Patent ID: 7650214
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. In a motor vehicle powertrain having an automatic transmission, a clutch for controlling operation of the transmission, a cylinder for containing a first volume of hydraulic fluid, a balance dam for containing a second volume of hydraulic fluid, and a piston for actuating the clutch in response to differential pressure between the first and second volumes, a method for controlling engagement of the clutch, comprising the steps of: (a) determining a reference speed of rotation of the first and second volumes that varies as a function of time at which the piston begins to move to engage the clutch without applying actuating pressure to the first volume; (b) starting a period by rotating the first and second volumes; and (c) maintaining a speed of the first and second volumes during said period that is less than the reference speed that corresponds to the current length of the period.