The present disclosure relates generally to a method and a system for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle. The method and system is implemented on vehicle with manual transmission to enhance clutch life.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A manual transmission is a multi-speed vehicle transmission system where gear changes require the driver to manually select the gears by operating a gear stick and clutch. Usually, first gear launch is used to bring a vehicle from stationary to motion. Second gear works just like the first gear but it is preferred to only use the second gear after the first gear.
[0003] In manual transmission, it is impractical to control the driving behavior. Generally, no intimation is given to the driver about the deteriorating effects of his/her operation, on the components of the vehicle.
[0004] Sometimes, second gear launch is used by the driver to bring the vehicle from stationary to motion. The second gear launch results in more wear and tear on the clutch and the motor as the clutch slips to prevent stalls and the motor bogs from too slow revolutions. Repeated use of second gear launch in manual transmission vehicles may result in burning of clutch.
[0005] In automatic vehicles clutch protection strategies are implemented to eliminate the burning of clutch. One of the protection strategies is to use a thermal model to determine the clutch temperature and intimate the driver when the clutch temperature exceeds a predefined threshold. The thermal model protection strategy

is designed for automatic vehicles as the control unit of automatic vehicles is advanced.
[0006] The thermal model based protection strategy is a complex strategy which requires additional space, additional sensors, and major modifications in control unit and calibration efforts to implement the same strategy in the manual transmission vehicles. Hence, applying the same strategy in the manual transmission vehicles is not feasible.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a method and a system for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle to reduce wear and tear of the clutch during repeated second gear launch resulting in prolongment of clutch life.
SUMMARY
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a system and a method for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0009] The present disclosure relates to a system for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle. The system comprises sensors and an Electronic Control Unit. The electronic control unit is operatively connected to the sensors. The sensors are configured to detect a primogenial second gear launch in a manual transmission vehicle. The Electronic Control Unit is configured to start a time on detection of the primogenial second gear launch by the sensors. Further, the Electronic Control Unit is configured to increment a counter each time the sensors detect subsequent second gear launch occurring within a predefined time period, after the primogenial second gear launch and indicate, over

user interface, repeated second gear launch warning, when the counter reaches a predefined threshold within the predefined time period.
[0010] In an aspect, the sensors for detecting second gear launch in the manual transmission vehicle includes a crank position sensor and a vehicle speed sensor.
[0011] In an aspect, the Electronic Control Unit resets the timer and the counter when the increment in the counter during the predefined time period after the primogenial second gear launch is below the predefined threshold value.
[0012] In an aspect, the Electronic Control Unit again start the timer and start incrementing the counter when the sensors detect primogenial second gear launch after reset.
[0013] The present disclosure further relates to a method for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle. The method comprises detecting, by sensors, a primogenial second gear launch in the manual transmission vehicle; starting, by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), a timer on detection of the primogenial second gear launch; beginning, by the Electronic Control Unit, a counter and incrementing the counter each time the sensors detect subsequent second gear launch occurring within a predefined time period, after the primogenial second gear launch; and indicating, over the user interface, repeated second gear launch warning, when the counter reaches a predefined threshold within the predefined time period.
[0014] In an aspect, the sensors for detecting second gear launch in the manual transmission vehicle includes a crank position sensor and a vehicle speed sensor.
[0015] In an aspect, when the increment in the counter during the predefined time period after the primogenial second gear launch is below the predefined threshold value, the Electronic Control Unit resets the timer and the counter.
[0016] In an aspect, when the sensors detect primogenial second gear launch after reset, the Electronic Control Unit again start the timer and start incrementing the counter.

[0017] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0018] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0019] The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of the method indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates a chart depicting first working embodiment of the system indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0023] FIG. 3B illustrates a chart depicting second working embodiment of the system indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of

[0024] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] A few aspects of the present disclosure are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Example implementations are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.
Definitions
[0026] In the disclosure hereinafter, one or more terms are used to describe various aspects of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, a few definitions are provided herein for better understating of the present disclosure.
[0027] "Second Gear Launch" is defined as a condition wherein the driver skips the first gear and instead start the vehicle by operating second gear in manual transmission vehicle.
[0028] "Primogenial Second Gear Launch" may be defined as the second gear launch which is detected by the sensors in the beginning (first) or after the reset of timer and counter, by Electronic Control Unit.
[0029] "Repeated Second Gear Launch Warning" may be defined as warning issued by the system to alert the driver that due to use of second gear launch again and again within a short interval of time the wear and tear in the clutch may increase.
EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENT A TIONS

[0030] While the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may be required, however, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the claims as set forth herein.
[0031] Second gear launch is a condition wherein the driver skips the first gear and instead start the vehicle by operating second gear in manual transmission. Generally, first gear launch is preferred wherein the driver starts the vehicle by operating first gear in manual transmission. During first gear, the clutch is slipped for shorter period of time up to a certain speed to get it fully engaged. Contrary to this, during second gear launch, the clutch has to be slipped for longer time up to a higher speed to get fully engaged. This result in more damage to the clutch.
[0032] Often times during traffic, drivers prefer second gear launch because it is convenient to start a vehicle in second gear. In this condition, driver uses second gear launch many times within a short period which increases wear and tear of the clutch. Using the second gear launch repeatedly for longer period of time may lead to clutch overheating and eventually clutch burning.
[0033] To solve the problem a method and a system is required for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle to reduce wear and tear of the clutch during repeated second gear launch and to prolong the clutch life.
[0034] In order to achieve this goal of reducing wear and tear of the clutch during repeated second gear launch and prolonging the clutch life, a method and a system for indicating repeated second gear launch in manual transmission vehicle

[0035] Some embodiments of this invention, illustrating all its features, will be discussed in detail.
[0036] The techniques described below may be implemented using one or more computer programs executing on (or executable by) a programmable computer including any combination of any number of the following: a processor, a sensor, a storage medium readable and/or writable by the processor (including for example volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), plurality of inputs units, plurality of output devices and networking devices.
[0037] Method steps as disclosed by present disclosure may be performed by one or more computer processors executing a program tangibly embodied on a computer-readable medium to perform functions of the invention by operating on input and generating output. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, the processor receives (reads) instructions and content from a memory (such as a read only memory and/or random access memory) and writes (stores) instructions and content to the memory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and content include, for example, all forms of non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices, including EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disk and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROMs. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially-designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).
[0038] Any content disclosed herein may be implemented, for example, in one or more content structures tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Embodiments of the invention may store such content in such content structure(s) and read such content from such content structure(s).
[0039] The present disclosure provides a method and system for indicating repeated second gear launch in a manual transmission vehicle.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 100 for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 comprises an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) (101) operatively connected to sensors 102 and a user interface 103. In an embodiment the Electronic Control Unit 101 comprises at least one processor 104 and at least one memory 105.
[0041] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensors 102 are configured to detect a primogenial second gear launch in a manual transmission vehicle. The sensors 102 includes a crank position sensor and a vehicle speed sensor. In an aspect, the crank position sensor and vehicle speed sensor measure the rotational speed of the gears in the transmission. Based on the rotation speed, the sensors 102 determines the gear currently operating in the manual transmission. In case the sensors 102 detect a primogenial second gear launch, the sensors 102 convert the measurement into an analog signal or a low voltage square wave signal and transmit the same to the Electronic Control Unit 101.
[0042] The Electronic Control Unit 101 is configured to receive the signal from the sensors 102. As the Electronic Control Unit 101 receives signal from the sensors 102 confirming the primogenial second gear launch, the Electronic Control Unit 101 starts a timer. The timer is set for a predefined period of time. This predefined period of time depends on parameters such as clutch hardware characteristics.
[0043] Simultaneously, the Electronic Control Unit 101 is configured to begin a counter and increment a counter each time the sensors 102 detect second gear launch subsequent to the primogenial second gear launch occurring within the predefined period of time. The repeated use of second gear launch within a short period increases wear and tear in the clutch. This wear and tear may hinder the normal working of the clutch. The Electronic Control Unit 101 ensures that the second gear launches subsequent to the primogenial second gear launch occurring within the predefined time period is counted to keep the wear and tear of clutch in check.

[0044] The Electronic Control Unit 101 indicates a repeated second gear launch warning, when the counter reaches a predefined threshold within the predefined time period. This predefined threshold depends on parameters such as clutch hardware characteristics. The repeated second gear launch warning may be provided on one or more user interface 103 provided inside the vehicle. The user interface 103 may include but not limited to infotainment system, Instrument Panel Cluster etc. Further, the repeated second gear launch warning may be provided through visual media such as blinking light, warning signal on infotainment system, etc. or sound media such as warning beeping sound or both visual media or sound media.
[0045] The Electronic Control Unit 101 resets the timer and the counter when
there is no increment in the counter or the counter value is below the predefined threshold during predefined time period after the primogenial second gear launch. This indicates that the state or operation of the clutch is within the safe limits.
[0046] The Electronic Control Unit 101 again start the timer and begin the counter when the Electronic Control Unit 101 again receives signal from the sensors confirming the primogenial second gear launch after previous reset. The whole working discussed above repeats again.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of the method 200 indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0048] At block 202, the method 200 includes detection of a primogenial second gear launch in the manual transmission vehicle by the sensors 102. The sensors 102 detect a primogenial second gear launch and the sensors 102 converts the measurement into an analog signal or a low voltage square wave signal and transmit the same to the Electronic Control Unit 101.
[0049] At block 204, the method 200 includes starting a timer by the Electronic Control Unit 101 on detection of the primogenial second gear launch. The

Electronic Control Unit 101 starts the timer as soon as the signal confirming the primogenial second gear launch is received from the sensors 102.
[0050] At block 206, the method 200 includes beginning a counter, by the Electronic Control Unit 101, and incrementing the counter each time the sensors 102 detect subsequent second gear launches. The Electronic Control Unit 101 only increments the counter for subsequent second gear launches occurring after the primogenial second gear launch and within a predefined time period.
[0051] At block 208, the method 200 includes, indicating over the user interface 103, repeated second gear launch warning, when the counter reaches a predefined threshold within the predefined time.
[0052] At block 210, the method 200 includes resetting by the Electronic Control Unit, the timer and the counter when no increment is observed or the increment observed is below the predefined threshold in the counter during predefined time period after the primogenial second gear launch. The Electronic Control unit 101 also reset the timer and the counter after indicating the repeated second gear launch warning. The Electronic Control Unit 101 again start the timer and begin the counter when the sensors 102 detect the primogenial second gear launch again. The steps 204, 206, 208 and 210 repeat after detection of subsequent primogenial second gear launches after resetting.
WORKING EMBODIMENTS
[0053] FIG. 3A illustrates a chart 300A depicting working of the system 100 indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0054] For first working embodiment, the predefined time period is taken as 150 seconds and the predefined threshold of counter is taken as 3. The brown line indicates that the sensors 102 has detected a primogenial second gear launch at time Tl. As soon as the sensors 102 detect a primogenial second gear launch, the sensors 102 convert the measurement into an analog signal or a low voltage square wave

signal and transmit the same to the Electronic Control Unit 101. The Electronic Control Unit 101 starts the timer as soon as the confirmation of the primogenial second gear launch is received from the sensors 102. The predefined time period is set as 150 seconds. Accordingly, the black line depicts timer with 150 steps. The electronic control Unit 101 simultaneously begin a counter to count subsequent second gear launches occurring after the primogenial second gear launch within the predefined time period of 150 seconds. The blue line depicts such subsequent second gear launch within the predefined time period of 150 seconds. In this case, the counter counts 3 instances within the predefined time period of 150 seconds, where second gear launches has occurred after the primogenial second gear launch. As the predefined threshold of counter is set as 3 and the counter has counted the instances of second gear launch within the predefined time period as 3, the Electronic Control Unit 101 indicates a repeated second gear launch warning on the user interface 103. The repeated second gear launch warning is depicted as red line after the time Tl+150. After the repeated second gear launch warning, the Electronic Control Unit 101 resets the timer and the counter.
[0055] FIG. 3B illustrates a chart 300B depicting working of the system 100 indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a manual transmission vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0056] For second working embodiment, the predefined time period is taken as 150 seconds and the predefined threshold of counter is taken as 3. The brown line indicates that the sensors 102 have detected a primogenial second gear launch at time Tl. As soon as the sensors 102 detect a primogenial second gear launch, the sensors 102 convert the measurement into an analog signal or a low voltage square wave signal and transmit the same to the Electronic Control Unit 101. The Electronic Control Unit 101 starts the timer as soon as the confirmation of the primogenial second gear launch is received from the sensors 102. The predefined time period is set as 150 seconds. Accordingly, the black line depicts timer with 150 steps. The electronic control Unit 101 simultaneously begin a counter to count

subsequent second gear launch occurring after the primogenial second gear launch within the predefined time period of 150 seconds. The blue line depicts such subsequent second gear launch within the predefined time period of 150 seconds. In this case, there are no such instances within the predefined time period of 150 seconds, where second gear launch has occurred after the primogenial second gear launch. As the predefined threshold of counter is set as 3 and the counter has counted no instances of second gear launch within the predefined time period or launches which are less than the threshold value within the given time period, the Electronic Control Unit 101 does not indicate a repeated second gear launch warning on the user interface 103. The "no warning" is depicted as green line after the time Tl+150. After the defined time period of 150 seconds, the Electronic Control Unit 101 resets the timer and the counter.
[0057] Thus, with the implementation of the system 100 and the method 200 of the present subject matter, wear and tear of the clutch during repeated second gear launch is reduced which results in prolongment of clutch life.
[0058] Further, with the implementation of the present disclosure, thermal model based protection strategy which require additional space, additional sensors, and major modification in control unit and calibration efforts could be replaced. Thus, the present disclosure provides a better and economical replacement of thermal model based protection strategy for manual transmission vehicles.
[0059] The above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0060] It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout the description,

discussions utilizing terms such as "receiving," or "retrieving," or "comparing," or "generating," or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0061] The exemplary embodiment also relates to a system for performing the operations discussed herein. This system may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, solid state drives, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus.
[0062] Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0063] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

[0064] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

We Claim:

1. A system (100) for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a
manual transmission vehicle, the system (100) comprises:
sensors (102) for detecting a primogenial second gear launch in a manual transmission vehicle; and
an Electronic Control Unit (101) operatively connected to the sensors (102), the Electronic Control Unit (101) is configured to:
start a timer on detection of the primogenial second gear launch by the sensors (102);
begin a counter and increment the counter each time the sensors (102) detect subsequent second gear launches occurring within a predefined time period, after the primogenial second gear launch; and
indicate, over user interface (103), repeated second gear launch warning, when the counter reaches a predefined threshold within the predefined time period.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors (102) for detecting second gear launch in the manual transmission vehicle includes a crank position sensor and a vehicle speed sensor.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Electronic Control Unit (101) resets the timer and the counter when the increment in the counter during the predefined time period after the primogenial second gear launch is below the predefined threshold value.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the Electronic Control Unit (101) again start the timer and start incrementing the counter when the sensors (102) detect primogenial second gear launch after reset.

5. A method (200) for indicating repeated second gear launch warning in a
manual transmission vehicle, the method (200) comprises:
Detecting (202), by sensors (102), a primogenial second gear launch in the manual transmission vehicle;
Starting (204), by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) (101), a timer on detection of the primogenial second gear launch;
Beginning (206), by the Electronic Control Unit (101), a counter and incrementing the counter each time the sensors (102) detect subsequent second gear launches occurring within a predefined time period, after the primogenial second gear launch; and
Indicating (208), over the user interface, repeated second gear launch warning, when the counter reaches a predefined threshold within the predefined time period.
6. The method (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sensors (102) for
detecting second gear launch in the manual transmission vehicle includes a
crank position sensor and a vehicle speed sensor.
7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the increment in the counter during the predefined time period after the primogenial second gear launch is below the predefined threshold value, the Electronic Control Unit (101) resets the timer and the counter.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein when the sensors (102) detects primogenial second gear launch after reset, the Electronic Control Unit (101) again start the timer and start incrementing the counter.