Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090192015 | Driver Intention Detection Algorithm for Transmission Control - A system and method for providing TCC control and/or transmission gear shift control by considering the rate of change of the accelerator pedal or throttle position. The method determines whether the rate of change of the throttle position exceeds a predetermined positive rate of change or a predetermined negative rate of change and, if so, releases the TCC to provide TCC control. Alternatively, or additionally, the method can provide a transmission gear down-shift or up-shift depending on which direction the throttle position is changing. Once the TCC and/or gear shift control has been initiated, the method can start a timer and then return to normal TCC and/or gear shift control after the timer has expired. The TCC and/or gear shift control can also return to normal if the rate of change of the throttle position indicates that the throttle is being returned to its previous position. | 07-30-2009 |
20100030437 | METHOD FOR ADAPTING SHIFT SCHEDULE OF AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BASED ON GPS/MAP INFORMATION - A powertrain control includes monitoring map preview information, determining a road gradient factor based upon the map preview information, and adapting a transmission shift schedule based upon the road gradient factor. | 02-04-2010 |
20100043404 | USING GPS/MAP/TRAFFIC INFO TO CONTROL PERFORMANCE OF AFTERTREATMENT (AT) DEVICES - A method for managing an exhaust aftertreatment system within a vehicle including a catalyst device includes monitoring a digital map device providing a predicted vehicle operating condition through a travel route, and determining a predicted exhaust gas temperature profile based upon the monitoring of the digital map device. Operation of the catalyst device is controlled based upon the predicted exhaust gas temperature profile. | 02-25-2010 |
20100082311 | METHOD OF MODELING TRANSMISSIONS FOR REAL-TIME SIMULATION - A transmission modeling system includes an in-gear module that determines an in-gear acceleration when a vehicle is in gear. A shift module determines a shift acceleration based on a clutch torque when the vehicle is shifting between gears. A shaft acceleration determination module determines a shaft acceleration based on at least one of the in-gear acceleration and the shift acceleration. | 04-01-2010 |
20100234159 | HYBRID TRANSMISSION WITH INTEGRATED TORQUE MACHINE - A hybrid transmission device for a hybrid powertrain system having an integrated torque machine to transfer power among an input member, the torque machine and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable states is operative in a plurality of fixed gear states, a continuously variable state, and a torque machine state. | 09-16-2010 |
20110160020 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH - A method for controlling torque transmitted between an internal combustion engine and a torque transmission device includes controlling actuation of a torque converter clutch device effective to maintain an engine output within a predetermined range when an input to the transmission is less than a threshold, and controlling actuation of the torque converter clutch device effective to maintain a relative speed across the torque converter substantially at a predetermined magnitude when the input to the transmission is greater than the threshold. | 06-30-2011 |
20110245035 | DUAL-PISTON NORMALLY-ENGAGED CLUTCH - A normally-engaged clutch is provided having a friction-element with a first side and an opposing second side, a first plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the first side, and a second plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the second side. The clutch also includes a biasing device configured to apply a first force to the second plate for pressing the second plate against the friction-element to engage the clutch. Additionally, the clutch includes an apply piston for applying a second force to the first plate, and a release piston for applying a third force to the second plate. The clutch is disengaged when the second plate is pushed away from the friction-element by the third force in the absence of the second force, and is engaged when the first plate is pressed against the friction-element by the second force. | 10-06-2011 |
20120035819 | REAL TIME ESTIMATION ALGORITHM FOR TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH FEED FORWARD PRESSURE FOR ECCC CONTROL - A powertrain includes a torque generative device and a torque converter having an impeller, a turbine and a torque converter clutch. A method to control torque converter slip includes monitoring a reference slip and a turbine speed of the torque converter, determining a turbine torque based upon the reference slip and the turbine speed, determining a feed forward torque converter clutch pressure command based upon the turbine torque, a torque generative device torque, and a TCC gain, and controlling the torque converter clutch based upon the feed forward torque converter clutch pressure command. | 02-09-2012 |
20120078475 | METHOD FOR DETECTING POWERTRAIN TORQUE OUTPUT - A powertrain includes a transmission coupled to a driveline. A method for monitoring torque of the driveline includes monitoring signals from first and second rotational sensors located at respective first and second rotationally-coupled positions of the driveline separated by a distance along the driveline, determining rotation of the driveline at the first and second rotationally-coupled positions from said signals, determining a twist angle derived from a difference between the rotations of the driveline at the first and second rotationally-coupled positions, calculating a driveline torque corresponding to the twist angle, and controlling operation of the powertrain in response to the driveline torque. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078476 | METHOD TO DETERMINE TORQUE - A powertrain includes a transmission coupled to a driveline. A method for monitoring torque in the powertrain includes monitoring signal outputs from a first rotational sensor and a second rotational sensor configured to monitor respective rotational positions of first and second locations of a driveline, determining a positional relationship between the first and second locations using positional identifiers of the first and second rotational sensors, deriving a twist angle from the positional relationship between the first and second rotational sensors, calculating a magnitude of driveline torque corresponding to the twist angle, and controlling the vehicular powertrain according to the calculated magnitude of driveline torque. | 03-29-2012 |
20120090416 | MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL-SYSTEMS BASED HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A WET DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION - A wet dual clutch transmission includes at least one hydraulic component and a pilot valve operably connected to the hydraulic component to actuate the hydraulic component. The pilot valve includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based pressure differential actuator valve. The hydraulic component may include but is not limited to a first clutch and a second clutch of the wet dual clutch transmission, a lube regulator valve, an on/off solenoid, a synchronizing shift fork or a line pressure control valve. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090426 | MICRO ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEM (MEMS) BASED HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FULL HYBRID VEHICLES - A powertrain system in a hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulator valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulator valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulator valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090427 | MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL-SYSTEM (MEMS) BASED HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MILD HYBRID VEHICLES - A powertrain system in a mild hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulator valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulator valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulator valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090703 | POWERTRAIN PRESSURE AND FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS - A pressure and flow control system includes a hydraulically-controlled component, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal, which controls the hydraulically-controlled component. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090935 | MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL-SYSTEMS BASED HYDRAULIC CONTROL FOR A POWERTRAIN - An automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical-systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090937 | MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL-SYSTEMS BASED HYDRAULIC CONTROL FOR A POWERTRAIN - A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical-systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090940 | MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL-SYSTEMS BASED HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A DRY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION - A dry dual clutch transmission includes at least one hydraulic component and a pilot valve operably connected to the hydraulic component to actuate the hydraulic component. The pilot valve includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based pressure differential actuator valve. The hydraulic component may include but is not limited to a first clutch and a second clutch of the dry dual clutch transmission, an on/off solenoid, a line pressure control valve or a synchronizing shift fork. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090944 | MICRO ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEM (MEMS) BASED HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS - An automated manual transmission includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulating valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090945 | POWERTRAIN PRESSURE AND FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DOG CLUTCHES - A pressure and flow control system for a dog clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a selector. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The selector is configured to engage and disengage the dog clutch in response to the control signal. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090946 | POWERTRAIN PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM - A pressure control system includes a hydraulically-controlled component, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal, which controls the hydraulically-controlled component. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090947 | POWERTRAIN PRESSURE AND FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH - A pressure and flow control system for a torque converter clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a torque converter control valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The torque converter control valve is configured to engage and disengage the torque converter clutch in response to the control signal. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090948 | POWERTRAIN PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM - A clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a clutch control valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The clutch control valve is configured to engage and disengage the clutch in response to the control signal. The clutch may be configured as one of a wet clutch and a dry clutch. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090952 | POWERTRAIN PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM - A pressure control system configured to control a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) includes a pilot valve and a SOWC actuator. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The pressure control system may further include a regulating valve in fluid communication with the pilot valve and configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The SOWC actuator is configured to select between operating modes of the selectable one-way clutch in response to one of the pilot signal and the control signal. | 04-19-2012 |
20120100947 | METHOD AND APPARATUS EFFECTING TORQUE TRANSFER THROUGH A TRANSMISSION DURING ENGINE AUTOSTOP AND AUTOSTART EVENTS - A powertrain system includes an engine coupled via an input member to a transmission to transfer torque to an output member. The engine is configured to execute an autostop event and an autostart event during ongoing powertrain operation. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary gear sets and a plurality of torque transfer clutches. The plurality of torque transfer clutches includes hydraulically-activated clutches and mechanical clutch devices, including an electromechanically-activated selectable one-way clutch. The transmission is configured to provide hydraulic pressure to activate the hydraulically-activated clutches using only a mechanically driven hydraulic pump. The transmission is configured to effect torque transfer among the input member, the plurality of planetary gear sets and the output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear states by selectively activating at least one of the plurality of torque transfer clutches. | 04-26-2012 |
20120165146 | TRANSMISSION WITH SELECTABLE ONE-WAY CLUTCH AND DUAL-PISTON CLUTCH - A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with an input member driven by the engine, and an output member. An electric motor is operable to drive the input member. The transmission has an electrically-actuated one-way clutch with a neutral mode in which the clutch freewheels in both directions of rotation, and a locked mode in which the clutch is locked in one direction of rotation. The transmission also has a hydraulically-actuated dual-piston clutch with a spring that biases the dual-piston clutch to an engaged state. The one-way clutch is in the neutral mode and the spring biases the dual-piston clutch to the engaged state prior to a key start of the engine. The one-way clutch is actuated to the locked state following ignition of the engine after a key start, and remains in the locked state during an autostop of the engine. | 06-28-2012 |
20120290181 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING INITIAL TEMPERATURES IN DRY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSIONS - A method for determining initial or starting temperatures for a dry dual clutch mechanism at vehicle start-up includes as determining a time lapse from shut-down to start-up. The method determines a housing air start temperature of the housing air within a bell housing case of the dry dual clutch mechanism at vehicle start-up, reads a first clutch stop temperature of a first clutch at vehicle shut-down, reads a housing air stop temperature of the housing air at vehicle shut-down, and determines a heat transfer coefficient between the first clutch and the housing air. The method includes determining a first clutch start temperature from, at least: the heat transfer coefficient between the first clutch and the housing air; a temperature differential between the first clutch stop temperature and the housing air stop temperature; and the housing air start temperature. | 11-15-2012 |
20120290248 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING CLUTCH INTERFACE TEMPERATURES IN DRY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSIONS - A method for determining interface temperatures for a dry dual clutch mechanism includes determining that a slipping event is occurring at a friction interface of a clutch in the dry dual clutch mechanism, and determining a heat flux generated by the slipping event. The method includes determining a flux bulk temperature from the determined heat flux and determining a flux interface temperature from the determined heat flux. The flux interface temperature is the temperature at the friction interface during the slipping event. The method calculates a delta interface temperature by subtracting the flux interface temperature from the flux bulk temperature. The method executes a control action with the calculated delta interface temperature. | 11-15-2012 |
20120290249 | THERMAL MODEL FOR DRY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSIONS - A method of determining temperatures for a dry dual clutch mechanism includes one or more steps, such as determining a first heat input from a first clutch and determining a second heat input from a second clutch. The second clutch is separated from the first clutch by a center plate. The method also includes determining a housing air temperature of housing air within a bell housing case of the dry dual clutch mechanism. A thermal model is applied with the determined first heat input and second heat input. The thermal model includes temperature states for at least the first clutch, the second clutch, and the center plate. From the thermal model, the method determines at least a first clutch temperature and a second clutch temperature. The method includes executing a control action with the determined first clutch temperature and second clutch temperature. | 11-15-2012 |
20120296536 | ENGINE SPEED ASSIST TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL - A method for controlling actuation of a torque converter clutch includes monitoring a transmission input speed, comparing the monitored transmission input speed to a threshold input speed, and, when the transmission input speed is less than the threshold input speed, controlling an engine speed based upon a desired minimum engine speed. Controlling the engine speed based upon the desired minimum engine speed includes monitoring a minimum engine speed critical parameter, determining the desired minimum engine speed based upon the minimum engine speed critical parameter, comparing the engine speed to the desired minimum engine speed, and controlling actuation of the clutch device based upon a result of the comparing the engine speed to the desired minimum engine speed. | 11-22-2012 |
20130231211 | TRANSMISSION WITH RADIALLY STACKED GEAR SETS INCLUDING ANNULAR GEAR - A transmission includes a first gear set with a first sun gear member rotatable about a first axis of rotation, a first carrier member, and a first ring gear member radially outward of and concentric with the first sun gear member. The first ring gear member has a radially inward-facing surface with inner teeth and a radially outward-facing surface with outer teeth. A second gear set has a second carrier member, and a second ring gear member radially outward of and concentric with the first ring gear member. The second ring gear member has a radially inward-facing surface with inner teeth. A first annular gear has a radially inward-facing surface with inner teeth and a radially outward-facing surface with outer teeth. The first annular gear is rotatable about a second axis of rotation and meshes with the first ring gear member. | 09-05-2013 |
20130231212 | TRANSMISSION WITH DOUBLE-SUN, ONE RING, AND DOUBLE-ANNULAR GEAR COPLANAR GEAR SET - A transmission includes a first gear set with a first sun gear member rotatable about a first axis of rotation, a second sun gear member rotatable about the first axis of rotation, a carrier member, and a ring gear member radially outward of and concentric with the first sun gear member. A first annular gear meshes with the first sun gear member, and a second annular gear meshes with the first annular gear, the second sun gear member, and with the ring gear member. The first annular gear is rotatable about a second axis of rotation and the second annular gear is rotatable about a third axis or rotation. | 09-05-2013 |
20130231213 | TRANSMISSION WITH DOUBLE-SUN, ANNULAR GEAR, AND OUTER GEAR COPLANAR GEAR SET - A transmission includes a coplanar gear set with a first sun gear member rotatable about a first axis of rotation, a second sun gear member rotatable about the first axis of rotation, a carrier member, and an outer gear radially outward of and concentric with the first sun gear member. A first annular gear meshes with the first sun gear member, and the outer gear meshes with the first annular gear and with the second sun gear member. The first annular gear is rotatable about a second axis of rotation and the outer gear is rotatable about a third axis or rotation. | 09-05-2013 |
20130231214 | TRANSMISSION WITH DOUBLE-ANNULAR GEAR COPLANAR GEAR SET - A transmission includes a first gear set with a sun gear member rotatable about a first axis of rotation, a carrier member, and a ring gear member radially outward of and concentric with the first sun gear member. A first annular gear meshes with the sun gear member, and a second annular gear meshes with the first annular gear and with the ring gear member. The first annular gear is rotatable about a second axis of rotation and the second annular gear is rotatable about a third axis or rotation. | 09-05-2013 |
20130275015 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING TORQUE IN A POWERTRAIN - A vehicle includes a powertrain having first and second rotatable members, speed sensors, and a controller. The speed sensors generate output signals encoding the speeds of the respective first and second rotatable members. The controller calculates a rotation angle of the members using the output signals and estimates a torque value in the powertrain as a function of the rotation angles. The sensors may count the teeth of respective first and second toothed gear elements and encode the count as the output signals. The controller may estimate the torque value as a function of a linear coefficient and the present gear ratio of the sensors. The controller may also detect a commanded upshift of the transmission and detect a fill event of an oncoming clutch of the transmission as a function of the corresponding rotation angles for the rotatable members. The members may be input, output, or intermediate members. | 10-17-2013 |
20140162843 | TRANSMISSION WITH MEMS-BASED HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT - A vehicle includes an engine, torque converter assembly, and transmission. The torque converter assembly includes a torque converter clutch (TCC). The transmission is connected to the engine via the torque converter assembly, and includes rotating and braking clutches, a pump, and a valve body assembly (VBA). The VBA includes Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) pressure sensors and high-flow, hybrid MEMS flow control valves. Each MEMS pressure sensor and each MEMS control valve is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the TCC, the rotating, and the braking clutches. The VBA includes first and second low-flow, fully MEMS valves which control line pressure to the VBA and fluid pressure to the TCC, respectively. The VBA delivers fluid pressure to the clutches, alone or in different combinations, to establish at least six different forward drive states of the transmission. | 06-12-2014 |