18451300. VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS simplified abstract (SUBARU CORPORATION)
Contents
- 1 VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS
VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Tomoka Yoshikawa of Tokyo (JP)
VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18451300 titled 'VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS
Simplified Explanation
The vehicle control apparatus described in the patent application includes a turbine hub, a lock-up piston, a damper mechanism, and a control system. The control system calculates a PV value based on the sliding surface pressure and sliding speed between the turbine hub and the lock-up piston, and adjusts the engine torque accordingly.
- Turbine hub, lock-up piston, damper mechanism, and control system are key components of the vehicle control apparatus.
- The control system calculates a PV value to adjust the engine torque based on sliding surface pressure and sliding speed.
- Engine torque is controlled more gradually when the PV value exceeds a threshold, ensuring smoother operation.
Potential Applications
The technology described in the patent application could be applied in various vehicles with torque converters and engines to improve control and efficiency.
Problems Solved
This technology helps in optimizing engine torque control, leading to smoother operation and potentially reducing wear and tear on the vehicle components.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include improved vehicle performance, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced overall driving experience for the users.
Potential Commercial Applications
This technology could be utilized in the automotive industry for the development of advanced vehicle control systems, potentially appealing to manufacturers looking to enhance their product offerings.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art could be the use of similar torque converter control systems in vehicles, but the specific implementation described in this patent application may offer unique features or improvements.
Unanswered Questions
How does this technology impact vehicle fuel efficiency?
The patent application mentions that the technology can adjust engine torque for smoother operation, but it does not explicitly state how this may affect fuel efficiency. Further research or testing would be needed to determine the exact impact on fuel consumption.
What are the potential cost implications of implementing this technology in vehicles?
While the benefits of the technology are highlighted, the patent application does not discuss the potential costs associated with integrating this system into vehicles. Understanding the cost implications would be crucial for manufacturers considering adopting this technology.
Original Abstract Submitted
A vehicle control apparatus is to be applied to a vehicle including a torque converter and an engine. The vehicle control apparatus includes a turbine hub, a lock-up piston, a damper mechanism, and a control system. The damper mechanism permits relative rotation between a hub of the turbine hub and a cylindrical part of the lock-up piston. The control system controls the engine. The control system calculates, with the lock-up piston engaged with a crankshaft of the engine, a PV value that is a product of a sliding surface pressure and a sliding speed between the hub and the cylindrical part. When the PV value is greater than a threshold, the control system changes an engine torque more gradually than when the PV value is equal to or less than the threshold. The engine torque is an output torque of the crankshaft.
