Torque converter clutch solenoid functional test
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsRichard Reynolds Hathaway, Kenneth Paul Wozniak
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for testing the functionality of a solenoid used to change the apply state of a torque converter clutch in a vehicle having an electronic control unit and a driveline system including an engine, a transmission, a torque converter. A first torque converter speed ratio is established. The commanded apply state of the torque converter clutch is determined, then a second torque converter speed ratio is calculated using engine speed and output shaft speed. The functionality of the torque converter clutch solenoid is established by determining whether the torque converter clutch solenoid has changed the applied state of the torque converter clutch by performing a comparison of the first and second torque converter speed ratios.
Claims25
For use with a vehicle having an electronic control unit and a driveline system including an engine, a transmission, a torque converter operating to transfer engine torque to the transmission, a torque converter clutch having an applied state, and a solenoid to change the commanded apply state of the clutch, a method for testing the functionality of the solenoid comprising:
- establishing a first torque converter speed ratio;
- determining a commanded apply state of the torque converter clutch;
- calculating a second torque converter speed ratio using engine speed and output shaft speed;
- and
- determining whether the torque converter clutch solenoid has changed the applied state of the torque converter clutch by performing a first comparison of the first and second torque converter speed ratios.
A computer storage medium for monitoring the functionality of a solenoid used with a vehicle having an electronic control unit and a driveline system including an engine, a transmission, a torque converter operating to transfer engine torque to the transmission, a torque converter clutch having an apply state controlled by the solenoid, the computer storage medium comprising:
- speed ratio storage means for storing a first torque converter speed ratio;
- apply state means for causing a computer to determine a commanded apply state of the torque converter clutch;
- speed ratio calculation means for causing a computer to calculate a second torque converter speed ratio using engine speed and output shaft speed;
- and
- functionality test means for causing a computer to determine whether the torque converter clutch solenoid has changed the applied state of the torque converter clutch by performing a first comparison of the first and second torque converter speed ratios.
In a vehicle having an electronic control unit and a driveline system including an engine, a transmission, a torque converter operating to transfer engine torque to the transmission, a torque converter clutch, and a solenoid to change the commanded apply state of the clutch, a system for testing the functionality of the solenoid comprising:
- means for determining the commanded apply state of the torque converter clutch;
- means for calculating a first torque converter speed ratio using engine speed and output shaft speed;
- and
- means for determining whether the torque converter clutch solenoid has changed the applied state of the torque converter clutch by performing a first comparison of the first and second torque converter speed ratios.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.