×

Method and Apparatus for Improving Vehicle Fuel Economy

  • US 20070295475A1
  • Filed: 06/27/2006
  • Published: 12/27/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for improving the fuel economy of a vehicle comprising:

  • a transmission including;

    a sump containing a transmission fluid; and

    a heat exchanger disposed in heat exchange relationship with the transmission fluid within the sump;

    an engine operatively connected to the transmission, said engine having an engine coolant channel; and

    an engine pump operatively connected to said engine, said engine pump configured to transfer engine coolant through said coolant channel and then through the heat exchanger;

    wherein engine heat is absorbed by the engine coolant as the engine coolant passes through the engine coolant channel, and heat from the engine coolant is absorbed by the transmission fluid as the engine coolant passes through the heat exchanger such that transmission fluid viscosity is decreased thereby reducing transmission spin losses and improving vehicle fuel economy.

View all claims
  • 12 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×