed of the second gear ratio.

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