Abstract: A method to control an output torque of a powertrain in response to an incipient transient speed event within the powertrain includes determining an incipient transient speed event, determining a maximum output torque capability profile based upon the incipient transient speed event, determining a minimum value of the maximum output torque capability profile, and limiting the output torque to not greater than the minimum value of the maximum output torque capability profile until the incipient transient speed event is concluded.
Abstract: A method to execute a shift in a powertrain including a plurality of torque generative devices rotatably connected through a first clutch includes operating the powertrain in a continuously variable operating range state, and monitoring a command to execute the shift including monitoring a target speed for a first torque generative device, and monitoring a command to disengage the first clutch. The first clutch is shifted from an engaged state to a disengaged state, including operating a torque phase of the first clutch wherein the first clutch is transitioned from the engaged state to the disengaged state, and simultaneous with the torque phase, operating an inertia speed phase of the first clutch wherein a speed of the first torque generative device is transitioned from an initial speed to the target speed.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 17, 2011
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Sean W. McGrogan, Lisa M. Talarico
Abstract: A method for determining a flow of a gas through an injector and a flow of a gas through a valve in a fuel cell system. The method includes determining an injector flow estimation for the gas flowing through the injector and determining a valve flow estimation for the gas flowing through the valve. The method also includes calculating an error that is a difference between the injector flow estimation and the valve flow estimation and adjusting the flow of the gas through the valve based on the error.
Abstract: A method for controlling torque in a vehicle including monitoring a plurality of factors associated with an output torque request in response to an output torque request rate of change exceeding a predetermined threshold, and controlling rate limiting of a delivered output torque to achieve the output torque request rate of change based on the plurality of factors associated with the output torque request.
Abstract: A system for controlling airflow through an under-hood compartment of a vehicle includes a first grille opening and a second grille opening each disposed at an entrance to the under-hood compartment. The first and second grille openings are configured to admit a first portion of the airflow and a second portion of the airflow, respectively, to the under-hood compartment from the ambient. The system also includes a selectable position shutter assembly disposed at the second grille opening and configured to control the second portion of the airflow admitted to the under-hood compartment. The system additionally includes a vent opening at least partially defined by the body and configured to exhaust at least a fraction of the first portion of the airflow from the under-hood compartment to the ambient. A vehicle employing the system and housing an internal combustion engine and a heat exchanger in the under-hood compartment is also disclosed.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 15, 2011
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Scott P. Charnesky, Gregory J. Fadler, Thomas K. Lockwood
Abstract: A method for activating an oncoming clutch in a transmission includes monitoring rotational speeds of clutch elements of the oncoming clutch wherein the clutch elements are coupled to first and second rotationally independent torque actuators. A control speed profile for the first rotationally independent torque actuator is commanded. A speed profile of the oncoming clutch approaching zero speed is generated as is a control speed profile for the second rotationally independent torque actuator corresponding to a speed of the first rotationally independent torque actuator, the speed profile of the oncoming clutch, and an output speed of the transmission. A speed of the second rotationally independent torque actuator is controlled using the control speed profile for the second rotationally independent torque actuator. A speed of the oncoming clutch is monitored and the oncoming clutch is activated when the speed of the oncoming clutch is zero.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 16, 2011
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Jy-Jen F. Sah, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Anthony H. Heap, Lisa M. Talarico
Abstract: A method for detecting whether the stator in a vehicle alternator has a turn-to-turn short circuit. The method includes determining an output current or voltage signal of the alternator, where the output current or voltage signal includes a ripple current frequency as a result of an AC-to-DC conversion. The method determines the speed of the alternator and a current output of the alternator. The method then determines the ripple current frequency of the alternator from the alternator speed, and determines a winding frequency from the ripple current frequency. The method performs an FFT analysis on the voltage and current signal, determines an amplitude of the winding frequency and compares the amplitude of the winding frequency to a predetermined amplitude, where if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, a turn-to-turn short circuit is likely occurring.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 16, 2011
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Yilu Zhang, Siwei Cheng, Mutasim A. Salman
Abstract: A motion limiter system for a cam phaser includes a retractable motion limiter pin that is selectively extendable from a rotor in a cam phaser to contact a lobe on a stator to provide a positive stop for the rotor prior to engagement of a locking pin. Alternatively, the cam phaser may include two pins that are selectively extendable from opposite openings in a hole in the rotor to engage seats that are slightly offset from one another.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 3, 2012
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
William P. Vukovich, Gerald R. Stabel, Brian R. Webb
Abstract: A protective cap is installed in a wheel hub to protect a wheel speed sensor and bearing assembly from intrusion of dirt. The hub has inner and outer end faces, and a central bore having splines for engagement by a splined driveshaft. The speed sensor system has a segmented disc rotating with the hub and a sensor mounted on a housing and extending into proximity with the segmented disc. The protective cap includes a stem for insertion through the central bore and a head having an under face for engaging with the inner end face of the hub. The head has a distal rim portion overlapping the housing to allow rotation of the protective cap relative the housing to prevent entry of dirt to the speed sensor system and bearing. The stem has yieldable retainers for engaging with the outer end face of the hub to retain the protective cap.
Abstract: A single input, multi-output drive system adapted for use, for example, with a power seat, includes an input power source, such as a PMDC motor, and at least one transmission further including a plurality of output elements shiftable between engaged and disengaged conditions relative to the source, so as to be selectively driven thereby, and drivenly coupled, for example, to various functions of the power seat, and a plurality of active material actuators drivenly and individually coupled to an associated one of the output elements, and configured to selectively engage the associated output element and input source.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 18, 2012
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
DYNALLOY, INC.@@GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Aragorn Zolno, James Holbrook Brown, Nilesh D. Mankame
Abstract: A method to shift a powertrain system from a first operating mode to a second operating mode wherein a common clutch is activated to effect operation in both the first and second operating modes includes, in sequence, deactivating the common clutch, activating an oncoming clutch associated with the second operating mode and deactivating an off-going clutch associated with the first operating mode, and activating the common clutch.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 15, 2011
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Jy-Jen F. Sah, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Anthony H. Heap
Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a turbine housing for a forced induction system of an internal combustion engine is provided, the turbine housing including a turbine inlet passage in fluid communication with a turbine volute configured to house a turbine wheel, the turbine inlet passage configured to direct an exhaust gas flow from an exhaust manifold to the turbine wheel. The housing also includes a turbine outlet passage in fluid communication with the turbine volute, the turbine outlet passage configured to direct the exhaust gas flow to a catalytic converter coupled to the turbine outlet passage, wherein the turbine outlet passage comprises a cone shaped passage.
Abstract: A secondary (backup) release (unlocking and unlatching) of a charge cord for plug-in electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles is provided. A charging port is configured to receive a charging cord and includes a lock bolt configured to lock the charging cord in the charging port during charging. The vehicle also includes a hood assembly having a hood latch with a first cable coupled to the hood latch. A second cable is coupled to the latch bolt and a sheath of the first cable for unlocking the lock bolt. A retainer is coupled to the hood assembly and is configured to limit movement of the second cable until the hood latch has released the hood assembly.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 9, 2011
Publication date:
December 13, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Scott P. CHARNESKY, Paul W. ALEXANDER, Tony ARGOTE, JR.
Abstract: A method for adjusting a vehicle's position in a roadway lane. A camera mounted on the vehicle generates a current image of the lane and the method identifies a current lane-center line in the current image. A reference image is generated and the method identifies a reference lane-center line in the reference image. The method then calculates an error between the current lane-center line and the reference lane-center line and provide steering commands to adjust the position of the vehicle so that the error is reduced.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 9, 2011
Publication date:
December 13, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Wende Zhang, Bakhtiar Brian Litkouhi, Jin-Woo Lee
Abstract: A method of forming an article from a metal alloy sheet material includes stamping the metal alloy sheet material to thereby form a preform having at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion includes a base portion, a first region having a first thickness and spaced apart from the base portion to thereby have a first maximum height, and a second region interconnecting the base portion and the first region and having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. After stamping, the method includes selectively annealing the second region without substantially annealing the first region, and, after selectively annealing, concurrently increasing the first maximum height and substantially equalizing the first thickness and the second thickness to thereby form the article.
Abstract: A method of tracking status and progress of a process is presented and described herein. The method provides a plurality of markers that can be visualized in three dimensions, where each of the plurality of markers represents a respective trackable event. The markers are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration that visually indicates current status of a plurality of trackable events corresponding to the plurality of markers, and the three-dimensional configuration is updated over time to visually indicate an updated status of the plurality of trackable events. The markers and the three-dimensional configuration may be realized using a tangible model or a virtual model that is generated and rendered on a display element.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 8, 2011
Publication date:
December 13, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Gregory L. SCHONE, Timothy J. HERRICK, Nathan A. WILMOT, Dennis J. PASTOR, Jamie L. PICKETT, Kevin T. QUINN
Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method comprising: placing a first insert and a second insert in a casting mold and wherein the first insert and second insert comprising a plurality of connecting post extending inbetween so that the first insert and second insert are in spaced-apart relationship in the mold, each of the first insert and the second insert comprising a first material; casting a molten second material into the casting mold so that the second material flows between the first insert and the second insert and solidifying the second material to provide a product comprising a cast over body portion with the first insert and second insert and so that the second material is mechanically locked or metallurgically bonded to the first material and so that one or both of the first insert and the second insert provides working surface for the product.
Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided that provide for thermal conditioning of a vehicle rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A thermal conditioning system is configured to apply a plurality of thermal conditioning actions for the RESS. A control system is configured to determine a driving route for the vehicle for a drive cycle of the vehicle, select one of the plurality of thermal conditioning actions based at least in part on the driving route, and provide instructions for the thermal conditioning system to apply the selected one of the plurality of thermal conditioning actions for the RESS.
Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for calibrating one or more limits of a battery of a vehicle, the battery having state of charge limits and power limits. A history of environmental conditions for the vehicle is obtained and stored in a memory. One or more of the state of charge limits, one or more of the power limits, or both are adjusted based on the history of environmental conditions and usage severity using a processor.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 8, 2011
Publication date:
December 13, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Asif A. SYED, Sudhakar INGUVA, Joseph M. LOGRASSO, Christopher R. NEUMAN, Ryan B. MOULLIET
Abstract: An onboard computer system including instructions causing a processor to store a first-user media profile indicating media preferences of a user. The processor also determines that the vehicle is encountering a second vehicle and receives a second-user media profile. The processor also evaluates the profiles to determine whether the profiles bear a predetermined similarity and, in response to determining the similarity exists, identifies recommended media, based on characteristics of the profiles, and initiates provision of the recommended media to one of the users of the first vehicle and the user of the second vehicle.