Abstract: A system for decoupling steering rack force disturbances in electric steering may comprise a steering wheel angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, and a steering torque sensor. The system may also comprise a tire force generator configured to receive signals from the steering wheel angle sensor, the yaw rate sensor, and the lateral acceleration sensor and send a reference rack force to a controller. The system may further comprise a rack force observer configured to receive signals from the steering torque sensor and send an estimated rack force to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive signals from the tire force generator and the rack force observer, compare the estimated rack force with the reference rack force to determine a rack force disturbance, and adjust an auxiliary torque based on the rack force disturbance.

Abstract: Systems, methods and a processor are provided for adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine. The systems, methods and processor include adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine configured to power a vehicle toward peak torque timing based on an output of a longitudinal acceleration sensor configured to sense a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods and a processor are provided for adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine. The systems, methods and processor include adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine configured to power a vehicle toward peak torque timing based on an output of a longitudinal acceleration sensor configured to sense a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A speed ratio shaft control for multiple ratio vehicle transmission has controlled release of an off-going transmission clutch and controlled engagement of an on-coming transmission clutch during a speed ratio upshift, at least one clutch being a friction torque establishing clutch. A controller, using shift-timing software strategy, actively manages in real time a clutch torque level for each clutch so that transient torque disturbances in a transmission torque output shaft are mitigated.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided.

Abstract: A system for decoupling steering rack force disturbances in electric steering may comprise a steering wheel angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, and a steering torque sensor. The system may also comprise a tire force generator configured to receive signals from the steering wheel angle sensor, the yaw rate sensor, and the lateral acceleration sensor and send a reference rack force to a controller. The system may further comprise a rack force observer configured to receive signals from the steering torque sensor and send an estimated rack force to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive signals from the tire force generator and the rack force observer, compare the estimated rack force with the reference rack force to determine a rack force disturbance, and adjust an auxiliary torque based on the rack force disturbance.

Abstract: Systems, methods and a processor are provided for adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine. The systems, methods and processor include adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine configured to power a vehicle toward peak torque timing based on an output of a longitudinal acceleration sensor configured to sense a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a fault in a pitch rate sensor onboard a vehicle. Signals, including a steering wheel angle, a yaw rate, a roll rate, a longitudinal acceleration, a lateral acceleration, and a vehicle speed, are processed in a controller to validate a pitch rate signal. Upon detection of a fault in the pitch rate signal, the system and method will determine a process in which to minimize negative effects of the pitch sensor fault. The system and method will then direct the controller to select a process, such as a direct shutdown, a slow shutdown or replace a signal, in a relevant control system, based on the determination.

Abstract: A method of controlling a traction control system (30) includes continuously adapting a steady state driven wheel speed to reference wheel speed ratio, so that said traction control system can avoid unnecessary actuations (e.g., demanding torque reduction). The continuous adaptation methodology provides traction control robustness to vehicles equipped with a spare tire, or a different final drive such as in the use of aftermarket parts. The method includes a dual rate adaptation that allows both fast adaptation and fine tuning capabilities of the ratio. The method includes comparing the instant driven wheel speed to reference wheel speed ratio to the filtered driven wheel speed to reference wheel speed ratio, to obtain a ratio difference. When the difference is above a threshold, the first filter constant is selected and the first constant is applied to an adaptation filter, resulting in a first filtered and adapted ratio. The traction control system is controlled with the adapted ratio.

Abstract: A method of controlling a traction control system (30) includes continuously adapting a steady state driven wheel speed to reference wheel speed ratio, so that said traction control system can avoid unnecessary actuations (e.g., demanding torque reduction). The continuous adaptation methodology provides traction control robustness to vehicles equipped with a spare tire, or a different final drive such as in the use of aftermarket parts. The method includes a dual rate adaptation that allows both fast adaptation and fine tuning capabilities of the ratio. The method includes comparing the instant driven wheel speed to reference wheel speed ratio to the filtered driven wheel speed to reference wheel speed ratio, to obtain a ratio difference. When the difference is above a threshold, the first filter constant is selected and the first constant is applied to an adaptation filter, resulting in a first filtered and adapted ratio. The traction control system is controlled with the adapted ratio.

Abstract: A system (18) for controlling a safety system (44) of a vehicle (10) is disclosed herein. The system includes a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36), a vehicle or wheel speed sensor(s) (20), a lateral acceleration sensor (32), a yaw rate sensor (28), and a controller (26). The controller determines a stability index and provides a first observer that determines a reference longitudinal velocity in response to the sensors. The controller determines a reference lateral velocity in response to the sensors. The controller provides a second observer that determines a second longitudinal velocity in response to the sensors and a first adjustment based on the reference longitudinal velocity. The controller determines a second lateral velocity in response to the sensors and a second adjustment based on the reference lateral velocity.

Abstract: A system (18) for controlling a safety system (44) of an automotive vehicle (10) includes a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36), a vehicle speed sensor (20), a lateral acceleration sensor (32), a yaw rate sensor, and a controller (26). The controller (26) determines a reference pitch in response to the longitudinal acceleration signal and the vehicle speed signal and a reference roll angle in response to the yaw rate signal, the wheel speed signal and the lateral acceleration signal. The controller (26) determines a roll stability index and a pitch stability index. The controller (26) determines an adjusted pitch angle in response to the reference pitch angle and the pitch stability index and an adjusted roll angle in response to the reference roll angle and the roll stability index. The controller (26) controls the safety system (44) in response to the adjusted roll angle and the adjusted pitch angle.

Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors (28–37) sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle to determine imminent rollover. A controller (26) coupled to an active suspension (49) controls a restoring torque in response to the rollover signal by controlling the active suspension.

Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle having a vehicle body includes a sensor cluster having a housing oriented within the vehicle body. A roll rate sensor is positioned within the housing and generates a roll rate sensor signal corresponding to a roll angular motion of the sensor housing. A controller receives the roll rate sensor signal, the controller generates a residue signal in response to a sensor error or a measurement error. The controller sets a fault condition in response to the residue signal larger than a dynamic threshold and a magnitude of the roll rate signal above a fault condition threshold. The controller sets a fault flag in response to the fault condition indicated for a predetermined time during which no double wheel lift occurs.

Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle having a vehicle body includes a sensor cluster having a housing oriented within the vehicle body. A roll rate sensor is positioned within the housing and generates a roll rate sensor signal corresponding to a roll angular motion of the sensor housing. A controller receives the roll rate sensor signal and generates a reference roll angle. The controller also compares the reference roll angle to the roll rate sensor signal and generates a roll rate sensor fault signal in response a fault determined in said roll rate sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining road bank angle in a vehicle includes a lateral acceleration sensor (22) that generates a lateral acceleration signal. A yaw rate sensor (18) generates a yaw rate signal. A roll rate sensor (23) generates a yaw rate signal. A controller (14) coupled to the sensors calculates a first roll angle signal in response to the roll rate signal and calculates a second roll angle signal corresponding to a suspension reference roll angle in response to the lateral acceleration signal. The controller calculates a bank angle signal in response to the lateral acceleration signal, the yaw rate signal, the steering wheel signal and the speed signal. The controller sums the first roll angle signal, the second roll angle signal and the bank angle signal to obtain a final roll angle estimate.

Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle having a vehicle body includes a sensor cluster having a housing oriented within the vehicle body. A roll rate sensor is positioned within the housing and generates a roll rate sensor signal corresponding to a roll angular motion of the sensor housing. A controller receives the roll rate sensor signal, the controller generates a residue signal in response to a sensor error or a measurement error. The controller sets a fault condition in response to the residue signal larger than a dynamic threshold and a magnitude of the roll rate signal above a fault condition threshold. The controller sets a fault flag in response to the fault condition indicated for a predetermined time during which no double wheel lift occurs.

Abstract: A control system (13) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a longitudinal accelerometer (24) that generates a longitudinal acceleration signal corresponding to a longitudinal acceleration of a center of gravity (COG) of the vehicle body. A lateral velocity sensor (22) generates a lateral velocity signal corresponding to the lateral velocity of the vehicle body. A controller (14) is coupled to the yaw rate sensor (18), the longitudinal accelerometer (24) and the lateral velocity sensor (22). The controller (14) determines a longitudinal speed from the longitudinal acceleration signal. The controller determines a vehicle pitch angle in response to the longitudinal speed, the yaw rate signal and the lateral velocity signal.

Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors (28-37) sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle to determine imminent rollover. A controller (26) coupled to an active suspension (49) controls a restoring torque in response to the rollover signal by controlling the active suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring dynamic movement of a vehicle (10) by employing multiple GPS satellites and determining velocity based change in the carrier frequency of multiple satellite signals. The apparatus includes at least two GPS receiving antennas (12a and 12b) installed on a vehicle (10) at known locations and a controller (20) for processing received GPS signals (16a-16c) and monitoring a carrier frequency associated with the GPS signals. The controller (20) determines a change in the carrier frequency of the GPS signals due to Doppler effect. The controller (20) further determines a first inertial velocity vector of each of the receiving antennas (12a and 12b) based on the change in carrier frequency, and determines angular rate of the vehicle based on the inertial velocity vectors. The controller (20) further determines vehicle longitudinal and lateral velocity and acceleration as a function of the inertial velocity vectors.