Method and apparatus for gear down operation prevention
US5564999A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H59/70
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention allows the vehicle to be operated at higher than normally desired speeds during periods when there is a legitimate need for increased performance, such as downshifting in order to aid in climbing an uphill grade or accelerating with the goal of upshifting. Like the prior art systems, the present invention also imposes a maximum vehicle speed for all non-top gears, but only during steady state conditions (defined as a light engine load existing for a predetermined period of time). During transient conditions (discerned by recognizing gear changes and by high engine load conditions), the control system of the present invention provides lenience from the normal maximum vehicle speed limits for non-top gears. Such lenience provides for increased vehicle performance during periods when it is legitimately needed by the driver. During steady state conditions, the present invention prevents the use of non-top gear during high vehicle speed driving by limiting the vehicle road speed if the transmission is not in top gear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.