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: 20230159032
    Abstract: A speed of a target vehicle in a target lane of operation is determined relative to a host vehicle in a host lane of operation. A virtual boundary is determined around the target vehicle based on the speed of the target vehicle. A position in the target lane and outside the virtual boundary is selected based on a) a first cost function for a deviation of a speed of the host vehicle from a requested speed, and b) a second cost function for a frequency of lane changes. Upon determining to move the host vehicle from the host lane to the target lane, the host vehicle is operated to the position in the target lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yousaf Rahman, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • Publication number: 20230159029
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify a first scenario in which a vehicle is operating from a plurality of scenarios, prompt an operator to activate an adaptive cruise control of the vehicle in response to a preference score for the first scenario being above a threshold, refrain from prompting the operator to activate the adaptive cruise control in response to the preference score for the first scenario being below the threshold, and activate the adaptive cruise control in response to receiving an input to activate the adaptive cruise control from the operator. The scenarios indicate at least one characteristic of a road on which the vehicle is traveling. The preference score indicates a preference of the operator for activating the adaptive cruise control in the first scenario.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fling Finn Tseng, Himanshu Verma, Aed M. Dudar
  • Publication number: 20230159019
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a vehicle processor disposed to control a drive system, and a memory for storing executable instructions. The vehicle processor is programmed to execute the instructions to determine, via the vehicle processor, a localization of a mobile device using a tethered wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle, receive, via the processor, an absolute heading of the mobile device, determine, via the vehicle processor, based on the localization of the mobile device, a relative bearing angle from the mobile device to the vehicle. The system may use the tethered wireless connection and the relative bearing angle from the mobile device to the vehicle to determine that a user is actuating a Human Machine Interface (HMI) element indicative of user attention to a remote parking maneuver and complete the remote parking maneuver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hamid M. Golgiri, Vivekanandh Elangovan, Tom Nelson, Erick Michael Lovoie, Ryan Joseph Gorski
  • Publication number: 20230158876
    Abstract: A structural assembly for a vehicle includes a battery structure having a battery frame. The structural assembly includes a vehicle frame and a vehicle body. The vehicle frame has opposed longitudinal rails. The vehicle body is separate from and mounted on the vehicle frame. The vehicle body includes opposed rockers extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each opposed longitudinal rail is located between a respective rocker and the battery frame of the battery structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Conor Daniel Hennessey, Vladimir Vladimirovich Bogachuk, Shawn Michael Morgans, Stephen William Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20230161005
    Abstract: An assembly includes a sensor housing defining an inlet. The assembly includes a sensor assembly rotatably supported by the sensor housing. The sensor assembly includes a sensor and a cover surrounding the sensor. The sensor assembly has a cavity between the sensor and the cover. The inlet is in fluid communication with the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robertson, JR., Venkatesh Krishnan, Rashaun Phinisee
  • Publication number: 20230158992
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a first seat and a second seat. The assembly includes a crossbar positioned between the first seat and the second seat. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the crossbar. The assembly includes a controller programmed to position the crossbar in a raised position in response to a detected occupant egress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi, S.M. Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 11654793
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery and a controller. The controller, responsive to some cells of the traction battery achieving a first state of charge threshold, discharge other cells of the traction battery, each having a capacity greater than each of the some of the cells, to a second state of charge threshold that is greater than the first state of charge threshold without discharging the some of the cells. The controller then charges all of the cells at the same time such that the some of the cells and the other of the cells achieve a same predetermined target state of charge at a same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Rui Hu, Rui Wang, Xu Wang, Baojin Wang
  • Patent number: 11654484
    Abstract: A method of forming a part includes metal binder jet printing a first green component with a first attachment interface, de-powdering the first green component, assembling the first green component with a second component comprising a second attachment interface and forming an assembly such that the first attachment interface and the second attachment interface are adjacent to each other. The assembly is sintered such that volumetric shrinkage of at least the first green component creates a compressive force across the first attachment interface and the second attachment interface, and the compressive force across the first attachment interface and the second attachment interface and heat from the sintering results in a metallurgical bond across the first attachment interface and the second attachment interface such that a monolithic part is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Cornell, Mark Meinhart, Jason Powell, Wolfram Buschhaus
  • Patent number: 11654810
    Abstract: A console assembly includes a body that has a front portion and a rear portion. The body defines a support extension extending from a rear portion. The support extension includes a guide and a resilient member that defines a channel. A lid is operably coupled to the body. A connector outwardly extends from the lid and is coupled to the support extension. An engagement member is positioned within the channel and is coupled to the connector and mutually engageable with the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shiran Chen
  • Patent number: 11654802
    Abstract: An assembly includes a seatback defining an occupant-seating area. The seatback has a frame and a rear trim cover. The frame is between the occupant-seating area and the rear trim cover. The assembly includes a seat bottom extending from the seatback below the occupant-seating area. The assembly includes a deformable cell between the frame and the rear trim cover. The deformable cell extends from a first end proximate the frame to a second end proximate the rear trim cover. The deformable cell has a contraction between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque, Anil Kalra, Rahul Arora
  • Patent number: 11654795
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a temperature control system, a battery configured to power the temperature control system, and a controller. The controller is programmed to, in response to a request to precondition the battery or the cabin air, an absence of receiving a signal indicative of a desired initial battery state of charge, and an actual battery state of charge being greater than a default threshold, deliver electrical power from the battery to the temperature control system at a desired value. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the request to precondition the battery or the cabin air, receiving the signal indicative of the desired initial battery state of charge, and the actual battery state of charge being greater than the desired initial battery state of charge but less than the default threshold, deliver electrical power from the battery to the temperature control system at the desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Everett Badger, II, Rohan Shrivastava, Jordan Mazaira, Zachary March
  • Patent number: 11654785
    Abstract: A vehicle charge port assembly includes a housing having a port configured to couple to a charge-station coupler. The port includes a plurality of terminals and a back cover attached to a back side of the housing and defining openings that receive the terminals. The port further includes wires, each joined to one of the terminals, and seals each encircling one of the wires and disposed in a corresponding one of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Isaiah Genece, Darko Acevski, William Christopher Trego, Douglas G Hughes, Zubair Hassan
  • Patent number: 11654813
    Abstract: A reconfigurable cup holder assembly for a vehicle comprises: (i) a base structure, and (ii) a cup holder portion pivotably coupled to the base structure about a pivot axis, the cup holder portion comprising a first cup holder and a second cup holder, each of the first cup holder and the second cup holder defining a space configured to hold a container for liquid, and the cup holder portion is pivotable about the pivot axis to, from, and between a first position relative to the base structure and a second position relative to the base structure; wherein, the pivot axis extends through the space of the first cup holder. The second cup holder can pivot greater than or equal to 75 degrees about the pivot axis when the cup holder portion moves from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Thomas, Shiran Chen, Stephen Neal Jacobsen, Michele Marie Mathews
  • Patent number: 11654831
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle includes a unitary main body. The unitary main body includes a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top finish portion that extends between the first and second side walls. The top finish portion defines at least one of a shifter receiving aperture and a cup holder opening. A cross bracket is coupled to the first and second side walls and extends between the first and second side walls of the unitary main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuti Sinha, Mohamed A. Elmadari, Chad M. Bross, Patrick T. Beaudoin, Martin J. Drumb
  • Patent number: 11654811
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a lower leg support. The seat includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are opposite to one another. The lower leg support is coupled to the seat at the second end and is movable relative to the seat between a retracted position and an extended position. A suspension assembly is coupled to the lower leg support. The suspension assembly includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The first end of the suspension assembly is coupled to a portion of the seat. The second end of the suspension assembly is coupled proximate to a distal end of the lower leg support. A distance between an interior surface of the intermediate portion and an adjacent surface of each of the seat and the lower leg support may vary based on lower leg support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Jimmy Moua, Deeptej Kudav, S. M. Akbar Berry, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Macit Aktas, Spencer Hoin
  • Patent number: 11654824
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing a display pertaining to a vehicle payload. An example method executed by a processor of a vehicle payload display system includes determining a weight of a payload placed upon the vehicle and displaying upon a ground surface outside the vehicle and/or upon a windshield of the vehicle, an image that provides an indication of the weight of the payload placed upon the vehicle. Another example method executed by the processor includes obtaining information about a laden weight of the vehicle, determining a weight difference between the laden weight and a payload capacity of the vehicle, determining, based on the weight difference, a payload margin available for loading the vehicle or an excess weight loaded upon the vehicle, and displaying the payload margin or the first excess weight upon a display surface that is viewable from outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 11654875
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, friction brakes, a drivetrain, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to recharge a battery during regenerative braking. The friction brakes are configured to apply torque to wheels of the vehicle to slow the vehicle. The controller is programmed to, in response to and during an anti-locking braking event, generate a signal indicative of a total torque demand to brake the vehicle based on a difference between a desired wheel slip ratio and an actual wheel slip ratio, adjust a regenerative braking torque based on a product of the signal and a regenerative braking weighting coefficient, adjust a friction braking torque based on a product of the signal and a friction braking weighting coefficient, and further adjust the regenerative braking torque based on a closed-loop control of an estimated regenerative braking torque feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yixin Yao, Yanan Zhao, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11654922
    Abstract: Driver attention and hand placement systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method includes providing warning messages to a driver of a vehicle based on steering wheel input or hand-wheel contact by the driver. The warning messages are provided according to a first scheme when the steering wheel input is above a threshold value and according to a second scheme when the steering wheel input is below a threshold value and images obtained by a camera in the vehicle indicate that at least one hand of the driver is on the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, Michael Alan Mcnees, Andrew Denis Lewandowski, Brendan Diamond, Jordan Barrett
  • Patent number: 11654908
    Abstract: A current lane of vehicle operation is determined to be branched at a location into a through lane and a deceleration lane based on first sensor data indicating an increased width of the current lane exceeds a predetermined width at the location. Then the vehicle is determined to be operating in one of (a) the deceleration lane, or (b) the through lane, based on second sensor data. Then one of (a) an assist feature of the vehicle is activated to a disabled state based on determining the vehicle is in the deceleration lane, or (b) the assist feature is maintained in an enabled state based on determining the vehicle is in the through lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shalabh Rakesh Bhatnagar, Nitendra Nath, Amey Yogesh Karnik, Jigarkumar Patel
  • Patent number: 11655048
    Abstract: Example landing platform systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a landing platform includes a top plate configured to support an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), where the top plate has a plurality of slots therethrough. A rotating plate is located adjacent the top plate and includes multiple centering pins extending therefrom and extending through the plurality of slots in the top plate. A motor is capable of rotating the rotating plate, which causes the multiple centering pins to center the UAV on the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Sugimoto, James Carthew, Aditya Singh
  • Patent number: 11653642
    Abstract: In-vehicle transducers (speakers, sound exciters, or vibrating window panels) are used to generate the ultrasonic waves to repel pests, without driving away family pets or exposing nearby people. In one preferred method, a pest deterrent mode is activated in response to a first user command by emitting ultrasonic soundwaves from a transducer driven by an onboard audio system. A region around the vehicle is monitored for human-related activity within the region. The emission of ultrasonic soundwaves is deactivated when the human-related activity is detected. Emission of the ultrasonic soundwaves is resumed when the human-related activity is no longer detected. Then the pest deterrent may be set to a deactivated mode in response to a second user command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Jeffrey R. Seaman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Annette L. Huebner, John R. Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 11654883
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery, an electric machine, a relay electrically between the traction battery and electric machine, and a controller. When closed, the relay completes an electrical circuit including the traction battery and electric machine. The controller selectively commands the relay to open based on a voltage across a coil of the relay and a current through the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Walker, Mateusz Zadrozny
  • Patent number: 11657589
    Abstract: A computer, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to determine a first measure of pixel values in the first image, acquire a second image, estimate ambient light illuminating the first object based on the second image and modify the first measure of pixel values based on a second measure of pixel values corresponding to estimated ambient light based on the second image. The instructions include further instructions to perform a comparison of the modified first measure of pixel values to a third measure of pixel values determined from a third image of a second object, wherein the third 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 third measure of pixel values within a tolerance, determine whether the first object and the second object are a same object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Hamid M. Golgiri, Jonathan Diedrich, Robert Parenti, Hemanth Yadav Aradhyula
  • Patent number: 11657635
    Abstract: A distribution of a plurality of predictions generated by a deep neural network using sensor data is calculated, and the deep neural network includes a plurality of neurons. At least one of a measurement or a classification corresponding to an object is determined based on the distribution. The deep neural network generates each prediction of the plurality of predictions with a different number of neurons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gurjeet Singh
  • Patent number: 11655864
    Abstract: A brake pad for a motor vehicle is provided. The brake pad includes a body having an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge is configured for positioning relative to an outer diameter of a rotor. The brake pad also includes a friction surface extending between the upper edge and the lower edge for engaging the rotor. The brake pad further includes a relieved portion located along a section of the upper edge. The relieved portion is configured to reduce squeal noise caused by tangential modes of the rotor, during engagement of the brake pad with the rotor, by minimizing contact between the friction surface of the brake pad and the outer diameter of the rotor at an area of the rotor having a potential for high modal displacement in a tangential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Anatoly Karpenko, Charles K. Evans, J. Chris Oakwood, Peter Kowalow
  • Patent number: 11654912
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for boat launching and loading detection and management are disclosed herein. A method may include receiving, by a first device, data associated with operation of a vehicle. The method may include determining, based on the data, that the operation of the vehicle includes at least one of launching a boat into water using the vehicle or loading the boat onto the vehicle. The method may include generating map data indicative of a location associated with the operation of the vehicle. The method may include sending the map data to a second device for presentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Taylor Hawley, Jeremy Lerner, Scott Huggins
  • Patent number: 11656295
    Abstract: A controller generates a first command for battery array sensors to sense voltages of battery cell arrays of a traction battery, and generates a second command to sample a value of current through the traction battery at a time following the first command that is defined by durations of analog to digital conversion operations of some of the battery array sensors and an analog to digital conversion operation associated with sampling the value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush, John Paul Gibeau, Baojin Wang
  • Patent number: 11655752
    Abstract: An engine system includes a charge-air cooler, a separator for separating water from an airflow, and an engine. The separator causes an airflow from the charge-air cooler to strike one or more partitions and change directions via a serpentine path such that water is separated out of the airflow before the airflow reaches the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Michael Spannbauer, Shuya Shark Yamada, Stephen George Russ
  • Patent number: 11654889
    Abstract: Onboard engine control for vehicles is disclosed herein. An example method includes determining a moving average of duty cycle periods for a power component of a vehicle for recent power load events, each of the duty cycle periods having both on-time portions and off-time portions; and when the on-time portions of the moving average are above a predetermined percentage, an engine of the vehicle remains in an on-state condition, further wherein when a current off-time period of the power component exceeds a value equal to a predetermined multiplier applied to the off-time portions, the engine is placed in an off-state condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart Salter, Zeljko Deljevic, Anthony Spoto, Michael Irby, Ben Chen
  • Patent number: 11654869
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising an interior; a heat source in thermal communication with the interior; a source of ultraviolet light disposed to emit the ultraviolet light into the interior; and a controller in communication with the heat source and the source of the ultraviolet light, the controller configured to cause (i) the heat source to increase a temperature of the interior, (ii) the source of the ultraviolet light to emit the ultraviolet light into the interior, or (iii) both (i) and (ii) upon receiving a command from a remote user interface. The vehicle can further include a combustion engine that combusts fuel to propel the vehicle. The vehicle can further include a battery in electrical communication with the source of the ultraviolet light and in communication with the controller, the battery having a voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maxwell Alestra, Ghanshyam M. Patel, Troy Fischer
  • Patent number: 11658522
    Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator and a rotor. The stator has a yoke fitted over a ring that has a plurality of teeth with gaps therebetween for fitting metal windings. The ring of teeth has an inner circumference that is closed and to connect the teeth, and an outer circumference with open gaps or slots between the teeth. The metal windings are fitted through the open outer circumference. Regions of the closed inner circumference between the teeth are treated such that the region's magnetic permeability is reduced relative to the remainder of the stator. The reduction in magnetic permeability provides a magnetic flux barrier between the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Feng Liang, Alfredo R. Munoz, Leyi Zhu, Michael W. Degner
  • Patent number: 11657655
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive one or more parameters of a vehicle condition to be monitored, allocate an unreserved parameter identifier to each of the parameters, assign respective memory spaces to each of the allocated unreserved parameter identifiers, and store the parameters in the memory spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Patent number: 11658533
    Abstract: An electric machine for an electrified vehicle includes a stator core configured to receive a plurality of windings and an overmolded midsection formed about the stator core. The midsection also defines a first interlocking feature disposed near an end face of the stator core. The electric machine also includes an end cap defining at least a portion of a coolant channel and a second interlocking feature configured to engage the first interlocking feature and create a fluid seal to retain fluid within the coolant channel. The coolant channel is further arranged to encase end portions of the plurality of windings and direct circulating coolant across the end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Franco Leonardi, Michael W. Degner, Prasad Dev Hanumalagutti, Myung Ki Sung
  • Patent number: 11658830
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed describing ridesharing using blockchain. Example methods may include determining a state associated with a user of a ridesharing vehicle from at least one first device associated with the ridesharing vehicle; identifying a confirmation of the state by one or more second devices; and adding a transaction to a blockchain, the transaction comprising a description of the state, the confirmation, and a link to a trip footage of the state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dominique Meroux, Zhen Jiang
  • Patent number: 11658828
    Abstract: A system includes a control module and a local server. The server is programmed to transmit a command to perform an operation to a plurality of vehicles including a vehicle including the control module. The command including a digital signature that is common across the vehicles. The control module is programmed to receive a temporary value; receive the command; decrypt the digital signature in the command with the temporary value; upon verifying the decrypted digital signature, perform the operation; and upon a metric incrementing to a threshold value, prevent decryption of the digital signature with the temporary value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xin Ye, Bradley Warren Smith, Venkata Kishore Kajuluri
  • Patent number: 11659261
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive optical data from an optical sensor of a vehicle, adjust the optical data using an adjustment model, measure a first value from the optical data over a duration, predict a second value from the optical data over the duration based on the first value, measure the second value from the optical data over the duration, and modify the adjustment model using the predicted second value and the measured second value. The first value and the second value are time-varying and aggregated from the optical data per time step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Herman, Venkatesh Krishnan, Catherine Marie Amodeo, Maher Ghneim
  • Patent number: 11654838
    Abstract: An interior trim for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a first carrier, which has an inner side, facing the passenger compartment, and an outer side, directed away from the passenger compartment. A heating element is arranged on the outer side. It is proposed to arrange a matrix and a filler in the first carrier. The filler has a thermal conductivity that is higher than that of the matrix so that heat generated by the heating element can be directed through the filler into the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Bock, Robert Wagschal, Bernd Dienhart, Phani Vamsi Krishna Anantharaju, Thomas Keller, Maximilian Klein, Kilian Vas
  • Patent number: 11654833
    Abstract: A deployable hanger assembly for a vehicle is provided. The hanger assembly includes a housing having a front side, a back side having one or more ribs, and an aperture extending in from the front side, and a deployable hanger that pivots relative to the housing between a flush retracted stored position within the aperture and an outward extending deployed use position. The deployable hanger assembly also includes a backer plate having one or more slots configured to receive the one or more ribs on the back side of the housing, wherein the backer plate is configured to engage a backside of a trim component of the vehicle and the housing is configured to engage a front side of the trim component, and wherein the one or more ribs extend through an opening in the trim component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jedidiah Paul Durkin, Ryan Ritter
  • Patent number: 11654846
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a front wheel well. The vehicle includes an inflatable device that is a thermoplastic elastomer. The inflatable device is inflatable from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The vehicle body defines a cavity and the inflatable device has a forward chamber and a rearward chamber disposed in the cavity in the undeployed position. The forward chamber expands vehicle-forward from the vehicle body into the wheel well from the undeployed position to the deployed position. The rearward chamber expands vehicle-rearward along the cavity from the undeployed position to the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 11654856
    Abstract: An inflator bracket includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The elongate body defines an aperture proximate to the first end. A hook extends from the first end. An absorption feature has a proximal end coupled to the elongate body proximate to the aperture. The absorption feature defines a curve between the proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is spaced from the elongate body and the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Jensen, Christopher Robert Tilli, Christopher Donald Schop, Chuck R. Reese
  • Patent number: 11654866
    Abstract: A fluid system includes a one-way check valve including a check-valve inlet and a check-valve outlet; a Y-connector including a Y-connector inlet, a first Y-connector outlet, a second Y-connector outlet, and a pressure-sensor connector; an inlet hose fluidly connecting the check-valve outlet and the Y-connector inlet; and a pressure sensor fluidly connected to the Y-connector via the pressure-sensor connector. The Y-connector inlet, Y-connector outlets, and pressure-sensor connector are fluidly connected to each other inside the Y-connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ashwin Arunmozhi, Michael Robertson, Jr., Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 11654738
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to adjust vehicle suspension damping are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes memory and at least one processor to execute computer readable instructions to obtain wheel position information and vehicle speed information from sensors associated with wheels of a vehicle, the wheel position information including first wheel position data and second wheel position data, determine a terrain condition based on a greater of the first wheel position data and the second wheel position data, determine a compression damping command based on the terrain condition and the vehicle speed information, and adjust a damping system of the vehicle based on the compression damping command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paiva, Tom Sawarynski, Steven Thompson, Daniel Collins, Geoffrey Bossio, Jason Wallace Michener
  • Publication number: 20230154313
    Abstract: First feature points can be determined which correspond to pose-invariant surface model properties based on first data points included in a first lidar point cloud acquired by a sensor. A three-dimensional occupancy grid can be determined based on first data points included in the first lidar point cloud. Dynamic objects in a second lidar point cloud acquired by the sensor can be determined based on the occupancy grid. Second feature points can be determined which correspond to pose-invariant surface model properties based on second data points included in the second lidar point cloud not including the dynamic objects. A difference can be determined between corresponding feature points included in the first feature points and the second feature points. A traffic infrastructure system can be alerted based on the difference exceeding a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Baer Wilmes, Gaurav Pandey, Devarth Parikh
  • Publication number: 20230150513
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for identifying a location of an occupant in a vehicle. In an example method, a processor deconvolves a vocal utterance by an occupant of a vehicle and also determines an angle of arrival of the vocal utterance. The location of the occupant in the vehicle is then identified by the processor based on evaluating the deconvolved vocal utterance and the angle of arrival of the vocal utterance. Deconvolving the vocal utterance can involve applying a cabin impulse response to the vocal utterance for eliminating undesirable effects that may be imposed upon the vocal utterance by acoustic characteristics of the cabin of the vehicle (echo, sound reflections, sound damping, reverberation etc.). In some applications, the processor may refer to a lookup table to estimate a location of the occupant in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ranjani Rangarajan, Leah Busch, Karthik Krishnamurthy, Nikhitha Bekkanti
  • Publication number: 20230150490
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods to protect a side-view mirror of a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor includes obtaining a first dimensional parameter associated with a body portion of a vehicle (for example, a width or a length of the vehicle) and a second dimensional parameter associated with a side-view mirror attached to the vehicle (for example, a protrusion distance of the side-view mirror). A turning path characteristic associated with a movement of the vehicle may then be determined, followed by determining a probability of a collision between the side-view mirror and an object located outside the vehicle. Determining the probability may be based on the first dimensional parameter, the second dimensional parameter, and the turning path characteristic. If the probability of the collision exceeds a threshold value, an alert may be issued, or a preventive maneuver executed in order to prevent the collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, Andrew Denis Lewandowski, Jordan Barrett, Brendan Diamond, Michael Alan Mcnees
  • Publication number: 20230150310
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes a wheel including an inboard side, an outboard side, and an outer surface, the outer surface including at least one taper extending from the inboard side to the outboard side, and a locking ring configured to abut against at least one of the inboard side and the outboard side of the wheel and to secure the non-pneumatic tire to the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cindy Sofia Barrera-Martinez, Janice Lisa Tardiff, Vishal Vinayak Nageshkar, Adam Wirth, David Scott Rohweder, Robert Henry Camilleri, Ryan Buttimer
  • Publication number: 20230153988
    Abstract: A method including generating a plurality of synthetic images of a material, where each synthetic image from among the plurality of synthetic images is associated with a feasibility value greater than a threshold synthetic feasibility value. The method includes determining, for each synthetic image from among the plurality of synthetic images, one or more material properties of the material and one or more process parameters of the material based on the synthetic image and generating a plurality of data points and a pareto surface based on the one or more material properties and the one or more process parameters. The method includes selecting a target data point based on the plurality of data points and a distance between a set of data points from among the plurality of data points and the pareto surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alemayehu Admasu, Devesh Upadhyay, Patrick James Blanchard, Janice Lisa Tardiff
  • Publication number: 20230150532
    Abstract: A system for detecting a road surface includes a computer programmed to determine a virtual boundary for a vehicle body based on a shape of the vehicle body, upon identifying an object, to identify a plurality of points on the object based on received sensor data, to determine a barrier function based on each of the identified plurality of points, wherein the barrier function includes a barrier distance from a reference point of the virtual boundary of the vehicle to a respective one of the points on the object, based on (i) the determined barrier functions, (ii) the determined virtual boundary of the vehicle, and (iii) an input to at least one of propulsion, steering, or braking, to determine at least one of a braking override or a steering override, and based on the determination, to adjust at least one of a vehicle steering or a vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hafner, Mohit Srinivasan, Abhishek Sharma, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Erol Dogan Sumer, Alexander Jaeckel, Aakar Mehra
  • Publication number: 20230155099
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronics assembly includes forming a base layer, forming a first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer onto the base layer using an additive manufacturing process, placing an electronics component onto the first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer, the electronics component comprising a plurality of vias, and forming a second thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer over the first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer and over at least a portion of the electronics component using an additive manufacturing process, wherein a material of the second thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer extends through the vias to contact the first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer and the vias, thereby forming a bond therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Richard Gall, Harold P. Sears
  • Patent number: D986789
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Mangan, Scott C. Anderson, Ryan Olsson, Christopher Nichols, Ryan Welch, Justin D. Sorum