Patent ID: 8596294
Filing Date: 2013-12-03
Classification: B60Y,F15B,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A hydraulic control system for a vehicle powertrain with an engine capable of being selectively turned on and turned off, the system comprising: an accumulator; a plurality of fluid passages through which a fluid flows between the accumulator and a transmission associated with the powertrain; and a smart memory alloy (SMA) valve in fluid communication with at least one of the fluid passages, the SMA valve having a transition temperature, wherein when the temperature of the fluid is less than or about equal to the transition temperature, the SMA valve closes, and when the temperature of the fluid exceeds the transition temperature, the SMA valve opens, and wherein when the SMA valve is closed the accumulator cannot be charged with fluid, and when the SMA valve is open the accumulator charges with fluid passively.