Importance

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Abstract

A traction control approach provides for smooth and precise control of engine output torque to reduce slip of the driven wheels during acceleration thereof through an integrated control of engine ignition timing and engine fueling in automotive vehicles regardless of the type of transmission used in the vehicle. In the presence of a slip condition at the vehicle driven wheels, ignition timing is adjusted to attempt to alleviate the condition. If limits on ignition timing authority, established for catalytic converter overtemperature protection, are being approached or exceeded, a single fuel injector is disabled, ignition timing is advanced to buffer the significant fuel-based torque loss, and the timing authority is increased. Further injectors may be sequentially disabled in this manner if ignition timing again approaches or runs out of authority. Recovery from a compensated slip condition is provided through sequential enabling of any disabled injectors, with appropriate reduction in ignition authority and retarding of ignition timing following each re-enabled injector. Accommodation is made for the effects of any transmission shifting that may occur.

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First Claim