Patent ID: 6052638
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: B60W,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for controlling a vehicular powertrain system (10) comprising a fuel-controlled engine (12) drivingly connected to a vehicular drivetrain system (11) including a multiple-ratio, change-gear transmission (14) and a drive axle (19), said engine having a maximum output torque and an engine controller responsive to command signals to control fueling of the engine and, in at least one mode of operation, effective to limit gross engine torque, said drivetrain having a predetermined maximum torque loading capacity, said drivetrain configured such that an expected torque loading on said drivetrain under a predetermined set of drivetrain operating conditions defined by an engine output torque equal to or less than said maximum engine torque and transmission engaged ratio will exceed said predetermined maximum torque loading capacity, said method comprising:determining as a function of gross engine torque a value of a control parameter indicative of engine flywheel torque;sensing the value of a control parameter indicative of transmission engaged ratio; andcausing said engine controller to limit gross engine torque to a value corresponding to an engine flywheel torque value determined as a function of transmission engaged gear ratio.