Method of Aligning a Transmission Synchronizer
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsShawn Adam Holland, Jeffrey James Tumavitch, Steve Craig Meisner, Bradley Dean Riedle
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Abstract
The present disclosure relates to methods of detecting misalignment in a transmission synchronizer and methods of alignment. Detection of misalignment is accomplished via monitoring a performance characteristic of a power source configured to provide an engagement force to the synchronizer. Where misalignment is detected a predetermined torque is applied to the input or output side of the synchronizer to rotationally align synchronizer components.
Claims20
A method of aligning a transmission synchronizer, comprising:
- applying an engagement force to a clutch body on the synchronizer;
- detecting misalignment between the clutch body and an input or output side of the synchronizer;
- and
- applying a predetermined torque to the input or output side of the synchronizer to rotationally align the clutch body and input or output side of the synchronizer;
- wherein the detecting misalignment includes monitoring a performance characteristic of a power source configured to provide the engagement force.
A method of detecting synchronizer misalignment in a vehicle transmission, comprising:
- applying an engagement force to an input side of a synchronizer or output side of the synchronizer;
- monitoring a performance characteristic of a power source configured to apply the engagement force;
- and
- determining a misalignment based on the performance characteristic exceeding or not achieving a predetermined threshold.
A vehicle transmission, comprising:
- an input shaft;
- an output shaft;
- a synchronizer assembly including a first side connected to the input shaft and second side connected to the output shaft;
- a control module configured to detect teeth misalignment between the first side and second side of the synchronizer assembly;
- a first power source linked to the control module;
- a shift fork configured to apply the engagement force to the first side or second side;
- a second power source connected to the clutch drum and control module;
- wherein the control module is configured to control movement of the shift fork;
- wherein the control module is configured to detect misalignment in the synchronizer assembly through monitoring a performance characteristic of the second power source;
- wherein the control module is configured to instruct the first power source to rotate the first side or second side of the synchronizer assembly when misalignment is detected.
A control circuit for a vehicle transmission, comprising:
- a control module configured to govern synchronization between an input shaft and output shaft, including:
- a processor circuit configured to monitor a performance characteristic of a power source and detect a misalignment between synchronizer components based on the performance characteristic;
- wherein the control module is linked to a power source and configured to instruct the power source to rotate the input or output side of a synchronizer when a misalignment has been detected.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.