Cylinder deactivation control system

Abstract

A vehicle includes a transmission; a torque converter coupled to the transmission; a controller in communication with the transmission and the torque converter; a driver seat, a passenger seat, and a back seat coupled to the transmission; and sensors configured to detect user occupancy of the seats. The sensors are in communication with the controller. The controller is programmed to receive data from the sensors, determine an occupancy status based on the occupancy data, set an engine operating parameter of one of the transmission and the torque converter based on the occupancy status, and control one or both of the transmission and the torque converter to operate according to the parameter.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly, to a cylinder deactivation control system. Background technique [0002] A vehicle's drivetrain includes an engine, torque converter, and transmission connected in series. If the engine is an internal combustion engine, the engine contains cylinders that act as combustion chambers that convert fuel into rotational kinetic energy. The torque converter transfers the rotational motion of the engine to the transmission while allowing slip between the engine and transmission, such as when the engine is running and the vehicle is stopped. The transmission transfers kinetic energy from the torque converter to the transaxle and ultimately to the vehicle's wheels while imposing gear ratios that allow for different trade-offs between torque and speed. [0003] Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) constraints can limit the possible fuel economy of a powertrain. Cylinder de...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0003] Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) constraints can limit the possible fuel economy of a powertrain

Cylinder deactivation of an engine can increase the efficiency of the engine, but running the engine with fewer cylinders can result in uncomfortable torque pulsations for the vehicle's occupants

Similarly, reduced slip in the torque converter can improve drivetrain efficiency, but reduced slip also transmits more vibrational shock from the engine to the occupants

And finally, reducing the vehicle speed at which a shift occurs or a gear ratio change can improve fuel economy, but can also increase the noise and vibration experienced by the occupants

Images