Patents Assigned to Daimler AG
  • Patent number: 8296027
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electro-mechanical transmission through an unlocking state of a clutch, the transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member includes decreasing a reactive torque acting upon the clutch, including overriding torque commands to the engine and to the electric machine, and simultaneously decreasing a clutch torque capacity, including, during a lead period selected according to an engine command reaction time, commanding an intermediate clutch torque command maintaining sufficient clutch torque capacity to exceed an initial reactive torque calculated at an initiation of the unlocking state, and following the lead period, decreasing through a ramp down the clutch torque capacity, maintaining sufficient clutch torque capacity to exceed the decreasing reactive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 8287426
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring voltage of an energy storage device. The method further includes modifying a preferred voltage limit when the voltage of the energy storage device transgresses a trigger voltage limit, and determining the power constraint of a first power actuator based on the estimated output power of the energy storage device when the voltage of the energy storage device transgresses the preferred voltage limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Patent number: 8290681
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain including an electro-mechanical transmission coupled to an engine and an electric machine includes monitoring a desired input speed; signal processing the desired input speed to create a lead control signal to control the engine, wherein the signal processing includes low pass filtering the desired input speed and applying system constraint limits upon the desired input speed; signal processing the desired input speed to create an immediate control signal to control the electric machine, wherein the signal processing includes delaying the desired input speed by a lead period, low pass filtering the desired input speed, and applying system constraint limits upon the desired input speed; and controlling the powertrain through a powertrain transition based upon the lead control signal and said immediate control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20120258382
    Abstract: Ligand additives having two or more coordination sites in close proximity can be used in the polymer electrolyte of membrane electrode assemblies in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells in order to reduce the dissolution of catalyst, particularly from the cathode, and hence reduce fuel cell degradation over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicants: Ford Motor Company, Daimler AG
    Inventors: Jing Li, Keping Wang, Yunsong Yang, Scott McDermid, Sumit Kundu
  • Patent number: 8285462
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between an input member and torque machines and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states through selective application of torque transfer clutches. The torque machines are operative to transfer power from an energy storage device. A method for controlling the hybrid transmission includes operating the hybrid transmission in one of the operating range states, determining a first set of internal system constraints on output torque transferred to the output member, determining a second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member, and determining an allowable output torque range that is achievable within the first set of internal system constraints and the second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Tung-Ming Hsieh, Bin Wu
  • Patent number: 8281885
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member. Powertrain operation includes monitoring operator inputs, and determining input speeds and changes in input speeds for the internal combustion engine and the electric machine. The input speeds are compared to threshold input speeds, and the changes in input speeds are compared to threshold changes in input speeds. Input torques of the internal combustion engine and the electric machine are reduced when any one of the input speeds and changes in input speeds exceeds the corresponding threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrew M. Zettel, Charles J Van Horn, Peter E. Wu, Ryan D Martini, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8282526
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain comprising an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member through selective application of a plurality of torque-transfer clutches includes monitoring a clutch slip speed, synchronizing an oncoming clutch, and constraining reactive clutch torque limits for the oncoming clutch to achieve a reactive clutch torque that is less than an estimated clutch torque capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 8285432
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system including a transmission mechanically coupled to an engine and an electric machine includes monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal, determining a preferred operating point of the powertrain based upon the operator inputs, determining a preferred operating range state of the transmission based upon the preferred operating point, determining lead control signals for the engine and the transmission based upon the preferred operating point and the preferred operating range state of the transmission, determining immediate control signals for the electric machine and the transmission, controlling operation of the engine based upon the lead control signals for the engine and the transmission, and controlling operation of the electric machine based upon the immediate control signals for the electric machine and the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 8285431
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle includes determining a transmission input speed, operating the transmission using the transmission input speed, and providing a braking torque request to cause braking of the vehicle according to a scheme selected from the group consisting of a first braking mode and a second braking mode. The transmission input speed and the transmission operating range state are dependent on said braking torque request in the first braking mode, and wherein the transmission operating state, but not the transmission input speed, is dependent on the braking torque request in the second braking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 8281913
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission device is described. The transmission has an actuating unit, used for canceling a tooth-on-tooth position of coupling elements, wherein the actuating unit actuates a transmission brake when the tooth-on-tooth position is detected. The transmission also has a second actuating unit for actuating a disconnect clutch, the second actuating unit actuating the disconnect clutch when the tooth-on-tooth position is detected. The actuating unit for actuating the transmission brake and the second actuating unit for actuating the disconnect clutch are actuated in coordination with one another, in order to cancel the tooth-on-tooth position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Manfred Guggolz, Werner Hillenbrand, Wilhelmus Kok, David Ulmer
  • Patent number: 8277363
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is fluidly connected to an exhaust aftertreatment system and operatively connected to an electro-mechanical transmission to transmit tractive power to a driveline. The engine is controlled during an engine operating cycle by determining a temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment system and adjusting power output of the engine based upon the temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment system and a preferred temperature range of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The electro-mechanical transmission is controlled to transmit tractive power to the driveline to meet an operator torque request based upon the adjusted power output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: John L. Lahti, Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20120244449
    Abstract: A container arrangement (1) for a fuel cell system with a coolant container (2) and a module (5) with an ion exchanger material (7) which can be incorporated via an introduction opening (4) into the coolant container (2). The module (5) has a protective shell (8), via which upon incorporation of the module (5) into the coolant container (2) the introduction opening (4) can be sealed with respect to an environment of the coolant container (2). A method for incorporating a module (5) comprising an ion exchanger medium (7) into a coolant container (2) for a fuel cell system is also disclosed. The protective shell (8) can be removed from the coolant container (2) after incorporation of the module (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Mario Mittmann, Stephan Neupert, Wolfgang Schwienbacher
  • Publication number: 20120244277
    Abstract: A rotating mass component with high balancing quality is provided. The balancing is performed in a substantially automated manner and without chip formation. A method for balancing a rotating mass component, such as a rotor is achieved by deposition welding of welding points on the mass component. The mass symmetry respective to the rotation axis is improved. The deposition welding takes place through cold metal transfer welding, in particular of a plurality of individual mass points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Christian Anders, Tobias Buban, Gerd Eyssele, Michael Gruener, Ralf Herrmann, Martin Holdgruen, Hans-Peter Merten, Ulrich Schweizer, Heiko Steinmetz, Christian Zoeller
  • Patent number: 8275519
    Abstract: A preventatively acting safety system for a motor vehicle comprises safety devices which are actuated as a function of information which is recorded by a driving situation detection device by means of a driving state sensor system and is evaluated in a data evaluation device. The recorded information are compared with at least one triggering threshold value and the safety devices being actuated when the triggering threshold value is exceeded. The triggering threshold value is adapted as a function of a total vehicle acceleration and a vehicle speed, to correspond to a degree of danger felt by a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Werner Bernzen, Dominic Reutter, Alfred Wagner
  • Publication number: 20120237844
    Abstract: A method serves for operating a fuel cell system with at least a fuel cell and a feed air side air conveyor and an outgoing air side turbine. The fuel cell system is flushed at least during a switching-off procedure with air from the air conveyor. During flushing a connection is created between the air conveyor and the outgoing air side between the fuel cell and turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Armin Muetschele, Holger Richter
  • Publication number: 20120235376
    Abstract: An arrangement of a bracket on a structural member of a passenger motor vehicle body is provided. A structural member includes an upper face and a lower face. The structural member can be a longitudinal structural member and the bracket can be a damper strut bracket, via which at least a damper strut can be supported on structural member. The bracket is supported at least on the upper face and on the lower face of structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Gerald Huhn, Gernot Jäeger, Guenter Johanntokrax, Carsten Pech, Werner Schwarzl, Martin Tebbe
  • Patent number: 8267837
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is connected to a transmission to transmit tractive power to a driveline. Engine coolant temperature is determined, and power output of the engine is adjusted based upon the coolant temperature and preferred coolant temperature range. The transmission is controlled to transmit tractive power to the driveline to meet an operator torque request based upon the adjusted power output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, John L. Lahti
  • Patent number: 8267268
    Abstract: In a high-pressure gas tank for motor vehicles and a method for filling a high-pressure gas tank which has an interior space for holding gas and a filling region with an inflow opening which leads to the interior space, the filling region is formed so as to direct a gas jet which enters through the inflow opening at an angle ? upwardly with respect to a central horizontal longitudinal axis of the interior space toward a top wall of the tank where the gas jet is deflected toward the end of the tank opposite the filling region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Gerardo Friedlmeier, Steffen Maus
  • Patent number: 8271173
    Abstract: A control method for vehicular hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a transmission gear selector, and determining an operator torque request based upon the operator inputs to the accelerator pedal and the transmission gear selector. Torque output from the electric machine is commanded based upon the operator torque request. Engine output is controlled based upon the operator torque request and the commanded torque output from the electric machine. Vehicle hood position is monitored and the engine output is controlled correlative to the operator input to the accelerator pedal when the monitored position of the vehicle hood is open and the operator input to the transmission gear selector is one of a PARK and a NEUTRAL position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marek L. Wilmanowicz, Matthew Leonard Kaufer, Mark J. Potter, Anthony H. Heap, William R. Cawthorne, Michael Bolton
  • Patent number: D669410
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Mark Fetherston