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Systems and methods for increasing fuel efficiency

  • US 9,221,451 B2
  • Filed: 05/17/2012
  • Issued: 12/29/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2012
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A vehicle having wheels, comprising:

  • an engine configured to provide power at an engine speed;

    a transmission having a transmission input speed and a transmission output speed for utilizing a first portion of the power provided by the engine to cause rotation of the wheels;

    a torque converter coupled between the engine and the transmission, and configured to operate in a normal operation mode or a lock-up mode during which the engine speed is substantially the same as the transmission input speed;

    an accessory operatively coupled to the engine and configured to utilize a second portion of the power provided by the engine;

    an accelerator pedal configured to detect an acceleration input;

    an input device configured to receive or detect a user input indicating a mode of operation of the vehicle including a fuel economy mode;

    at least one sensor configured to detect at least one of an environmental condition or a vehicle operating parameter; and

    an electronic control unit configured to set a current condition of the vehicle to a coast condition when the mode of operation of the vehicle is the fuel economy mode and the acceleration input indicates that the accelerator pedal is not depressed,wherein when or after the current condition is the coast condition, the electronic control unit is further configured to;

    determine whether the torque converter should operate in the lock-up mode based on the at least one of the environmental condition or the vehicle operating parameter, andwhen the torque converter is operating in the lock-up mode, prevent the engine from providing power to the accessory based on at least the engine speed.

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