Electronic Transmission Control for Neutral Idle and Inching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic automatic transmissions, such as the GM 4L60E and Ford 4R70, face issues with reverse lock-out, neutral idle, and inching mode functionality, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies, particularly in industrial applications where precise control is needed.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electronic solenoids and an electric controller with additional valving modifications enables reverse lock-out, neutral idle, and inching mode functionality, preventing unintended gear shifts and allowing incremental movement control via a remote electronic control panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual shift lever controls hydraulic automatic transmission, then the transmission can operate in forward and reverse gears, but the transmission remains engaged while idling and allows unsafe shifting from forward to reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual shift lever control system with an electronic control system that includes electronic solenoids, a controller, and sensors. The controller receives signals from the shift lever and implements logic to prevent unsafe operations such as shifting from forward to reverse while moving, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability through electronic safety interlocks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect vehicle motion state and provide feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine whether shifting commands should be executed or blocked, implementing reverse lock-out functionality that prevents damaging shifts when the vehicle is in motion
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission is frequently shifted between forward and reverse for industrial applications, then the vehicle can position itself for hitching operations, but time is wasted and accidental damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a neutral idle mode that allows the transmission to remain disengaged while the vehicle is stationary, preparing the system for quick engagement in either forward or reverse direction. This preliminary state readiness enables faster response time for hitching operations without requiring frequent full engagement and disengagement cycles
3Reliability
If electronic solenoids and control systems are added to modify the transmission, then reverse lock-out and neutral idle functionality are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electronic control system to perform multiple functions: reverse lock-out, neutral idle control, and inching mode functionality. By integrating these features into a single controller system rather than separate mechanisms, the patent reduces overall complexity while achieving comprehensive safety and operational control
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 enhances transmission durability, reduces fuel consumption, and improves operational efficiency by preventing accidental gear shifts and enabling precise vehicle positioning without driver intervention, particularly beneficial for industrial vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of electronic solenoids control a flow of hydraulic fluid, which in turn actuates the operation of the transmission in both forward and reverse gears
Implementation Method 2
The electronic control panel includes a manual switch that actuates the flow of incremental, preset amounts of the hydraulic fluid. The incremental, preset amounts of hydraulic fluid correspond to predetermined distances of movement of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced control system for an electronic automatic transmission enables the transmission to operate in a full neutral idle, a reverse lockout, and an inching mode. These functions improve the mileage and durability of the operation of the transmission. They also enable the inching mode for use especially in industrial applications.