Patents Assigned to Atieva, Inc.
  • Accelerator Pedal Providing Regenerative Brake Feedback
    Publication number: 20200180432
    Abstract: A feedback system is provided for use with an electric vehicle's accelerator pedal, where the pedal is adjustable between a fully depressed position and a fully released position, and where a neutral pedal position is located between the fully depressed and fully released positions. When the pedal is located at the neutral position, the vehicle power train does not apply any torque; when the pedal is located between the neutral position and the fully depressed position, the vehicle power train applies a driving torque; and when the pedal is located between the neutral position and the fully released position, the vehicle power train applies a braking torque. The feedback system automatically sets the fully released position for the accelerator pedal based on the available regenerative braking torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Gauthier
  • Flash lidar with adaptive illumination
    Patent number: 10634772
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging (lidar) system is provided that is incorporated into a vehicle and which is configured to efficiently adapt to varying road conditions as well as potential obstacles that may lie in the vehicle's pathway. The system employs a spatial light modulator (SLM) to create a plurality of illumination zones within the system's field of view. The SLM allows the lidar system to alter the size of each illumination zone as well as the light intensity within each of the zones as required by road conditions and potential obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Wiebke Eckstein, Hans-Christoph Eckstein, Eric Magnus Bach
  • Bus bar for battery packs
    Patent number: 10637110
    Abstract: A battery pack has bus bars at one end, freeing the other end of the battery pack for cooling or other arrangements. A plurality of battery cells oriented in the same manner in the battery pack has first terminals of the battery cells at first ends of the battery cells. Portions of second terminals of the battery cells are at the first ends of the battery cells. The first ends of the battery cells are in a coplanar arrangement. A plurality of bus bars is assembled proximate to the first ends of the battery cells. The bus bars are coupled to the first terminals and the second terminals of the battery cells at the first ends of the battery cells to place the battery cells in a series connection and a parallel connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Benson Tsai, Richard J. Biskup, James Jan, Peter Rawlinson
  • High Torque and Power Density Drive System with Shortened Overall Width
    Publication number: 20200127532
    Abstract: A powertrain utilizing an active core motor with coaxially aligned planetary-differential-planetary gear assemblies is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Emad Dlala, Shun-Cheng Hung, Jeremy Mayer, Balazs Palfai, Michael Tebbe
  • Torque Limiter for Use with a Dual Planetary/Integrated Differential Drive Train
    Publication number: 20200124149
    Abstract: A torque limiting clutch assembly is provided that is mounted between the motor housing and the ring gear of a planetary gear assembly. During normal operation, the clutch assembly prevents rotation of the ring gear relative to the motor housing. In the event of a severe loading condition, the clutch assembly slips, thereby preventing excessive torque from being applied to the drive train and potentially damaging one or more drive train components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Balazs Palfai, Pablo Ramaswamy, Michael Tebbe, Richard J. Biskup
  • Low Cogging Torque, High Torque Density Traction Motor
    Publication number: 20200127508
    Abstract: A rotor assembly is provided that reduces cogging torque in a permanent magnet motor, thereby reducing potential NVH issues. The assembly utilizes two layers of magnets within the lamination stack, an inner layer that is positioned closer to the rotor and comprised of larger magnets, and an outer layer that is positioned closer to the outer lamination stack surface and comprised of smaller magnets. The magnets within each layer are configured in pairs, with each magnet pair forming a V-shaped arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Emad Dlala
  • Removable Differential for an Active Core Electric Motor
    Publication number: 20200127533
    Abstract: A gear assembly is provided that simplifies the integration of a differential assembly into the hollow rotor of an electric motor. The gear assembly utilizes a hollow cross member that includes a central portion and a plurality of hollow extension members onto which the gears are mounted. Within each of the hollow extension members is a pin. When the pins are withdrawn, the assembly fits unimpeded within the hollow rotor. When the pins are partially extended out of the corresponding extension members, the ends of the pins fit within apertures in the rotor. A plug fits within a centrally located thru-hole in the central portion of the hollow cross member, thereby locking the pins in the extended position and locking the gear assembly in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Shun-Cheng Hung, Jeremy Mayer, Balazs Palfai, Michael David Kennedy
  • Induction motor flux and torque control with rotor flux estimation
    Patent number: 10521519
    Abstract: A rotor flux estimator is provided. The rotor flux estimator includes an estimation module that generates a first rotor flux vector expressed in a phase voltage reference frame and a second rotor flux vector expressed in the phase voltage reference frame, from a stator voltage vector expressed in a phase voltage reference frame, a rotational speed of a rotor, and a stator current vector expressed in the phase voltage reference frame. The estimation module includes at least one processor and the estimation module includes a rotor flux current model and a rotor flux voltage model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Yifan Tang
  • Climate Control System for Increased Electric Vehicle Range
    Publication number: 20190381861
    Abstract: A method for heating the air within the passenger cabin of an electric vehicle is provided. The method utilizes a heat pump to permit efficient air recirculation by the vehicle's HVAC system, thereby increasing driving range, especially in cold weather conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Balaji Maniam, Adam Kasprzyk
  • Boost converters and methods for using an inverter and a motor
    Patent number: 10505455
    Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to backwards compatible charging circuits and methods for charging a battery to a relatively high voltage level regardless of whether the charging station is capable of supplying power at that relatively high voltage level. The circuitry and methods according to embodiments discussed herein can use the motor and power electronics (e.g., inverter) to provide a voltage boosting path to increase the charge voltage from a legacy voltage level (e.g., a relatively low voltage level) to a native voltage level (e.g., a relatively high voltage level). When a native voltage charging station is charging the battery, the circuitry and methods according to embodiments discussed herein can use a native voltage path for supplying power, received from the charging station at the native voltage, to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Biskup, Mingkai Mu, Emad Dlala
  • Electric vehicle motor torque safety monitor
    Patent number: 10447195
    Abstract: A safety system for an electric motor controller is provided. The safety system includes a torque safety monitor having a first processor distinct from a second processor of a main motor controller. The first processor is configured to one of decrease or shut down AC (alternating current) power, sent from a DC/AC (direct current to alternating current) inverter to an electric motor, in response to an estimated torque of the electric motor differing from a commanded torque associated with the main motor controller by more than a set amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Yifan Tang
  • Inverter power module packaging with cold plate
    Patent number: 10321613
    Abstract: A heat sink is provided. The heat sink includes a single-piece housing having a floor and two walls, the walls perpendicular to the floor and the walls are parallel to each other. The heat sink includes the housing having an inlet and an outlet. The housing is configured to attach power modules to an outer surface of the floor and to outer surfaces of the two walls. The housing is configured to cool the power modules in response to fluid flow into the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Yifan Tang, James Jan, Benson Tsai
  • Rotor Assembly Manufacturing Technique
    Publication number: 20190173333
    Abstract: A rotor fabrication method is provided. The rotor uses pre-fabricated conductive rotor bars in which the ends have been shaped and sized to fit within corresponding end cap receptacles. After assembly, the structure is compressed, thereby achieving mechanical and electrical coupling between the conductive rotor bars and the end caps. Locking members disposed at either end of the assembly maintain the desired level of axial compressive force on the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Simons, Jeremy Mayer
  • Flash Lidar with Adaptive Illumination
    Publication number: 20190162823
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging (lidar) system is provided that is incorporated into a vehicle and which is configured to efficiently adapt to varying road conditions as well as potential obstacles that may lie in the vehicle's pathway. The system employs a spatial light modulator (SLM) to create a plurality of illumination zones within the system's field of view. The SLM allows the lidar system to alter the size of each illumination zone as well as the light intensity within each of the zones as required by road conditions and potential obstacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Wiebke Eckstein, Hans-Christoph Eckstein, Eric Magnus Bach
  • Solid state adaptive headlight
    Patent number: 10232763
    Abstract: An adaptive light module for incorporation into a vehicle's headlight assembly is provided, where the light module may be incorporated as a single unit, or incorporated as one of a plurality of units. The light module, which uses an LED array, collimating optics, illumination and projection micro-lens-arrays (HLAs), is configured to allow tailoring of the illumination intensity distribution by selectively activating/deactivating subsets of the LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Wiebke Eckstein, Hans-Christoph Eckstein, Eric Magnus Bach
  • Battery pack management system with selective battery module heating
    Patent number: 10232731
    Abstract: A system is provided that selectively heats the battery or battery module with the lowest voltage when the battery pack is at a low charge level, thereby decreasing the internal resistance and mitigating the magnitude of the voltage drop of the affected battery/battery module. As a result, termination of the battery pack's discharge cycle is delayed and the driving range of the vehicle is increased, thereby giving the driver a little more time and driving range to reach a charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventor: Jong Yon Kim
  • Battery pack bus bar assembly with shaped interconnect mounting platforms
    Patent number: 10205150
    Abstract: A battery assembly utilizing a compact and robust bus bar configuration is provided. The batteries within the assembly are divided into groups with each group formed from at least two rows of batteries. The batteries within each battery group are connected in parallel and the groups are connected in series. The batteries are interconnected using a plurality of non-overlapping bus bars configured in an alternating pattern with the plurality of battery groups, where each of the bus bars includes multiple interconnect mounting platforms. The interconnect mounting platforms simplify coupling multiple rows of batteries to each bus bar while minimizing bus bar current density variations and insuring that individual interconnect resistance remains relatively low and at about the same level per battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Wynn, Stephan Carl Wintner, Richard J. Biskup, John Louis D'Atri
  • Battery pack bus bar assembly with enlarged interconnect mounting platforms
    Patent number: 10193123
    Abstract: A battery assembly utilizing a compact and robust bus bar configuration is provided. The batteries within the assembly are divided into groups, for example where each group is formed from two rows of batteries. The batteries within each battery group are connected in parallel and the groups are connected in series. The batteries are interconnected using a plurality of non-overlapping bus bars configured in an alternating pattern with the plurality of battery groups, where each of the bus bars includes multiple interconnect mounting platforms. The interconnect mounting platforms simplify coupling multiple rows of batteries to each bus bar while minimizing bus bar current density variations and insuring that individual interconnect resistance remains relatively low and at about the same level per battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Wynn, Stephan Carl Wintner, Richard J. Biskup, John Louis D'Atri
  • Motor Cooling System Utilizing Axial Cooling Channels
    Publication number: 20190020231
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electric motor that includes a plurality of structural cooling features is provided, where the electric motor utilizes axial cooling channels integral to the stator teeth, thus allowing direct contact between the circulating coolant and the lamination stack. A coolant manifold assembly, incorporated into the stator between left and right stator portions, provides a means of distributing coolant to the axial cooling channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Emad Dlala, Richard J. Biskup, David Moseley, Aberto Bassanese, Balaji Maniam, Jeremy Mayer
  • Motor cooling system utilizing axial cooling channels
    Patent number: 10158263
    Abstract: A method of cooling an electric motor is provided utilizing axial cooling channels that are integral to the stator teeth, thus allowing direct contact between the circulating coolant and the lamination stack and providing an efficient means of removing motor assembly heat. Additionally, as the coolant flows out of the cooling channels it impinges on the end windings, thereby providing a secondary means of cooling the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Emad Dlala, Richard J. Biskup, David Moseley, Aberto Bassanese, Balaji Maniam, Jeremy Mayer