Amsted Automotive displayed a cache of multi-functional clutch technologies with benefits in ICE, EV and HEV platforms at the 24th annual VDI Dritev Congress in Baden-Baden, Germany.

John Jennings, Amsted director of innovation and eMobility, presented the latest Amsted multi-functional clutch system, enabling next-generation multi-speed EV powertrains. These systems use Amsted Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC) technology One-Way-Clutch (OWC) already used in a production EV all-wheel-drive vehicle since 2021. The company said this technology can be used in both parallel-axis and co-axial powertrain systems. One variation eliminates friction clutches for reduced drag, improved efficiency and improved sustainability metrics.

The company also displayed its eAxle disconnect system, which enables seamless and quick engagement and disengagement of a drive axle in all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive EVs, Amsted said. It also features a bi-stable magnetic latch, eliminating power consumption while in state. Overall, Amsted said this eAxle disconnect system provides up to 10% extended driving range.

According to Amsted, both of these systems have advantages over dog-clutch style systems, including:

• No blocked or interrupted shifts;
• No ratcheting during shifts;
• Simplified system controls;
• Additional functionality such as park-lock;
• Easier calibration, reducing engineering loads.

Additional Amsted technologies on display included a wheel-end disconnect system designed for commercial vehicle applications and torque management systems using Amsted Controllable Mechanical Diodes (CMD) and Mechanical Diodes (MD) in production automatic transmissions. The use of Amsted CMD and MD technologies in these transmissions reduces drag and friction, and the system also minimizes packaging space and mass, the company said.