Patents by Inventor JOSHUA R. AUDEN
JOSHUA R. AUDEN 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: 10696336Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having an exterior surface and an aerodynamic member movably coupled to the exterior surface. The aerodynamic member has a first position with respect to the exterior surface and a second position with respect to the exterior surface. The first position presents a distinct aerodynamic profile from the second position. The vehicle additionally includes an actuator coupled to the aerodynamic member and configured to actuate the aerodynamic member between the first position and the second position. The vehicle further includes a damper coupled to the aerodynamic member. The damper is provided with magnetorheological fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden
-
Publication number: 20200172058Abstract: An exemplary method for controlling a vehicle includes receiving, by a vehicle controller, sensor data representing a first operating condition of the vehicle from at least one sensor, determining, by the vehicle controller, a temperature of a vehicle braking system of the vehicle, determining, by the vehicle controller, if the temperature of the vehicle braking system exceeds a temperature threshold, and if the temperature of the vehicle braking system exceeds the temperature threshold, generating, by the vehicle controller, a control signal to move a moveable underbody feature from a first position to a second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2018Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: Timothy D. Demetrio, Joshua R. Auden, John W. Pennala
-
Patent number: 10650620Abstract: Systems and methods to detect abnormalities within a stabilizer system for a vehicle. A method includes receiving suspension system data from one or more vehicle sensors, calculating a roll gradient from the suspension system data, determining whether the calculated roll gradient is greater than a predetermined roll gradient threshold, and setting a diagnostic notification if the calculated roll gradient is greater than the predetermined roll gradient threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brian K. Saylor, Joshua R. Auden, Robert P. Marble
-
Patent number: 10625791Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle having a vehicle body including a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion includes first and second splitter portions. The first splitter portion is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body. The second splitter portion is mounted to the first splitter portion. The first and second splitter portions together are configured to generate an aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle body when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system also includes a mechanism arranged between the first and second splitter portions. The mechanism is configured to vary position of the second splitter portion relative to the first splitter portion to thereby control movement of the oncoming ambient airflow relative to the vehicle body and vary a magnitude of the aerodynamic downforce.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden
-
Patent number: 10618573Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body. A movable member with first and second positions having distinct aerodynamic profiles is disposed on an exterior portion of the body. An actuator is coupled to the movable member and configured to actuate the movable member between the first and second positions. A sensor is configured to, during a drive cycle, detect a relative road load between the second aerodynamic profile and the first aerodynamic profile. A controller is configured to, during a drive cycle, control the actuator to move the movable member to the first position in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, to control the actuator to move the movable member to the second position in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, and to, in response to the relative road load being positive, control the actuator to move the movable member to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Timothy D. Demetrio, Joshua R. Auden, Frederick P. Miesterfeld
-
Patent number: 10604197Abstract: Disclosed are downforce feedback systems for active aerodynamic devices, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with a closed-loop downforce feedback system to govern operation of the vehicle's active aero device(s). A feedback control system for operating an active aerodynamic device of a motor vehicle includes one or more pressure sensors for detecting fluid pressures in one or more pneumatic or hydraulic actuators for moving the active aero device. A vehicle controller receives fluid pressure signals from these sensor(s), and calculates an actual downforce value from these signal(s). The controller retrieves a calibrated downforce value from mapped vehicle downforce data stored in memory, and determines if the actual downforce value differs from the calibrated value. If so, the controller determines a target position for a target downforce value for a current vehicle operating condition, and commands the actuator(s) to move the active aero device to the target position.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Samantha J. Bray, Timothy D. Demetrio, Philip C. Lundberg, Joshua R. Auden, Jason D. Fahland
-
Patent number: 10507867Abstract: A system and method for generating steering commands to cancel out unwanted steering moments is disclosed. The method includes determining, by a controller of a vehicle, an amount of suspension displacement that is caused as a result of driving the vehicle on an uneven road. The suspension displacement induces an unwanted steering moment. The method also includes determining a steering angle command based at least on the amount of suspension displacement. The method also includes performing the steering angle command. Performing the steering angle command cancels out the unwanted steering moment.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Scott A. Bronikowski, Joshua R. Auden
-
Publication number: 20190263458Abstract: An exemplary method of controlling an automotive vehicle includes the steps of providing a first component, providing a second component movably coupled to the first component, providing an actuator coupled to the second component and configured to actuate the second component between a first position and a second position, providing a vehicle sensor configured to measure a vehicle characteristic, providing at least one controller in communication with the actuator and the vehicle sensor, and determining a baseline vehicle balance and determining an adjusted vehicle balance based on the measured vehicle characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2018Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Jason D. Fahland, Kevin Irwin, Dale Cattell, Samantha J. Bray, Michael G. Petrucci, Joshua R. Auden, Alexander MacDonald
-
Patent number: 10392055Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for mitigating turbulent air for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more downforce elements, one or more sensors, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to obtain one or more parameter values for the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The processor is processor coupled to the one or more sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate determining whether turbulent air for the vehicle is likely using the parameters, and adjusting a downforce for the vehicle, during operation of the vehicle, by providing instructions for controlling the one or more downforce elements when it is determined that turbulent air for the vehicle is likely.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden, David Dominguez, Samantha J. Bray
-
Patent number: 10370042Abstract: An adjustable aerodynamic assembly includes a support structure and a blocking member supported by the support structure. The blocking member is movable between an extended position in which the blocking member is disposed transverse to the support structure to interact with an airflow and a retracted position in which the blocking member retracts to minimize interaction with the airflow. The adjustable aerodynamic assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the blocking member and configured to move the blocking member to the extended and retracted positions, and a detection member coupled to the blocking member and configured to determine whether a surface of the blocking member is detected. A method of monitoring the adjustable aerodynamic assembly includes determining whether the surface of the blocking member is detected via the detection member. The method also includes selectively activating the actuator to move the blocking member to the extended and retracted positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Samantha J. Bray, Joshua R. Auden, Jason D. Fahland, Timothy D. Demetrio, Caleb Potvin, Rebecca Tjoelker
-
Patent number: 10336317Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling lift for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle includes a body, one or more sensors, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to measure values pertaining to one or more parameter values for a vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate determining whether an unplanned lift of the body of the vehicle is likely using the parameters, and implementing one or more control measures when it is determined that the unplanned lift of the body of the vehicle is likely.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden, David Dominguez, Samantha J. Bray, Eric E. Krueger
-
Patent number: 10322722Abstract: A method of controlling an autonomously operating vehicle includes determining if the vehicle is currently occupied by a passenger, or if the vehicle is not currently occupied by a passenger. When the vehicle is currently occupied by a passenger, a vehicle controller controls at least one vehicle system to operate using a set of passenger present operating parameters. The set of passenger present operating parameters control the vehicle to provide a minimum level of passenger comfort. When the vehicle is not currently occupied by a passenger, the vehicle controller controls at least one vehicle system to operate using a set of passenger not-present operating parameters. The set of passenger not-present operating parameters control the vehicle for one of optimal energy efficiency, or for optimal vehicle diagnostic performance.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brett T. Muller, Joshua R. Auden, Fred W. Huntzicker
-
Patent number: 10315710Abstract: Disclosed are self-calibrating load sensor systems for active aerodynamics devices, methods for making or using such load sensor systems, and motor vehicles equipped with a self-calibrating load sensor system to govern operation of the vehicle's active aero device(s). An active aero sensing system includes a load sensor that mounts to the vehicle body, and detects downforces on the vehicle. A memory device stores mapped vehicle downforce data calibrated to the motor vehicle. A vehicle controller receives downforce signals generated by the load sensor, and calculates an average downforce value from these signals. The controller determines if the average downforce differs from a calibrated downforce value retrieved from the memory device. If so, the controller responsively applies an offset value to subsequent downforce signals received from the load sensor, and dynamically controls operation of the active aero device based, at least in part, on these signals modified by the offset value.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.Inventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden, Olamide Akintewe
-
Publication number: 20190111981Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having an exterior surface and an aerodynamic member movably coupled to the exterior surface. The aerodynamic member has a first position with respect to the exterior surface and a second position with respect to the exterior surface. The first position presents a distinct aerodynamic profile from the second position. The vehicle additionally includes an actuator coupled to the aerodynamic member and configured to actuate the aerodynamic member between the first position and the second position. The vehicle further includes a damper coupled to the aerodynamic member. The damper is provided with magnetorheological fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2017Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden
-
Publication number: 20190111979Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body. A movable member with first and second positions having distinct aerodynamic profiles is disposed on an exterior portion of the body. An actuator is coupled to the movable member and configured to actuate the movable member between the first and second positions. A sensor is configured to, during a drive cycle, detect a relative road load between the second aerodynamic profile and the first aerodynamic profile. A controller is configured to, during a drive cycle, control the actuator to move the movable member to the first position in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, to control the actuator to move the movable member to the second position in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, and to, in response to the relative road load being positive, control the actuator to move the movable member to the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2017Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Timothy D. Demetrio, Joshua R. Auden, Frederick P. Miesterfeld
-
Publication number: 20190106163Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling a vehicle includes the steps of receiving, by a vehicle controller, sensor data representing a vehicle environment along a projected path of travel of the vehicle from at least one sensor, determining, by the vehicle controller, if the projected path of travel of the vehicle includes an obstacle, determining, by the vehicle controller, if an underbody component of the vehicle will impact the obstacle, and if the underbody component will impact the obstacle, generating, by the vehicle controller, a control signal to move the underbody component from a first position to a second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2017Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden
-
Patent number: 10246139Abstract: A multi-wheeled vehicle employing an active aerodynamic control system is described. A method for controlling the vehicle and the active aerodynamic control system includes determining states of parameters related to ride and handling of the vehicle, and determining a current tractive effort based upon the states of parameters related to ride and handling of the vehicle. A desired tractive effort is determined based upon an operator desired acceleration, and an available tractive effort is determined based upon an available downforce transferable to the wheels from the active aerodynamic control system and downforces of the wheels. The active aerodynamic control system controls the downforce on one of the wheels to control the current tractive effort responsive to the desired tractive effort.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Joshua R. Auden, Jason D. Fahland, David Dominguez, Edward T. Heil
-
Publication number: 20190092403Abstract: Disclosed are downforce feedback systems for active aerodynamic devices, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with a closed-loop downforce feedback system to govern operation of the vehicle's active aero device(s). A feedback control system for operating an active aerodynamic device of a motor vehicle includes one or more pressure sensors for detecting fluid pressures in one or more pneumatic or hydraulic actuators for moving the active aero device. A vehicle controller receives fluid pressure signals from these sensor(s), and calculates an actual downforce value from these signal(s). The controller retrieves a calibrated downforce value from mapped vehicle downforce data stored in memory, and determines if the actual downforce value differs from the calibrated value. If so, the controller determines a target position for a target downforce value for a current vehicle operating condition, and commands the actuator(s) to move the active aero device to the target position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2017Publication date: March 28, 2019Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Samantha J. Bray, Timothy D. Demetrio, Philip C. Lundberg, Joshua R. Auden, Jason D. Fahland
-
Publication number: 20190092402Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle having a vehicle body including a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion includes first and second splitter portions. The first splitter portion is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body. The second splitter portion is mounted to the first splitter portion. The first and second splitter portions together are configured to generate an aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle body when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system also includes a mechanism arranged between the first and second splitter portions. The mechanism is configured to vary position of the second splitter portion relative to the first splitter portion to thereby control movement of the oncoming ambient airflow relative to the vehicle body and vary a magnitude of the aerodynamic downforce.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2017Publication date: March 28, 2019Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden
-
Publication number: 20190084616Abstract: A system and method for generating steering commands to cancel out unwanted steering moments is disclosed. The method includes determining, by a controller of a vehicle, an amount of suspension displacement that is caused as a result of driving the vehicle on an uneven road. The suspension displacement induces an unwanted steering moment. The method also includes determining a steering angle command based at least on the amount of suspension displacement. The method also includes performing the steering angle command. Performing the steering angle command cancels out the unwanted steering moment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Scott A. Bronikowski, Joshua R. Auden