17835733. POWERTRAIN TORQUE CONTROL DURING SHIFT TO FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE IN AUTOMATED-DRIVING MODE simplified abstract (FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC)

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POWERTRAIN TORQUE CONTROL DURING SHIFT TO FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE IN AUTOMATED-DRIVING MODE

Organization Name

FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Inventor(s)

Michael Frey of Farmington Hills MI (US)

Filip Tomik of Milford MI (US)

Richard David Bruns of Milford MI (US)

POWERTRAIN TORQUE CONTROL DURING SHIFT TO FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE IN AUTOMATED-DRIVING MODE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17835733 titled 'POWERTRAIN TORQUE CONTROL DURING SHIFT TO FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE IN AUTOMATED-DRIVING MODE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a vehicle with a primary and secondary axle, and a powertrain consisting of an engine connected to the primary axle and selectively connected to the secondary axle. The vehicle also includes a clutch associated with the secondary axle.

  • The powertrain can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes.
  • The controller is programmed to override the engine-torque command and reduce the engine torque below a certain limit when shifting to four-wheel drive mode.
  • The controller then commands the engagement of the clutch once the engine torque is below the limit.

Potential Applications

  • Off-road vehicles that require both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive capabilities.
  • Military vehicles that need to quickly switch between different drive modes based on terrain conditions.

Problems Solved

  • Ensures smooth shifting from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive without damaging the clutch.
  • Prevents excessive torque on the clutch when engaging it during the shifting process.

Benefits

  • Improved durability and longevity of the clutch system.
  • Enhanced control and stability when transitioning between different drive modes.
  • Increased efficiency and performance of the vehicle in various terrains.


Original Abstract Submitted

A vehicle includes a primary axle, a secondary axle, and a powertrain. The powertrain has an engine coupled to the primary axle and selectively coupled to the secondary axle. The vehicle also includes a clutch associated with the secondary axle. A controller is programmed to, responsive to (i) a request to shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and (ii) a current engine-torque command exceeding a torque limit associated with the clutch, override the current engine-torque command to reduce a torque of the engine below the torque limit, and, responsive to the torque of the engine being less the torque limit, command engagement of the clutch.

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