Patents by Inventor Christopher E. Whitney
Christopher E. Whitney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9399959Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a desired capacity module, an anticipated torque request module, and an engine actuator module. The desired capacity module generates a desired torque capacity of an engine at a future time based on a present torque request and a maximum torque output of the engine. The anticipated torque request module generates an anticipated torque request based on the desired torque capacity. The engine actuator module controls an actuator of the engine at a present time based on the anticipated torque request.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Kevin C. Wong, Gary Robert Cygan, Jr., Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini
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Patent number: 9388758Abstract: A prediction module, based on a set of possible target values for M future times and a model of an engine, determines predicted torques of the engine for the M future times, respectively. M is an integer greater than one. A cost module determines a cost for the set of possible target values based on comparisons of the predicted torques for the M future times with engine torque requests for the M future times, respectively. A selection module, based on the cost, selects the set of possible target values from a group including the set of possible target values and N other sets of possible target values, wherein N is an integer greater than zero, and sets target values based on the selected set of possible target values. An actuator module controls an engine actuator based on a first one of the target values.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Klaus Pochner, Christopher E. Whitney, Gary Robert Cygan, Jr.
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Patent number: 9388754Abstract: A control system includes a control module that receives a first request corresponding to a control value for at least one of a plurality of actuators, selectively receives a second request associated with a predicted future control value for at least one of the plurality of actuators, determines a target value for the actuator based on the first request if the second request was not received, and generates a reference signal representing the second request if the second request was received. The reference signal indicates at least one of a predicted increase in the control value and a predicted decrease in the control value. A model predictive control module receives the reference signal and adjusts one of the plurality of actuators associated with the predicted future control value based on the reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gary Robert Cygan, Jr., Julian R. Verdejo, Christopher E. Whitney, Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini
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Patent number: 9382865Abstract: A fuel control module transitions engine fueling from rich to lean. A catalyst fault detection module diagnoses whether a fault is present in an exhaust catalyst based on a response of an oxygen sensor to the transition. A prediction module generates a prediction based on a model and a set of possible target values. A cost module determines a cost for the set of possible target values based on comparisons of the prediction with minimum and maximums. Before the transition, a constraint module selectively adjusts at least one of the minimum and maximums for the fault diagnosis. Based on the cost, a selection module selects the set of possible target values from a group of sets of possible target values and sets target values based on the selected set of possible target values. An actuator module controls an engine actuator based on a first one of the target values.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert J. Genslak, Christopher E. Whitney
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Patent number: 9378594Abstract: A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on an engine torque request; determines predicted operating parameters for the sets of possible target values, respectively; determines cost values for the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the cost values; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets. An actuator module controls an engine actuator based on one of the target values. A fault diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in the MPC module.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kevin C. Wong, Christopher E. Whitney
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Patent number: 9376965Abstract: A torque requesting module generates a first torque request for a spark ignition engine based on driver input. A torque conversion module converts the first torque request into a second torque request. A setpoint control module, based on the second torque request, generates a mass of air per cylinder (APC) setpoint, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) setpoint, an intake valve phasing setpoint, and an exhaust valve phasing setpoint. A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on the APC, EGR, intake valve phasing, and exhaust valve phasing setpoints; generates predicted parameters based on a model of the spark ignition engine and the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the predicted parameters; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Sharon L. Storch
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Patent number: 9365204Abstract: A method for operating a multi-mode powertrain system includes monitoring an operator request for tractive power, and arbitrating the operator request for tractive power with axle torque constraints and crankshaft torque constraints. An immediate tractive torque request and a predicted tractive torque request are determined based upon the arbitrated operator request for tractive power. The predicted tractive torque request is shaped based upon driveability torque constraints. Operation of torque-generative devices of the multi-mode powertrain system are controlled based upon the predicted tractive torque request and the driveability-shaped predicted tractive torque request.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Anthony H. Heap
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Patent number: 9347381Abstract: An engine control method includes: generating a first predicted engine output torque and a first predicted mass of air per cylinder (APC) based on a model of the spark ignition engine and a first set of possible target values determined based on an engine torque request; generating a second predicted engine output torque and a second predicted mass of APC based on the model of the spark ignition engine and a second set of possible target values determined based on the engine torque request; determining a first cost for the first set of possible target values; determining a second cost for the second set of possible target values; selecting one of the first and second sets based on the first and second costs; and setting target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the first and second sets.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ruixing Long, Gary Robert Cygan, Jr., Julian R. Verdejo, Christopher E. Whitney, Ning Jin, Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini
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Patent number: 9341150Abstract: A throttle control system includes a target pressure module, a torque determination module, and a target opening module. The target pressure module determines an induction noise value based on an engine operating parameter and determines a target pressure downstream of a throttle valve of an engine based on a pressure at an inlet of the throttle valve and the induction noise value. The torque determination module determines a torque request for the engine based on the target pressure. The target opening module determines a target opening for the throttle valve based on the torque request and selectively adjusts opening of the throttle valve based on the target opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jeffrey M. Kaiser
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Publication number: 20160131061Abstract: A torque requesting module generates a torque request for an engine based on driver input. A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on the torque request, each of the sets of possible target values including target pressure ratios across a throttle valve; determines predicted operating parameters for the sets of possible target values, respectively; determines cost values for the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the cost values; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets, respectively, the target values including a target pressure ratio across the throttle valve. A target area module determines a target opening area of the throttle valve based on the target pressure ratio. A throttle actuator module controls the throttle valve based on the target opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Christopher E. WHITNEY, Klaus Pochner, Julian R. Verdejo
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Patent number: 9328671Abstract: A torque requesting module generates a first torque request for a spark ignition engine based on driver input. A torque conversion module converts the first torque request into a second torque request. A setpoint control module generates setpoints for the spark ignition engine based on the second torque request. A vacuum requesting module requests an amount of vacuum within an intake manifold of the engine. The setpoint module selectively adjusts at least one of the setpoints based on the amount of vacuum requested. A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on the setpoints; generates predicted parameters based on a model of the spark ignition engine and the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the predicted parameters; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Robert J. Genslak, Jyh-Shin Chen
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Patent number: 9254838Abstract: A hybrid diesel-electric powertrain includes an electric motor in electrical communication with a traction battery, a diesel engine in power-flow communication with the electric motor and with an automatic transmission, and a controller. The diesel engine and electric motor are configured to provide a combined torque to the automatic transmission. The powertrain further includes an exhaust aftertreatment device in fluid communication with the diesel engine. The controller is configured to: receive a regeneration request from the exhaust aftertreatment device; determine if a state-of-charge of the fraction battery is within a predetermined range of a target value; initiate a regeneration event if the state-of-charge of the traction battery is within the predetermined range of the target value; receive an immediate torque request from the automatic transmission; and provide a torque command to the electric motor in response to the immediate torque request.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Luca Scavone, Anthony H. Heap
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Patent number: 9242545Abstract: A method of executing a downshift in a fixed-gear powertrain having an input node and an output node related by a starting speed ratio before the downshift and a finishing speed ratio after is provided. The downshift includes a torque phase and an inertia phase. A starting output torque is calculated as a function of a starting driver request. An electric machine applies a starting regenerative input torque which is calculated as substantially equal to the starting output torque divided by the starting speed ratio. A finishing output torque is calculated as a function of a finishing driver request. The electric machine applies a finishing regenerative input torque which is calculated as substantially equal to the finishing output torque divided by the finishing speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Craig J. Hawkins, Adam J. Heisel, Christopher E. Whitney, Matthew D. Whitton, Roger Joseph Rademacher, Keith D. Van Maanen
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Patent number: 9242630Abstract: A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine rotatably coupled to a non-combustion torque machine and a torque converter which is rotatably coupled to an input member of a transmission. A method for operating the powertrain system includes operating the torque converter in a controlled slip operating state and controlling a torque converter clutch capacity in response to a driver requested braking torque. Target torque outputs from the engine and from the torque machine are determined in response to the driver requested braking torque subjected to a time delay. A torque modifier for the torque machine is determined in response to a torque converter clutch slip error. Torque output from the engine is controlled in response to the target torque output from the engine, and torque output from the torque machine is controlled in response to the target torque output and the torque modifier from the torque machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: John S. Mitchell, Jeremy V. Horgan, Christopher E. Whitney, Scott A. Hearld
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Patent number: 9243524Abstract: For an upshift of a transmission, a model predictive control (MPC) module sets target intake and exhaust valve timings for changes in a torque request that occur during the upshift. A phaser actuator module controls intake valve phasing of an engine based on the target intake valve timing and controls exhaust valve phasing based on the target exhaust valve timing.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Ning Jin, Kevin C. Wong, Robert J. Genslak
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Patent number: 9180870Abstract: A method for selecting an engine operating point in a multi-mode powertrain system includes monitoring a desired axle torque based on an operator torque request and vehicle speed. When an aftertreatment device used to purify regulated constituents within an exhaust gas feedstream output from the engine is determined to require an exhaust gas feedstream temperature to be increased to a predetermined temperature, an intrusive engine operation mode is enabled to increase the exhaust gas feedstream temperature to the predetermined temperature. A plurality of engine power is retrieved, wherein each engine power loss corresponds to respective ones of a plurality of intrusive engine operation points each achieving the predetermined temperature of the exhaust gas feedstream. A desired engine operation point is selected corresponding to one of the intrusive engine operation points having a lowest total power loss.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Anthony H. Heap, Luca Scavone, Cornelius Heisler, Alexander Leu
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Patent number: 9175628Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a target air per cylinder (APC) module, a target area module, and a phaser scheduling module. The target APC module determines a target APC based on a target spark timing, a target intake cam phaser angle, and a target exhaust cam phaser angle. The target area module determines a target opening of a throttle valve of the engine based on the target spark timing, the target intake cam phaser angle, and the target exhaust cam phaser angle. The target area module controls the throttle valve based on the target opening. The phaser scheduling module determines the target intake and exhaust cam phaser angles based on the target APC. The phaser scheduling module controls intake and exhaust cam phasers of the engine based on the target intake and exhaust cam phaser angles, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Timothy M. Karnjate, Christopher E. Whitney, Timothy J. Hartrey, Gregory J. York
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Publication number: 20150279124Abstract: A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on an engine torque request; determines predicted operating parameters for the sets of possible target values, respectively; determines cost values for the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the cost values; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets. An actuator module controls an engine actuator based on one of the target values. A fault diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in the MPC module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: KEVIN C. WONG, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY
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Publication number: 20150275771Abstract: An engine control method includes: generating a torque request for an engine based on a driver input; and based on the torque request, controlling: opening of a wastegate of a turbocharger; opening of a throttle valve based on the torque request; and an intake valve phaser and an exhaust valve phaser. The engine control method also includes selectively determining an expected future increase in the torque request. The engine control method also includes, based on the expected future increase and before the torque request increases based on the expected future increase: decreasing the opening of the wastegate; and at least one of: decreasing the opening of the throttle valve; and adjusting at least one of the intake valve phaser and the exhaust valve phaser to decrease a volumetric efficiency of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: KLAUS POCHNER, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY
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Publication number: 20150275784Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a desired capacity module, an anticipated torque request module, and an engine actuator module. The desired capacity module generates a desired torque capacity of an engine at a future time based on a present torque request and a maximum torque output of the engine. The anticipated torque request module generates an anticipated torque request based on the desired torque capacity. The engine actuator module controls an actuator of the engine at a present time based on the anticipated torque request.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, Kevin C. Wong, Gary Robert Cygan, JR., Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini