Sub-Transmission Electronic Park Control for Powertrain Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles with electronically controlled transmissions face issues such as users failing to shift the sub-transmission into park after turning off the vehicle, attempting shifts under improper conditions, and selecting inappropriate operating modes, which can lead to powertrain damage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controller with a processor that communicates with sensors and actuators to automatically shift the sub-transmission into park when the ignition is off and the vehicle is stationary, and to prevent shifting into certain gear settings based on selected operating modes or conditions, ensuring safe and appropriate gear configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic park shifting control is implemented, then powertrain damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the sub-transmission to automatically shift into park mode through electronic control when the vehicle is turned off and stationary, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring reliable powertrain protection without requiring additional complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives input from sensors detecting vehicle speed and ignition state, processes this information, and automatically actuates the sub-transmission to park mode when conditions are met, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents powertrain damage through intelligent decision-making
2Reliability
If shifting restrictions based on operating modes are enforced, then powertrain damage is prevented, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-establishes shifting restrictions based on detected operating modes before actual shifting attempts occur, preventing potentially damaging gear changes by blocking shift commands that would be inappropriate for the current operational context
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts shifting availability based on real-time detection of operating modes, allowing the transmission control characteristics to adapt flexibly to different vehicle usage scenarios while maintaining powertrain protection
3Manufacturing precision
If electronic control system with sensors and actuators is added, then gear configuration accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical shifting operations with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect vehicle conditions and actuators to automatically position the sub-transmission gears, achieving precise gear configuration control through electronic means rather than mechanical linkage
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational vehicle is provided including a power source, such as an engine or an electric motor, and a transmission having a variable gear ratio. A sub-transmission coupled to an output of the transmission includes a plurality of selectable gear configurations including park gear and at least one of a forward gear, a neutral gear and a reverse gear. An electronic controller is operative to electronically control the gear configuration of the sub-transmission in response to a set of conditions.