Traction control system and method for a vehicle

• US 7,765,050 B2
• Filed: 06/15/2005
• Issued: 07/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Fodor, Michael, Hrovat, Davor, McConnell, Mitch
• Primary Examiner(s): Black; Thomas G
• Assistant Examiner(s): LOUIE, WAE LENNY
• Application Number:
  US11/154,101
• Publication Number:
  US 20060080023A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,868 Days
• Field of Search: 701 84- 91, 477/107, 477/115, 303/112, 303/113.2, 180/197, 180/244
• US Class Current: 701/82
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/16 responsive to, or preventing, skidding of wheels brake control systems for vehicle drive stability B60T8/1755; arrangements responsive to a speed condition for adjusting wheel braking force B60T8/32; control of vehicle driving stability otherwise than by controlling the propulsion unit only B60W30/02; preventing wheel slippage by reducing power in rail vehicles B61C15/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/12 Brake pedal position
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2552/40 Coefficient of friction
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2710/0605 Throttle position
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 11/105 characterised by the function converting demand to actuation, e.g. a map indicating relations between an accelerator pedal position and throttle valve opening or target engine torque
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2250/18 Control of the engine output torque
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/021 Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine conjoint control of vehicle sub-units for propelling the vehicle B60W30/18

Abstract

In one example, a traction control system for a vehicle is shown. The system adjusts a relationship between powertrain output and pedal actuation in response to at least one of road grade and direction of wheel spin.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle with wheels on a road having a grade, the vehicle having a pedal actuated by a driver, the method comprising:

generating powertrain torque transmitted to the wheels in a first relation to actuation of the pedal by the driver during a first condition where said transmitted torque causes said wheels to slip relative to a surface;

overriding said driver actuated powertrain torque to control said slip; and

during a second condition after said first condition, generating powertrain torque transmitted to the wheels in a second relation to actuation of the pedal by the driver, where a duration of said second condition varies as the road grade varies;

said second condition including said vehicle substantially in a non-moving condition.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein during said first condition, powertrain torque is reduced based on said slip.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said second condition includes said vehicle substantially in said non-moving condition for a duration.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said road grade is determined in response to satellite information.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein said road grade is determined in response to vehicle operating conditions.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein said road grade is determined in response to a grade sensor.

7. The method of claim 3 wherein said road grade is determined in response to a camera mounted in the vehicle.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said second condition is in response to actuation of a brake pedal.

9. A method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle with wheels on a road having a grade, the vehicle having a pedal actuated by a driver, the method comprising:

generating powertrain torque transmitted to the wheels in a first relation to actuation of the pedal by the driver during a first condition where said transmitted torque causes said wheels to slip relative to a surface;

overriding said driver actuated powertrain torque to control said slip; and

during a second condition after said first condition, generating powertrain torque transmitted to the wheels in a second relation to actuation of the pedal by the driver, where a duration of said second condition varies depending on a direction of wheel rotation.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said direction of wheel rotation is indicated by a position of a transmission lever.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said direction of wheel rotation is indicated by a directional wheel speed sensor.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said duration further varies with said road grade.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said road grade is determined in response to satellite information.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said road grade is determined in response to vehicle operating conditions, and wherein said second relation is based on the vehicle operating in reverse after the first condition, but before the second condition.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein said road grade is determined in response to a grade sensor.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein said road grade is determined in response to a camera mounted in the vehicle.