Patents by Inventor Ningjian Huang
Ningjian Huang 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: 11931892Abstract: A robotic system includes a support structure, a motor mount assembly, first and second parallel chains, a serial translation assembly, a sensor and a control module. The motor mount assembly includes rotary motors, where the rotary motors include a first rotary motor and a second rotary motor. The first and second parallel chains are connected to the movable platform, the rotary motors and the motor mount assembly. The serial translation assembly is connected to the supporting structure and the motor mount assembly and includes a linear actuator and a third rotary motor. The sensor is connected to the movable platform and detects force applied by a human operator on the movable platform and generates a signal indicative of the force applied. The control module controls the rotary motors and the third rotary motor based on the signal to assist the human operator in moving the movable platform.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignees: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Shanghai JiaoTong UniversityInventors: Qiao Sun, Xianbao Chen, Jing Sun, Feng Gao, Dalong Gao, Ningjian Huang
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Patent number: 11813743Abstract: A robotic system includes a support structure, a platform, a center serial chain, outer serial chains, motors, a sensor, and a control module. The center serial chain connects a center of the platform to the support structure and includes first joints connected to a linear sliding shaft. The outer serial chains are disposed radially outward of the center serial chain. Each of the outer serial chains includes second joints connecting a bar to the platform and the supporting structure. The motors are connected to the outer serial chains. The sensor is connected to the platform and detects at least one of force or torque applied by a human operator on the platform and generates a signal indicative thereof. The control module controls the motors based on the signal to assist the human operator in at least one of moving or rotating the platform.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignees: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Shanghai JiaoTong UniversityInventors: Qiao Sun, Xianbao Chen, Jing Sun, Dalong Gao, Feng Gao, Ningjian Huang
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Patent number: 11807121Abstract: A power distribution system includes a charging station, a plurality of power socket assemblies, and at least one power line. The charging station includes a charging station control module. The plurality of power socket assemblies are operable to supply power to a vehicle. The at least one power line electrically connects the charging station to each of the plurality of power socket assemblies. The charging station is configured to supply power to any one of the plurality of power socket assemblies through the at least one power line.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xiang Zhao, Ningjian Huang, John P. Spicer
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Patent number: 11660761Abstract: Robotic systems are provided for flexibility in assembly operations. A robotic system includes a suction module having a front side with a face shaped to match a mating component and a rear side with a coupling for a suction line. Openings extend through the face. The suction module defines internal passages connecting the coupling with the at least one opening through the face. An end-effector has a base plate, a mounting plate selectively moveable relative to the base plate, and a clamp. The suction module is selectively mounted to the mounting plate and releasably secured by the clamp. An actuator is mounted to selectively move the mounting plate and the suction module relative to the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLCInventors: Dalong Gao, Ningjian Huang, Yhu-tin Lin, Roberto Hirayama
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Publication number: 20230150117Abstract: A robotic system includes a support structure, a platform, a center serial chain, outer serial chains, motors, a sensor, and a control module. The center serial chain connects a center of the platform to the support structure and includes first joints connected to a linear sliding shaft. The outer serial chains are disposed radially outward of the center serial chain. Each of the outer serial chains includes second joints connecting a bar to the platform and the supporting structure. The motors are connected to the outer serial chains. The sensor is connected to the platform and detects at least one of force or torque applied by a human operator on the platform and generates a signal indicative thereof. The control module controls the motors based on the signal to assist the human operator in at least one of moving or rotating the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2021Publication date: May 18, 2023Applicant: Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityInventors: Qiao SUN, Xianbao CHEN, Jing SUN, Dalong GAO, Feng GAO, Ningjian HUANG
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Publication number: 20230150118Abstract: A robotic system includes a support structure, a motor mount assembly, first and second parallel chains, a serial translation assembly, a sensor and a control module. The motor mount assembly includes rotary motors, where the rotary motors include a first rotary motor and a second rotary motor. The first and second parallel chains are connected to the movable platform, the rotary motors and the motor mount assembly. The serial translation assembly is connected to the supporting structure and the motor mount assembly and includes a linear actuator and a third rotary motor. The sensor is connected to the movable platform and detects force applied by a human operator on the movable platform and generates a signal indicative of the force applied. The control module controls the rotary motors and the third rotary motor based on the signal to assist the human operator in moving the movable platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2021Publication date: May 18, 2023Applicant: Shanghai JiaoTong UniversityInventors: Qiao SUN, Xianbao CHEN, Jing SUN, Feng GAO, Dalong GAO, Ningjian HUANG
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Patent number: 11427102Abstract: A method of autonomously charging an electric vehicle having a charge port is provided. The method comprises providing an electric charge system having a first controller and a second controller. The first controller is in communication with an electric charger and a movable charge arm. The movable charge arm is connected to the electric charger extends to an arm end comprising a charge plug and a camera. The movable charge arm has an idle position defining a charging zone and is movable via a predetermined number of degrees of freedom to connect the charge plug with the charge port for electrically charging the electric vehicle. The second controller disposed in the vehicle and in communication with the first controller. The method further comprises aligning the charge port with the charging zone by vehicle movement and aligning the charge plug with the charge port by the charge arm movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xiang Zhao, Ningjian Huang
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Publication number: 20220234461Abstract: A power distribution system includes a charging station, a plurality of power socket assemblies, and at least one power line. The charging station includes a charging station control module. The plurality of power socket assemblies are operable to supply power to a vehicle. The at least one power line electrically connects the charging station to each of the plurality of power socket assemblies. The charging station is configured to supply power to any one of the plurality of power socket assemblies through the at least one power line.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2021Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Xiang ZHAO, Ningjian HUANG, John P. SPICER
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Publication number: 20220126718Abstract: A method of autonomously charging an electric vehicle having a charge port is provided. The method comprises providing an electric charge system having a first controller and a second controller. The first controller is in communication with an electric charger and a movable charge arm. The movable charge arm is connected to the electric charger extends to an arm end comprising a charge plug and a camera. The movable charge arm has an idle position defining a charging zone and is movable via a predetermined number of degrees of freedom to connect the charge plug with the charge port for electrically charging the electric vehicle. The second controller disposed in the vehicle and in communication with the first controller. The method further comprises aligning the charge port with the charging zone by vehicle movement and aligning the charge plug with the charge port by the charge arm movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2020Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Xiang Zhao, Ningjian Huang
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Patent number: 11301980Abstract: A method to evaluate the integrity of spot welds includes one or more of the following: projecting light from a light source at a spot weld to illuminate the spot weld; capturing an image of the illuminated spot weld with a camera; transmitting information about the image of the illuminated spot weld to a central processing unit (CPU); and evaluating with the CPU the information about the image of the illuminated spot weld coupled with an artificial intelligence neural networked-based algorithm to determine the integrity of the spot weld in real time.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Carlos Y. Sakuramoto, Ningjian Huang, Fabio Do Monte Sena, Adriana Nunes
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Publication number: 20220088799Abstract: Robotic systems are provided for flexibility in assembly operations. A robotic system includes a suction module having a front side with a face shaped to match a mating component and a rear side with a coupling for a suction line. Openings extend through the face. The suction module defines internal passages connecting the coupling with the at least one opening through the face. An end-effector has a base plate, a mounting plate selectively moveable relative to the base plate, and a clamp. The suction module is selectively mounted to the mounting plate and releasably secured by the clamp. An actuator is mounted to selectively move the mounting plate and the suction module relative to the base plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2020Publication date: March 24, 2022Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Dalong Gao, Ningjian Huang, Yhu-tin Lin, Roberto Hirayama
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Patent number: 11194339Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining and correcting autonomous transport imbalances. A transport vehicle operates over a route. A fixture plate is coupled to the transport vehicle by a joint to carry a payload. A sensor determines a position of the joint. A controller modifies the operation of the transport vehicle in response to a change in the position of the joint to correct imbalances.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xiang Zhao, Ningjian Huang, Jinglin Li, Jeffrey A. Abell
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Publication number: 20210327043Abstract: A method to evaluate the integrity of spot welds includes one or more of the following: projecting light from a light source at a spot weld to illuminate the spot weld; capturing an image of the illuminated spot weld with a camera; transmitting information about the image of the illuminated spot weld to a central processing unit (CPU); and evaluating with the CPU the information about the image of the illuminated spot weld coupled with an artificial intelligence neural networked-based algorithm to determine the integrity of the spot weld in real time.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2020Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Carlos Y. Sakuramoto, Ningjian Huang, Fabio Do Monte Sena, Adriana Nunes
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Publication number: 20210223782Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining and correcting autonomous transport imbalances. A transport vehicle operates over a route. A fixture plate is coupled to the transport vehicle by a joint to carry a payload. A sensor determines a position of the joint. A controller modifies the operation of the transport vehicle in response to a change in the position of the joint to correct imbalances.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2020Publication date: July 22, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xiang Zhao, Ningjian Huang, Jinglin Li, Jeffrey A. Abell
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Patent number: 11059534Abstract: A method of assembling a manufactured item without a guide rail and an assembly system are provided. The method includes disposing a base item on an unmanned independent vehicle system, moving the unmanned independent vehicle system to an assembly station, and attaching an additional item to the base item. The assembly system includes a number of unmanned independent vehicle systems, each unmanned independent vehicle system having at least one wheel. Each unmanned independent vehicle system is configured to be loaded with a base item. A number of assembly stations are provided, each being configured to complete at least one assembly operation. Each unmanned independent vehicle system is configured to independently move to multiple of the assembly stations to have a different assembly operation performed at each assembly station, resulting in additional items being attached to each base item to form each manufactured item.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Dalong Gao, Ningjian Huang, Richard C. Janis
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Patent number: 10828770Abstract: A vehicle charging station includes a track configured to extend across a plurality of vehicle parking spaces. The charging station further includes a movable charging apparatus supported by the track and translatable along the track between the plurality of vehicle parking spaces. The charging station further includes a first contact wire extending approximately parallel to the track. The charging station further includes a first conductor pole configured to couple the movable charging apparatus to the first contact wire at a plurality of locations along a width of the first contact wire. The first conductor pole is configured to move with the movable charging apparatus. In such a manner, a one-to-many charging station can be accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xiang Zhao, Ningjian Huang, Lei Zhang, Changfu Ye
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Publication number: 20200189675Abstract: A method of assembling a manufactured item without a guide rail and an assembly system are provided. The method includes disposing a base item on an unmanned independent vehicle system, moving the unmanned independent vehicle system to an assembly station, and attaching an additional item to the base item. The assembly system includes a number of unmanned independent vehicle systems, each unmanned independent vehicle system having at least one wheel. Each unmanned independent vehicle system is configured to be loaded with a base item. A number of assembly stations are provided, each being configured to complete at least one assembly operation. Each unmanned independent vehicle system is configured to independently move to multiple of the assembly stations to have a different assembly operation performed at each assembly station, resulting in additional items being attached to each base item to form each manufactured item.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2018Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Dalong Gao, Ningjian Huang, Richard C. Janis
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Patent number: 10682684Abstract: A method for joining a plurality of workpieces includes providing a rotating drive tool. A fastener is secured to the drive tool. The drive tool is then rotatably driven such that a distal end of the fastener rotates against a surface of the plurality of workpieces. A heated material zone is then generated on the plurality of workpieces as caused by friction from the rotation of the fastener against the surface of the plurality of workpieces. The distal end of the fastener is rotatably and axially driven through the heated material zone. Finally, the drive tool is removed from the fastener, such that when the heated material zone cools, a portion of the heated material zone is fused to the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Guoxian Xiao, Dalong Gao, Jorge F. Arinez, Ningjian Huang, Pei-chung Wang
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Patent number: 10493705Abstract: Methods and devices for manufacturing paneled structures are provided. The methods include manufacturing a frame structure by additive manufacturing methods and scanning a surface of the frame structure to determine whether there is more than a nominal surface deviation at a location where a panel will be disposed. When there is more than a nominal surface deviation, the methods also include generating a panel to be disposed at the location of the frame structure, wherein the panel has an engagement surface that is complimentary to the surface deviation.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Hamid G. Kia, Jorge F. Arinez, John P. Spicer, Ningjian Huang
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Publication number: 20190061542Abstract: A vehicle charging station includes a track configured to extend across a plurality of vehicle parking spaces. The charging station further includes a movable charging apparatus supported by the track and translatable along the track between the plurality of vehicle parking spaces. The charging station further includes a first contact wire extending approximately parallel to the track. The charging station further includes a first conductor pole configured to couple the movable charging apparatus to the first contact wire at a plurality of locations along a width of the first contact wire. The first conductor pole is configured to move with the movable charging apparatus. In such a manner, a one-to-many charging station can be accomplished.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Xiang Zhao, Ningjian Huang, Lei Zhang, Changfu Ye