Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090182467 | Indicating a Low Volume of Fluid in a Transmission Sump - A method for sensing a volume of fluid located in an oil sump of a motor vehicle transmission includes repetitively determining a rate of change of a temperature of the oil, repetitively determining an acceleration of the vehicle, counting the number of occurrences in which said acceleration is greater than a reference acceleration and said rate of change of the temperature is greater than a reference rate of change of temperature, and producing an indication that the volume of fluid is low, if said number is greater than a reference number. | 07-16-2009 |
20100174459 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE SHUT-DOWN CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle, the powertrain including an engine and an automatic transmission, the powertrain coupled to driving wheels of the vehicle, and the vehicle operated by an operator. One example method comprises, selectively shutting down engine operation responsive to operating conditions and without receiving an engine shutdown request from the operator, maintaining the automatic transmission in gear during the shutdown, and during an engine restart from the shutdown condition, and with the transmission in gear, transmitting reduced torque to the transmission. | 07-08-2010 |
20100174460 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively shut-down during engine idle-stop conditions, the vehicle system further including a hydraulically actuated transmission component. One example method comprises, during an idle-stop engine shut-down, adjusting a hydraulic actuation of the transmission component to adjust drag torque on the engine to stop the engine. | 07-08-2010 |
20100286877 | Temperature Dependent Minimum Transmission Input Speed - A system and method is employed to regulate a minimum transmission input speed based on automatic fluid temperature. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the automatic transmission fluid and a controller for setting a minimum engine speed of the engine based on the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid. The size of a transmission pump may be reduced while the pump is still able to supply enough automatic transmission fluid to friction elements and gear ratios to provide lubrication and enable friction element actuators to engage and disengage the friction elements in a timely and effective manner. In a preferred form of the invention, when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is below 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no greater than 900 rpm; and when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is above 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no less than 1000 rpm. | 11-11-2010 |
20110136621 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for reducing driveline unwinding during successive engine shutdown and restart operations. In one example, during an engine shutdown, torsion is maintained in a transmission gear-train until an engine restart is requested by engaging one or more transmission clutches while applying wheel brakes. | 06-09-2011 |
20110203272 | REDUCTION IN TURBOCHARGER LAG AT HIGH ALTITUDES - A method of operating a turbocharged engine of a motor vehicle, the engine having a cylinder which undergoes a compression stroke. The method includes advancing an ignition spark in the cylinder by a first amount relative to top dead center of the compression stroke at a first barometric pressure for a given engine speed and load, and advancing the ignition spark by a second, lesser amount relative to top dead center of the compression stroke at a second, lower barometric pressure, for the given engine speed and load. | 08-25-2011 |
20120010044 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE THAT MAY BE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPED - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission tie-up force in response to engine starting. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 01-12-2012 |
20120010045 | METHOD FOR STARTING AN ENGINE - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission actuator in response to engine combustion during an engine start. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 01-12-2012 |
20120010792 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Systems and methods are provided for restarting an engine that can be selectively deactivated during idle-stop conditions. In one embodiment, the engine is restarted with torque reduction over an interval of the restart, for example, by upshifting the transmission. In response to a vehicle launch request, the torque reduction is decreased, for example, by downshifting the transmission, to expedite return of driveline torque. | 01-12-2012 |
20120115679 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TRANSMISSION COUPLED TO AN ENGINE THAT MAY BE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPED - Methods and systems for controlling a transmission coupled to an engine during an engine start are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a transmission tie-up force in response to an indication of transmission slip. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 05-10-2012 |
20120172175 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for reducing audible clunks and objectionable drive feel in vehicles including start/stop systems. In one example, a vehicle engine is shutdown during vehicle coasting. The vehicle engine is then restarted, while the vehicle is moving with a torque converter clutch disengaged. A transmission clutch pressure is then adjusted during the restart based on a torque converter output speed relative to a torque converter input speed. | 07-05-2012 |
20120316029 | Controlling an Automatic Vehicle Restart on a Hill - A method for controlling a vehicle on an uphill incline includes automatically shifting a transmission to first gear, automatically stopping the engine, using wheel torque to maintain a one-way clutch engaged and to hold a transmission component against rotation, preventing vehicle rollback by automatically engaging a target gear and tying-up the transmission automatically restarting the engine, and automatically reengaging first gear. | 12-13-2012 |
20120330522 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Systems and methods are provided for restarting an engine that can be selectively deactivated during idle-stop conditions. In one embodiment, current is directed to a starter motor and an electric brake sequentially by limiting the current supplied to one while current is supplied to the other, an order of delivering the current based on a timing of a restart request relative to an electric brake request, as well as vehicle operating conditions at the time the requests were received. By coordinating the operation of a starter motor with the operation of an electric brake, overloading of the engine system's electrical supply can be reduced. | 12-27-2012 |
20130005532 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine in response to a driver's change-of-mind. In one embodiment, the engine is shutdown during an idle stop with the transmission in a higher gear or with the transmission tied-up to a transmission case. In response to a driver change-of-mind restart request, the transmission is downshifted, or released from the tie-up, to return driveline torque. | 01-03-2013 |
20130085035 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE THAT MAY BE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPED - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission tie-up force in response to engine starting. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 04-04-2013 |
20130116088 | METHOD FOR STARTING AN ENGINE - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one example, the method adjusts a desired engine speed to at least two levels during engine speed run-up from cranking to engine idle speed. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 05-09-2013 |
20130199335 | METHOD FOR STARTING AN ENGINE - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission actuator in response to engine combustion during an engine start. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 08-08-2013 |
20130238204 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE POWERTRAIN - Methods and systems for controlling a vehicle powertrain that may be automatically stopped and started are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a position of a transmission clutch in response to battery current during engine cranking. The method may reduce clutch wear and improve vehicle launch from a stop. | 09-12-2013 |
20130292223 | Pre-Staging and Boosting for Downshifts to Increase Regenerative Braking - A hybrid vehicle has a battery, a regenerative braking system, a transmission, and a controller. The controller boosts and strokes a hydraulic cylinder of an on-coming clutch when the state-of-charge of the battery allows regenerative braking and in response to a pedal actuation. The controller boosts and strokes the hydraulic cylinder before a disconnect clutch is opened and the transmission is downshifted to increase regenerative braking efficiency. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296103 | Adjusting Motor Torque to Enable Slip of Torque Converter Clutch to be Maintained when Accelerator Pedal Released in Hybrid Vehicle - A controller and a control strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle having a traction motor between an engine and an automatic transmission include maintaining a bypass clutch of a torque converter in an engaged position and applying a motor torque from a traction motor to the torque converter such that slip of the torque converter does not otherwise reach zero while the bypass clutch is maintained in the engaged position. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296106 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING DRIVELINE LASH IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle has an engine, an upstream clutch, an electric machine, a downstream clutch, a transmission gearbox, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) control engagement of the downstream clutch, (ii) monitor a vehicle torque, and (iii) control electric machine torque to a designated rate when the vehicle torque changes direction and the electric machine is operating. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle includes engaging a clutch downstream of the electric machine, monitoring a vehicle torque, and controlling electric machine torque to a designated rate when vehicle torque changes direction and the electric machine is operating. A hybrid vehicle system has an electric machine and a controller configured to (i) control electric machine torque to a designated rate within a time zone, and (ii) control at least one of the electric machine torque and an engine torque to meet driver demand outside of the zone. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296107 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STARTING A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle with a modular hybrid transmission that has a combustion engine including a turbocharger and an e-machine use barometric pressure, road grade, and estimated vehicle mass to develop a turbo lag estimate. If it is determined that undesirable turbo lag is likely, the system opens a disconnect clutch between the engine and the e-machine and the engine is started independently of the e-machine. The e-machine is then used to launch the vehicle while the engine is started. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296109 | Method and Apparatus for Starting an Engine of a Modular Hybrid Transmission Based Upon Demanded Torque - A control system including a method and apparatus for operating a hybrid vehicle. A disconnect clutch selectively separates an electric machine from a combustion engine. If a wide open throttle or high torque command is requested and the combustion engine is shut down, a 12 volt starter may be used to start the combustion engine while disconnected from the electric machine and all of the electric machine torque available may be used for traction. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296110 | Modulating Engine Torque to Synchronization Engine Speed with Motor Speed for Disconnect Clutch Engagement in Hybrid Vehicle - A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a traction motor, and a transmission selectively coupled in series by a clutch include modulating engine torque while the clutch is disengaged and while engine speed is less than motor speed to increase the engine speed. The clutch is engaged to connect the engine to the motor in response to the engine speed exceeding the motor speed. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296111 | ENGINE RESTART TORQUE SPIKE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a traction motor between an engine and a step ratio automatic transmission during a startup of the hybrid vehicle. The method includes performing at least one of adjusting a clutch or an oil pressure to change a transmission tie-up force or downshifting the transmission in response to an actuation rate of a vehicle driver demand. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296113 | CONTROLLING A TRACTION MOTOR DURING ENGINE PULL-UP IN A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes an engine and a fraction motor. A clutch is configured to selectively mechanically couple the engine to the traction motor. A controller or controllers are provided that are configured to command a change in magnitude of an electric current supplied to the electric machine. The command is made in response to initiation of the clutch engaging the traction motor to the engine. The change in magnitude of the electric current ensures the speed of the traction motor remains generally constant during clutch engagement while a speed of the engine is less than that of the traction motor. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296114 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWERTRAIN COMPONENTS OF A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes an engine, a traction motor, and a torque converter that is driven by the traction motor. A clutch arrangement mechanically couples an output of the torque converter to transmission gearing. A controller is provided in the vehicle that is configured to command an increase in slip, or decrease in clutch pressure, in the clutch arrangement in response to an increase in speed of the traction motor. The commanding of an increase in slip enables a product of the torque ratio of the torque converter and an input torque to the torque converter to remain generally constant during the increase in speed of the traction motor. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296117 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR ENGINE FLARE CONTROL DURING TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT - A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a transmission, and at least one controller. The at least one controller, in response to a gear shift of the transmission that causes a speed of the engine to exceed a predetermined speed, commands a change in current to the electric machine such that the speed of the engine decreases to a target speed to avoid engine flare. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297122 | Methods and Systems for a Driveline Disconnect Clutch - Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation for a driveline disconnect clutch is provided. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297161 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HOLDING A VEHICLE STOPPED ON A HILL - Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a holding force of a vehicle parked on a hill is adjusted depending on a grade of the hill. | 11-07-2013 |
20130338892 | CONTROL OF A BACKING VEHICLE - A method for controlling a backing vehicle includes if a back-up sensor indicates that an obstacle is present behind the vehicle and a gear selector is moved to a reverse position, delaying reverse gear engagement and producing a warning signal, and producing a transmission tie-up if brakes are applied insufficiently to stop the vehicle. | 12-19-2013 |
20140011635 | METHOD FOR STARTING AN ENGINE - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission actuator in response to engine combustion during an engine start. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 01-09-2014 |
20140045650 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for reducing audible clunks and objectionable drive feel in vehicles including start/stop systems. In one example, a vehicle engine is shutdown during vehicle coasting. The vehicle engine is then restarted, while the vehicle is moving with a torque converter clutch disengaged. A transmission clutch pressure is then adjusted during the restart based on a torque converter output speed relative to a torque converter input speed. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046529 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING A DRIVELINE DISCONNECT CLUTCH - Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, application of a driveline disconnect clutch to start an engine is described. The approach applies the driveline disconnect clutch to rotate an engine and at least partially disengages the driveline disconnect clutch to reduce the possibility of a reduction in torque applied to vehicle wheels. | 02-13-2014 |
20140057755 | METHOD FOR STARTING AN ENGINE - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one example, the method adjusts a desired engine speed to at least two levels during engine speed run-up from cranking to engine idle speed. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 02-27-2014 |
20140057756 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Systems and methods are provided for restarting an engine that can be selectively deactivated during idle-stop conditions. In one embodiment, the engine is restarted with torque reduction over an interval of the restart, for example, by upshifting the transmission. In response to a vehicle launch request, the torque reduction is decreased, for example, by downshifting the transmission, to expedite return of driveline torque. | 02-27-2014 |
20140080669 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine in response to a driver's change-of-mind. In one embodiment, the engine is shutdown during an idle stop with the transmission in a higher gear or with the transmission tied-up to a transmission case. In response to a driver change-of-mind restart request, the transmission is downshifted, or released from the tie-up, to return driveline torque. | 03-20-2014 |
20140277867 | Vehicle Mass Detection System - A vehicle system and a method for calculating a vehicle mass is provided. In at least one embodiment, the system and the method measure current consumed by an electric machine of the vehicle to calculate vehicle mass. A controller of the vehicle uses the calculated mass to control operation of the vehicle, for example a four wheel drive, transmission, stability control, or brake system of the vehicle. A GPS and tire speed sensor system may be incorporated to detect the presence of a towed object, for example a trailer, and to further adjust operation of the vehicle. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277973 | VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER METHOD AND SYSTEM - A system and method of immobilizing a vehicle include receiving a driver presence signal and a transmission state signal and commanding a transmission tie-up in response to the driver presence signal and the transmission state signal. In one embodiment, controlling a transmission element to tie-up a transmission includes braking approximately simultaneously a combination of transmission elements to inhibit rotation of a transmission output and maintaining transmission line pressure to maintain the transmission tie-up when an engine is off. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278018 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING - A method and a system for improving operation of an automatically started engine are described. In one example, slip of a disconnect clutch is adjusted to limit an amount of engine torque transferred to vehicle wheels. The method and system adjust disconnect clutch slip in response to transmission input shaft speed and/or engine combustion events. | 09-18-2014 |
20140336910 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE STARTING - A method and a system for improving operation of an automatically started engine are described. In one example, engine speed is adjusted to a sole run-up speed and, held at the desired engine run-up speed for a desired period, before being ramped to an idle speed. | 11-13-2014 |
20140378273 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING DRIVELINE NVH - A method and a system for reducing driveline speed oscillations related to a driveline resonance frequency are described. Driveline speed oscillations may be reduced via slipping a driveline clutch or adjusting torque of a driveline motor/generator. The method and system may be activated during select vehicle operating conditions. | 12-25-2014 |
20150038294 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TRANSMISSION COUPLED TO AN ENGINE THAT MAY BE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPED - Methods and systems for controlling a transmission coupled to an engine during an engine start are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a transmission tie-up force in response to an indication of transmission slip. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 02-05-2015 |
20150046049 | METHOD OF OPERATING A TRANSMISSION - A method of controlling a launch clutch during an engine restart event commands a positive torque capacity before the engine reaches idle speed. Early application of the launch clutch reduces the time delay between brake pedal release and vehicle acceleration. To avoid excessive drag on the engine during the restart event, the torque capacity is adjusted using closed loop control. A controller calculates a maximum rate of change of torque capacity based on measured engine speed and an engine acceleration and does not increase the commanded torque capacity faster than the calculated rate. In some circumstances the maximum rate of change may be negative, resulting in a reduction in commanded torque capacity. | 02-12-2015 |
20150087475 | REGENERATIVE BRAKING AND TORQUE CONVERTER CONTROL - A method for controlling vehicle regenerative braking includes decreasing regenerative braking, provided a converter clutch is locked, such that regenerative braking torque reaches zero before a converter clutch opens due to vehicle speed reaching a reference speed; decreasing regenerative braking, provided the converter clutch is scheduled to open, such that regenerative braking torque reaches zero before the converter clutch opens due to vehicle speed reaching the reference speed; and braking the vehicle using wheel brakes. | 03-26-2015 |