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).

  • Patent number: 9399959
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Kevin C. Wong, Gary Robert Cygan, Jr., Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini
  • Patent number: 9388758
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Klaus Pochner, Christopher E. Whitney, Gary Robert Cygan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9388754
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary Robert Cygan, Jr., Julian R. Verdejo, Christopher E. Whitney, Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini
  • Patent number: 9382865
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Genslak, Christopher E. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9378594
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin C. Wong, Christopher E. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9376965
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Sharon L. Storch
  • Patent number: 9365204
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 9347381
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ruixing Long, Gary Robert Cygan, Jr., Julian R. Verdejo, Christopher E. Whitney, Ning Jin, Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini
  • Patent number: 9341150
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jeffrey M. Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20160131061
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher E. WHITNEY, Klaus Pochner, Julian R. Verdejo
  • Patent number: 9328671
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Robert J. Genslak, Jyh-Shin Chen
  • Patent number: 9254838
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Luca Scavone, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 9242545
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig J. Hawkins, Adam J. Heisel, Christopher E. Whitney, Matthew D. Whitton, Roger Joseph Rademacher, Keith D. Van Maanen
  • Patent number: 9242630
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John S. Mitchell, Jeremy V. Horgan, Christopher E. Whitney, Scott A. Hearld
  • Patent number: 9243524
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Ning Jin, Kevin C. Wong, Robert J. Genslak
  • Patent number: 9180870
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Anthony H. Heap, Luca Scavone, Cornelius Heisler, Alexander Leu
  • Patent number: 9175628
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Timothy M. Karnjate, Christopher E. Whitney, Timothy J. Hartrey, Gregory J. York
  • Publication number: 20150279124
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: KEVIN C. WONG, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY
  • Publication number: 20150275771
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: KLAUS POCHNER, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY
  • Publication number: 20150275784
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, Kevin C. Wong, Gary Robert Cygan, JR., Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini