Patent ID: 6945910
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: B60W,F16H,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a powertrain coupled to a driver operated vehicle, the powertrain having an internal combustion engine coupled to a transmission, the method comprising: determining a desired vehicle speed deceleration trajectory in response to a release of an accelerator pedal by said driver, where desired engine output torque changes from positive to negative based on said release, and during said release; adjusting an engine operating parameter to maintain positive powertrain output torque based on a determination of whether an actual vehicle trajectory is below said desired vehicle trajectory; and adjusting said engine operating parameter to transition from positive powertrain output torque to negative powertrain output torque based on a determination of whether said actual vehicle trajectory is above said desired vehicle trajectory, wherein the engine is coupled to the transmission via a torque converter, wherein said positive powertrain output is maintained by maintaining torque converter input speed greater than torque converter output speed.