Adaptive Transmission Control for Reduced Lag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic automatic transmissions experience lag and sluggish acceleration after a stop due to the delay in returning to normal operating mode from the reduced engine load at stop (RELS) mode, caused by the reliance on brake release indication, which can be delayed in pneumatic brake systems.
Innovation Solution
A control system that detects obstructions using radar or laser reflectors to adaptively transition the transmission from reduced torque absorption mode to normal mode based on obstruction proximity and movement, allowing earlier return to normal mode without brake pedal release, by monitoring the range and forward vector velocity of obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the transmission remains in reduced torque absorption mode until brake release is detected, then fuel economy is improved during stops, but acceleration response becomes sluggish after stops
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting brake release indication (such as pneumatic pressure change) in advance and proactively transitioning the transmission from reduced torque absorption mode to normal operating mode before the driver actually releases the brake pedal. This anticipatory transition eliminates the lag between brake release detection and transmission mode change, improving acceleration response while still allowing the vehicle to benefit from reduced engine load during the stop period.
2Speed
If the transmission returns to normal operating mode immediately upon brake release indication, then acceleration response is improved, but fuel economy during stops is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the transmission mode transition adaptive rather than fixed. It dynamically adjusts the timing of mode transition based on detected brake release indication, allowing the transmission to remain in fuel-saving reduced torque absorption mode as long as possible while being ready to transition immediately when brake release is detected. This creates a flexible system that optimizes both fuel economy and acceleration response based on actual operating conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces lag and improves acceleration by enabling earlier transition to normal operating mode based on obstruction detection, eliminating the need for brake pedal release as the sole trigger, thereby enhancing vehicle responsiveness and reducing hesitation.
Implementation Method 1
The obstruction detection system is typically a radar or laser reflector based system and is directed forward from the base vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The obstruction detection system is typically a radar or laser reflector based system
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive automatic transmission control system responds to stopping of a vehicle for reducing torque absorption by an automatic transmission and movement of and range to obstructions forward from a vehicle for reengaging the automatic transmission after a stop. The torque converter is released from its reduced torque absorption mode under one of three circumstances: 1) the brake pedal is released; 2) the detected obstruction moves outside a first predefined maximum range; and, 3) the detected obstruction moves outside a second predefined maximum range and at greater than a predefined minimum speed.