Vehicle clutch engagement control system and method
First Claim
1. A clutch engagement control system for a vehicle transmission, comprising:
- an automatic transmission gearset;
at least one hydraulic clutch coupled to the gearset;
a hydraulic pressure controller coupled to the clutch;
a clutch engagement controller coupled to the pressure controller; and
an altitude sensor coupled to the clutch engagement controller,wherein the clutch engagement controller is configured to receive from the altitude sensor an altitude signal corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle, andwherein the clutch engagement controller adjusts a hydraulic pressure request of the pressure controller in accordance with the altitude signal, such that the clutch engages with at least one of a rate and pressure corresponding to the sensed altitude.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A clutch engagement control system for a vehicle transmission. The system comprises an automatic transmission gearset and at least one hydraulic clutch coupled to the gearset. A hydraulic pressure controller is coupled to the clutch. A clutch engagement controller is coupled to the pressure controller, and an altitude sensor is coupled to the clutch engagement controller. The clutch engagement controller is configured to receive from the altitude sensor an altitude signal corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle. The clutch engagement controller adjusts a hydraulic pressure request of the pressure controller in accordance with the altitude signal, such that the clutch engages with at least one of a rate and pressure corresponding to the sensed altitude. A method employs the system.
29 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A clutch engagement control system for a vehicle transmission, comprising:
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an automatic transmission gearset; at least one hydraulic clutch coupled to the gearset; a hydraulic pressure controller coupled to the clutch; a clutch engagement controller coupled to the pressure controller; and an altitude sensor coupled to the clutch engagement controller, wherein the clutch engagement controller is configured to receive from the altitude sensor an altitude signal corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle, and wherein the clutch engagement controller adjusts a hydraulic pressure request of the pressure controller in accordance with the altitude signal, such that the clutch engages with at least one of a rate and pressure corresponding to the sensed altitude. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A clutch engagement control system for a vehicle transmission, comprising:
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an automatic transmission gearset; at least one hydraulic clutch coupled to the gearset; a hydraulic pressure controller coupled to the clutch by a hydraulic system; a clutch engagement controller coupled to the pressure controller; and an altitude sensor coupled to the clutch engagement controller, wherein the clutch engagement controller is configured to receive from the altitude sensor an altitude signal corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle, and wherein the clutch engagement controller adjusts at least one of the magnitude and rate of change of a hydraulic pressure request of the pressure controller in accordance with the altitude signal, such that the clutch engages with at least one of a rate and pressure corresponding to the sensed altitude.
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12. A method for controlling the engagement of a clutch coupled to a gearset of an automatic transmission of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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monitoring at least one of command and condition input signals to determine when the clutch is to be engaged; sensing an altitude signal to determine the altitude at which the vehicle is operating; generating an altitude-adjusted clutch engagement electrical signal responsive to the input signals; converting the altitude-adjusted electrical signal to a corresponding altitude-adjusted hydraulic pressure request; and transmitting the altitude-adjusted pressure request to the clutch, wherein the clutch engages with at least one of a rate and pressure corresponding to the sensed altitude. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification