Patent Publication Number: US-2016229386-A1

Title: Transmission assembly with electrical noise reduction and method of making and using the same

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The field to which the disclosure generally relates to includes electrical noise reduction components in systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrical noise reduction components may be used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, vehicle transmissions and components thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS 
     A number of variations may include a product having a transmission assembly comprising a housing and a plurality of components within the housing comprising a drive motor that emits electromagnetic interference, a differential assembly, a first shaft connecting the drive motor to the differential assembly, and an output stub shaft connected to the differential assembly and thread through a hole in the housing to connect to a driveshaft wherein the output stub shaft comprises a noise reduction component constructed and arranged to reduce electromagnetic interference from the transmission assembly to the driveshaft. 
     A number of variations may include a method including providing a transmission assembly comprising a housing and a plurality of components within the housing comprising a drive motor that emits electromagnetic interference, a differential assembly, a first shaft connecting the drive motor to the differential assembly, and an output stub shaft connected to the differential assembly and thread through a hole in the housing to connect to a driveshaft wherein the output stub shaft comprises a noise reduction component constructed and arranged to reduce electromagnetic interference from the transmission assembly to the driveshaft; and operating the transmission assembly such that the noise reduction component reduces electromagnetic interference from the transmission assembly to the driveshaft. 
     Other illustrative variations of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while disclosing optional variations of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Select examples of variations of the invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a product including a transmission assembly with electrical noise reduction according to a number of variations. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a product including a transmission assembly with electrical noise reduction according to a number of variations. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a product including a transmission assembly with electrical noise reduction according to a number of variations. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a product including a transmission assembly with electrical noise reduction according to a number of variations 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a graph of noise of product including a transmission assembly with electrical noise reduction according to a number of variations 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a method according to a number of variations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS 
     The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
       FIG. 1  shows a number of variations. In a number of variations, a product  10  is shown. In a number of variations, the product  10  may include a vehicle such as, but not limited to, a motor vehicle, watercraft, spacecraft, aircraft, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the vehicle  10  may include an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that is gasoline and electric powered, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) or may be another type. In a number of variations, the vehicle may include a first driveshaft  12  connected to a first pair of wheels  14  and a second driveshaft  16  connected to a second pair of wheels  18 . In a number of variations, the wheels  14  may be front wheels, and the wheels  18  may be rear wheels. In a number of variations, the wheels  14 ,  18  may have tires  19  attached. In a number of variations, each drive shaft  12 ,  16  may have two separate portions connected via respective differential assemblies  22 ,  24 , comprising axle differentials  15 ,  17  as may be readily understood by those skilled in the art. In a number of variations, each wheel  14 ,  16  may have a brake mechanism  20 , shown as a disc brake. In a number of variations, the wheel  14 ,  16 , tires  19 , and brake mechanisms  20  may form a first and second wheel assembly  100 . In a number of variations, the first driveshaft  12  may be connectable to a first transmission assembly  22 , and the second driveshaft  16  may be connected to a second transmission assembly  24 . In a number of variations, the first transmission assembly  22 , an engine  26 , an energy storage device  70 , a controller  64 , and the second transmission assembly  24  together, along with the first and second drive shafts  12 ,  16 , and wheel assemblies  100 , establish a powertrain  27  that provides various operating modes for forward and rearward propulsion of the vehicle  10 . In a number of variations, the engine  26  may be an internal combustion engine, an external combustion engine, an electric motor, a hybrid engine, a fuel-cell or may be another type. 
     In a number of variations, the first transmission assembly  22  may be connected to the engine  26 , which may have an output shaft  28  and an engine vibration dampener  30 . In a number of variations, the transmission  22  assembly may include a first differential assembly  23  that may include an input shaft  32 , a differential gear set that may be a planetary gear set  40 , a first final drive  50  that may be a gear set, and the axle differential  15 . In a number of variations, the first differential assembly  23  may include only some of these components. In a number of variations, the planetary gear set  40  may include a central sun gear member  42 , a carrier member  46  that rotatably supports a plurality of planet gears  47 , and a ring gear member  44 . In a number of variations, the planet gears  47  may mesh with both the ring gear member  44  and the sun gear member  42 . In a number of variations, the first final drive  50  may include a first gear  52  and a second gear  54  that may mesh with the first gear  52  and rotates commonly with a component of the axle differential  15 , as is understood by those skilled in the art. In a number of variations, the final drive  50  may be a chain engaged with rotating sprockets or a combination of mechanical elements instead of meshing gears. 
     In a number of variations, the first transmission assembly  22  may include a first electric machine or drive motor  60 . In a number of variations, the first drive motor  60  may be configured to be operable only as a generator, that is, may not be configured to be operated as a motor. In a number of variations, the first drive motor  60  may be operable as either a motor or as a generator, in different operating modes. In a number of variations, the first drive motor  60  may have cables  62  that electrically connect it to an electronic controller  64 . In a number of variations, the first drive motor  60  may include a rotatable rotor and a stationary stator, arranged with an air gap between the stator and the rotor. However, for simplicity in the drawings, the first drive motor  60  is represented as a simple box. In a number of variations, the controller  64  may include an integrated rectifier to convert alternating current provided by the first drive motor  60  to direct current that can be stored in an energy storage device  70 , such as a propulsion battery, connected through cables  62  to the controller  64 . In a number of variations, those where the drive motor  60  may be operable as a motor, the controller  64  may also include an integrated power inverter for converting direct current from the energy storage device  70  to alternating current for operating the first drive motor  60 . In a number of variations, the rectifier or the power inverter could be a separate component from the controller  64 . In a number of variations, the power inverter may include an EMC filter. 
     In a number of variations, the first transmission assembly  22  may also include a first brake  66  that may be selectively engageable by the controller  64  to connect the ring gear member  44  to a stationary member  65 , such as a transmission casing, to hold the ring gear member  44  stationary. In a number of variations, the transmission  22  may further include a rotating clutch  68  that may be selectively engageable by the controller  64  to couple the ring gear member  44  for common rotation with the first gear  52  of the first final drive  50 . As used herein, “common rotation” means rotation at the same speed. In a number of variations, the clutch  68  may be concentric with the input shaft  32 , but may not be connected for common rotation with the input shaft  32 . That the clutch  68  may surround the input shaft  32  as a sleeve. 
     In a number of variations, the second transmission assembly  24  may include a second differential assembly  71  that may include a second final drive  72  that may be a gear set having a first gear  74  and a second gear  76  meshing with the first gear  74  and the axle differential  17 , one portion of which rotates commonly with the second gear  76 , as is understood by those skilled in the art. In a number of variations, the second differential assembly  71  may include only some of these components. In a number of variations, the final drive  72  may be a chain engaged with rotating sprockets or a planetary gear set or a combination of mechanical elements. In a number of variations, the second transmission assembly may also include a second electric machine or drive motor  80  which may be operable as a motor to propel the hybrid electric vehicle  10  or as a generator to assist in its propulsion or to provide or to assist in braking. In a number of variations, the second drive motor  80  may have cables  62  that electrically connect it to the controller  64 . In a number of variations, the second drive motor  80  may include a rotatable rotor and a stationary stator, arranged with an air gap between the stator and the rotor, as is known. However, for simplicity in the drawings, the second drive motor  80  is represented as a simple box. In a number of variations, the controller  64  may also include an integrated power inverter to convert direct current from the energy storage device  70  to alternating current for operating the second drive motor  80  and to convert alternating current from the drive motor  80  to direct current that may be stored in an energy storage device  70 . In a number of variations, the second driveshaft  16 , like the first driveshaft  12 , may be actually composed of two shafts, generally referred to as half-shafts, which may be connected to gears (not shown) within the respective axle differential  15 ,  17 , as part of the first and second differential assemblies  23 ,  71 . 
     In a number of variations, although a single controller  64  is illustrated and described as being operatively connected to both of the drive motors  60 ,  80 , to the engine  26 , to the first brake  66  and to the first clutch  68 , multiple different controllers, all configured to communicate with one another, may be dedicated to one or more of these components. In a number of variations, the controller  64  may include an integrated power inverter to supply each drive motor  60 ,  80  with alternating current at a frequency corresponding to the operating speed of each drive motor, as is known. In a number of variations, controller  64  may be used to receive electrical power from the first drive motor  60  and to convey electrical power to the second drive motor  80 . 
     In a number of variations, the planetary gear set  40  in the transmission assembly  22  may be used as a differential gear set. That is, each of the three coaxial rotating elements: the sun gear member  42 , the carrier member  46 , and the ring gear member  44 , may be rotating simultaneously, so that the speed of the carrier member  46  may be the weighted average of the speeds of the sun gear member  42  and ring gear member  44 , weighted by the numbers of teeth on the sun gear member  42  and the ring gear member  44 . In a number of variations, the sun gear member  42  may be connected for common rotation with the first drive motor  60 , the planet carrier member  46  may be connected for common rotation with the input shaft  32  and thus to the engine output shaft  28 , and the ring gear member  44  may be connected to one side of the rotating first clutch  68  and may thereby be selectively connected to the final drive  50  when the first clutch  68  may be engaged. 
     In a number of variations, the engine  26  may be an internal combustion type with cylinders  90  as working chambers of the engine. In a number of variations, the engine  26  may have four cylinders  90  arranged along the crankshaft  28 . As is known, valves may be used to admit air or an air-fuel mixture to each cylinder  90  and to exhaust combustion products from the cylinders  90  as part of exemplary engine operation in a four-stroke cycle of intake stroke, compression stroke, expansion stroke, and exhaust stroke. In a number of variations, the engine  26  may be equipped to selectively operate one or more cylinders  90 , such as by selectively opening valves and admitting air or an air-fuel mixture to one or more cylinders  90  while air or combustion products remain trapped in the other cylinders  90  of the engine  26 . The engine  26  may be either a spark-ignition engine or a compression-ignition (i.e. diesel) engine. 
     A number of variations are shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  shows an alternate arrangement of a third transmission assembly  122 . In a number of variations, in the third transmission assembly  122 , the sun gear member  42  of the planetary gear set  40  may be connected to the drive motor  60  as in  FIG. 1 , via a motor shaft  61 , but the ring gear member  44  may be connected to the input shaft  32  and thus to the engine  26  through the engine output shaft  28 . In a number of variations, the planet carrier member  46  may be connected to one side of the rotating clutch  68  and may thereby be selectively connected to the final drive  50  when the first clutch  68  may be engaged. In a number of variations, the planet carrier member  46  may also be grounded to the stationary member  65  by engagement of the brake  66 . In a number of variations, an optional input brake  69  may be selectively engageable to ground the input member  32 , and thus the engine  26 , to the stationary member  65 . In a number of variations, the optional input brake  69  enables an electric-only, all-wheel-drive operating mode in which the engine  26  may be off, and both drive motors  60  and  80  operate as motors. The optional provision of an input brake  69  and its use for an electric-only all-wheel-drive can also be made in an arrangement that is otherwise as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a portion of the powertrain  27  comprising a drivetrain  2  in schematic form, including either the first or second transmission assembly  22 ,  24 , (including, but not limited to, transmission assembly components the first or second drive motor  60 ,  80 , and first or second differential assembly  23 ,  71 ) the first or second driveshaft  12 ,  16 , and the first or second wheel assemblies  100 . In a number of variations, the transmission assembly  14  may include a housing  6 . In a number of variations, the housing  16  may house several components of the transmission assembly  22 ,  24 . In a number of variations, these components may include a drive motor  60 ,  80 , a differential assembly  23 ,  71 , and an output stub shaft  36 . In a number of variations, the housing  6  may comprise a metal. In a number of variations, the housing  6  may comprise a ceramic. In a number of variations, the housing  6  may comprise a polymer. In a number of variations, the housing  6  may comprise a non-conducting material. In a number of variations, the housing  6  may comprise a polymeric material. In a number of variations, the housing  6  may comprise a material including, but not limited to, plastic steel, stainless steel, copper, nickel, tin, noble metals, zinc, iron, bronze, aluminum, titanium, platinum, shellac, amber, aramid (including Twaron, Kevlar, Technora, Nomax), carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic, or carbon nanotube reinforced polymer, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass (including E-glass, A-glass, E-CR-glass, C-glass, D-glass, R-glass, F-glass, S-glass, S-2-glass, Hexel, or may be another type), metallic alloys, combinations thereof, or may be another type. 
     In a number of variations, the housing  6  may insulate the driveshaft  12 ,  16 , wheel assembly  100 , drive train  2 , powertrain  27 , and/or vehicle  10  from electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the drive motor  60 ,  80  from electromagnetic interference (EMI) or “noise.” In a number of variations, the housing  6  may reduce emissions of EMI from the transmission assembly  22 ,  24  itself. EMI may affect the radio signals received in the vehicle  10  and its components including, but not limited to, infotainment systems and on-board receivers. In a number of variations, EMI may adversely affect electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) government regulation compliance for vehicles. In a number of variations, the housing  6  may contain an opening  8 . In a number of variations, the opening  8  may allow for the driveshaft  12 ,  16  to connect with components of the transmission assembly  22 ,  24  to transfer power from the transmission assembly  22 ,  24  to the driveshaft  12 ,  16  which may then transfer power to the wheel assembly  100  to allow motion of the vehicle  10 . 
     In a number of variations, the drive motor  60 ,  80  may contain a hybrid electric motor. In a number of variations, the drive motor  60 ,  80  may emit electromagnetic interference (EMI). In a number of variations, the differential assembly  23 ,  71  may convert the power provided by the drive motor  60 ,  80  to the driveshaft  12 ,  16 . In a number of variations, a first shaft  7  may connect a first edge  106  of the drive motor  60 ,  80  to a first side  103  of the differential assembly  23 ,  71 . In a number of variations, the differential assembly  23 ,  71  may increase or lessen the torque supplied by the drive motor  60 ,  80  to the driveshaft  12 ,  16 . In a number of variations, the differential assembly  23 ,  71  may emit electromagnetic interference (EMI). In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may connect a second side  105  of the differential assembly  23 ,  71  to a first end  107  of the driveshaft  12 ,  16 . In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may contain a spline  120  that connects to a grooved female section  122  at the first side  105  of the differential assembly  23 ,  71 . In a number of variations, the driveshaft  12 ,  16  first end  107  may contain a spline  124  that connects to a grooved section  126  of the output stub shaft  36 . In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may span the opening  8  of the housing  6 . In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may insulate the driveshaft  12 ,  16 , wheel assembly  100 , drive train  2 , powertrain  27 , and or vehicle  10  from electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the drive motor  60 ,  80 . In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may reduce emissions of EMI from the transmission assembly  22 ,  24  itself. 
     In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may comprise a ceramic. In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may comprise a polymer. In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may comprise a non-conducting material. In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may comprise a polymeric material. In a number of variations, the output stub shaft  36  may comprise a material including, but not limited to, plastic steel, stainless steel, copper, nickel, tin, noble metals, zinc, iron, bronze, aluminum, titanium, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic, or carbon nanotube reinforced polymer, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass (including E-glass, A-glass, E-CR-glass, C-glass, D-glass, R-glass, F-glass, S-glass, S-2-glass, Hexel, or may be another type), metallic alloys, combinations thereof, or may be another type. 
     In a number of variations, the drivetrain  2  may comprise a noise reduction component  38  may reduce emissions of EMI from the transmission assembly. In a number of variations, this reduction of EMI noise may increase radio reception of vehicle on-board receivers, and aid in meeting government EMC regulations. In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may reduce the cost, mass, size and/or complexity of the EMC filter for the power inverter of the controller  64 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be applied to the output stub shaft  36  as a coating. In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may coat the entirety of the output stub shaft  36 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may coat the part of the output stub shaft  36  that goes through the opening  8  in the housing  6  of the transmission assembly  22 ,  24 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be a piece located in the output stub shaft  36 . In a number of variations, an EMI insulation barrier/coating may be applied to at least the splines  124  of a metal output stub shaft  36 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be coated onto the output stub shaft  36  through a process of electrophoretic disposition. In a number of variations, electrophoretic disposition may include electrocoating, e-coating, cathodic electrodeposition, anodic electrodeposition, and electrophoretic coating, electrophoretic painting, or may be another type. 
     In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may contain a metal including a sheet metal, a metal screen, metal ink, or a metal foam. In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be plastic. In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be made of a fibrous material. In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be made of an organic resin. In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be made of a ceramic material. In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may comprise a non-conducting material. In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be made of a polymeric material. In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may comprise a material including, but not limited to, plastic steel, shellac, amber, aramid (including Twaron, Kevlar, Technora, Nomax), silk, rubber, synthetic rubber, phenol formaldehyde, neoprene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybenzimidazoles, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, bioplastic, Teflon, PET, PP, PVDC, PA PTFE, PEO, PPY, PANT, PT, PPS, PPV, PAC, polyester, vinyl polymer, polyolefin, polyacetylene, phenolic resin, polyanhydride, epoxy, phenolic, polyimide, PEEK, alumina, beryllia, ceria, zirconia, carbide, boride, nitride, silicide, porcelain, clay, quartz, alabaster, glass, kaolin, feldspar, steatite, petuntse, ferrite, earthenware, PZT, alpaca, angora, byssus, camel hair, cashmere, catgut, chiengora, guanaco, llama, leather, mohair, pashmina, qiviut, rabbit, silk, sinew, spider silk, wool, vicuna, yak, abaca&#39;, bagasse, balsa, bamboo, coir, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, kapok, kenaf, pina, raffia, ramie, sisal, wood, asbestos, acetate, triacetate, art silk, lyocell rayon, modal rayon, rayon, glass, silica, carbon, basalt, metallic, acrylic, microfiber, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, polyethylene, spandex, vinylon, vinyon, zylon, saran, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic, or carbon nanotube reinforced polymer, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass (including E-glass, A-glass, E-CR-glass, C-glass, D-glass, R-glass, F-glass, S-glass, S-2-glass, Hexel, or may be another type), metallic alloys, combinations thereof, or may be another type. 
     In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be added to the driveshaft  12 ,  16 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be added to the wheel assembly  100 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be added to the housing  6 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be added to the differential assembly  23 ,  71 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be added to the drive motor  60 ,  80 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may contain a piece incorporated into the driveshaft  12 ,  16 , wheel assembly  100 , housing  6 , differential assembly  23 ,  71 , and/or drive motor  60 ,  80 . In a number of variations, the noise reduction component  38  may be a part of the driveshaft  12 ,  16 , wheel assembly  100 , housing  6 , differential assembly  23 ,  71 , and/or drive motor  60 ,  80 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4  A-B, in a number of variations, the voltages of the driveshaft  12 ,  16  are shown with and without the noise reduction component  38  in or on the output stub shaft  36 . In a number of variations the Vpeak of the noise may be reduced on an output stub shaft  36  e-coated with the noise reduction component  38  over an output stub shaft  36  with no noise reduction component  38 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , in a number of variations, a method  800  may be shown wherein the method in block  802  includes providing a transmission assembly  22 ,  24  comprising a housing  6  comprising a drive motor  60 ,  80 , a differential assembly  23 ,  71 , a first shaft  7  connecting the drive motor  60 ,  80  to the differential assembly  23 ,  71 , and an output stub shaft  36  connected to the differential assembly  23 ,  71  and thread through a hole  8  in the housing  6  to connect to a driveshaft  12 ,  16  wherein the output stub shaft  36  comprises a noise reduction component  38  constructed and arranged to reduce electromagnetic interference from the transmission assembly  22 ,  24  to the driveshaft  12 ,  16 . In a number of variations, the method  800  in block  804  further includes operating the transmission assembly  22 ,  24  such that the noise reduction component  38  reduces electromagnetic interference from the transmission assembly  22 ,  24  to the driveshaft  12 ,  16 . 
     The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, product and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, product and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and still are considered to be within the scope of the invention. 
     Variation 1 may include a product including a transmission assembly comprising a housing and a plurality of components within the housing comprising a drive motor that emits electromagnetic interference, a differential assembly, a first shaft connecting the drive motor to the differential assembly, and an output stub shaft connected to the differential assembly and thread through a hole in the housing to connect to a driveshaft wherein the output stub shaft comprises a noise reduction component constructed and arranged to reduce electromagnetic interference from the transmission assembly to the driveshaft. 
     Variation 2 may include a product as set forth in Variations 1 wherein the product comprises an electric vehicle. 
     Variation 3 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-2 wherein the drivetrain is connected to a wheel assembly. 
     Variation 4 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-3 wherein the noise reduction component is introduced to the output stub shaft through electrophoretic disposition. 
     Variation 5 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-4 wherein the noise reduction component comprises an organic resin. 
     Variation 6 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-5 wherein the noise reduction component comprises a non-conducting material. 
     Variation 7 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-6 wherein the noise reduction component is applied as a coating on the spline of the output stub shaft. 
     Variation 8 may include a product as set forth in Variations 1-7 wherein a noise reduction component is applied to the first shaft. 
     Variation 9 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-8 wherein a noise reduction component is applied to the housing. 
     Variation 10 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-9 wherein a noise reduction component is applied to the driveshaft. 
     Variation 11 may include a method including providing a transmission assembly comprising a housing and a plurality of components within the housing comprising a drive motor that emits electromagnetic interference, a differential assembly, a first shaft connecting the drive motor to the differential assembly, and an output stub shaft connected to the differential assembly and thread through a hole in the housing to connect to a driveshaft wherein the output stub shaft comprises a noise reduction component constructed and arranged to reduce electromagnetic interference from the transmission assembly to the driveshaft; and operating the transmission assembly such that the noise reduction component reduces electromagnetic interference from the transmission assembly to the driveshaft. 
     Variation 12 may include a method as set forth in Variation 11 wherein the product comprises an electric vehicle. 
     Variation 13 may include a method as set forth in and of Variations 11-12 wherein the drivetrain is connected to a wheel assembly. 
     Variation 14 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-13 wherein the noise reduction component is introduced to the output stub shaft through electrophoretic disposition. 
     Variation 15 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-14 wherein the noise reduction component comprises an organic resin. 
     Variation 16 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-15 wherein the noise reduction component comprises a non-conducting material. 
     Variation 17 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-16 wherein the noise reduction component is applied as a coating on the spline of the output stub shaft. 
     Variation 18 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-17 wherein a noise reduction component is applied to the first shaft. 
     Variation 19 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 12-18 wherein a noise reduction component is applied to the housing. 
     Variation 20 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-19 wherein a noise reduction component is applied to the driveshaft. 
     Variation 21 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-20 wherein the vehicle is a an a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that is gasoline and electric powered, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), or a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV). 
     Variation 22 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-21 wherein the engine is an internal combustion engine, an external combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid engine. 
     Variation 23 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-22 wherein the driveshaft connects to a wheel assembly comprising wheels, tires, and a brake mechanism. 
     Variation 24 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-23 wherein the drive motor operates as a generator. 
     Variation 25 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-24 wherein the drive motor connects to a electrical controller comprising a integrated rectifier to convert alternating current to direct current to be stored in an energy storage device, and/or a power inverter for converting direct energy from the energy storage device to alternating current to operate the drive motor. 
     Variation 26 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 25 wherein power inverter comprises an EMC filter. 
     Variation 26 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 24-25 wherein the controller directs electrical power to or from the drive motor and a second drive motor. 
     Variation 27 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-26 wherein the transmission assembly is equipped to operate the wheel assembly in all wheel drive. 
     Variation 28 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-27 wherein the housing comprises a material comprising at least one of plastic steel, stainless steel, copper, nickel, tin, noble metals, zinc, iron, bronze, aluminum, titanium, platinum, shellac, amber, aramid (including Twaron, Kevlar, Technora, Nomax), silk, rubber, synthetic rubber, phenol formaldehyde, neoprene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybenzimidazoles, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, bioplastic, Teflon, PET, PP, PVDC, PA PTFE, PEO, PPY, PANT, PT, PPS, PPV, PAC, polyester, vinyl polymer, polyolefin, polyacetylene, phenolic resin, polyanhydride, epoxy, phenolic, polyimide, PEEK, alumina, beryllia, ceria, zirconia, carbide, boride, nitride, silicide, porcelain, clay, quartz, alabaster, glass, kaolin, feldspar, steatite, petuntse, ferrite, earthenware, PZT, alpaca, angora, byssus, camel hair, cashmere, catgut, chiengora, guanaco, llama, leather, mohair, pashmina, qiviut, rabbit, silk, sinew, spider silk, wool, vicuna, yak, abaca&#39;, bagasse, balsa, bamboo, coir, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, kapok, kenaf, pina, raffia, ramie, sisal, wood, asbestos, acetate, triacetate, art silk, lyocell rayon, modal rayon, rayon, glass, silica, carbon, basalt, metallic, acrylic, microfiber, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, polyethylene, spandex, vinylon, vinyon, zylon, saran, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic, or carbon nanotube reinforced polymer, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass (including E-glass, A-glass, E-CR-glass, C-glass, D-glass, R-glass, F-glass, S-glass, S-2-glass, Hexel, or may be another type), metallic alloys, or combinations thereof. 
     Variation 29 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-28 wherein the differential assembly increases or lessens the torque supplied by the drive motor to the driveshaft. 
     Variation 30 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-29 wherein the drive motor contains a hybrid electric motor. 
     Variation 31 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-30 wherein the output stub shaft contains a spline. 
     Variation 32 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-31 wherein the output stub shaft comprises a material including at least one of plastic steel, stainless steel, copper, nickel, tin, noble metals, zinc, iron, bronze, aluminum, titanium, platinum, shellac, amber, aramid (including Twaron, Kevlar, Technora, Nomax), silk, rubber, synthetic rubber, phenol formaldehyde, neoprene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybenzimidazoles, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, bioplastic, Teflon, PET, PP, PVDC, PA PTFE, PEO, PPY, PANT, PT, PPS, PPV, PAC, polyester, vinyl polymer, polyolefin, polyacetylene, phenolic resin, polyanhydride, epoxy, phenolic, polyimide, PEEK, alumina, beryllia, ceria, zirconia, carbide, boride, nitride, silicide, porcelain, clay, quartz, alabaster, glass, kaolin, feldspar, steatite, petuntse, ferrite, earthenware, PZT, alpaca, angora, byssus, camel hair, cashmere, catgut, chiengora, guanaco, llama, leather, mohair, pashmina, qiviut, rabbit, silk, sinew, spider silk, wool, vicuna, yak, abaca&#39;, bagasse, balsa, bamboo, coir, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, kapok, kenaf, pina, raffia, ramie, sisal, wood, asbestos, acetate, triacetate, art silk, lyocell rayon, modal rayon, rayon, glass, silica, carbon, basalt, metallic, acrylic, microfiber, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, polyethylene, spandex, vinylon, vinyon, zylon, saran, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic, or carbon nanotube reinforced polymer, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass (including E-glass, A-glass, E-CR-glass, C-glass, D-glass, R-glass, F-glass, S-glass, S-2-glass, Hexel, or may be another type), metallic alloys, or combinations thereof. 
     Variation 33 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-32 wherein noise reduction component coats only the part of the output stub shaft that aligns with the opening of the transmission assembly. 
     Variation 34 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-33 wherein the noise reduction component coats the entirety of the output stub shaft. 
     Variation 35 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-34 wherein the noise reduction component comprises a material including at least one of shellac, amber, aramid (including Twaron, Kevlar, Technora, Nomax), silk, rubber, synthetic rubber, phenol formaldehyde, neoprene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybenzimidazoles, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, bioplastic, Teflon, PET, PP, PVDC, PA PTFE, PEO, PPY, PANT, PT, PPS, PPV, PAC, polyester, vinyl polymer, polyolefin, polyacetylene, phenolic resin, polyanhydride, epoxy, phenolic, polyimide, PEEK, alumina, beryllia, ceria, zirconia, carbide, boride, nitride, silicide, porcelain, clay, quartz, alabaster, glass, kaolin, feldspar, steatite, petuntse, ferrite, earthenware, PZT, alpaca, angora, byssus, camel hair, cashmere, catgut, chiengora, guanaco, llama, leather, mohair, pashmina, qiviut, rabbit, silk, sinew, spider silk, wool, vicuna, yak, abaca&#39;, bagasse, balsa, bamboo, coir, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, kapok, kenaf, pina, raffia, ramie, sisal, wood, asbestos, acetate, triacetate, art silk, lyocell rayon, modal rayon, rayon, glass, silica, carbon, basalt, metallic, acrylic, microfiber, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, polyethylene, spandex, vinylon, vinyon, zylon, saran, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic, or carbon nanotube reinforced polymer, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass (including E-glass, A-glass, E-CR-glass, C-glass, D-glass, R-glass, F-glass, S-glass, S-2-glass, Hexel, or may be another type), metallic alloys, or combinations thereof. 
     The above description of select examples of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations or variants thereof are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.