Caterpillar Inc.

Gerry Owen McCann

Keith F Harvey

Yun Liu

Daniel Peter Sergison

Keith A Kabrick

David R Wisley

Brian Allen Byers

Fazal Ahmad Goraya

Kevin B Grover

John Gates

Mirko Barbir

Aaron F Clay

Jesse C Anderson

Alice L Kim

Daniel T Wilhelm

Stacy Linn Grove

An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Machine control system utilizing inertial yaw sensor

System and method for controlling wheel spin and wheel slip on a machine having differentially driven wheels

A mobile machine includes a propulsion system. The propulsion system may include a prime mover, a traction device, and a clutch operable to transmit power produced by the prime mover to the traction device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls operable to control the clutch. The propulsion-system controls may include at least one information processor configured to estimate a temperature of the clutch based at least in part on an estimated slippage of the clutch and a fluid temperature.

Clutch temperature estimation for a mobile machine

A powertrain system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The powertrain system may have a power source, a plurality of traction devices, and a differential operatively connecting an output of the power source with the plurality of traction devices. The powertrain may also have a manual input device movable by an operator to generate a first signal indicative of a desire to lock the differential, at least one sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a parameter of the mobile machine, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, the manual input device, and the differential. The controller may be configured to inhibit locking of the differential based on the first signal when the second signal indicates the parameter deviating from an acceptable range.

Powertrain system having lockable differential

An improved speed sensing system is disclosed for a machine, such as a truck, that has an axle with an end and an axis. The machine further includes a sensor non-rotatably coupled to the end of the axle and coaxial with the axis. A wheel hub is rotatably coupled to the axle and a wheel cover is coupled to the wheel hub. The machine further includes a magnet coaxially disposed with the axis and coupled to the wheel cover for rotation about the axis as the wheel rotates. The sensor generates signals based on the rotational speed of the magnet and the wheel. For non-rotating axles that are solid or include solid spindles, a passageway for a communication line between the sensor and electronic control module (ECM) may be easily drilled thereby making the disclosed system easy to add to an existing machine or vehicle.

Wheel speed sensing system and method

Growing community of inventors

Dunlap, IL, United States of America

Gerry Owen McCann