'Shift-mate?, a fuel efficiency monitor

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'Shift-mate?, a fuel efficiency monitor

Boardman, M.D.

The SHIFT-MATE is a dashboard mounted computer based device that cues a truck driver to shift more efficiently. Through electronic circuitry, key vehicle parameters are monitored, computed, then via graphic display, instructs the driver when to shift for improved fuel economy. The theory of operation is described in the text. The implementation of specifying heavy trucks based on improved fuel economy requires a particular driving style to fully maximize vehicle fuel efficiency. Many truck fleet managers are going to great measures to implement these fuel efficient driving styles into their operations. Fleet owners are specifying transmission and axle gearing to take advantage of the BSFC Characteristics of the engine. Truck engine manufacturers and vehicle OEM's recommend operating at lower engine RPM's with progressively higher up-shift RPM's during acceleration to minimize friction and energy losses. This paper describes a simple means of training the truck driver for fuel efficiency - The SHIFT-MATE.