Patents Assigned to GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
  • Patent number: 10677212
    Abstract: A method of controlled stopping an internal combustion engine having a stop-start mode and starter assembly includes detecting when the stop-start mode is active. The method also includes monitoring current rotational speed and position of the engine. The method additionally includes determining when the current rotational position is within a predetermined range of a target stop rotational position and the current rotational speed is less than a threshold rotational speed, and afterward energizing the starter assembly to engage the engine. The method also includes establishing a time delay following energizing the starter assembly to confirm engagement of the starter assembly with the engine. Furthermore, the method includes applying a torque by the starter assembly to stop the engine at the target stop position. A vehicle powertrain employing the engine equipped with the stop-start mode, the starter assembly, and an electronic controller configured to execute the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Lei Hao, Chandra S. Namuduri, Paul S. Lombardo, Chunhao J. Lee, Alexandru Rajala, Neeraj S. Shidore, Farzad Samie, Norman K. Bucknor, Dongxu Li
  • Patent number: 10677147
    Abstract: A turbocharging system for an internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger having a shaft supported for rotation about an axis. The turbocharger also includes a turbine wheel mounted on the shaft and configured to be rotated about the axis by the exhaust gas, and a compressor assembly mounted on the shaft and configured to pressurize an airflow received from the ambient for delivery to the cylinder. The turbocharging system additionally includes an electric motor configured to generate electric motor torque. The turbocharging system further includes a one-way clutch configured to selectively connect the electric motor to the compressor assembly, such that the electric motor torque assists the turbocharger in generating boost pressure. An internal combustion engine employing such a turbocharging system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jim Liu, Bin Zhu, Jian Yao, Claus Juergen Glahn
  • Patent number: 10680266
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an integrated MEA, the method includes the following steps: (1) providing a substrate having an AA region and a WVT region; (2) simultaneously coating a microporous layer, a catalyst layer, and a first membrane ionomer layer onto the substrate; (3) applying an optional membrane support layer to the first membrane ionomer layer in the AA region and the WVT region; (4) applying an optional second membrane ionomer layer; (5) heating treating a coated substrate; and (6) assembling the coated substrate to a companion coated substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark F. Mathias, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan, Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Scott C. Moose
  • Patent number: 10677142
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger body arranged along an axis and having an external surface in contact with a surrounding first fluid. The body defines a first fluid passage centered on and extending along the axis. The body also defines a second fluid passage extending parallel with respect to the axis and spaced away from the axis by a second passage distance, and a third fluid passage extending parallel with respect to the axis and spaced away from the axis by a third passage distance. The first, second, and third passages are parallel to one another, while the third passage distance is greater than the second passage distance. Each of the first and third passages is configured to accept a flow of a second fluid and the second fluid passage is configured to hold a volume of air to thermally insulate the first passage from the third passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Kaczmar, Alan E. Bowler
  • Patent number: 10680472
    Abstract: A stator for an electromagnetic machine includes a first lamination stack defining a first cavity therein and having a central longitudinal axis. The first lamination stack includes a first plurality of mounting ears disposed opposite the first cavity and each spaced apart from one another about the central longitudinal axis. The stator further includes a second lamination stack abutting the first lamination stack and defining a second cavity therein aligned with the first cavity along the central longitudinal axis. The second lamination stack includes a second plurality of mounting ears disposed opposite the second cavity and each spaced apart from the first plurality of mounting ears and from one another about the central longitudinal axis. An electromagnetic machine including the stator and a device including the electromagnetic machine are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pavan Kumar Patruni, Song He, Edward L. Kaiser, Mithun Sunny
  • Patent number: 10675703
    Abstract: A weld joint is disclosed that weld bonds together an aluminum workpiece and a steel workpiece. The weld joint includes an aluminum weld nugget, an intermetallic layer, and an annular ring of aluminide particles that is selected from the group consisting of nickel aluminide particles, iron aluminide particles, and a combination thereof. The annular ring of aluminide particles extends upwards from a weld bond surface of the weld joint such that the annular ring of aluminide particles extends radially inwardly into the aluminum weld nugget and protects the weld bond surface of the weld joint against crack propagation that may originate from a notch root of the weld joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David Sigler, Blair Carlson, Surender Maddela
  • Patent number: 10675687
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a highly insulating three-dimensional (3D) structure is provided. The method includes depositing a first layer of hollow microspheres onto a base. The hollow microspheres have a metallic coating formed thereon. A laser beam is scanned over the hollow microspheres so as to sinter the metallic coating of the hollow microspheres at predetermined locations. At least one layer of the hollow microspheres is deposited onto the first layer. Scanning by the laser beam is repeated for each successive layer until a predetermined 3D structure is constructed. The 3D structure includes a composite thermal barrier coating (TBC), which may be applied to a surface of components within an internal combustion engine, and the like. The composite TBC is bonded to the components of the engine to provide low thermal conductivity and low heat capacity insulation that is sealed against combustion gasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Jason R. Traub, Peter P. Andruskiewicz, IV
  • Patent number: 10677200
    Abstract: An exemplary system for monitoring and controlling evaporative emissions for a vehicle includes a first fuel vapor adsorption canister, a second fuel vapor adsorption canister, a first passage from the fuel supply to the first canister, a second passage from the first canister to the canister, the second passage including a first valve selectively actuatable from a first position to a second position, a third passage from the first and second canisters for venting the first and second canisters, a fourth passage connecting the second canister to the third passage, and a controller electrically connected to the first valve. Fuel vapor is routed to the first canister when a first condition is not satisfied and fuel vapor is routed to the second canister when the first condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jason M. Andrzejewski, Timothy E. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 10680226
    Abstract: A battery assembly includes a battery cell, conductive bus bar, and printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). A cell tab of the battery assembly has a first portion extending from a perimeter edge of a pouch and a second portion arranged orthogonally with respect to the first portion. The bus bar defines a tab slot through which the first portion extends, and has a major surface adjacent to the second portion. The PCBA defines an elongated welding window orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the PCBA. The PCBA is mounted over the bus bar such that surface area of the second portion is exposed through the welding window, and in turn is welded to the bus bar through and within the welding window. A spring element may be positioned between the carrier frame and the PCBA. A method of making the battery assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Evan J. Dawley
  • Patent number: 10676071
    Abstract: Methods and system for monitoring and evaluating irregularities on a sensor lens of a vehicle sensor are disclosed. One embodiment of a method includes the steps of providing the vehicle with an actuator configured to move the sensor lens and a controller in electronic communication with the actuator, receiving sensor data corresponding to at least one characteristic of a vehicle environment from the at least one sensor, evaluating the sensor data to determine if the sensor data indicates an irregularity on the sensor lens of the at least one sensor, classifying the irregularity, storing irregularity data corresponding to the classified irregularity in a non-transient, computer-readable data medium, and, in response to the classified irregularity, automatically controlling the actuator to move the sensor lens from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frank J. Dusina, Scott W. Damman, Aaron S. Pfau
  • Patent number: 10677140
    Abstract: A multi-port exhaust gas diverter valve disposed within a linkage of an exhaust manifold for selectively diverting an exhaust gas generated by an internal combustion engine to one or more of a turbocharger system, an exhaust gas recirculation system, and an emissions control system. The diverter valve includes an inlet port for receiving an exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold and a plurality of outlet ports. A rotatable valve sleeve having an open end and a slot opening is co-axially disposed within a cylindrical chamber defined by the valve body. The open end of the valve sleeve is in continuous fluid communication with the inlet port. The valve sleeve is selectively rotatable to align the slot opening with at least one of the plurality of outlet ports such that the valve sleeve provides fluid communication between the inlet port and the at least one of the outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kaczmar, Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 10676055
    Abstract: An exemplary side impact system for a vehicle includes an energy absorption member including a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion, the first and second portions connected by a first arcuate portion, the second and third portions connected by a second arcuate portion, and the third and fourth portions connected by a third arcuate portion such that the energy absorption member has a W-shaped cross-section and a load path distribution member. The load path distribution member is coupled to the energy absorption member at the first and third arcuate portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jungryoung Kim, Shreeganesh Sudhindra, Gheorghe Barbuta, Len V. Peschansky
  • Publication number: 20200172040
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat frame and a seat cushion coupled to the seat frame. The seat frame includes a seatback frame, a base frame coupled to the seatback frame, a first armrest frame coupled to the seatback frame, and a second armrest frame coupled to the seatback frame. The seat cushion covers the seat frame and is spaced apart from the seat frame to define a cavity therebetween. The seat assembly further includes an airbag coupled between the seat frame and the seat cushion. The airbag has a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the airbag is disposed in the cavity between the seat frame and the seat cushion. In the deployed position, the airbag is partly disposed outside the cavity between the seat frame and the seat cushion to absorb energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yi-Pen Cheng, Chin-Hsu Lin, Paul E. Krajewski
  • Publication number: 20200173529
    Abstract: A final drive assembly for a vehicle drive axle having first and second axle-shafts that are configured to rotate about a common first axis. The final drive assembly includes a first gear-set configured to be operatively connected to the first axle-shaft. The final drive assembly also includes a second gear-set configured to be operatively connected to the second axle-shaft. The final drive assembly additionally includes an electric motor configured to provide an electric motor torque input to each of the first and second gear-sets and arranged on a second axis that is parallel to the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Littlefield, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 10670385
    Abstract: A device and associated method for monitoring a rotatable member is described, and includes a target wheel coupled to the rotatable member, and a sensor that is disposed to monitor the target wheel. The sensor is configured to generate a signal associated with rotation of the target wheel. A controller is in communication with the sensor and includes an instruction set that is executable to dynamically monitor the signal generated by the sensor during rotation of the target wheel and determine a magnitude of an airgap between the sensor and the target wheel based upon the signal. A variation in the magnitude of the airgap between the sensor and the target wheel can be determined based upon the signal, and a fault associated with the rotating member can be determined based upon the variation in the magnitude of the airgap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Azeem Sarwar, Gregory W. Deneszczuk
  • Patent number: 10670162
    Abstract: A fluid bypass valve includes a valve member disposed within a valve chamber of a housing. A temperature based actuating mechanism moves the valve member between a first position and a second position in response to a temperature change. A temporary flow control device undergoes a one-time only shape change between a first shape and a second shape. The temporary flow control device enables fluid communication between a first port and a second port when exhibiting the first shape, and does not enable fluid communication between the first port and the second port when exhibiting the second shape. The temporary flow control device exhibits the first shape when having an initial temperature less than or equal to a second pre-defined temperature, and exhibits the second shape in response to a first heating of the temporary flow control device to a temperature that is greater than the second pre-defined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Nicholas W. Pinto, Scott R. Webb, Nilesh D. Mankame, Richard J. Skurkis
  • Patent number: 10672205
    Abstract: A vehicle including a fluidic subsystem composed of an electric motor, a motor driver and a fluidic pump that is disposed in a fluidic circuit of the vehicle is described. A controller includes an instruction set that is executable to determine operating parameters associated with the fluidic subsystem, and determine a plurality of power efficiency parameters for the fluidic subsystem based upon the operating parameters. The power efficiency parameters include a hydraulic power efficiency, an electro-mechanical power efficiency and an electric power efficiency. The controller can determine a state of health for the fluidic subsystem based upon the power efficiency parameters, and detect a fault in the fluidic subsystem when the state of health is less than a threshold state of health. The fault can be communicated to a vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shiming Duan, Yao Hu, Christopher H. Knieper
  • Patent number: 10668845
    Abstract: A moisture detection and regulation system is disclosed for a vehicle interior component having a section of material with a moisture absorbent material structure. The system includes a sensing device configured to detect a level of moisture in the section of material. The system also includes a moisture removal element configured to dissipate moisture from the section of material. The system additionally includes an electronic controller fixed to the vehicle structure and in operative communication with each of the sensing device and the moisture removal element. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensing device indicative of the detected level of moisture in the section of material and activate the moisture removal element when the detected level of moisture is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold level of moisture. A vehicle having such a moisture detection and regulation system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kausalya Singuru, David R. Petrucci, Gregg R. Kittinger, Xiujie Gao, Paul E. Krajewski
  • Patent number: 10668822
    Abstract: A rotary system includes a rotor, a vector-based position sensor, and a controller executing a method to eliminate fundamental harmonic position measurement error. The sensor measures angular position of the rotor and outputs raw sine and cosine signals representative of the angular position. The raw signals have a fundamental harmonic position measurement error at the frequency of the sensor signals. The controller receives the raw signals, adaptively adds or subtracts sensor signal offsets to or from the raw signals to generate offset sine and cosine signals, calculates a corrected position of the rotor using the offset sine and cosine signals eliminating the fundamental error, and controls an action or state of the rotary system using the corrected position. The rotor may be part of an electric machine, such as in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Caleb W. Secrest, David S. Ochs
  • Patent number: 10670445
    Abstract: System and method for controlling operation of a vehicle having a fluid reservoir. The system includes one or more fluid level indicators configured to respectively obtain a measured fluid level in the fluid reservoir. A plurality of sensors is operatively connected to the vehicle and configured to respectively obtain one or more parameters. A controller is configured to determine if a fluid level transition between the measured fluid level and a past fluid level is indicated, when there is exactly one fluid level indicator. The controller is configured to identify a reporting state from among a first state, a second state and a third state, based in part on a correlation to a dynamic event and an expected direction for the fluid level transition. A control action is executed by the controller based in part on the reporting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward T. Heil, Kevin G. Weishuhn, Sean E. Zuzga, Eric E. Krueger, Steven J. Weber