Abstract:
Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for controlling a vehicle are provided. The system includes a controller configured to generate output signals using input signals received from a plurality of different types of input devices wherein the controller is configured to operate at a predetermined logic level and a universal input module corresponding to each type of the plurality of different types of input devices. The universal input module is configured to receive an input signal from an associated input device of one of the different types, determine an operating range of the input device corresponding to one of the different types of input devices, and transmit an output to the controller at the predetermined logic level wherein the output corresponds to the received input scaled to the determined operating range.
Abstract:
An electric traction system for a vehicle having a high voltage battery and a low voltage battery is provided. The system includes an AC electric motor and a double ended inverter system coupled to the AC electric motor. The AC electric motor has a first set of windings and a second set of windings that occupy common stator slots, where the first set of windings and the second set of windings are electrically isolated from each other. The double ended inverter system drives the AC electric motor using energy obtained from the high voltage battery and energy obtained from the low voltage battery. The double ended inverter system utilizes a first inverter subsystem coupled between the first set of windings and the high voltage battery, and a second inverter subsystem coupled between the second set of windings and the low voltage battery.
Abstract:
When a motor temperature exceeds a threshold value, a torque control unit reduces a torque control value for a motor generator. A torque limitation control unit determines from torque control value and vehicular speed whether limiting a torque by the torque control unit should be alleviated, and if so the torque limitation control unit activates a signal for a predetermined period of time. When the signal is activated, the torque control unit stops reducing the torque control value and fixes the torque control value to be constant.
Abstract:
A method for determining output torque limits of a powertrain including an electrically variable transmission relies upon a model of the electrically variable transmission. Transmission operating space is defined by electric machine torque constraints, engine torque constraints and battery power constraints. Output torque limits are determined at the limits of the transmission operating space.
Abstract:
A unique transit system incorporates at least one internally powered, wheeled, transport vehicle having both manual controls enabling a user to drive the vehicle on a surface street and an on-board computer (OBC) system enabling software control of at least vehicle steering and velocity. A controlled roadway system having a roadway surface upon which the transport vehicle runs on its internal power on the same wheels as on surface streets is provided as well. On surface streets off the controlled roadway the manual controls are active, and on the controlled roadway the software controls are active. Manual or computer control depends on whether the vehicle is on the controlled roadway or surface streets. The OBC communicates with a Master computer for the controlled roadway, providing a range of functions. The transport vehicles operate at a fixed and constant speed on the controlled roadway system.
Abstract:
A controller with at least one switch or a plurality of switches e.g. in the form of a power switchgroup for controlling an electric drive motor in a vehicle wherein a set point selector consists of a mask that is rigidly connected or interchangeably attached to an actuating member of the controller, the mask is adapted to provide a predetermined set point characteristic in cooperation with control elements that are connected to an input of an electronic circuit which includes a second input to which are connected means for varying a reference voltage at the output of the electronic circuit and the control range of the set point characteristic. The control elements cooperating with the mask may consist of an opto-electronic transmitter-receiver device.
Abstract:
A system for sensing derailment of a remotely controlled engine including a switch integrated with a dead man control circuit for the engine to automatically stop the engine upon activation of the switch. The switch further includes a deformable copper pipe having a brass rod within the pipe but electrically insulated therefrom. The copper pipe with the brass rod, each having a terminal electrically connected to the circuit, is placed between rails in a rail yard. When the engine derails the wheels of the engine or some other part of the train press the copper pipe in communication with the brass rod thereby activating the switch and shutting down the engine.