Method and apparatus for adaptive clutch control for a vehicle having engine start-stop functionality

A system for a vehicle having a hydrodynamic torque converter and an engine configured to be automatically restarted during an engine auto-start event, the system comprising:

• an automatic, multi-speed transmission having a calibrated line pressure and a plurality (n) of clutches that are engaged to execute the engine auto-start event, wherein a designated one of the plurality (n) of clutches is a designated control clutch during the auto-start event;
• a hydraulic accumulator in fluid communication with the (n) clutches;
• a sensor operatively connected to a turbine of the torque converter,
• wherein the sensor is configured to measure a rotational speed of the turbine;
• and
• a controller in communication with the sensor;
• wherein the controller is configured for:
• receiving the start signal;
• commanding delivery of a volume of oil from the accumulator to the transmission in response to receipt of the start signal by the controller;
• mapping the remaining (n−1) clutches of the plurality (n) of clutches to the calibrated line pressure in response to receipt of the start signal;
• receiving the turbine speed from the sensor;
• and
• modifying a set of clutch fill parameters which controls a fill sequence of the designated control clutch as a function of a deviation of the measured turbine speed from a theoretical no-slip turbine speed.

A method for controlling a designated control clutch in a transmission aboard a vehicle during an engine auto-start event, wherein the transmission uses a calibrated line pressure and includes a plurality (n) of clutches that are engaged to execute the engine auto-start event and a hydraulic accumulator in fluid communication with the transmission, the method comprising:

• receiving a start signal for the auto-start event;
• mapping, via a controller, the remaining (n−1) clutches of the plurality (n) of clutches to the calibrated line pressure in response to detecting the start signal;
• receiving the turbine speed from the sensor via the controller;
• and
• modifying a set of clutch fill parameters which controls a fill sequence of the designated control clutch as a function of a deviation of the measured turbine speed from a theoretical no-slip turbine speed.