Method and system for providing a neutral tow mode in a shift-by-wire transmission
US8688339B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2061/168
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system provides a Neutral Tow mode in a vehicle with a shift-by-wire transmission by displaying a Neutral Tow mode option when the transmission control mechanism has been used to select Park, an ignition switch is on, and an engine is off or an information button has been pushed and entering a Neutral Tow mode upon detecting a triggering event. The Neutral Tow mode is canceled upon detecting a certain sequence of events, such as turning on the ignition switch, depressing and holding a brake pedal, and selecting Park. When in Neutral Tow mode the transmission will stay in Neutral, without automatically shifting to Park or using battery power, thereby enabling the vehicle to be towed long distances without draining battery power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.