Abstract: A hierarchical control system for a tandem axle assembly for a vehicle is provided. The hierarchical control system includes a vehicle level controller, an actuator, a shift controller, and a sensor. The shift controller is capable of placing the tandem axle assembly in at least a first operating condition and a second operating condition using the actuator. In response to the sensor and an operating condition of at least one of the power source and the transmission of the vehicle, the shift controller adjusts a manner of placing the tandem axle assembly in at least one of the first operating condition and the second operating condition. The hierarchical control system facilitates performing a shifting procedure in an automatic manner or as desired by an operator of the vehicle without excessively increasing a cost and a complexity of the tandem axle assembly.

Abstract: A hierarchical control system for a tandem axle assembly for a vehicle is provided. The hierarchical control system includes a vehicle level controller, an actuator, a shift controller, and a sensor. The shift controller is capable of placing the tandem axle assembly in at least a first operating condition and a second operating condition using the actuator. In response to the sensor and an operating condition of at least one of the power source and the transmission of the vehicle, the shift controller adjusts a manner of placing the tandem axle assembly in at least one of the first operating condition and the second operating condition. The hierarchical control system facilitates performing a shifting procedure in an automatic manner or as desired by an operator of the vehicle without excessively increasing a cost and a complexity of the tandem axle assembly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for computing clutch engagement characteristics of a friction clutch system in a vehicle powertrain. A dynamic model of the system is used under conditions that cause clutch slipping. Algebraic equations defining a functional relationship between clutch torque and an engagement angle have characteristic parameters that are estimated using a non-linear least squares technique. The non-linear least squares technique repetitively minimizes the difference between a measured clutch output speed and a clutch output speed from the system dynamic model for the same inputs until a small insignificant error is reached. Parameter estimates are used to update each engagement characteristic.

Abstract: An externally controlled fan drive includes a fluid clutch that alters torque delivered to a fan housing to rotate the fan housing at a target fan speed. An adaptive controller measures the actual fan speed and adaptively updates the control logic to compensate for variable physical characteristics of the fan device.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention enable the user to build and/or use an interactive visual instrument panel for monitoring and/or managing one or more target systems locally or remotely in real-time, with the instrument panel being configured based on the user-defined requirements and based on the attributes of the target system(s) being monitored and/or managed. In one embodiment of the present invention a novel data handling system is provided for ensuring that the target system is able to continuously transmit real-time data without any data loss and without interrupting its operation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for estimating clutch engagement characteristics of a friction clutch system in a vehicle powertrain. A dynamic model of the system is used under conditions that cause clutch slipping. Algebraic equations defining a functional relationship between clutch torque and an engagement angle have characteristic parameters that are estimated using a non-linear least squares technique. A non-linear least squares technique iteratively minimizes the difference between a measured output clutch disk speed and an output clutch disk speed from the system dynamic model for the same inputs until a small insignificant error is reached. Parameter estimates are used to compile an estimated clutch engagement characteristic.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated (PWM) valve-based hydraulic control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a feedback control system includes a controller that receives a pressure command signal and a pressure feedback signal. The controller generates a duty cycle control signal that controls a PWM valve. The PWM valve provides a control pressure Pc to control a load, such as an actuator of an automatic transmission system. A pressure sensor measures the control pressure Pc and provides the pressure feedback signal. In another embodiment, a compensator provides compensation for linear and nonlinear effects in the pressure feedback signal, based at least in part, on other inputs, such as fluid temperature. In other embodiments, a plurality of controllers are provided, and a controller is selected by a switching logic processor, or by phase-in and phase-out filters, based on the pressure feedback signal and other inputs. A re-calibration process for the Pc versus duty cycle response of the PWM valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention enable the user to build and/or use an interactive visual instrument panel for monitoring and/or managing one or more target systems locally or remotely in real-time, with the instrument panel being configured based on the user-defined requirements and based on the attributes of the target system(s) being monitored and/or managed. In one embodiment of the present invention a novel data handling system is provided for ensuring that the target system is able to continuously transmit real-time data without any data loss and without interrupting its operation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for estimating clutch engagement characteristics of a friction clutch system in a vehicle powertrain. A dynamic model of the system is used under conditions that cause clutch slipping. Algebraic equations defining a functional relationship between clutch torque and an engagement angle have characteristic parameters that are estimated using a non-linear least squares technique. A non-linear least squares technique iteratively minimizes the difference between a measured output clutch disk speed and an output clutch disk speed from the system dynamic model for the same inputs until a small insignificant error is reached. Parameter estimates are used to compile an estimated clutch engagement characteristic.

Abstract: A MEMS switch of the type having a substrate and a bistable element, uses a structure for the bistable element having first and second substantially straight beam members that are bridged by an optional switch contact member. The switch contact member may be actuated to close a pair of fixed electrical contacts by an actuator means. The actuator means as described comprises electro-thermally compliant actuators. However, other types of actuators including thermo-pneumatic, thermal bimorphic, piezoelectric, electrostatic, fluidic, electromagnetic and phase change actuators may be used. The bistable element is structured to be moved between a first stable state and a second stable state by the selective urging action of two opposing actuators. The actuators, if the electo-thermal compliant type, may comprise first and second bound and spaced electrically conductive beams connected in parallel and supplied with an electrical current.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention enable a task performance system made up from two or more components to be readily modified, in response to one or more predetermined criteria, to adapt to new functional and/or operational requirements. This modification may be automatic manual, or a combination thereof. Likewise, the predetermined criteria may range from failure of one or more task performance system components, to an instruction received from an authorized operator. The inventive system and method accomplish these objectives by causing one or more of the components of the task performance system to change functionality (e.g., to change the functions being performed by one or more components, to add one or more functions to one or more components, etc.) to implement the desired modification of the entire task performance system.

Abstract: A reconfigurable variable blank-holder force system (and method) for producing sheet metal stampings comprises a portable hydraulic unit, controlled by a digital control system and a knowledge-based expert system to enable reconfigurability and an easy transition from the try-out stage to production. The knowledge-base has a hierarchical structure and includes stored information about part geometry, material properties and press parameters. The expert system enables an operator to determine optimal blank-holder forces, and to fine-tune through a graphical interface unit. The optimal blank-holder forces are generated by hydraulic force actuators, using a controller running a nonlinear algorithm that accounts for valve nonlinearities, variable flow-rate and numbers of operational cylinders. The portable hydraulic unit preferably comprises hydraulic cylinders with quick disconnect hoses, a manifold, servo-valves and a pump unit.

Abstract: An externally controlled fan drive includes a fluid clutch that alters torque delivered to a fan housing to rotate the fan housing at a target fan speed. An adaptive controller measures the actual fan speed and adaptively updates the control logic to compensate for variable physical characteristics of the fan device.

Abstract: A system for controlling pressure in a transmission comprises a transmission control unit, a valve controller that receives a desired pressure as input from the transmission control unit, a valve driver, a valve that regulates an amount of fluid in a transmission clutch, and a pressure transducer that reads a pressure in the transmission clutch and outputs a pressure reading to the valve controller, wherein the valve controller comprises logic for outputting to the valve driver an instruction for controlling the valve, the instruction being formulated using the desired pressure and the pressure reading.

Abstract: A reconfigurable variable blank-holder force system (and method) for producing sheet metal stampings comprises a portable hydraulic unit, controlled by a digital control system and a knowledge-based expert system to enable reconfigurability and an easy transition from the try-out stage to production. The knowledge-base has a hierarchical structure and includes stored information about part geometry, material properties and press parameters. The expert system enables an operator to determine optimal blank-holder forces, and to fine-tune through a graphical interface unit. The optimal blank-holder forces are generated by hydraulic force actuators, using a controller running a nonlinear algorithm that accounts for valve nonlinearities, variable flow-rate and numbers of operational cylinders. The portable hydraulic unit preferably comprises hydraulic cylinders with quick disconnect hoses, a manifold, servo-valves and a pump unit.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device wherein the displacement of an electrothermally compliant actuator is perpendicular to a mounting substrate allowing in a first embodiment a fluid control valve to be opened and closed and in a second embodiment a plurality of electrical contacts to be opened and closed. The electrothermally compliant actuator is comprised of a pair of beam structures having a joined thick beam and then beam such that a flow of electrical current causes the beam structures to bend. A flexible isolation layer is used to thermally isolate the electrothermally compliant actuator from the fluid in another valve assembly embodiment.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention enable the user to build and/or use an interactive visual instrument panel for monitoring and/or managing one or more target systems locally or remotely in real-time, with the instrument panel being configured based on the user-defined requirements and based on the attributes of the target system(s) being monitored and/or managed. In one embodiment of the present invention a novel data handling system is provided for ensuring that the target system is able to continuously transmit real-time data without any data loss and without interrupting its operation.

Abstract: A system for controlling pressure in a transmission comprises a transmission control unit, a valve controller that receives a desired pressure as input from the transmission control unit, a valve driver, a valve that regulates an amount of fluid in a transmission clutch, and a pressure transducer that reads a pressure in the transmission clutch and outputs a pressure reading to the valve controller, wherein the valve controller comprises logic for outputting to the valve driver an instruction for controlling the valve, the instruction being formulated using the desired pressure and the pressure reading.