Automatic Transmission Custom Shift Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic transmission systems do not allow drivers to skip shift gears, leading to delay and decreased performance, especially in high-performance vehicles, and lack the ability to customize shift sequences for specific driving scenarios or maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A control system for automatic transmissions that includes a driver interface and a controller to monitor driving history and determine a reduced shift sequence, allowing the driver to skip gears and customize the shift sequence for custom modes, either manually or automatically, based on driving history and GPS data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sequential gear shifting is used (1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, etc.), then the transmission system operates reliably according to conventional control logic, but the shifting process causes delay and decreased performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shift sequence adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the gear shift sequence based on real-time driving conditions, vehicle state, and learned driver preferences. This allows the system to skip intermediate gears when appropriate (e.g., shifting from 1st to 3rd gear directly) while maintaining reliable control through continuous monitoring of transmission and engine parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional automatic transmission control is used, then the system operates with standardized shift logic, but the driver cannot customize shift sequences for particular courses or maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the driver preference learning module, which automatically observes and learns the driver's manual shifting patterns over time. The system self-adjusts the recommended shift sequences based on accumulated data about driver behavior, eliminating the need for complex manual programming interfaces while still providing personalized customization. The controller autonomously processes driving history data to generate optimized shift recommendations.
3Productivity
If the driver manually controls each gear shift sequentially, then the transmission follows a predictable shift pattern, but the driver's attention is diverted from driving and shift delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through multiple mechanisms: the controller continuously monitors driver actions on manual shift devices, compares actual shifting patterns with learned preferences, and uses this feedback to refine shift sequence recommendations. The system provides feedback to the driver through the interface, suggesting optimal shift sequences based on real-time analysis of driving conditions and historical data, allowing the driver to make informed decisions without manual calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
Control systems and methods for a vehicle automatic transmission utilize a driver interface configured to receive input from a driver of the vehicle relating to a custom shift mode of the automatic transmission and a controller configured to monitor a driving history of the vehicle and, based on the driving history, determine a reduced shift sequence for the transmission to utilize during the custom shift mode, the reduced shift sequence specifying a subset of available forward gears of the transmission to utilize during the custom shift mode, the subset of gears being less than a total number of available forward gears of the transmission, such that one or more available forward gears are skipped in the reduced shift sequence, initiate the custom shift mode for the transmission, and during the custom shift mode, control shifting of the transmission according to the reduced shift sequence.