Ford Patents
Ford Motor Company is a a global automotive manufacturer and distributor of Ford and Lincoln branded vehicles.
Ford Patents by Type- Ford Patents Granted: Ford patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Ford Patent Applications: Ford patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11968606Abstract: Cloud-based communication management is provided. Status information regarding vehicles is maintained to a non-volatile storage. A request intended to be performed by one of the vehicles is received to a cloud server over a communications network from a requesting device. Responsive to the request being performable by a mobile edge computing (MEC) device in a cell of the communications network instead of the one of the vehicles, the request is sent by the cloud server to the MEC device to be processed by the MEC device instead of being performed by the one of the vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hanan J. Ahmed, Hassan Halabian, Erick Michael Lavoie
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Patent number: 11968261Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and computer program products for monitoring, testing, or debugging transportation services, generating or transmitting an initiating message from a global manager cloud to an external service cloud, to invoke a transportation as a service (TaaS) message from external service clouds that comprise confirmation, also including generating or transmitting a simulated message from the global manager cloud to mirror the TaaS message, or a portion, transmitted on a TaaS link from the external service cloud to the on-vehicle modem, determining, a confidence threshold for a capability or security of the TaaS link, validating AV service data sent from the global manager cloud to a TaaS component in an on-vehicle black box of the autonomous vehicle system, validating AV compute data sent from the autonomous vehicle system to the TaaS component in the on-vehicle black box, validating TaaS message data received from the external service cloud.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew Puchalski, Scott Plant
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Patent number: 11967864Abstract: An electric machine rotor including a rotor core having a plurality of magnets and several pairs of elongated slots circumferentially distributed on the rotor core. Each pair of elongated slots jointly forms a V-shaped configuration with an opening facing an outer periphery of the rotor core. Each elongated slot includes a mounting portion that matches the shape of the magnet and an end hole located at an end of the elongated slot pointing to the outer periphery. The end hole includes a main body area and a lobe area, and the lobe area extends from the main body area toward outside of the V-shaped configuration until it is partially located outside a side extension line of the mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Chuan Deng
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Patent number: 11967744Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a bypass valve positioned downstream of a compressor and upstream of a fuel cell stack to selectively direct airflow from the compressor to an exhaust bypassing the fuel cell in an attempt to clear a partially or fully obstructed exhaust pipe. The bypass valve may be opened by a controller when an exhaust throttle valve is at or near a wide-open throttle position. The controller may also increase compressor flow and adjust airflow to the fuel cell stack until compressor pressure, speed, or temperature exceed corresponding limits.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Martin Dale Pryor, Ryan Ma, Craig Michael Mathie
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Patent number: 11967872Abstract: An electric machine stator includes a stator core having annular stator laminations arranged in a stack with each lamination includes a plurality of stator teeth, adjacent teeth defining corresponding tooth slots on an inner periphery. Each stator tooth slot includes a winding area and an opening area leading to the inner periphery and including a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side each have an inner and outer tooth top, the inner and outer tooth top of the first side and the inner and outer tooth top of the second side are respectively symmetrical with respect to a center line of the opening area, and the first side and the second side are asymmetric with respect to the center line.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chuan Deng, Guohua Du, Yigang Yuan
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Patent number: 11967184Abstract: A computer, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to acquire a first image with a visible and NIR light camera and acquire a second image with an infrared camera. The instructions can include further instructions to determine whether the second image includes a live human face by comparing a first infrared profile included in the second image with second infrared profile included in a previously acquired third image acquired with the infrared camera; and when the second image includes the live human face, output the first image.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ali Hassani, Jonathan Diedrich, Hafiz Malik, David Hiskens, Ryan Edwin Hanson
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Patent number: 11964568Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller programmed to generate a command to an electric machine to reduce a torque output rate after an accelerator pedal is tipped out based upon a vehicle speed value and a wheel acceleration torque value. The torque output rate is initially reduced at a first rate, and is then reduced at a second rate slower than the first rate when the wheel acceleration torque value is greater than 0 Nm.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Bryan Michael Bolger, Sergey Gennadievich Semenov
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Patent number: 11967683Abstract: A system and method for intelligent battery charging management to improve battery life and charging efficiency of high capacity batteries that may not be deeply discharged on a regular basis may learn driving habits automatically and/or with user input and select an ending state-of-charge (SOC) to limit battery charging to less than maximum capacity based on current and/or anticipated ambient temperature and battery health of life (HOL). An expected vehicle travel distance before the next charge may be learned or determined based on vehicle or user inputs. An ending SOC based on battery temperature, a delta SOC to meet propulsive energy for the expected travel distance, cycling effect (depth of discharge) on battery HOL for a given delta SOC, and/or battery working efficiency may be used to control charging of the vehicle battery.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Xiaohong Duan, Yanan Zhao, Robert Taenaka
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Patent number: 11964064Abstract: A vehicle apparatus charges and sanitizes a mobile device. The mobile device has an inductive power receiver coil for wireless charging. A storage bin in the vehicle (such as a center console or a glove compartment) has a movable lid. A tray of the charging/sanitizing apparatus is adapted to receive a side surface of the mobile device so that a majority of the side surface is suspended from the tray by a gap. A first wireless power link is configured to inductively charge the mobile device from the tray to the power receiver coil. A plurality of ultraviolet emitters are disposed at a plurality of locations inside the storage bin to illuminate an exterior of the mobile device when the movable lid is closed. At least some of the ultraviolet emitters are also inductively powered.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael Hrecznyj, John Van Wiemeersch, Vivekanandh Elangovan
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Patent number: 11964697Abstract: A body on frame vehicle includes left and right front tubes and a lower support. The left front tube extends above a left front wheel well of the body on frame vehicle and terminates in a forward direction at a left forward end. The right front tube extends above a right front wheel well of the body on frame vehicle and terminates in the forward direction at a right forward end. The lower support includes a lateral portion, left riser portion, and right riser portion. A left end of the lower support extends upward from the lateral portion to form the left riser portion and a right end of the lower support extends upward from the lateral portion to form the right riser portion. The left and right riser portions are affixed to the left and right front tube proximate the left forward end and the right forward end, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Dragan B. Stojkovic
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Patent number: 11967109Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for determining a position of a vehicle includes an image sensor, a top-down view component, a comparison component, and a location component. The image sensor obtains an image of an environment near a vehicle. The top-down view component is configured to generate a top-down view of a ground surface based on the image of the environment. The comparison component is configured to compare the top-down image with a map, the map comprising a top-down light LIDAR intensity map or a vector-based semantic map. The location component is configured to determine a location of the vehicle on the map based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Sarah Houts, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Vidya Nariyambut Murali, Tory Smith
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Patent number: 11964547Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle with an arrangement configured to oppose movement of a vehicle door, and a corresponding method. An example motor vehicle includes a body, a door configured to slide relative to the body between an open position and a closed position, and a bracket connected to the door. The bracket includes a slot. Further, a locking arm is mounted to the body, and, when the door is in the closed position, the locking arm is configured to move such that the locking arm is received in the slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michelle Carolina Herrera Gutierrez, Luis Enrique Castillo Jaime, Antonio Dario Garay Serrano, Alejandro Sánchez Islas, Zhibing Deng
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Patent number: 11964692Abstract: A vehicle hitching assistance system includes a controller executing an initial alignment process including searching for a trailer within a specified area of image data that is less than a total field of the image data in directions corresponding with both a longitudinal distance between the vehicle and the trailer and a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal distance, presenting an indication to a driver of the vehicle to reposition the vehicle when the trailer is not identified within the specified area, and removing the indication when the trailer is identified within the specified area. The controller further executes an automated backing process upon identifying the trailer within the specified area, including identifying a coupler of the trailer and outputting a steering signal to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to steer to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the coupler of the trailer during reversing.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Luke Niewiadomski, Douglas Rogan, Shannon Brooks-Lehnert, Chen Zhang, Roger Arnold Trombley, Peter Ling, Kenneth Michael Mayer, Seyed Armin Raeis Hosseiny, Bo Bao, Steven Wayne Friedlander
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Patent number: 11964554Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an evaporative emission fuel (EVAP) system. In one example, a method for the EVAP system includes loading canisters in parallel sequentially during a refueling event. The method further includes switching loading from one canister to another in response to a fuel level during the refueling event.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aed Dudar, Scott Bohr, Matthew Werner
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Patent number: 11964576Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a wireless charger that wirelessly receives power from an external source, cameras, LEDs, a speaker, and at least one controller programmed individually or in combination to, when the wireless charger is receiving power from the external source, process images from at least one of the cameras and operate the LEDs and the speaker based on detection of an object within the images. The controller may change the color of the LEDs and/or sound emitted by the speaker in response to whether the object is detected within a first zone farther from the vehicle or a second zone nearer the vehicle. The LEDs and cameras may be positioned on external side mirrors, front, rear, and/or underbody portions of the vehicle. The speaker may be external to the vehicle cabin and provide an audible signal when operating the vehicle in electric mode at low speeds.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Mackenzie, Jonathan Barker
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Patent number: 11965472Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, a sensor configured to generate a sensor signal correlated with an air-fuel ratio of first and second cylinders of the plurality of cylinders, and a controller in communication with the sensor and programmed to monitor the air-fuel ratio of the first cylinder in response to an indication that air-fuel ratio measurements of the first cylinder satisfy predetermined criteria for current engine operating conditions while air-fuel ratio measurements of the second cylinder do not satisfy the predetermined criteria for the current engine operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rani Kiwan, Sitaram Rejeti, Adam Joseph Krach, Andrew Bagnasco, Patrick Edward Smithberger
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Patent number: 11964693Abstract: A vehicle having park assist includes a plurality of powered closure doors, each door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, a plurality of sensors located on the vehicle for sensing objects relative to the vehicle and generating sensed signals indicative of the sensed objects, and a transceiver for communicating with a parked vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller processing the sensed signals, determining a distance and location of the sensed objects relative to the doors, and determining a parking location for the vehicle in a garage where the closure doors are free from contact with an object in the garage when in an open position and are free of contact with powered closure doors on the parked vehicle. An output is provided to assist a driver of the vehicle to park the vehicle in the garage in the determined parking location.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
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Patent number: 11965045Abstract: A method of forming an etched part includes forming a substrate including a thermoset resin and etching a surface of the substrate. The thermoset resin includes a vat photopolymerization (VPP) thermoset resin and at least one of an etchable phase and etchable particles disposed within the VPP thermoset resin. The etching removes the etchable phase from the VPP thermoset resin at the surface of the substrate such that a plurality of micro-mechanical bonding sites are formed on an etched surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2023Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Xiaojiang Wang, Shannon Christine Bollin, Robert D. Bedard, Matthew Cassoli, Ellen Cheng-Chi Lee
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Patent number: 11965972Abstract: A method for determining a location of a vehicle includes a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) location system in a manufacturing environment. The method includes determining, when a key cycle transition condition of the vehicle and a vehicle gear transition condition of the vehicle are satisfied, a location parameter of the vehicle using an auxiliary location detection system, where the location parameter includes a location of the vehicle, identification information of the vehicle, and a timestamp of the vehicle. The method includes determining a vehicle time period based on the location parameter and a previous location parameter of the vehicle and validating a manufacturing routine of the vehicle when the location parameter satisfies a location condition and the vehicle time period satisfies a time condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Stanek, Allen R. Murray, Fahad Liaqat, Sikder Imam, Daniel Robert Taylor, Charles Robert Maxwell Zine
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Patent number: 11964600Abstract: An armrest assembly for a vehicle and method of operating includes a body with a hinge receiver coupled to the top section. An armrest member is rotationally and removably coupled to the body and is movable between first, second, and third positions A latch receiver having a locking mechanism that operably couples to a latch is defined on the top section or the armrest member. A hinge feature operably couplable to the hinge receiver is defined on the armrest member. An input device is communicatively coupled to a controller, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Juan Filipe Brito Figueira, Guilherme Novaes Gomes Lima, Leandro Quinelato
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Patent number: 11964583Abstract: A computer can execute instructions to: receive power-receiving vehicle data identifying a power-receiving vehicle; identify one or more power-supplying vehicles for providing charging to the power-receiving vehicle; determine a rank for each of the identified one or more power-supplying vehicles based on the received power-receiving vehicle data and data received from the one or more power-supplying vehicles; upon selecting one of the one or more power-supplying vehicles, provide a navigation instruction to navigate at least one of the power-receiving vehicle and the selected power-supplying vehicle to a charging location based on a power-receiving vehicle location and a selected power-supplying vehicle location; and send access data to the power-receiving vehicle to access a charge port of the selected power-supplying vehicle; send a first light actuation instruction to the power-supplying vehicle based on a charging status; and send a second light actuation instruction to the power-receiving vehicle basedType: GrantFiled: August 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Kennedy, Annette Lynn Huebner, Peter Phung
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Patent number: 11965747Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for a mobile device including transmitting a request by the mobile device for a route that considers transportation modalities and route conditions, the request including location data of the mobile device, receiving a recommended route, the recommended route based on low energy hardware based classification of conditions associated with a plurality of available routes, and receiving a recommended transport modality vehicle and a list of known vehicle identifiers associated with the location data. Low energy wireless signals are received by the mobile device with low energy hardware based classifiers from a mobility vehicle including dedicated hardware including a being a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or hardware supporting a spiking neural network (SNN), the hardware receiving camera and microphone inputs.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Omar Makke, Jeremy Lerner
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Patent number: 11964589Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a storage compartment positioned forward of a vehicle passenger cabin and accessible by opening a vehicle hood, a thermally conductive plate or heat exchanger in contact with a bottom surface of the storage compartment and having an associated conduit configured for circulating a working fluid from a vehicle cooling system, and a valve operable to control flow of the working fluid through the conduit. The storage compartment may be filled with a cooling medium, such as ice or dry ice, to provide enhanced cooling during high-demand operation or charging of the vehicle, such as when operating in a performance/track mode, towing a trailer, or in other extreme use scenarios. The valve may be controlled so that the working fluid bypasses the conduit when the storage compartment is used for cargo and/or enhanced cooling is not desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Patrick Gordon Collins, David Michael Horan, Thomas Karl Rothermel, Jacob Gregory Powers
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Patent number: 11966452Abstract: Systems and methods for image-based perception. The methods comprise: capturing images by a plurality of cameras with overlapping fields of view; generating, by a computing device, spatial feature maps indicating locations of features in the images; identifying, by the computing device, overlapping portions of the spatial feature maps; generating, by the computing device, at least one combined spatial feature map by combining the overlapping portions of the spatial feature maps together; and/or using, by the computing device, the at least one combined spatial feature map to define a predicted cuboid for at least one object in the images.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Guy Hotson, Francesco Ferroni, Harpreet Banvait, Kiwoo Shin, Nicolas Cebron
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Patent number: 11964632Abstract: A vehicle accessory attachment system include a structure having apertures. The system further includes a plurality of feet. Each foot is receivable within one of the apertures. The system further includes a locking assembly configured to transition back-and-forth between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking assembly includes a biasing device, an extension coupled to one of the structure or the accessory, and at least one opening in the other of the structure or the accessory. When the locking assembly is in the unlocked position, the feet are slidable relative to the structure. When the locking assembly is in the locked position, the feet are received within one of the apertures and are shifted toward a side of the aperture to secure an accessory to a vehicle. The biasing device biases the locking assembly toward the locked position where the extension is received within the at least one opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Matthew B. Rutman
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Patent number: 11965476Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle are described. In one example, the method selects one or more electric machines to start an engine. The method may reference a data structure, such as a matrix or table, and the matrix or table outputs which of the one or more electric machines is applied to start the engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Maruthi Ravichandran, Calvin Trescott, Jason Meyer, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Doering
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Publication number: 20240123807Abstract: A structural assembly for an electric vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a battery structure, a pair of mounting structures, and a plurality of fasteners. The vehicle frame includes opposed longitudinal rails. The battery structure is disposed between the opposed longitudinal rails and includes a battery housing configured to house power storage units. Each mounting structure is secured to a respective side of the battery housing and supports a corresponding longitudinal rail. The plurality of fasteners extend through a corresponding mounting structure of the pair of mounting structures and a corresponding longitudinal rail of the opposed longitudinal rails to secure the vehicle frame and the battery structure to each other. An outer periphery of the corresponding mounting structure is substantially flush with an outer periphery of the corresponding longitudinal rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Henry W. Hausler, Patrick Daniel Maguire, Scott J. Bell, Conor Daniel Hennessey
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Publication number: 20240124079Abstract: A method of directing a vehicle body through a paint process includes obtaining, by a vehicle manufacturing system, process operation data from a vehicle body process. The process operation data is indicative of an operation state of an identified machine performing a selected body operation as part of the vehicle body process. The method includes determining, by the vehicle manufacturing system, whether a recognized fault has occurred based on the process operation data, identifying a potential vehicle body imperfection based on a paint process model and the recognized fault, and providing, by the vehicle manufacturing system, a notification to the paint process of the potential vehicle body imperfection for the vehicle body, where the notification includes location information of the potential vehicle body imperfection, a remedial action for addressing the potential vehicle body imperfection, a recommended resource allocation, or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Gary David Farquhar, Marc Tornero Soria, Brian Lucatch, Mitchell Goepel
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Publication number: 20240123874Abstract: A system for reconfiguring a seating assembly within a vehicle, the system comprising identifying an adjacent surface within an interior of the vehicle, calculating a distance between the seating assembly and the adjacent surface, wherein the configuration is an occupiable seating configuration, and further wherein the occupiable seating configuration has a mode chosen from a forward facing mode and a rearward facing mode, storing the distance between the seating assembly and the adjacent surface, receiving a user input to transition the seating assembly from one occupiable seating configuration mode chosen from the forward facing mode and the rearward facing mode toward the other mode, and controlling the configuration of the seating assembly to transition from one occupiable seating configuration mode chosen from the forward facing mode and the rearward facing mode toward the other of the forward facing mode and the rearward facing mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Patrick Maloney, Kevin VanNieulande, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Johnathan Andrew Line
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Publication number: 20240123939Abstract: A vehicle includes a first pillar and a second pillar spaced along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The first pillar and the second pillar define a door opening therebetween. An airbag is above the door opening in an uninflated position and is inflatable across the door opening to an inflated position. A cable is above the door opening when the airbag is in the uninflated position. The cable extends across the door opening from the first pillar to the second pillar when the airbag is in the inflated position. A pyrotechnic retractor is below the airbag and the cable when the airbag is in the uninflated position. The pyrotechnic retractor is connected to the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi, S.M. Iskander Farooq, Saeed D. Barbat
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Publication number: 20240127642Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive time-series data from sensors of a vehicle, determine an efficiency of the vehicle, and determine a probability of a fault occurring in the vehicle based on the time-series data and on the efficiency. The efficiency is energy consumption by the vehicle per distance traveled by the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Wolf, Nicholas B. Chase, Michael W. Degner
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Publication number: 20240124010Abstract: A vehicle driving assistance system is disclosed. The system may include a transceiver configured to receive a source location and a destination location for a user trip, a user driving information and road information associated with a plurality of geographical zones between the source location and the destination location. The system may further include a processor configured to calculate a user driving index based on the user driving information. Further, the processor may be configured to calculate a zone index for each geographical zone based on the road information. The processor may be further configured to correlate the user driving index and the zone index, and calculate a driver assistance index for each geographical zone based on the correlation. The processor may perform a control action when the calculated driver assistance index is greater than a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Syed Amaar Ahmad, Azin Neishaboori
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Publication number: 20240125000Abstract: A method of plating a substrate includes etching at least a portion of a surface of the substrate to form voids within the surface. The substrate includes a composite material with a network of electrically conductive nanostructures dispersed therein. Electrodes are attached to the substrate, it is placed in a bath of a first electrically conductive metal, and a voltage is applied to the substrate through the electrodes to deposit a first electrically conductive metal layer onto the surface of the substrate, and a second electrically conductive metal layer is electroplated thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Deborah Frances Mielewski, Paul Kenneth Dellock, LaRon Michelle Brown, Stuart C. Salter, Alper Kiziltas
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Publication number: 20240123942Abstract: A vehicle puddle lamp assembly including a housing, a lens coupled to the housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to the housing. At least one near-infrared light source to emit near-infrared light through the lens is coupled to the printed circuit board. A palm image sensor is also coupled to the printed circuit board. The palm image sensor is configured to detect a palm vein pattern illuminated by the near-infrared light and reflected from a user's palm through the lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Prashant Dubey, Roy Daniel Chapman, Christopher Storms
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Publication number: 20240127137Abstract: Systems and methods for fleet management for a fleet of vehicles include collecting data associated with the fleet of vehicles including data associated with a plurality of vehicle operations affecting degradation of each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles, determining a composite score associated with the fleet of vehicles based on the collected data, the composite score associated with both an average score for the fleet and a standard deviation score associated with each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles, wherein a higher composite score relates to a slower degradation of the fleet of vehicles, and altering assignment of the plurality of vehicle operations assigned to each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles based on the composite score data to enable a higher composite score by equalizing an average degradation of the fleet of vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Sanjay Dayal, Ryan O'Gorman, Pietro Buttolo
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Publication number: 20240129888Abstract: Rider identification systems and methods using motion sensing are disclosed herein. An example method includes obtaining a location of a mobile device associated with an individual, obtaining sensor data from the mobile device that includes a first motion profile, the sensor data also including environment information around the location, generating a motion model for the individual using the environment information, generating a second motion profile using the motion model, comparing the second motion profile to the first motion profile, and confirming when the second motion profile matches the first motion profile to confirm that the individual is at the location.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Michael Herman, Alexander George Shanku
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Publication number: 20240125611Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing routes and water usage are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining calendar data for a traveler, the calendar data including trip information for a trip, determining a current water supply for the traveler, determining water generation capability of a vehicle used by the traveler for the trip, predictively determining a water estimate for the trip, determining when the water supply and the water generation capability substantially correspond to the water estimate, and providing an alert to the traveler when the water supply and the water generation capability are insufficient relative to the water estimate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert D. Bedard, Douglas Raymond Martin
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Publication number: 20240126594Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to execute an application in an isolated software environment on a controller of a vehicle; upon receiving a command from the application to actuate a component of the vehicle, prevent the command from being transmitted to the component; and upon receiving the command, transmit the command to a location in the memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Abdullah Ali Husain, Anushree Nagvekar, Srujan Reddy Maram, Nasser Shuaibi, Vyacheslav Zavadsky, Satish Rayarapu, Mirela Ioana Fonoage
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Publication number: 20240127048Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a computer that includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to acquire real world sensor data from a mobile platform for a first time period. The real world sensor data from the mobile platform can be input to a first neural network to predict sensor data of the mobile platform for a second time period that is prior to the first time period. The predicted sensor data and the real world sensor data can be input to a simulation of the mobile platform; wherein the simulation outputs predicted real world operation of the mobile platform based on the predicted sensor data for the second time period and the real world sensor data for the first time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Michael Herman, Shaheer Zafar
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Publication number: 20240123953Abstract: A system for braking a host vehicle. A memory storing instructions executable by a processor includes instructions to actuate friction brakes in the host vehicle when a brake condition occurs. The brake condition includes that the host vehicle is parked on a roadway, a person is located exterior to the host vehicle, and an approaching vehicle will come within a distance threshold of the host vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brendan Francis Diamond, Stuart C. Salter, Kenneth McHugh, Keith Weston
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Publication number: 20240123808Abstract: A structural assembly for an electric vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a battery structure. The vehicle frame is distinct from a vehicle body and includes a front section, a rear section and a mid-section disposed between the front and rear sections. The mid-section includes opposed longitudinal rails. The battery structure is configured to house power storage units and is disposed between the opposed longitudinal rails. The battery structure includes a battery housing secured to the opposed longitudinal rails of the mid-section. The mid-section and the battery housing are combined into a unitized structure that is removably secured to the front and rear sections of the vehicle frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Henry W. Hausler, Conor Daniel Hennessey, Scott J. Bell, Patrick Daniel Maguire
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Publication number: 20240129301Abstract: A gateway device or the like in a vehicle can receive a packet from a device, such as an electronic control unit in the vehicle, via a port to a vehicle network. Upon determining that the device is defined on the vehicle network and not authenticated to the vehicle network, it can be determined whether the packet is an authentication packet. Upon determining that the packet is an authentication packet, it can be attempted to authenticate the device until authentication is successful or a threshold number of attempts is exceeded. Upon determining that the threshold number of attempts is exceeded, the port can be disabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yangho Kim, Rajesh Balaji Vijayan
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Publication number: 20240129637Abstract: When multiple display screens share data from different control units, the screens may flicker or have other anomalies when the control units are not synced. A system and method for detecting flickering or other anomalies includes receiving a video feed of a display screen to be tested, recording, from the video feed, a video file of a predetermined length that includes a plurality of frames, selecting a region of interest in a frame of the video file to define a template image; and performing a pattern matching between the template image and a pattern image of respective frames in the video file to detect anomalies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ivan Abel Rodriguez, Enrique Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20240123946Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a blower, a sensor, an air nozzle positioned to receive airflow from the blower and eject the airflow onto the sensor, an air pump positioned to eject airflow onto the sensor, and a heater mounted to the air pump and positioned to heat airflow passing through the air pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Rashaun Phinisee, Michael Robertson, JR., Segundo Baldovino, LaRon Michelle Brown
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Patent number: 11958556Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly of a window pane in a window frame of a vehicle is provided. The assembly tool includes a tool body with a support for supporting and holding the tool body on a first edge of the window pane and a tool arm extending along a longitudinal axis. A distal end of the tool arm includes a distance gauge extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tool arm and configured to be inserted between a second, guided edge of the window pane and a pane guide part which guides the guided edge of the window pane within the window frame. The assembly tool also includes a push arm that is displaceable relative to the tool body and configured to clamp the tool body between the first edge of the window pane and a frame part of the window frame. The push arm is actuated by external force.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marvin Wagner, Daniel Zwetkow
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Patent number: 11960621Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting privacy for safety, comfort, and infotainment of one or more occupants of an autonomous vehicle are disclosed. For example, the system may capture image data indicative of an interior of the autonomous vehicle via one or more cameras integrated with the autonomous vehicle. The captured image data is then transformed to remove personal identification information of the one or more occupants, and the transformed image data may be analyzed to identify a concern, e.g., an occupant safety concern or a vehicle safety concern. The level of concern may be determined, and a mitigation strategy may be deployed based on the safety concern identified.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Vikas Rajendra, Scott Mayberry
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Patent number: 11960198Abstract: This disclosure relates to a front trunk including a screen for displaying still images or video. Among other benefits, which will be appreciated from the below description, the disclosed features increase the usability of the front trunk, and, in turn, the vehicle overall. In particular, many of the features discussed below are intended to make the front trunk more usable at worksites, tailgating events, etc.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z Tajmahal, Benjamin Howard, Kathryn N. Cezar
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Patent number: 11958430Abstract: A vehicle includes a first pillar and a second pillar spaced along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The first pillar and the second pillar define a door opening therebetween. An airbag is above the door opening in an uninflated position and is inflatable across the door opening to an inflated position. A cable is above the door opening when the airbag is in the uninflated position. The cable extends across the door opening from the first pillar to the second pillar when the airbag is in the inflated position. A pyrotechnic retractor is below the airbag and the cable when the airbag is in the uninflated position. The pyrotechnic retractor is connected to the cable.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Saeed D. Barbat
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Patent number: 11958363Abstract: A vehicle includes first and second electric machines constrained to rotate in unison and configured to power a common axle. A controller is programmed to, in response to activation of the vehicle, select one of the first and second speed sensors as a representative speed sensor, and, in response to the electric machines being in speed control, command speeds to the first and second electric machines based on a difference between a target speed of the electric machines and a measured speed of the representative speed sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dev Saberwal, Christopher Golecki
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Patent number: 11958702Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle includes determining, via a processor disposed in communication with a sensory device disposed in an interior surface of a cargo bin of a delivery vehicle, that a first package is loaded in the cargo bin, causing to scan, via the processor, a bar code disposed on an exterior surface of the first package, causing to measure, via a RADAR sensory device disposed in the cargo bin, dimensional information associated with the first package, determining, based on the dimensional information, that the cargo bin is loaded at full capacity, causing to illuminate an output device indicative that the cargo bin is loaded at full capacity, determining, via the processor, a cargo bin door closed status and generating, via the processor, an output indicating whether the vehicle is ready for delivery.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Adam Carlson, Peter Phung, Hussein Berry, Benjamin Richer