Abstract: An autonomous dock system for a vehicle, comprises a control system with instructions comprising steps for receiving a request to implement an autonomous dock routine. A vehicle speed and clutch position are calculated. A clutch position controller is commanded to maintain the calculated clutch position. An actual torque amount is iteratively detected as transferred across the clutch. A vehicle speed-control mechanism is commanded to maintain the calculated vehicle speed, and the actual vehicle speed is iteratively detected. When comparing the commanded vehicle speed to the detected actual vehicle speed indicates that the detected actual vehicle speed is below a speed threshold, and when the actual torque amount transferred across the clutch exceeds a torque threshold, the control system commands an increase in vehicle speed.

Abstract: An autonomous dock system for a vehicle, comprises a control system with instructions comprising steps for receiving a request to implement an autonomous dock routine. A vehicle speed and clutch position are calculated. A clutch position controller is commanded to maintain the calculated clutch position. An actual torque amount is iteratively detected as transferred across the clutch. A vehicle speed-control mechanism is commanded to maintain the calculated vehicle speed, and the actual vehicle speed is iteratively detected. When comparing the commanded vehicle speed to the detected actual vehicle speed indicates that the detected actual vehicle speed is below a speed threshold, and when the actual torque amount transferred across the clutch exceeds a torque threshold, the control system commands an increase in vehicle speed.

Abstract: An autonomous dock system for a vehicle, comprises a control system with instructions comprising steps for receiving a request to implement an autonomous dock routine. A vehicle speed and clutch position are calculated. A clutch position controller is commanded to maintain the calculated clutch position. An actual torque amount is iteratively detected as transferred across the clutch. A vehicle speed-control mechanism is commanded to maintain the calculated vehicle speed, and the actual vehicle speed is iteratively detected. When comparing the commanded vehicle speed to the detected actual vehicle speed indicates that the detected actual vehicle speed is below a speed threshold, and when the actual torque amount transferred across the clutch exceeds a torque threshold, the control system commands an increase in vehicle speed.

Abstract: A control method for operating an automated manual transmission system having a fuel-controlled engine, a multiple-speed change-gear transmission and a clutch drivingly interposed between the engine and an input shaft of the transmission is provided. The control method determines a rate of throttle change of a throttle pedal. The clutch is engaged at a first clutch engagement rate based on the rate of throttle change being greater than a threshold. The clutch is engaged at a second clutch engagement rate in a blended pedal mode that is proportional to an amount of throttle percentage engagement based on the rate of throttle change being less than the threshold. The first and second clutch engagement rates are distinct.

Abstract: An autonomous dock system for a vehicle, comprises a control system with instructions comprising steps for receiving a request to implement an autonomous dock routine. A vehicle speed and clutch position are calculated. A clutch position controller is commanded to maintain the calculated clutch position. An actual torque amount is iteratively detected as transferred across the clutch. A vehicle speed-control mechanism is commanded to maintain the calculated vehicle speed, and the actual vehicle speed is iteratively detected. When comparing the commanded vehicle speed to the detected actual vehicle speed indicates that the detected actual vehicle speed is below a speed threshold, and when the actual torque amount transferred across the clutch exceeds a torque threshold, the control system commands an increase in vehicle speed.

Abstract: A control method for operating an automated manual transmission system having a fuel-controlled engine, a multiple-speed change-gear transmission and a clutch drivingly interposed between the engine and an input shaft of the transmission is provided. The control method determines a rate of throttle change of a throttle pedal. The clutch is engaged at a first clutch engagement rate based on the rate of throttle change being greater than a threshold. The clutch is engaged at a second clutch engagement rate in a blended pedal mode that is proportional to an amount of throttle percentage engagement based on the rate of throttle change being less than the threshold. The first and second clutch engagement rates are distinct.

Abstract: A trailer angle measurement assembly that measures an angle of a trailer relative to a tractor includes a mounting base, an armature, a roller wheel and a rotary encoder. The mounting base is configured to be selectively coupled to the trailer. The armature is rotatable coupled to the mounting base around a pivot. The roller wheel is rotatably coupled to the armature and is positioned for rotatable engagement with the trailer. The rotary encoder measures rotation of the roller wheel and generates a signal based on the measured rotation indicative of an angular position of the trailer relative to the tractor.

Abstract: A method for determining a driveline ratio for a powertrain having an auxiliary transmission is provided and includes identifying a transmission gear ratio, measuring a transmission output speed, and measuring an auxiliary transmission output speed. An auxiliary transmission gear ratio is identified by comparing the transmission output speed to the auxiliary transmission output speed when the powertrain is in motion. The auxiliary transmission gear ratio is identified from a switch when the powertrain is at rest. An auxiliary transmission module has an auxiliary transmission in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to identify an auxiliary transmission gear ratio, and limit an engine torque command to limit the auxiliary transmission output torque. The engine torque command is limited if the output torque exceeds a predetermined value and if the auxiliary transmission is in a reducing gear ratio.

Abstract: A method for determining a driveline ratio for a powertrain having an auxiliary transmission is provided and includes identifying a transmission gear ratio, measuring a transmission output speed, and measuring an auxiliary transmission output speed. An auxiliary transmission gear ratio is identified by comparing the transmission output speed to the auxiliary transmission output speed when the powertrain is in motion. The auxiliary transmission gear ratio is identified from a switch when the powertrain is at rest. An auxiliary transmission module has an auxiliary transmission in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to identify an auxiliary transmission gear ratio, and limit an engine torque command to limit the auxiliary transmission output torque. The engine torque command is limited if the output torque exceeds a predetermined value and if the auxiliary transmission is in a reducing gear ratio.

Abstract: A control system and method is provided for controlling engagement of a vehicle master clutch (16) in response to a throttle operating parameter. The method includes the steps of determining a throttle operating parameter value and setting an operating mode of the clutch based on the throttle operating parameter value. The method may include the steps of comparing the throttle operating parameter value to a threshold value and setting the operating mode of the clutch based on the comparison step. The control system includes a microprocessor for receiving signals corresponding to a throttle operating parameter value. The microprocessor sets an operating mode of the clutch based on the throttle operating parameter value or, optionally, the comparison of the throttle operating parameter value to a threshold value.

Abstract: A control system and method is provided for controlling engagement of a vehicle master clutch (16) in response to a throttle operating parameter. The method includes the steps of determining a throttle operating parameter value and setting an operating mode of the clutch based on the throttle operating parameter value. The method may include the steps of comparing the throttle operating parameter value to a threshold value and setting the operating mode of the clutch based on the comparison step. The control system includes a microprocessor for receiving signals corresponding to a throttle operating parameter value. The microprocessor sets an operating mode of the clutch based on the throttle operating parameter value or, optionally, the comparison of the throttle operating parameter value to a threshold value.

Abstract: A method/system for controlling shifting in an automated mechanical transmission system (10) utilized on a vehicle having an engine brake (ECB), preferably controlled by an ECU (28). Shifts to be initiated while the engine brake is active and engine brake assisted upshifts are evaluated with regard to the engine built in engine brake deactivation response delay (TECBDEACTIVATE).

Abstract: An automatic clutch control method and system includes steps for controlling a vehicle master clutch to prevent the clutch from destructively overheating due to excessive slipping. A heat buildup value is determined from various engine operating parameters, such as output torque, engine speed, and input shaft speed. The heat buildup value can be increased or decreased depending on the various engine operating parameters. A signal generating device is responsive to the heat buildup value exceeding a first predetermined heat buildup limit to generate a clutch protection output signal effective to cause the clutch to be operated in an aggressive mode of operation to fully engage the clutch at a faster rate. The signal generating device is also response to the heat build value exceeding a second predetermined heat buildup limit and slow vehicle speed to generate a clutch protection output signal effective to cause the clutch to be operated in a fully disengaged mode of operation.

Abstract: A method/system for controlling upshifting in an automated mechanical transmission system (10) utilized on a vehicle having an ECU (28) operated friction upshift brake (26) capable of applying two or more levels of retardation to a transmission input shaft (16).

Abstract: An automatic clutch control method and system includes steps for controlling a vehicle master clutch to prevent the clutch from destructively overheating due to excessive slipping. A heat buildup value is determined from various engine operating parameters, such as output torque, engine speed, and input shaft speed. The heat buildup value can be increased or decreased depending on the various engine operating parameters. A signal generating device is responsive to the heat buildup value exceeding a first predetermined heat buildup limit to generate a clutch protection output signal effective to cause the clutch to be operated in an aggressive mode of operation to fully engage the clutch at a faster rate. The signal generating device is also response to the heat build value exceeding a second predetermined heat buildup limit and slow vehicle speed to generate a clutch protection output signal effective to cause the clutch to be operated in a fully disengaged mode of operation.

Abstract: A method/system for adaptively controlling engine fueling to control the rate of decreasing engine torque (−(d/dt)(ET)) during disengagement of a jaw clutch (70) while maintaining the vehicle master friction clutch (20) engaged.

Abstract: A method/system for adaptively controlling engine fueling to control the rate of decreasing engine torque ((−d/dt)(ET)) during disengagement of a jaw clutch (70) while maintaining the vehicle master friction clutch (20) engaged. Engine torque is decreased at a determined by comparing the rate of change of throttle pedal position ((d/dt)(THL)) to allow minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) rates of engine torque decrease.

Abstract: A method/system for controlling an automated mechanical transmission system (10) utilized on a vehicle. To protect from driveline damage due to improper clutch engagement during vehicle launch conditions, the master friction clutch (16) is partially engaged to determine a direction of rotation of the input shaft (18) from the non-directional signal (IS) received from a non-directional speed sensor (36).

Abstract: A shift control system is provided that is suitable for semi-automatic transmissions in heavy duty vehicles. The torque modulation system includes logic circuitry that employs a ramping torque function or algorithm to control the acceleration of torque, both positive and negative, and/or provides a longer dwell time in the torque clutch disengagement range. Moreover, dwell time at peak is not required. A method for improving gear disengagement and shift control in accordance with the principles of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A powertrain system (10) control system/method for controlling engine (12) output torque as a function of sensed degree of engagement of jaw clutch members (62, 64) associated with the engaged ratio of a transmission (14).