×

Machine having a multiple-ratio transmission

  • US 8,118,706 B2
  • Filed: 06/30/2008
  • Issued: 02/21/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2008
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of operating a machine having a power system that includes a prime mover, a multiple-ratio transmission, a propulsion device, and power-system controls, the method comprising:

  • propelling the machine by transmitting power from the prime mover to the propulsion device through the multiple-ratio transmission, while controlling operation of the prime mover and the multiple-ratio transmission with the power-system controls, including;

    determining with the power-system controls at least one energy-efficiency estimate based at least on energy-efficiency characteristics of the prime mover and energy-efficiency characteristics of the multiple-ratio transmission, wherein determining the at least one energy-efficiency estimate includes determining multiple energy-efficiency estimates associated with alternative combinations of the prime-mover operating speed and the transmission drive ratio, andcontrolling a prime-mover operating speed of the prime mover and a transmission drive ratio of the multiple-ratio transmission based at least on the at least one energy-efficiency estimate, wherein controlling the prime-mover operating speed and the transmission drive ratio includes;

    selecting a combination of the prime-mover operating speed and the transmission drive ratio associated with one of the multiple energy-efficiency estimates as a first target for the prime-mover operating speed and the transmission drive ratio;

    determining a second target for the prime-mover operating speed and the transmission drive ratio, the second target being associated with responsiveness of the power system to increased power demands; and

    controlling the prime-mover operating speed and the transmission drive ratio based at least on the first target and the second target.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×