After a recent road test that covered thousands of kilometers of winter testing and what drivers may anticipate from the technology in real life, people wanted to learn more about the Ford Maverick's AWD system. Scott Wilson, a Ford Metrology Technician from Richmond Hill, Ontario, was my go-to source for information. For the 2022 Ford Maverick, Wilson worked on the all-wheel-drive system, which is a crucial feature of this small pickup's design.
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As a first step, we'll look at the anatomy. A front-wheel-drive vehicle means a detaching power transfer unit and an electro-mechanical rear drive unit (RDU) that distributes torque to the wheels. That's what Wilson claims is possible with these two aspects in conjunction. To stop the shaft and gear sets from rotating, who can physically disconnect the system in cases where there's not a lot of torque to be applied.
As a result, the driveline experiences less friction, resulting in reduced fuel consumption. What's the gist of it all? Allowing AWD systems to function in a highly fuel-efficient sleep mode' when full traction is not required, the AWD system components can be physically detached from each other. As a result, the AWD system is disconnected, its gears and shafts stop rotating, and you're driving in a fuel-saving front-wheel-drive mode while you're cruising down the highway.

The PTU is re-connected when the Maverick's AWD computer brain forecasts that traction is about to run low or when slippery surfaces perceive traction running low. It can re-engage AWD traction in about the time that it takes a human to blink from completely unconnected to fully operating. An electro-mechanically driven clutch pack is used in the RDU to transmit torque immediately. Shifting the current flows through the RDU's motor affects the compression on the gears attached to it, allowing for instantaneous changes in torque distribution between the axles, just like a computer. RDU's clutch packs are powered by an electric motor managed by a module that monitors several sensor inputs.

Every 20 milliseconds or so, Wilson continues, "the AWD system will have its control circuit that processes the data from the vehicle sensors," "Pragmatically if the front tires were on smooth ice, the AWD system could transfer 100% of the engine torque to the back axle." A single control unit that analyses enormous amounts of data orchestrates this. AWD features a unique control module, according to Wilson. It is linked to the AWD equipment and the vehicle's CAN network to receive input from other automotive systems and sensors.

The system uses many signals to improve traction and handling while reducing fuel use. In addition to the accelerator pedal orientation, yaw sensor, and longitudinal and lateral sensor, the system takes into account other indications such as these." With this approach, who will give maverick's AWD system the most up-to-date image of the physical force that is applied to the car? AWD can adept most appropriately to the actual driving conditions and demands by presenting the most accurate portrayal of the current adhesion situation.

In addition, the Maverick's AWD and braking systems work together seamlessly. Wilson closely worked with the brake control engineers to ensure that the regenerative braking and AWD system function together efficiently.
So what do you think about the Maverick?
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