Dynamically varying an amount of slippage of a torque converter clutch provided between an engine and a transmission of a vehicle
First Claim
1. A system for dynamically varying an amount of slippage of a Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) provided between an engine and a transmission input shaft of a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a controller for varying a slippage output signal applied to the TCC in order to vary the amount of slippage between the engine rotation rate and the transmission input shaft, the amount of slippage varying based on one or more measured non-powertrain factors that are sources of non-powertrain noise and vibration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for dynamically varying an amount slippage of a Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) provided between an engine and a transmission of a vehicle in response to non-powertrain factors. By varying a slippage output signal, the amount of TCC slippage between the engine and the transmission can be adjusted. Small amounts of slippage, relative to large amounts of slippage, provide (a) improved vehicle fuel economy, but (b) induce more powertrain noise and vibration in the vehicle cabin. By dynamically adjusting the slippage, a tradeoff between improved fuel economy vs. a satisfying driver experience can be realized.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for dynamically varying an amount of slippage of a Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) provided between an engine and a transmission input shaft of a vehicle, the system comprising:
a controller for varying a slippage output signal applied to the TCC in order to vary the amount of slippage between the engine rotation rate and the transmission input shaft, the amount of slippage varying based on one or more measured non-powertrain factors that are sources of non-powertrain noise and vibration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
- 13. A method comprising dynamically varying slippage of a Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) provided between an engine and a transmission of a vehicle depending on varying conditions as defined by one or more measured non-powertrain factors that are sources of non-powertrain noise and vibration, the slippage adjusted to tradeoff improve fuel economy of the vehicle at the expense of an increase of powertrain noise and vibration experienced in a cabin of the vehicle.
Specification