Machine control system implementing application-based clutch modulation
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsHong-Chin Lin, Rami Nabil Nasrallah
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A machine control system for use with a machine having a power source and a transmission is disclosed. The machine control system may have a clutch configured to connect an output of the power source with an input of the transmission. The machine control system may also have a sensors configured to generate signals indicative of machine operations, and a controller in communication with the clutch and the sensors. The controller may be configured to determine the current machine application based on the signals, and vary an actuating force of the clutch based on the type of machine application.
Claims20
A machine control system for use with a machine having a power source and a transmission, the machine control system comprising:
- a clutch configured to connect an output of the power source with an input of the transmission;
- a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals indicative of current operations of the machine;
- and
- a controller in communication with the clutch and the sensors, the controller being configured to determine a current machine application based on the signals, and vary an actuating force of the clutch based on the current machine application.
A method of operating a machine, comprising:
- generating power;
- engaging a coupling to transmit the power to move the machine;
- determining a current machine application;
- and
- varying the engagement of the coupling based on the current application.
A machine, comprising:
- an engine coupled through a torque converter to a transmission;
- a clutch configured to connect an output of the power source with an input of the torque converter;
- a clutch control device configured to control engagement of the clutch when the clutch control device is depressed by an operator;
- sensors configured to generate signals indicative of current operations of the machine;
- and
- a controller in communication with the sensors and the clutch, the controller being configured to determine a current machine application based on the signals, and vary engagement of the clutch based on the current machine application.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.