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).

  • Publication number: 20150275711
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Ning Jin, Kevin C. Wong, Robert J. Genslak
  • Publication number: 20150275789
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: GARY ROBERT CYGAN, JR., Julian R. Verdejo, Christopher E. Whitney, Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini
  • Publication number: 20150275806
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Genslak, Christopher E. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20150275772
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ruixing Long, Gary Robert Cygan, JR., Julian R. Verdejo, Christopher E. Whitney, Ning Jin, Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini
  • Publication number: 20150275783
    Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a model predictive control (MPC) module, an actuator module, and a remedial action module. The MPC module performs MPC tasks that include predicting operating parameters for a set of possible target values and determining a cost for the set of possible target values based on the predicted operating parameters. The MPC tasks also include selecting the set of possible target values from multiple sets of possible target values based on the cost and setting target values to the possible target values of the selected set. The actuator module controls an actuator of an engine based on at least one of the target values. The remedial action module selectively takes a remedial action based on at least one of an amount of time that elapses as the MPC tasks are performed and a number of iterations of the MPC tasks that are performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: KEVIN C. WONG, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, ALBERTO BEMPORAD, DANIELE BERNARDINI
  • Publication number: 20150275796
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: KLAUS POCHNER, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, GARY ROBERT CYGAN, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150275786
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle may include a sequence determination module that generates a first set of possible MPC target values and a second set of possible MPC target values. A cost module determines a first cost for the first set of possible MPC target values and a second cost for the second set of possible MPC target values. A selection module that selects MPC target values from one of the first and second sets of possible MPC target values based on the first and second costs. A transition module that receives the MPC target values, compares the MPC target values with a plurality of previous control requests, and selects a set of target values ranging from the previous control requests to the MPC target values that control a plurality of engine functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ning Jin, Christopher E. Whitney, Jyh-Shin Chen, Kevin C. Wong
  • Patent number: 9096210
    Abstract: A monitoring module selectively generates a request to at least one of: transition from providing rich fueling an engine to operating the engine in a fuel cutoff (FCO) state; and transition from operating the engine in the FCO state to providing rich fueling to the engine. In response to a response to the request, the monitoring module: selectively controls fueling to the engine to perform the at least one of the transitions; and selectively determines whether a fault is present in a component based on a response to the at least one of the transitions. A hybrid control module controls an electric motor of the hybrid vehicle and that selectively generates the response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Anthony H. Heap, John W. Siekkinen, Michael John Dokter, Stephen Paul Levijoki
  • Publication number: 20150210262
    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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: JOHN S. MITCHELL, JEREMY V. HORGAN, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, SCOTT A. HEARLD
  • Publication number: 20150203100
    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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Anthony H. Heap, Luca Scavone, Cornelius Heisler, Alexander Leu
  • Patent number: 9073545
    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. For each available combustion mode of the diesel engine, engine torque and speed ranges are received and a plurality of fuel losses and a plurality of emissions losses are retrieved, each fuel and emissions loss corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of engine operating points within the engine torque and speed ranges. The respective fuel and emissions losses are compared at each of a plurality of potential engine operating points within the engine torque and speed ranges of the available combustion modes. A desired engine operating point within one of the available combustion modes is selected that corresponds to one of the potential engine operating points having a lowest power loss based on the compared respective fuel and emissions losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Luca Scavone, Anthony H. Heap, Cornelius Heisler
  • Patent number: 9073544
    Abstract: A controller architecture for a vehicle including a multi-mode powertrain system includes an engine controller having a control routine for determining and executing engine torque commands responsive to a hybrid engine torque command, and a control routine for determining a propulsion axle torque command responsive to an output torque request. The controller architecture further includes transmission controller having a control routine for selecting and effecting operation of the passive transmission in a preferred gear responsive to the output torque request. The controller architecture further includes a hybrid controller having control routines for determining and executing torque commands for each of the non-combustion torque machines and for determining the hybrid engine torque command to achieve a desired axle torque in response to the propulsion axle torque command with the passive transmission operating in the preferred gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Anthony H. Heap, Sean W. McGrogan, Kiana Whitehead, Michael Livshiz
  • Patent number: 9068517
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises an air control module and a spark control module. The air control module controls a throttle valve based on a first desired torque when the throttle valve is in an operable state. The spark control module controls spark advance based on the first desired torque and a second desired torque when the throttle valve is in a fault state. The throttle valve is maintained in a predetermined fault position when in the fault state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Paul A. Bauerle, Ning Jin, Todd R. Shupe, Robert C. Simon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150166038
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, ANTHONY H. HEAP
  • Publication number: 20150166037
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes increasing engine drag torque, transitioning from a cylinder deactivation state to an all-cylinder state, and decreasing engine drag torque immediately subsequent to transitioning to the all-cylinder state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: BRENTON J. BERGKOETTER, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, BRIAN L. SPOHN, SEAN W. MCGROGAN
  • Patent number: 9050903
    Abstract: A method of regulating a torque output of a vehicle powertrain includes generating a plurality of torque requests and associating each of the plurality of torque requests with one of a plurality of arbitration domains to form torque request sets associated with each of the plurality of arbitration domains. A first torque request set is arbitrated within a first of the plurality of arbitration domains to provide a first torque request. The first torque request is introduced into a second torque request set associated with a second of the plurality of arbitration domains. The second torque request set is arbitrated within the second arbitration domain to provide a second torque request. A torque source is regulated based on the second torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Leonard G. Wozniak, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Christopher E. Whitney, Donovan L. Dibble, Charles H. Folkerts, Joseph R. Dulzo, Thomas Magnusson, Magnus Wall, Emil Ritzen
  • Patent number: 8967118
    Abstract: A method includes: retarding spark timing relative to a predetermined spark timing when an engine torque output reduction is requested for a gear shift; estimating a first torque output of an engine based on N cylinders of the engine being fueled, an engine speed, an air per cylinder (APC), and the predetermined spark timing; estimating a second torque output of the engine based on M cylinders being fueled, the engine speed, the APC, and the spark timing. determining an initial pressure ratio across a turbocharger compressor; determining an adjustment based on M and the first and second torque outputs; generating a desired pressure ratio across the turbocharger compressor based on the adjustment and the initial pressure ratio; and controlling opening of a turbocharger wastegate based on the desired pressure ratio. N is a total number of cylinders of the engine and M is less than or equal to N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Per Andersson, Timothy L. Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20150032308
    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. For each available combustion mode of the diesel engine, engine torque and speed ranges are received and a plurality of fuel losses and a plurality of emissions losses are retrieved, each fuel and emissions loss corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of engine operating points within the engine torque and speed ranges. The respective fuel and emissions losses are compared at each of a plurality of potential engine operating points within the engine torque and speed ranges of the available combustion modes. A desired engine operating point within one of the available combustion modes is selected that corresponds to one of the potential engine operating points having a lowest power loss based on the compared respective fuel and emissions losses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, LUCA SCAVONE, ANTHONY H. HEAP, CORNELIUS HEISLER
  • Publication number: 20140358400
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an exhaust braking enabling module, a driver torque module, and an engine actuator control module. The exhaust braking enabling module selectively enables exhaust braking based on driver input and independent of an accelerator pedal position. The driver torque module selectively determines a driver torque request based on a powertrain braking torque capacity when exhaust braking is enabled. The engine actuator control module controls fuel delivery to cylinders of an engine and a vane position of a turbocharger based on the driver torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, CHAD E. MARLETT, LUCA SCAVONE, KELLY T. JOZEFOWICZ, TRENTON W. HAINES, SIMONE BARBERO
  • Patent number: 8900095
    Abstract: A method of commanding a synchronous gear shift begins by receiving a request to shift from a third gear to a first gear, and skipping a second gear having a gear ratio between the gear ratio of the first gear and the gear ratio of the third gear. Subsequently the method includes: reducing a torque command to a predetermined value; opening a clutch disposed on the input shaft of the transmission to decouple the transmission from the engine; transitioning the engine from a torque-control mode into a speed-control mode; commanding the engine to rotate at a speed dictated by the motion of the vehicle and the gear ratio of the first gear; closing the clutch to couple the transmission and the engine; and transitioning the engine back into the torque-control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Christopher Harold Knieper, Ronald W. Van Diepen, Ning Jin, Matthew D. Whitton