Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for robust automatic clutch control

US5403249A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
9References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 14, 1993
Grant dateApr 4, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 14, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16D2500/70668
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An automatic clutch controller for a vehicle that reduces the oscillatory response to clutch engagement. The automatic clutch controller receives inputs from an engine speed sensor and a transmission input speed sensor and develops a clutch actuation signal controlling a clutch actuator from disengaged to fully engaged. The clutch engagement signal at least partially engages the friction clutch in a manner to cause the measured transmission input speed to asymptotically approach engine speed employing an approximate inverse model of this oscillatory response. The automatic clutch controller preferably includes a slip integral function and a differential engine speed function, which together adaptively adjust clutch engagement corresponding to vehicle loading. The automatic clutch controller includes a prefilter and a compensator constructed to reduce the need for detailed particularization for individual vehicles or vehicle models. A lag compensation function in the compensator adds robustness to the system by increasing low frequency gain. A freeze function suspends operation of the slip integral, the prefilter and the compensator during engine deceleration or when throttle positi…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.