Available speed ratio modification for splitter transmission
US6049751A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2014
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-speed transmission has a main transmission section and a splitter section. The electronic control for this transmission is operable to either provide the actuation of the splitter system or not allow that actuation. Thus, the operator of the vehicle is able to request either a smaller number of available speed ratios or a larger number of available speed ratios by selecting the appropriate electronic control. The vehicle manufacturer is able to tailor the vehicles to have a transmission which is appropriate to the needs of its customer without having to change the transmission. Moreover, upon resale, a transmission that was initially provided with only a smaller number of speeds may be easily upgraded to provide additional speeds. The control is further reprogrammable to either provide or not provide actuation of the splitter gear. The control may be actuated remotely, such as by a satellite, to provide the additional speed ratios based upon expected driving conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.