# US 8,630,774 B2 · Method and system for preventing vehicle damage during rock cycling

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- Number: US 8,630,774 B2
- Document ID: US8630774B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/273,237
- Filed: 2011-10-14
- Published: 2013-04-18
- Granted: 2014-01-14
- Earliest claimed: 2011-10-14
- Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
- Applicants: Patrick Kevin Holub; Steven Yellin Schondorf; Bob Bruce Kleve
- Inventors: Patrick Kevin Holub; Steven Yellin Schondorf; Bob Bruce Kleve
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8630774B2

## CPC

- F16H 61/12: Detecting malfunction or potential malfunction, e.g. fail safe (in control of hydrostatic gearing F16H61/4192) {; Circumventing or fixing failures}
- B60Y 2300/18041: Rocking, i.e. fast change between forward and reverse
- F16H 2059/088: {Fast forward-reverse-sequence, e.g. rocking mode}
- F16H 2061/1208: {with diagnostic check cycles; Monitoring of failures}
- F16H 2312/08: Rocking
- F16H: GEARING
- B60Y: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY

## Abstract

A method for preventing potential vehicle damage during operation of an automatic rocking control system in an automotive vehicle employing an automatic transmission is described. The method includes monitoring a plurality of actual and derived automatic transmission parameters and comparing the actual values with predetermined limits for the monitored parameters. Upon determining, based on the comparison, that an imminent component vulnerability level exists, the method transmits a warning signal. Further, upon determining, based on the comparison, that an immediate component vulnerability level exists, the method terminates the vehicle rock cycle assist mode. A system for preventing potential vehicle damage is also described.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for preventing potential vehicle damage during operation of an automatic rocking control system in an automotive vehicle employing an automatic transmission, the method comprising:
monitoring a plurality of automatic transmission parameters;
comparing factual values and predetermined limits for the monitored parameters;
transmitting a warning signal, upon determining, based on the comparison, that an imminent component vulnerability level exists; and
terminating a vehicle rock cycle assist mode, upon determining, based on the comparison, that an immediate component vulnerability level exists.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
triggering the vehicle rock cycle assist mode, based on a determination that the vehicle is stuck;
initiating vehicle rock cycle assist mode controls;
monitoring the parameters to determine vehicle progress;
upon the determination that the vehicle is making sufficient progress, modifying the vehicle rock cycle assist mode controls accordingly; and
otherwise, terminating the vehicle rock cycle assist mode.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the parameters further include one or more of:
engine speed;
transmission turbine speed;
transmission oil temperature;
transmission line pressure;
transmission output speed;
accelerator pedal position;
throttle position;
engine speed;
spark advance;
fuel injection rate;
shifter position;
characterized engine torque; or
characterized torque converter efficiency.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The method of claim 3, wherein the derived parameters include:
component temperature;
net energy gain;
estimated temperature change;
estimated resultant temperature of one or more transmission components;
cumulative time at temperature; or
rate of temperature change.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the monitored parameters include certain derived parameters, derived from other parameters.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the imminent component vulnerability level is defined as a percentage of the immediate component vulnerability level.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the warning signal is one or more of:
a visual signal; or
an audible signal.

### Claim 8

A system for preventing potential vehicle damage during operation of an automatic rocking control system in an automotive vehicle employing an automatic transmission, the system comprising:
a monitoring module configured to monitor a plurality of automatic transmission parameters; and
a damage prevention module configured to:
compare actual values and predetermined limits for the monitored parameters;
transmit a warning signal, upon determining, based on the comparison, that an imminent component vulnerability level exists; and
terminate a vehicle rock cycle assist mode, upon determining, based on the comparison, that an immediate component vulnerability level exists.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8 further comprising an automatic rock cycle activation and dynamic control module configured to:
trigger the vehicle rock cycle assist mode, based on a determination that the vehicle is stuck;
initiate the functioning of the damage prevention module;
initiate vehicle rock cycle assist mode controls;
monitor the parameters to determine vehicle progress;
upon the determination that the vehicle is making sufficient progress, modify the vehicle rock cycle assist mode controls accordingly; and
otherwise, terminate the vehicle rock cycle assist mode.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, wherein the triggering of the vehicle rock cycle assist mode is performed by a hardware switch.

### Claim 11 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8, wherein the parameters further include one or more of:
engine speed;
transmission turbine speed;
transmission oil temperature;
transmission line pressure;
transmission output speed;
accelerator pedal position;
throttle position;
engine speed;
spark advance;
fuel injection rate;
shifter position;
characterized engine torque; or
characterized torque converter efficiency.

### Claim 12 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8, wherein the monitored parameters include certain derived parameters, derived from other parameters.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12, wherein the derived parameters include:
component temperature;
net energy gain;
estimated temperature change;
estimated resultant temperature of one or more transmission components;
cumulative time at temperature; or
rate of temperature change.

### Claim 14 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8, wherein the imminent component vulnerability level is defined as a percentage of the immediate component vulnerability level.

### Claim 15 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8, wherein the warning signal is one or more of:
a visual signal; or
an audible signal.