Adaptive load torque for gear selection in an automatic transmission
AssigneeDaimlerChrysler AG
InventorsEdward W Czarnecki, Howard L Benford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle operating in a automatic speed control speed mode is provided. The first step in the method is measuring the torque output of the engine. A torque load acting on the transmission in a first gear is then determined. A maximum torque capable of being produced by the engine is then predicted. A torque output of the transmission in a second gear is then determined based upon the predicted maximum torque capable of being produced by the engine. A transmission shift from the first gear to the second gear is then allowed if the determined torque output of the transmission in the second gear is greater than the torque load of the transmission in a first gear.
Claims5
A method of controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle operating in an automatic speed control mode, the motor vehicle including an engine coupled to the transmission, the transmission operative in a plurality of gear configurations for driving at least one drive wheel, the method comprising the steps of:
- determining a torque output of the engine;
- determining a torque load acting on the transmission in a predetermined first gear ratio based on the determined torque output of the engine;
- predicting a maximum torque capable of being produced by the engine;
- determining a torque output of the transmission in a predetermined second gear ratio based on the predicted maximum torque capable of being produced by the engine;
- and
- shifting the transmission from the predetermined first gear ratio to the predetermined second gear ratio if the determined torque output of the transmission in a predetermined second gear ratio is greater than the determined torque load acting on the transmission in the predetermined first gear ratio.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.