Ford Patents

Ford Motor Company is a a global automotive manufacturer and distributor of Ford and Lincoln branded vehicles.

Ford Patents by Type
  • Ford Patents Granted: Ford patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Ford Patent Applications: Ford patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Publication number: 20240086820
    Abstract: A delivery vehicle for autonomously delivering a plurality of packages is described. The delivery vehicle includes a set of rails and a cargo management unit slidably engaged with the set of rails. The cargo management unit is configured to engage with a package and move the package inside the delivery vehicle. The cargo management unit includes a gripping member that includes a lower claw and an upper claw. The lower claw and the upper claw are attached with each other via a pair of first line screws, and are configured to move along the pair of first line screws to secure the package. The cargo management unit further includes a second line screw configured to engage the gripping member with a first rail, and is configured to rotate the gripping member along a second line screw axis and move the gripping member vertically along the second line screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jair Garcia, Rafael Medina, Victor Jose Cisneros Moreno, Gerson Figueroa Flores
  • Publication number: 20240087360
    Abstract: A computer, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to acquire a first image by illuminating a first object with a first light beam, segment the first image of the first object to determine regions that correspond to a first surface material and determine a first measure of pixel values in regions of the first image that correspond to the first surface material. The instructions include further instructions to perform a comparison of the first measure of pixel values to a second measure of pixel values determined from a second image of a second object, wherein the second image is previously acquired by illuminating the second object with a second light beam and when the comparison determines that the first measure is equal to the second measure of pixel values within a tolerance, determine that the first object and the second object are a same object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Jonathan Diedrich, Hamid M. Golgiri, Hemanth Yadav Aradhyula, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20240083392
    Abstract: A sensor-cleaning system includes a sensor of a vehicle, an electrode, and a computer communicatively coupled to the electrode. The sensor includes a lens. The electrode is positioned to draw dust from the lens when the electrode is energized. The computer is programmed to energize the electrode in response to the vehicle moving and deenergize the electrode in response to the vehicle being stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lorne Forsythe, Lars Niklas Pettersson, Venkatesh Krishnan, Michael Robertson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240087136
    Abstract: A computer that includes a processor and a memory can determine a final trajectory for a vehicle by determining a candidate trajectory of a first object based on a detected second object. The candidate trajectory can be input to a reachable polyhedral marching processor to determine dynamic occupancy polyhedrals based on a shape of the candidate trajectory. A reachable tube can be determined based on combining the dynamic occupancy polyhedrals and the final trajectory can be determined based on the reachable tube avoiding the detected second object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT Technology Licensing Office
    Inventors: Md Tawhid Bin Waez, Yue Meng, Zeng Qiu, Chuchu Fan
  • Publication number: 20240083319
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, and an auxiliary panel. The closure panel is movably coupled to the body. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position such that the closure panel selectively covers the access aperture. The auxiliary panel is removably coupled to the closure panel. The auxiliary panel is movable between an engaged state and a disengaged state relative to the closure panel. The auxiliary panel travels with the closure panel when the auxiliary panel is in the engaged state. The disengaged state of the auxiliary panel corresponds with a use position of the auxiliary panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pablo Francisco Santos Zubiaur, Carlos Ricardo Rios Guadarrama
  • Publication number: 20240083389
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for cleaning one or more sensors of a self-driving system (SDS). For example, the SDS is provided with a sensor with a lens that is formed with a convex outer surface. A nozzle is formed with an opening to provide a liquid in a stream at a fan angle relative to a spray axis. The nozzle is spaced apart from the sensor at a distance based on a radius of the lens and the fan angle and configured to spray the liquid with laminar flow onto a proximal end of the lens such that the liquid flows across the lens from the proximal end to a distal end of the lens to remove debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Carlos Francisco MACIEL CASTELLANOS, Pablo Arturo ZUNIGA PEREZ
  • Publication number: 20240083327
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a body that defines a cup-receiving cavity and an aperture that extends through a side wall of the body, a first bracing feature and a second bracing feature, each of which is coupled to the body and positioned outside of the cup-receiving cavity, and a retention finger. The retention finger includes a first portion that extends into the cup-receiving cavity through the aperture, a first engagement feature coupled to the first portion and pivotably engaged with the first bracing feature, and a second engagement feature coupled to the first portion and engaged with the second bracing feature. The retention finger is operable to move via pivotal movement of the first engagement feature relative to the first bracing feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diego F. Villacres Mesias, Gustavo Llamas Maldonado, Jose Carlos Hernandez, Matthew J. Hickey, Michele M. Mathews
  • Publication number: 20240087332
    Abstract: A computer is programmed to receive image data from a sensor; generate a feature pyramid from the image data, the feature pyramid including a plurality of features; apply a plurality of preliminary bounding boxes to the features to generate a plurality of preliminarily bounded features, each preliminarily bounded feature being a pairing of one of the preliminary bounding boxes and one of the features; execute a machine-learning program on the preliminarily bounded features to determine a plurality of classifications and a respective plurality of predicted bounding boxes; and actuate a component of a machine, e.g., a vehicle, based on the classifications and the predicted bounding boxes. The machine-learning program is a two-stage object detector having a first stage and a second stage. The first stage selects a subset of the preliminarily bounded features to pass to the second stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cédric Picron, Tinne Tuytelaars, Punarjay Chakravarty, Shubham Shrivastava
  • Publication number: 20240082867
    Abstract: A system for applying material to a substrate includes a nozzle, robot, actuator, sensor, and controller. The robot provides primary movement such that the nozzle traverses a predefined global bead path across and spaced apart from the substrate. The actuator provides secondary relative movement between the nozzle and substrate. The sensor senses a first location on the substrate that is spaced apart from a location where the nozzle deposits material by a distance based on a sensor response time and relative speed of the nozzle and substrate. The controller detects a feature of the substrate based on the data received from the sensor. The controller directs the actuator to provide the secondary relative movement such that a bead of material is applied to the substrate along a feature-relative bead path. The controller controls the actuator to provide the secondary relative movement based on the response time and the relative speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ahmad Mojdehi, David John Hill, Jim Derry
  • Publication number: 20240083320
    Abstract: A table assembly for a vehicle includes a first mounting bracket attachable on a first fixed vehicle component and a table body. The table body has a plurality of rigid segments joined together by a corresponding plurality of flexible joints. A first one of the flexible joints extends in a first direction and at least another of the flexible joints extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The table body is configured to be removably coupled with the first mounting bracket such that the first mounting bracket supports the table body in a generally horizontal position with the table body in a first configuration folded along the first flexible joint such that the at least another of the flexible joints is positioned to extend along one of the plurality of rigid segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Oscar Martinez, Juan Carlos Aquino Bustamante, Misael Gonzalez, Raul Ezequiel Alvarez Ruiz, Jorge Flores Corona
  • Publication number: 20240083321
    Abstract: An armrest center console for a vehicle includes a housing defining a storage bin, a track assembly having a first and second tracks provided on opposite sides of the housing, and an armrest cover assembly supported on the housing and having a deployable table. The armrest center console also includes a linkage assembly coupling the armrest cover assembly to the first and second tracks, wherein the armrest cover assembly is configured to slide forward on the first and second rail and to rotate upward via the linkage assembly to deploy the deployable table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Thomas, Glen D. Skinner, Brian Robb, Thomas Junior Luckett, Ryan Welch
  • Patent number: 11926260
    Abstract: A method for operating a parking assistance function of a motor vehicle is described, wherein the motor vehicle comprises at least one sensor for detecting the road surrounding the motor vehicle. The method includes the following steps: Finding and specifying a free parking space; Determining a trajectory for parking the motor vehicle in the parking space and a sequence of an at least partially automated parking process; Determining at least one outer boundary line of the road surface required for parking along the identified trajectory; Detecting at least one road user approaching the determined outer boundary line on the road by means of at least one sensor; Determining the distance of the road user approaching the determined outer boundary line from the outer boundary line; if the determined distance falls below a specified first threshold, outputting a warning signal to the approaching road user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Roeber, Florian Vieten
  • Patent number: 11926200
    Abstract: This relates to a vehicle including a rear closure assembly having a liftgate and a tailgate. The liftgate and the tailgate are moveable by a common actuator. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a liftgate moveable between a liftgate closed position and a liftgate open position to selectively cover and uncover a first portion of a rear opening in a body of the vehicle, a tailgate moveable between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position to selectively cover and uncover a second portion of the rear opening, and an actuator mechanically coupled to both the liftgate and the tailgate. The actuator is configured to move the liftgate between the liftgate closed position and the liftgate open position, and the actuator is configured to move the tailgate between the tailgate closed position and the tailgate open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Patent number: 11926282
    Abstract: Systems and methods for random vehicle movement to prevent theft are disclosed. The vehicle system may automatically reposition to make it seem like the user is home and to reduce battery drain and flat spots on the tire. The system may randomize the start time based on the preferences of the user. At the randomly decided time, the vehicle may start up on its own and reposition itself. In addition, the system may learn a driving behavior pattern of the vehicle via machine learning based on driving behavior associated with the vehicle, such that the vehicle may perform vehicle movement based on the learned driving behavior pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Castaldini, Naman Kohli, Vidhya Iyer, Shounak Athavale, Sonal Doomra
  • Patent number: 11926308
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an internal combustion engine that is coupled to a power split transmission are described. In one example, the internal combustion engine is operated in a speed control mode or a torque control mode in response to a braking torque and a transmission shift command. Operating the engine in the torque control mode may allow the engine to charge a battery while a neutral transmission state is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Shen, William David Treharne, Carol Louise Okubo
  • Patent number: 11927159
    Abstract: An air induction system is disclosed for an engine that comprises an air cleaner, an inlet air conduit, a Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAFS), and a secondary air induction system. The air filter encloses a filter element that removes contaminants from the air supplied to the engine. A MAFS is disposed in the inlet air conduit and measures the mass of the air flowing through the inlet air conduit to an intake manifold of the engine and provides data to an engine control module that controls the air/fuel mixture supplied to the engine. The secondary air system receives air from the air cleaner that is provided to a vehicle component and includes an inlet port located upstream from the MAFS. The secondary induction conduit draws air through a port integrated with the MAFS bore with an air pump to provide clean air to an engine component or exhaust system component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher B. Bishop, Angela D. Pyle, John Emley, Roger Joseph Khami, Ivan Lage Matos
  • Patent number: 11926283
    Abstract: A system includes a first controller including a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive first acceleration data from an accelerometer; upon determining that the first acceleration data satisfies a first criterion, transmit a wake-up instruction to a second controller; upon determining that the first acceleration data fails to satisfy the first criterion, instruct the accelerometer to send second acceleration data; and upon determining that the second acceleration data satisfies a second criterion, transmit the wake-up instruction to the second controller. The first criterion includes jerk exceeding a jerk threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Khalid Shamsuddin Hossain
  • Patent number: 11926287
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a front trunk including a closure providing increased headroom and shade. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a front trunk establishing a cargo space; and a closure assembly configured to move between a closed position and an open position to selectively cover and uncover the front trunk, wherein the closure assembly includes a hood section and a grille section, wherein, when the closure assembly is not in the closed position, the grille section is rotatable relative to the hood section in a direction away from a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Benjamin Howard, Kathryn N. Cezar
  • Patent number: 11926197
    Abstract: A door assembly for a motor vehicle includes a door trim panel attached to a door body on the vehicle inside. The door trim panel includes a first impact region and a second impact region formed integrally therewith, wherein at each of the impact regions, an intermediate space is formed between the door trim panel and the door body. In order to allow an optimized protection of an occupant's pelvic region from injury by a vehicle door in a side impact, the door trim panel includes a channel portion, which is recessed back towards the door body, is formed between the impact regions and has two mutually opposite wall portions extending in the vehicle transverse direction, each of which is formed integrally with an impact region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Curtis, Emrah Tokyuerek
  • Patent number: 11927319
    Abstract: A lighting system may include a lamp assembly including a lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly includes a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections each include a material having variable light transmissivity in response to an applied voltage, and wherein the light transmissivity of the first section is adjustable independent of the light transmissivity of the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robertson, Jr., Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Tyler Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11926243
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising includes a traction battery and a controller. The controller, responsive to an interval exceeding a predefined threshold and a predicted net loss in energy, charges the traction battery such that the traction battery acquires energy in an amount at least equal to the predicted net loss in energy. The interval defines a confidence level that a predicted net change in energy stored by the traction battery will occur as a result of use of the vehicle between a current charge location of the vehicle and a next charge location of the vehicle. The amount is based on the interval such that the amount increases as the interval decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. O'Gorman, Devang Bhalchandra Dave, Farshad Harirchi
  • Patent number: 11930302
    Abstract: A two-dimensional image of a vehicle occupant in a vehicle is collected. The collected two-dimensional image is input to a machine learning program trained to output one or more reference points of the vehicle occupant, each reference point being a landmark of the vehicle occupant. One or more reference points of the vehicle occupant in the two-dimensional image is output from the machine learning program. A location of the vehicle occupant in an interior of the vehicle is determined based on the one or more reference points. A vehicle component is actuated based on the determined location. For each of the one or more reference points, a similarity measure is determined between the reference point and a three-dimensional reference point, the similarity measure based on a distance between the reference point and the three-dimensional reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Robert Parenti, Adil Siddiqui, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Yasodekshna Boddeti
  • Patent number: 11926097
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for a component, the component being produced layerwise by fused filament fabrication, includes magnetizing a substrate plate, depositing at least one first layer on the substrate plate, this first layer including a first substance that contains magnetic material, depositing at least one further layer of a second substance, and demagnetizing the substrate plate. An apparatus for producing a component by fused filament fabrication includes a substrate plate for depositing layers of the component, wherein the substrate plate is magnetized before depositing a first layer on the substrate plate, the first layer including a first substance that contains magnetic material, and further layers including a second substance that does not contain a magnetic material are deposited on the first layer, and the substrate plate is demagnetized after forming the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Baranowski, Maik Broda, Markus Franzen, Pascal Rebmann
  • Patent number: 11929517
    Abstract: A battery pack assembly includes, among other things, a tray, a lid secured to the tray to provide an enclosure having an interior, at least one battery module disposed within the interior, a cross-member disposed within the interior adjacent to the at least one battery module, and a stanchion secured to the cross-member. The stanchion disposed entirely within the interior. The assembly further includes a fastener that extends through an opening in the lid to engage the stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Langley, Dave Moschet, Micah Smith, Melissa Kathryn Christensen, Brent Zapczynski, Michael Luchtman, Saravanan Paramasivam
  • Patent number: 11927148
    Abstract: A method for operating a fuel injection system is provided. The method includes injecting fuel from a first direct fuel injection device arranged in a cylinder liner in a cylinder block into a combustion chamber and injecting fuel from a second direct fuel injection device arranged in a cylinder head into the combustion chamber, the first and second direct fuel injection devices arranged at an obtuse angle with regard to an intersection of central axes of the first and second direct fuel injection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maziar Khosravi, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Albert Breuer, Thomas Lorenz
  • Patent number: 11927962
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for addressing an error in a localization system that includes monitoring a plurality of sensors of a driver assistance system in real-time, with each sensor generating a data stream. The method further includes identifying a sensor having an anomalous data stream and calculating a primary localization and a backup localization. The primary localization calculation includes the anomalous data stream and the backup localization calculation does not include the anomalous data stream. Further, the method includes executing an action when the backup localization error estimate exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Herman, Yashanshu Jain, Brian Quinn Kettlewell, Ali Husain, Ashwin Arunmozhi
  • Patent number: 11926371
    Abstract: Example steering wheel systems and torque feedback actuator assemblies for use in steer-by-wire vehicles are described herein. An example steering wheel system includes a steering wheel and a torque feedback actuator assembly. The torque feedback actuator assembly includes a housing and a helical gear rotatably disposed in the housing. The steering wheel is coupled to and coaxially aligned with the helical gear. The torque feedback actuator assembly also includes a motor with a worm gear engaged with the helical gear to provide torque feedback to the steering wheel by driving the helical gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Rawlings, Robert Mrozek, Lodewijk Wijffels, Eugene Lau
  • Patent number: 11928406
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for creating and building a model of a unique infrastructure, such as a parking structure. The model may be created through the identification of various triggers by a vehicle traversing the infrastructure. The triggers may include, for example, sensors or other devices capable of sensing the vehicle within the infrastructure. The triggers may also be information received from the vehicle itself. Based on the triggers, it may be inferred that various places exist throughout the infrastructure. For example, it may be inferred through two subsequent triggers that a place exists between the two triggers. The place may be added to the model of the infrastructure in between the two triggers. The model may continue to grow in this manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Omar Makke, Oleg Gusikhin, Andrew Gliesman, Bardia Madani, Sina Fakhraee, David Kramer, Melinda Kaye Hunsaker
  • Patent number: 11927372
    Abstract: A heat pump includes a refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop includes a compressor, a first region of a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is positioned immediately downstream of an outlet of the compressor. A second heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger. A vapor generator is positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger. The vapor generator is positioned upstream of the second heat exchanger in a first mode of operation. The vapor generator is positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger in a second mode of operation. A first branching point is positioned immediately downstream of the first region of the first heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rachael Shey, Jeffrey Paul Brown
  • Patent number: 11925998
    Abstract: A system for forming a vehicle component includes a first metal sheet having an aperture, a second metal sheet contacting a lower surface of the first metal sheet, an anvil supporting the first and second metal sheets beneath the aperture, and a press bit disposed above the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Dornik
  • Patent number: 11926198
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a support structure. The vehicle also includes a side door operable to move relative to the support structure between an open position and a closed position. In the open position of the side door, access to a vehicle interior of the vehicle is provided. In the closed position of the side door, the side door extends across a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a plurality of pivot members, each pivotably coupled to the support structure at a first end and pivotably coupled to the side door at a second end. The side door is movable between the open and closed positions via pivotal movement of each of the plurality of pivot members relative to the support structure and pivotal movement of the side door relative to each of the plurality of pivot members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jesse Rene Diephuis, Michael John Harmon, Andrew Brand, Ryan Wayne Warner, Andrew Smith
  • Patent number: 11928718
    Abstract: A method for recommending fuel filling stations based on water in fuel content is disclosed. In one example, a data structure is generated to house data from a plurality of fuel filling stations. The data structure may include data that is indicative of water in fuel. A recommendation for refilling a fuel tank may be provided according to data that is held in the data structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yun Xing, John Erik Mikael Hellstrom
  • Patent number: 11927149
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting injection timing of closely spaced multiple injections via a same injector. In one example, during an inter-injection spacing between a first injection and a second injection in a set of multiple injections being lower than a threshold period, an opening time of the second injection in the set of multiple injections may be adjusted based on another opening time of another second injection in a previous set of multiple injections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Pursifull, Ethan Sanborn, Joseph Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240075864
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, a load ramp, and a moisture sensor. The access aperture provides access to an interior of the vehicle. The closure panel selectively covers at least a portion of the access aperture. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a dosed position relative to the access aperture. The load ramp is deployably coupled to the closure panel. The load ramp includes a coupled end and a free end. The load ramp is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The moisture sensor is positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp. Methods of controlling the vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Peter Phung, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo
  • Publication number: 20240076760
    Abstract: A method of recycling a component having a base structure and at least one body coupled to the base structure, wherein the body includes a rare earth element, includes positioning a mask over the component to produce a masked component. The mask is a material that is resistant to a liquid. The liquid is an acid or solvent and configured to dissolve the rare earth element. The mask covers the base structure to inhibit exposure of the base structure to the liquid. The mask defines at least one window aligned with the at least one body to expose the body to the liquid. The method includes dissolving the rare earth element into a solution by exposing the masked component to the liquid such that the liquid contacts the at least one body through the at least one window. The method further includes recovering the rare earth element from the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chuanbing Rong
  • Publication number: 20240078349
    Abstract: A distributed CAD system includes a server computing device comprising a reference CAD object database and a CAD file database. The reference CAD object database comprises a plurality of reference CAD objects, the CAD file database comprises one or more master CAD files, and each of the one or more master CAD files comprises master object information and master identification information. The distributed CAD system includes a plurality of client computing devices. Each of the plurality of client computing devices comprises a client database, and each client database comprises one or more local CAD files and local object information associated with each of the one or more local CAD files. The server computing device is configured to determine whether an input received by a given client computing device from among the plurality of client computing devices satisfies one of a file creation condition and a file modification condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Schuchard
  • Publication number: 20240075930
    Abstract: A system has memory that stores instructions executable by the processor to instruct operation of at least one vehicle system (e.g., braking system, propulsion system, steering system, suspension system) in a minimum time mode for travel of the vehicle from a starting point to a destination point of a roadway. The system collects roadway data for the roadway from the starting point to the destination point. Based on the roadway data, the system determine a minimum time path from the starting point to the destination point and speed along the minimum time path. In response to a maximum acceleration input from a human driver of the vehicle when the vehicle is at the starting point, the system initiates the minimum time mode and instructs operation of at least one vehicle system to pursue the minimum time path and speed along the minimum time path from starting point to destination point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Barrett, Brendan Francis Diamond, Keith Weston, Andrew Denis Lewandowski, Aaron L. Mills
  • Publication number: 20240078350
    Abstract: A distributed CAD system includes a server computing device comprising a reference CAD object database and a workstation database. The reference CAD object database comprises a plurality of reference CAD objects, and the workstation database includes a plurality of workstation entries. The distributed CAD system includes a plurality of client computing devices. Each client computing device from among the plurality of client computing devices comprises a client database, and the client database comprises one or more local CAD files and one or more local properties associated with each of the one or more local CAD files. Each client computing device is configured to: select a given local CAD file, identify a given workstation entry associated with the given local CAD file, selectively modify a set of one or more master properties defined by the given workstation entry and a set of the location-based information defined by the given workstation entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Schuchard
  • Publication number: 20240080765
    Abstract: A Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) method is described. The method includes obtaining, via a BLE receiver of a key fob, a first BLE wakeup signal from a vehicle. In response to obtaining the first wakeup signal, the method includes activating a BLE transceiver of the key fob. Upon activation of the BLE transceiver, the method includes activating a UWB transceiver of the key fob via the BLE transceiver. When the UWB transceiver is activated, the method includes receiving a challenge signal from the vehicle via the UWB transceiver. Upon receiving the challenge signal, the method includes transmitting a response to the challenge signal via the UWB transceiver. Based on the response to the challenge signal, the method includes receiving a success signal from the vehicle. Upon receiving the success signal, the method includes deactivating BLE transceiver and the UWB transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron DeLong, Vivekanandh Elangovan
  • Publication number: 20240076129
    Abstract: A method for delivering a plurality of packages is described. The method includes obtaining, via a processor, information associated with a delivery plan of the plurality of packages from at least one memory. Based on the information, the method includes determining, via the processor, a current location, and a destination location of a target container. In response to the determination, the method includes determining, via the processor, a movement plan to move the target container to the destination location. Based on the movement plan, the method includes activating, via the processor, a first set of motorized tiles to move the target container to the destination location. The method further includes receiving, via the processor, an updated movement plan from a server plan when a preset condition is met. Based on the updated movement plan, the method includes activating, via the processor, a second set of motorized tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Stark, Girish Kumar Yadav, Timothy Mark Feldkamp, Kurt Michael Lundeen, David Melcher, John Randolf Vincent, Yifan Chen, Sarah Garrow
  • Publication number: 20240078819
    Abstract: An object can be detected in contact with a steering wheel of a vehicle. A first image of the steering wheel at a first angle of rotation and a second image of the steering wheel at a second angle of rotation are then obtained. A type of the object is identified based on at least one of the first image or the second image, as one of a human hand or a foreign object. A vehicle component is controlled based on the type of object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Herman, Yashanshu Jain, Ryan Sorsby
  • Publication number: 20240075681
    Abstract: A headrest assembly includes a lattice matrix having a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) cells. Each 3D cell of includes a node and a plurality of links outwardly extending from the node. The lattice matrix includes a plurality of sections including a first section having a first overall elastic modulus, a second section positioned adjacent to the first section and having a second overall elastic modulus that is higher than the first overall elastic modulus of the first section, and a third section positioned adjacent to the second section and having a third overall elastic modulus that is higher than the second overall elastic modulus of the second section. The lattice matrix is integrally constructed using an additive manufacturing technique, wherein the 3D cells of each section are provided in various patterns and cured to varying degrees to provide the varying overall elastic moduli of each section of the lattice matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Siddharthan Selvasekar, Chris Fredriksson, Patrick Maloney, Sangram Tamhankar, Kevin VanNieulande
  • Publication number: 20240075863
    Abstract: A tray assembly for a vehicle has a steering wheel rim and a plate-shaped tray unit arranged on the steering wheel rim. The steering wheel rim is mounted to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis between a steering position and a tray position arranged at a smaller angle of inclination than in the steering position. In order to provide a tray assembly which can be handled in a manner which is reliable in operation and user-friendly, an edge of the tray unit is matched to a profile of the steering wheel rim such that the tray unit arranged on the steering wheel rim located in the tray position partially or completely covers the steering wheel rim from above, without projecting beyond the steering wheel rim on the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Fassbender, Sascha Kaatz, Philipp Kuepper
  • Publication number: 20240075883
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment, a belt conveyor located in the storage compartment and having a slat belt supported by a pair of rollers, and a shelf operatively coupled to the slat belt and configured to move between a lower stowed position within the storage compartment and an upper deployed position extending outward from the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Jeff Robert Seaman, Annette Lynn Huebner, George Abram Thornton, Michael John Harmon
  • Publication number: 20240078851
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for predicting energy consumption in vehicles. In an example method, a predicted energy consumption model associated with a vehicle may be determined. Sensor data associated with the vehicle may be received via a plurality of sensors associated with the vehicle. A driver-based energy consumption model associated with the vehicle may then be determined based at least in part on the sensor data. An estimated energy consumption model associated with the vehicle may then be determined based at least in part on the predicted energy consumption model and the driver-based energy consumption model. A vehicle charging prediction model may then be determined based at least in part on the estimated energy consumption model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kai Wu, Chen Zhang, Zhen Hu, Yan Fu, David McCreadie, Sunil Goyal
  • Patent number: 11922737
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for battery life cycle prediction for a preowned electrified vehicle including receiving state of charge (SOC) and mileage data associated with the preowned electrified vehicle, providing one or more driving maneuvers to be performed by a driver, providing one or more instructions to the driver to operate power-driven accessories of the preowned electrified vehicle, collecting data representing battery usage by the driver by monitoring the driving maneuvers and the operation of power-driven accessories as performed by the driver, and responsive to the collected data representing battery usage and the SOC and mileage, providing a battery life prediction for the preowned electrified vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Huebner, David Kennedy, Hussein Berry
  • Patent number: 11920224
    Abstract: A magnet structure includes columnar grains of rare earth permanent magnet phase aligned in a same direction and arranged to form bulk anisotropic rare earth alloy magnet having a boundary defined by opposite ends of the columnar grains and lacking triple junction regions, and rare earth alloy diffused onto opposite ends of the bulk anisotropic rare earth alloy magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wanfeng Li, Feng Liang, Michael W. Degner
  • Patent number: D1017465
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Max Wolff, Maurizio Tocco, David Dewitt, Andrew Wolton, Nonthawat Kongsari, Siddhartha Kazami, Rohan Satyamurthy, Emily Lai, Luana Teixeira, Peter Jones
  • Patent number: D1017626
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Luke Niewiadomski, Bo Bao, Seyed Armin Raeis Hosseiny, Katherine Rouen, Clay Cundiff
  • Patent number: D1017852
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ehab Kaoud, William K. Moore, Richard L. Howard, Joshua P. Henry, Samuel R. Haire