Transmission Controller Communication Loss Range Shift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle or work machine transmission systems face issues when communication is lost between controllers, leading to high or varying engine output torque, which can damage transmission components, especially when operating at high torque or speed levels.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a multispeed transmission that involves defining ranges as either limiting or non-limiting based on torque limits, detecting communication loss, and shifting to a non-limiting range to prevent damage, with the transmission controller managing shifts according to a schedule and maintaining operation in a non-limiting range until communication is restored.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transmission controller allows normal shifting operations during communication loss, then the transmission can maintain operational flexibility and respond to operator commands, but the transmission components are at risk of damage from high or varying engine torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission operational flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission component damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission ranges are segmented into limiting ranges and non-limiting ranges based on torque characteristics. During communication loss, the controller selectively restricts shifting to non-limiting ranges while maintaining operational flexibility within those safe ranges, thus protecting components while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller pre-identifies which ranges are limiting and which are non-limiting based on torque characteristics. When communication is lost, the controller has already prepared the safe operating ranges, allowing immediate restriction to non-limiting ranges without delay, thus preventing damage before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the transmission controller restricts shifting to non-limiting ranges during communication loss, then transmission components are protected from damage, but the transmission loses operational flexibility and cannot respond to operator commands for range changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission component damage riskVSAvoidtransmission operational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shifting restriction is dynamic rather than static. The controller continuously monitors communication status and automatically adjusts the available range set between limiting and non-limiting ranges based on real-time conditions. When communication is restored, the controller dynamically returns to normal operation, thus balancing protection with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the operational parameters by modifying which ranges are available for shifting based on communication status. During communication loss, the parameter set for allowable ranges is changed to exclude limiting ranges, thus protecting components while maintaining full functionality within the adjusted parameter set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the transmission operates in limiting ranges during communication loss, then operational flexibility is maintained, but the transmission components are exposed to harmful high torque levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator command responsivenessVSAvoidtransmission component durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The controller uses the communication loss condition as a trigger to automatically switch to a protective operating mode. The harmful situation (communication loss) is converted into a beneficial protective action by automatically restricting shifts to non-limiting ranges, thus transforming the potential damage scenario into a protective measure without requiring operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If the transmission controller implements communication loss detection and range restriction logic, then transmission protection is enhanced, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission protection reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing transmission controller is enhanced with multi-functionality to handle both normal operation and communication loss scenarios. The same controller that manages normal shifting operations also performs communication monitoring, range classification, and protective restriction logic, thus improving reliability without adding separate dedicated protection systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10677350B2Method of controlling transmission range in response to a loss of communication with an engine and system thereof

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 ALLISON TRANSMISSION INC

AI summary

A method of controlling a multispeed transmission includes providing a transmission controller, a plurality of ranges of the transmission of which at least one of the plurality of ranges is defined as a limiting range, and a communication link. The transmission is operated in a first range of the plurality of ranges and the method includes detecting a loss of communication over the communication link between the transmission controller and another controller. The method also includes determining if the first range is defined as the limiting range when communication is lost and commanding a shift from the first range to a second range of the plurality of ranges which is not defined as the limiting range. The method further includes controlling the shift from the first range to the second range.