Patents Assigned to GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
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Patent number: 10604197Abstract: Disclosed are downforce feedback systems for active aerodynamic devices, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with a closed-loop downforce feedback system to govern operation of the vehicle's active aero device(s). A feedback control system for operating an active aerodynamic device of a motor vehicle includes one or more pressure sensors for detecting fluid pressures in one or more pneumatic or hydraulic actuators for moving the active aero device. A vehicle controller receives fluid pressure signals from these sensor(s), and calculates an actual downforce value from these signal(s). The controller retrieves a calibrated downforce value from mapped vehicle downforce data stored in memory, and determines if the actual downforce value differs from the calibrated value. If so, the controller determines a target position for a target downforce value for a current vehicle operating condition, and commands the actuator(s) to move the active aero device to the target position.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Samantha J. Bray, Timothy D. Demetrio, Philip C. Lundberg, Joshua R. Auden, Jason D. Fahland
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Patent number: 10605899Abstract: A distributed FM LiDAR system that provides a central unit that includes a frequency modulated optical signal source and a central receiver for reflected light, along with multiple optical heads that include only optical components is described. No optical delay lines or timing compensation photonic or electronic circuitry is necessary between the central unit and the optical heads. The relatively simple optical heads do not require extensive protection from shock or vibration, and can be distributed between a vehicle and a towed trailer or similar vehicle, with connections being provided by an optical coupling.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott Singer, Lutfollah Maleki
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Publication number: 20200094848Abstract: A method of on-line diagnostic and prognostic assessment of an autonomous vehicle perception system includes detecting, via a sensor, a physical parameter of an object external to the vehicle. The method also includes communicating data representing the physical parameter via the sensor to an electronic controller. The method additionally includes comparing the data from the sensor to data representing the physical parameter generated by a geo-source model. The method also includes comparing results generated by a perception software during analysis of the data from the sensor to labels representing the physical parameter from the geo-source model. Furthermore, the method includes generating a prognostic assessment of a ground truth for the physical parameter of the object using the comparisons of the sensor data to the geo-source model data and of the software results to the geo-source model labels. A system for on-line assessment of the vehicle perception system is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2018Publication date: March 26, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yao Hu, Wen-Chiao Lin, Wei Tong, Paul E. Krajewski
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Publication number: 20200094904Abstract: Presented are multi-axis pivoting coupler joints for motorized vehicles, methods for making/using such coupler joints, and electric scooters with multi-axis pivoting coupler joints enabling multimodal scooter operation. A pivoting coupler joint includes first and second bearing assemblies each with a respective housing, respective inner and outer races concentric with each other and located in their respective housing, and a respective set of rolling elements rollably interposed between their respective inner and outer races. The first inner race of the first bearing assembly receives therethrough and circumscribes an axle shaft of a vehicle wheel. The second inner race attaches to a wheeled rider deck of the vehicle. The first and second bearing housings are joined together and angularly offset from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2018Publication date: March 26, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bradly LaBaere, Carlos E. Caro Suarez, Brian V. Castillo, Sandra N. Thomson
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Publication number: 20200094351Abstract: A device and associated method for joining, via a laser welder, a first workpiece to a second workpiece is described. This includes arranging the first and second workpieces in a stack, including overlapping a portion of the first workpiece with a portion of the second workpiece. The laser welder generates a first laser beam and coincidentally controls the laser welder to traverse a desired weld path that is disposed on the top surface of the first workpiece. The laser devices generates a second laser beam and coincidentally controls the laser welder to traverse the desired weld path. Generating, via the laser welder, the first laser beam includes operating the laser welder at a pulsed operation and at a first power level. Generating, via the laser welder, the second laser beam includes operating the laser welder at a continuous operation and at a second power level.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2018Publication date: March 26, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Wu Tao
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Publication number: 20200094693Abstract: Presented are adaptive propulsion assist systems and control logic for manually-powered vehicles, methods for making/using such systems, and intelligent electric scooters with distributed sensing and control-loop feedback for adaptive e-assist operations. A method for regulating a propulsion assist system of a manually-powered vehicle includes a vehicle controller detecting a user contacting the vehicle's handlebar, responsively receiving sensor signals indicative of a user-applied force to the handlebar, and then determining a net user-applied force based on the handlebar force and user-generated forces applied to the scooter deck. The vehicle controller also receives sensor signals indicative of the vehicle's current acceleration, and determines therefrom a pitch angle of the surface on which the vehicle moves.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2018Publication date: March 26, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Carlos E. Caro Suarez, Brian V. Castillo, Sandra N. Thomson, Bradly LaBaere
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Patent number: 10600257Abstract: An autonomic vehicle control system is described, and includes a vehicle spatial monitoring system including a subject spatial sensor that is disposed to monitor a spatial environment proximal to the autonomous vehicle. A controller is in communication with the subject spatial sensor, and the controller includes a processor and a memory device including an instruction set. The instruction set is executable to evaluate the subject spatial sensor, which includes determining first, second, third, fourth and fifth SOH (state of health) parameters associated with the subject spatial sensor, and determining an integrated SOH parameter for the subject spatial sensor based thereupon.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Shengbing Jiang, Mutasim A. Salman, Xinyu Du, Wen-Chiao Lin, Jinsong Wang, Shuqing Zeng
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Patent number: 10600261Abstract: A method for use with a vehicle having one or more subsystems includes receiving vehicle health management (VHM) information via a controller indicative of a state of health of the subsystem. The VHM information is based on prior testing results of the subsystem. The method includes determining a required testing profile using the testing results, applying the testing profile to the subsystem to thereby control a state of the subsystem, and measuring a response of the subsystem to the applied testing profile. The method also includes recording additional testing results in memory of the controller that is indicative of a response of the subsystem to the applied testing profile. The vehicle includes a plurality of subsystems and a controller configured to execute the method.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xiaoyu Huang, Shengbing Jiang, Wen-Chiao Lin, Chaitanya Sankavaram, Yao Hu, Shiming Duan, Yilu Zhang, Paul E. Krajewski
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Patent number: 10596917Abstract: An electrical system includes cables, a DC charge connector, first and second battery modules, a splice device, and a controller. Each battery module has first, second, third, and fourth electrical connectors receiving a respective one of the cables. The battery modules are connected to each other via the cables, and further have first, second, third, and fourth switches that connect battery cell strings to one or more connectors. The charge connector is connected to one of the cables between the first electrical connectors. The splice device connects the charge connector to the first connector of the first battery module and to a pair of the cables. A charging current may be split between the battery modules. The controller selectively establishes parallel charging, parallel drive, and separate drive and charging modes for each battery module. The system may have an independent drive mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Shifang Li, Kris Sevel, Russell K. Steele
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Patent number: 10597070Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein enable detection of traction steer using measured and expected values of steering system data, such as, for example and without limitation, motor current, motor torque, motor position, motor velocity, steering wheel angle, and steering column torque. In some embodiments, the measured steering system data is compared to expected signal values, based on vehicle operating conditions, to determine if the vehicle is experiencing a traction steer event. In some embodiments, using known relationships between two or more steering system signals, a traction steer event is identified if an unexpected relationship is determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David T. De Carteret, Gregory K. Peterson
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Patent number: 10601063Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell stack includes compressing a stack of bipolar plates with a variable applied load a feature non-deformed displacement distance, which is measured from an initial height of the stack of bipolar plates. A first applied load at a first displacement distance and a second applied load at a second displacement distance are sensed. The first displacement distance and the second displacement distance are each less than the feature non-deformed displacement distance. A best fit curve, passing through the first applied load at the first displacement distance and the second applied load at the second displacement distance, is then determined. A final displacement distance, measured from the initial height, is calculated from the best fit curve for a target applied load. The stack of bipolar plates is then compressed to the final displacement distance measured from the initial height.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Liang Xi, Yeh-Hung Lai, Xi Yang
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Patent number: 10597023Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an engine and an electric machine respectively connected to first and second drive axles, with the electric machine decoupled from the engine. The system includes a battery pack and a controller. The controller has slip integrators with a corresponding integrator value for a given one of the drive axles. The integrator values are indicative of an accumulated amount of drive wheel slip over a calibrated duration or window. The integrator values change responsive to axle torque and traction control status signal. The integrator values are added together to derive an integrator sum. Responsive to the integrator sum exceeding a calibrated integrator threshold, the controller executes a control action, including automatically executing a Weather Mode in which energy use of the battery pack is reserved for traction control/propulsion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Aniket P. Kothari
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Patent number: 10596928Abstract: A seat frame is disclosed for a height-adjustable and tiltable seat pan of a motor vehicle seat. The seat frame has two side rails, a first cross bar, a second cross bar, and a drive unit. The first cross bar is supported in the two side rails and the second cross bar serves to support the seat pan. The second cross bar is mounted so as to be rotatable about fixed first axis in the two side rails. The second cross bar is rotated by the drive unit. The drive unit has an actuating motor and an actuator that is displaceable via the actuating motor and connected to the second cross bar outside the first axis. The drive unit is mounted on the first cross bar and rotatable about a second axis of the first cross bar which is fixed in the two side rails.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Andrzej Pleskot
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Patent number: 10597020Abstract: A hybrid electric powertrain includes an electric machine delivering torque to an engine in an engine start event having initial cranking and transition phases. In response to a request for an engine start event, a controller commands delivery of the motor torque to the crankshaft. In the initial cranking phase the controller regulates crankshaft acceleration from zero speed up to a target cranking speed in a closed-loop manner via a predetermined fixed profile. In the transition phase, the crankshaft accelerates from the target cranking speed to a target idle speed using a feed-forward torque value blended, using a calibration table, from a predetermined engine drag torque to a reported engine torque. In the transition phase the controller periodically adjusts a speed trajectory of the crankshaft, with the magnitude and frequency of adjustment based on combustion of the engine and calibration of the feed-forward torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anthony L. Christman, Michael D. Potts, Paul S. Lombardo, Anthony Burt, Jeffrey R. Aldrich
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Patent number: 10601060Abstract: System and methods for setting pressure limits for an air supply of a fuel cell (“FC”) system are presented. Certain embodiments disclosed herein may allow a FC system to calculate a minimum and a maximum FC stack cathode inlet pressure based on different operating conditions while ensuring that the FC stack receives a desired air flow. Further embodiments disclosed herein may allow a FC system to maintain a cathode inlet air pressure within a range that protects an associated compressor from entering surge and/or overheating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yanyan Zhang, Joseph Mussro
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Patent number: 10598770Abstract: A distributed FM LiDAR system that provides a central unit that includes a frequency modulated optical signal source and a central receiver for reflected light, along with multiple optical heads that include only optical components is described. No optical delay lines or timing compensation photonic or electronic circuitry is necessary between the central unit and the optical heads. The relatively simple optical heads do not require extensive protection from shock or vibration, and can be distributed between a vehicle and a towed trailer or similar vehicle, with connections being provided by an optical coupling.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott Singer, Lutfollah Maleki
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Patent number: 10597022Abstract: Presented are model-based control systems for operating parallel hybrid powertrains, methods for making/using such systems, and motor vehicles with parallel hybrid powertrains and model-based torque and speed control capabilities. A method for controlling operation of a hybrid powertrain includes receiving a command signal for a hybrid powertrain operation associated with a driver input and a current operating mode of the powertrain. A desired output torque for executing the powertrain operation is then determined. The method determines if a speed differential between an engine speed of an engine and a torque converter output speed of a torque converter is less than a calibrated threshold; if so, the method responsively engages a clutch device to operatively connect the engine's output member to the transmission's input member. Engine torque is then coordinated with motor torque such that the sum of the engine and motor torques is approximately equal to the desired output torque.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Venkata Prasad Atluri, Dongxu Li, Chunhao J. Lee
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Publication number: 20200089241Abstract: Presented are intelligent vehicle systems and control logic for predictive route planning and adaptive control, methods for manufacturing/operating such systems, and motor vehicles with real-time eco-routing and automated driving capabilities. A method for controlling operation of a vehicle includes determining vehicle origin and destination information, and identifying candidate routes for traversing from the origin to the destination. Road-level data, including speed and topology data, is received for each candidate route. Total energy uses are estimated for propelling the vehicle from the origin to the destination across each of the candidate routes. This estimating includes evaluating respective road-level data of each candidate route against a memory-stored table that correlates energy consumption to speed, turn angle, and/or gradient.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Steven E. Muldoon, Chen-Fang Chang, Edward Gundlach
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Publication number: 20200086773Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant of a vehicle includes a cushion and a suspension. The cushion has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to engage the occupant. The second surface is disposed opposite the first surface. The suspension includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a third surface. The third surface engages the second surface of the cushion. The second portion includes a fourth surface. The fourth surface defines a first depression. The first depression opens toward the cushion. The first depression is configured to receive a portion of the cushion when the occupant exerts a load on the cushion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Onkar Akolkar, Daniel W. Booth, Paul W. Alexander
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Publication number: 20200086872Abstract: A powertrain system for a vehicle is described, and includes an internal combustion engine that is selectively coupled to a driveline. The engine is configured to operate in a coasting mode, wherein the coasting mode includes operating the powertrain system with the engine in an OFF state and decoupled from the driveline. Devices are configured to monitor an output torque request, vehicle speed, and vehicle operating conditions. An executable instruction set monitors the vehicle speed and the output torque request. The engine is controlled to operate in the coasting mode when the output torque request is within the predetermined torque region and the vehicle speed is greater than a minimum speed threshold. The engine is controlled to discontinue operating in the coasting mode in response to the output torque request being outside the torque region of the vehicle speed being less than a minimum speed threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Birendra P Bhattarai, Daniel E Nicholson