Method and apparatus for fault-tolerant transmission gear selector lever position determination
US7568402B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19251
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fault-tolerant gear selector lever position apparatus is described. Included is a first sensor operable to detect each position, and a second sensor operable to detect subsets of the positions. A first controller monitors the second sensor, and a second controller monitors the first sensor. The second controller identifies and communicates one of the positions to the first controller, and the first controller validates the position and communicates the position to a control system. The lever is applicable to a power transmission device. Each sensor preferably comprises digital encoding sensor; the first sensor generates a unique signal for each position, and the second sensor generates a unique signal for each subset of the positions, preferably a unique signal for each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Forward Drive. The controllers identify faults in the sensors, and communicate and act accordingly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.