The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 19, 2002
Filed:
Jan. 18, 2001
Jon A. Steeby, Schoolcraft, MI (US);
Eaton Corporation, Cleveland, OH (US);
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.