Mechatronic vehicle powertrain control system

• US 20030143957A1
• Filed: 01/29/2003
• Published: 07/31/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Lyon, Kim M.
• Granted Patent: US 6,920,865 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/02 including control of driveline clutches
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/06 including control of combustion engines
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/10 including control of change-speed gearings
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2510/0275 Clutch torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2510/0657 Engine torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2510/105 Output torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2530/10 Weight
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/10 Accelerator pedal position
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/12 Brake pedal position
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2552/15 Road slope, i.e. the inclination of a road segment in the longitudinal direction
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2552/40 Coefficient of friction
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2555/20 Ambient conditions, e.g. wind or rain
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2710/0605 Throttle position
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2710/0666 Engine torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/188 Controlling power parameters of the driveline, e.g. determining the required power

Abstract

An arrangement is provided for controlling a motor vehicle powertrain. The controller comprises means for measuring an operator request for acceleration, and means for controlling the component as a function of the operator request for acceleration.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a component of a motor vehicle powertrain, the method comprising:

electronically measuring an operator request for acceleration; and

controlling the component as a function of the operator request for acceleration.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of measuring comprises measuring with an electronic throttle controller.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the electronic throttle controller measures a change of position of a pedal.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the electronic throttle controller measures a rate of change of position of a pedal.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of controlling comprises referring to a three dimensional calibration surface.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein a first dimension is a speed of the vehicle.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein a second dimension is an acceleration rate goal.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein a third dimension is a required horsepower.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of controlling comprises processing competing torque demands.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising measuring torque developed by an engine of the motor vehicle.

11. A powertrain for a motor vehicle, the powertrain comprising:

an electronic controller;

means for measuring an operator request for acceleration; and

means for controlling a component of the powertrain as a function of the operator request for acceleration.

12. The powertrain of claim 11 wherein the means for measuring comprises an electronic throttle controller.

13. The powertrain of claim 12 wherein the electronic throttle controller measures a change of position of a pedal.

14. The powertrain of claim 11 wherein the electronic throttle controller measures a rate of change of position of a pedal.

15. The powertrain of claim 11 wherein the means for controlling comprises a three dimensional calibration surface.

16. The powertrain of claim 15 wherein a first dimension is a speed of the vehicle.

17. The powertrain of claim 15 wherein a second dimension is an acceleration rate goal.

18. The powertrain of claim 15 wherein a third dimension is a required horsepower.

19. The powertrain of claim 11 wherein the means for controlling comprises means for processing competing torque demands.

20. The powertrain of claim 11 further comprising a torque measuring transducer in operative communication with an engine of the motor vehicle.