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: 20240043063
    Abstract: Orientations of a vehicle with an attached trailer can be specified for obtaining respective images of the trailer. Respective images of the trailer captured by a vehicle camera at the specified orientations can then be received. The images can be input to a machine learning program trained to output trailer size metrics. The vehicle can then be controlled according to the trailer size metrics output from the machine learning program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Denis Lewandowski, Jordan Barrett, Brendan Francis Diamond, Keith Weston
  • Publication number: 20240046708
    Abstract: A facial recognition authentication system and method include obtaining a current image in response to a request for facial recognition authentication of a user. A set of current image features are generated from the input image. Live image features and spoof image features are retrieved for the user. Then a determination is output that the input image is one of live or spoofed based on a comparison of the current image features to the live image features and the spoof image features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rafi Ud Daula Refat, Hafiz Malik, Ali Hassani, Justin Miller
  • Publication number: 20240043068
    Abstract: A vehicle roof structure of a vehicle includes an outer roof panel and a single, unitized inner roof panel. The inner roof panel is separate from the outer roof panel and is secured to the outer roof panel. The inner roof panel includes a plurality of roof headers, a roof bow, and support braces. The roof headers are spaced apart from each other and extend in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The roof bow is spaced apart from and positioned between two roof headers of the plurality of roof headers and extends in the transverse direction. Each support brace is positioned between the roof bow and one of the two roof headers. The support braces extend from the roof bow to the one of the two roof headers and extend in multiple directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Weyrauch, Steven Frank, Jack Lashbrook, Rohit Telukunta
  • Publication number: 20240046625
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive a dataset of images; extract feature data from the images; optimize a number of clusters into which the images are classified based on the feature data; for each cluster, optimize a number of subclusters into which the images in that cluster are classified; determine a metric indicating a bias of the dataset toward at least one of the clusters or subclusters based on the number of clusters, the numbers of subclusters, distances between the respective clusters, and distances between the respective subclusters; and after determining the metric, train a machine-learning program using a training set constructed from the clusters and the subclusters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nikita Jaipuria, Xianling Zhang, Katherine Stevo, Jinesh Jain, Vidya Nariyambut Murali, Meghana Laxmidhar Gaopande
  • Patent number: 11893004
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive a time series of vectors from a sensor, determine a weighted moving mean of the vectors, determine an inverse covariance matrix of the vectors, receive a current vector from the sensor, determine a squared Mahalanobis distance between the current vector and the weighted moving mean, and output an indicator of an anomaly with the sensor in response to the squared Mahalanobis distance exceeding a threshold. The squared Mahalanobis distance is determined by using the inverse covariance matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Pandey, Brian George Buss, Dimitar Petrov Filev
  • Patent number: 11891013
    Abstract: A system includes a seatbelt buckle. The system includes a latch plate releasably engageable with the seatbelt buckle. The system includes an actuator operatively coupled to buckle to trigger disengagement of the latch plate from the seatbelt buckle. The system includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to detect an impact to a vehicle. The instructions include instructions to, in response to detecting the impact, command the actuator to trigger disengagement of the latch plate from the seatbelt buckle. The instructions include instructions to, after triggering disengagement of the latch plate, detect disengagement of the latch plate from the seatbelt buckle. The instructions include instructions to, in response to detecting disengagement of the latch plate from the seatbelt buckle, actuate an audio device to produce a sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 11893085
    Abstract: An image including a first object can be input to a deep neural network trained to detect objects. The deep neural network can output a first feature vector corresponding to the first object. A first distance can be measured from the first feature vector to a feature vector subspace determined using a k-means single value decomposition algorithm on an overcomplete dictionary of feature vectors. The first object can be determined to correspond to an anomaly based on the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gaurav Pandey
  • Patent number: 11891061
    Abstract: A lateral virtual boundary for a host vehicle is identified based on a lateral distance between the host vehicle and a target vehicle, a longitudinal distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle, and a speed of the target vehicle relative to the host vehicle. A forward virtual boundary for the host vehicle is identified based on the longitudinal distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle. A lateral constraint value of the lateral virtual boundary and a forward constraint value of the forward virtual boundary are determined. A longitudinal acceleration and a steering angle are determined based on the lateral and forward virtual boundaries and the lateral and forward constraint values. One or both of a steering component or a brake are actuated based on the longitudinal acceleration and the steering angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yousaf Rahman, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • Patent number: 11891006
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a steering wheel. The assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag has a main chamber supported by the steering wheel. The main chamber in the inflated position has a rear panel facing the steering wheel, an impact panel opposite the rear panel, and an outermost periphery between the impact panel and the rear panel. The airbag includes an extension having a first end and a terminal end. The extension extends from the first end to the terminal end adjacent the rear panel of the main chamber. The first end extends from the outermost periphery and the rear panel and the terminal end is connected to the rear panel. The airbag has an inflation chamber extending from the main chamber to the terminal end through the first end of the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tzu-Chen Weng, Srinivas Reddy Malapati, Zhibing Deng
  • Patent number: 11894719
    Abstract: A rotor of an electric machine includes a rotor core defining a magnet channel extending axially between opposing ends of the rotor core. A permanent magnet is disposed in the channel and has opposing ends and opposing major sides. The magnet includes a central piece of anisotropic magnetic material having a first magnetically easy crystallographic axis, and a corner piece of anisotropic magnetic material joined to the central piece and having a second magnetically easy crystallographic axis that is oblique to the first easy axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chuanbing Rong
  • Patent number: 11893978
    Abstract: An audio sample including speech and ambient sounds is transmitted to a vehicle computer. Recorded audio is received from the vehicle computer, the recorded audio including the audio sample broadcast by the vehicle computer and recorded by the vehicle computer and recognized speech from the recorded audio. The recognized speech and text of the speech are input to a machine learning program that outputs whether the recognized speech matches the text. When the output from the machine learning program indicates that the recognized speech does not match the text, the recognized speech and the text are included in a training dataset for the machine learning program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Omar Makke, Oleg Gusikhin, Haysam M. Kadry
  • Patent number: 11891005
    Abstract: An assembly includes a track having an axis. The assembly includes a vehicle seat moveable relative the track along the axis. The assembly includes a ramp elongated along the axis. The assembly includes a linear variable differential transformer having a housing and a plunger moveably supported by the housing. The plunger contacts the ramp. The ramp being fixed relative to one of the vehicle seat or the track and the housing of the linear variable differential transformer being fixed relative to the other of the vehicle seat or the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 11891008
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle pillar. The vehicle includes a vehicle roof supported by the vehicle pillar. The vehicle includes an airbag supported by the vehicle roof. The airbag has a first side portion, a second side portion spaced cross-vehicle from the first side portion, and a front portion extending from the first side portion to the second side portion. The vehicle includes a pyrotechnic device supported by the vehicle pillar. The pyrotechnic device is coupled to one of the first side portion or the second side portion of the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 11891007
    Abstract: An assembly includes a dash and a deployable panel. The deployable panel has a proximal end rotatably connected to the dash. The deployable panel is rotatable about the proximal end from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The proximal end is engaged with the dash in the deployed position and the deployable panel has a distal end spaced above the dash in the deployed position. A member is supported by the dash and translatable upwardly from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The deployable panel abuts the member in the deployed position. The member is rigid relative to the panel in the deployed position. An airbag is supported by the dash and is inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag abuts the panel in the inflated position. The deployable panel is between the airbag and the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Axel Smitterberg, Russell Joseph Mihm, Johnathan Andrew Line, Chuck R. Reese, James Robert Chascsa, II
  • Patent number: 11892564
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis and an air nozzle positioned at one end of the sensor window and shaped to direct airflow in a direction parallel to the axis across the sensor window. The air nozzle extends circumferentially relative to the axis around the sensor window. The nozzle is formed of an inner edge and an outer edge each extending circumferentially relative to the axis around the sensor window. The inner edge is circular with a radius at least as great as an outer radius of the sensor window. The outer edge includes a first portion with a semicircular shape with a radius smaller than the outer radius of the sensor window and a second portion that extends circumferentially relative to the axis around the sensor window from the first portion to the first portion at a constant radial distance from the inner edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rashaun Phinisee, Raghuraman Surineedi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Taneshia Turner, Michael Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11893803
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting a flashing light on one or more traffic signal devices. The method includes capturing a series of images of one or more traffic signal elements in a traffic signal device over a length of time. The method further includes, for each traffic signal element, analyzing the series of images to determine one or more time periods at which the traffic signal element is in an on state or an off state, and analyzing the time periods to determine one or more distinct on states and one or more distinct off states. The method further includes identifying one or more cycles correlating to a distinct on state immediately followed by a distinct off state, or a distinct off state immediately followed by a distinct on state, and, upon identifying a threshold number adjacent cycles, classifying the traffic signal element as a flashing light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Siddharth Madan, Richard L. Kwant
  • Patent number: 11891009
    Abstract: An assembly includes a dash and a deployable panel. The deployable panel has a proximal end rotatably connected to the dash. The deployable panel is rotatable about the proximal end from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The proximal end is engaged with the dash in the deployed position and the deployable panel has a distal end spaced above the dash in the deployed position. An airbag is supported by the dash and is inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag has a back panel abutting the deployable panel in the inflated position and an impact panel opposite the back panel. A tether is connected to the deployable panel and the impact panel. The tether extends through the back panel from the deployable panel to the impact panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Axel Smitterberg, Russell Joseph Mihm, Johnathan Andrew Line, Chuck R. Reese, James Robert Chascsa, II
  • Patent number: 11893838
    Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for troubleshooting an electronic system of a vehicle includes receiving a diagnostic trouble code set into a diagnostic system. The diagnostic trouble code set includes one or more diagnostic trouble codes. The method includes receiving diagnostic specifications. The diagnostic specifications associate connector pins and wires of the electronic system with possible diagnostic trouble codes. The method includes receiving wiring circuit specifications. The wiring circuit specifications associate wiring circuits of the electronic system with the connectors of the electronic system. The method includes determining a set of possible repair locations based on the diagnostic trouble code set, the diagnostic specifications, and the wiring circuit specifications, and displaying at least one possible repair location of the set of possible repair locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Ehlert, Adam Rainey, Robert S. Kern, Beau Stephen Troychak
  • Patent number: 11890914
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery, an electric machine powered by the traction battery and configured to power wheels of the vehicle, and a thermal-management system. The thermal-management system includes a battery loop, a cabin heating loop, and a valve configured to fluidly connect the battery loop and the cabin heating loop when in a first position and configured to fluidly isolate the battery loop and the cabin heating loop when in a second position. A controller is programmed to, responsive to (i) battery heating being requested, (ii) a temperature of the battery being greater than a lower threshold, and (iii) cabin heating being requested, actuate the valve to the first position to heat a cabin and the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Mazaira, Angel Fernando Porras, Brett Allen Dunn, Zachary March, Alan Gutowski
  • Publication number: 20240034329
    Abstract: A system includes a computer on board a vehicle and a server remote from the vehicle. The computer and the server each store a network graph of actions performable by components of the vehicle that includes costs of transitioning between the actions. The computer is programmed to log a sequence of the actions; upon determining that a sub-sequence of the sequence constitutes a lowest-cost path from the beginning action to the final action based on the network graph, store a reduced sequence including a beginning action and a final action of the sub-sequence ordered immediately after the beginning action, the reduced sequence excluding at least one intermediate action from the sub-sequence; and transmit the reduced sequence to a server remote from the vehicle. The server is programmed to determine the sequence from the reduced sequence based on the network graph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Omar Makke, Jeremy Lerner, Oleg Gusikhin
  • Publication number: 20240034202
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback. The seatback includes a frame that has opposing first and second frame members and first and second displaceable panels that are pivotably coupled to the first and second frame members. The first and second displaceable panels are movable between stored positions and deployed positions in response to a force exerted on the seatback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ranjit Nagi, Nathan Pabalate, Nicholas Gilbert, Patrick Davis, Megan Romelfanger
  • Publication number: 20240034138
    Abstract: A structural assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle frame distinct from a vehicle body. The vehicle frame includes opposed longitudinal rails. Each rail includes a single, monolithic body having a central internal brace and a pair of opposed ends. One end of the opposed ends is fixed to a first side of the central internal brace and the other end of the opposed ends is fixed to a second side of the central internal brace that is opposite the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott J. Bell, Vladimir Vladimirovich Bogachuk, Shawn Michael Morgans, Robert Reiners
  • Publication number: 20240036550
    Abstract: A method for automating a die fabrication process includes obtaining, by one or more controllers, die sensor data from one or more die sensors and image data from one or more image sensors, generating, by the one or more controllers, a command to perform one or more machining tool operations based on the die sensor data and the image data, and controlling, by the one or more controllers, a machining tool to perform the one or more machining tool operations. The method includes selectively adjusting, by the one or more controllers, a position of a robotic arm based on the one or more machining tool operations and training an artificial intelligence system to autonomously perform the die fabrication process based on the one or more machining tool operations, the position of the robotic arm, the image data, the die sensor data, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Kyle Saul, Ramesh Parameswaran, Elizabeth Bullard
  • Publication number: 20240037772
    Abstract: A robot can be moved in a structure that includes a plurality of downward-facing cameras, and, as the robot moves, upward images can be captured with an upward-facing camera mounted to the robot. Downward images can be captured with the respective downward-facing cameras. Upward-facing camera poses can be determined at respective times based on the upward images. Further, respective poses of the downward-facing cameras can be determined based on (a) describing motion of the robot from the downward images, and (b) the upward-facing camera poses determined from the upward images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Subodh Mishra, Punarjay Chakravarty, Sagar Manglani, Sushruth Nagesh, Gaurav Pandey
  • Publication number: 20240037958
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the vicinity of power cables. In an example method, a first end of a power cable may be detected to be connected to a vehicle. A first trajectory of the power cable may then be determined via a plurality of sensors at the vehicle. The first trajectory of the power cable may include a first location and a first orientation of the power cable. It may then be determined, via the plurality of sensors at the vehicle, whether an obstacle is within a predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable. Responsive to the determination that the obstacle is within the predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable, a notification associated with the obstacle may be provided, and a power supply to the power cable may be turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Brendan Diamond, Michael John Harmon, Vyas Shenoy
  • Publication number: 20240034407
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for automatically detecting internally blocked rear and side view mirrors. An example method to detect an obstruction may include detecting via sensors in the vehicle an obstruction preventing a driver from viewing a region of interest associated with a mirror, determining a permanence associated with the obstruction, and switching to a camera mode in lieu of the mirror when the obstruction has a permanence beyond a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Denis Lewandowski, Keith Weston, Jordan Barrett, Brendan Diamond, Michael Alan Mcnees
  • Publication number: 20240034109
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system and method embodiments for monitoring tire conditions. For example, the system includes a sensor that is configured to: receive light that is reflected off of at least one object within a field of view (FOV) that is adjacent to a vehicle as reflected light, and provide tire data indicative of a distance between the sensor and a surface of a tire of the vehicle extending into the FOV based on the reflected light. A controller is configured to generate a message in response to a moment of a probability distribution of the tire data being less than a threshold, or tire data indicative of a rate of change of shadow length exceeding a threshold shadow length, and to provide the message to at least one of a user interface, a vehicle system, and an external computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph WHINNERY
  • Publication number: 20240034117
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to a robotic vehicle. An example robotic vehicle has a base platform that includes at least a chassis, an actuator, a sensor, and a controller. The chassis includes a first wheel that is attached to a first section of the chassis and further includes a second wheel attached to a second section of the chassis. The actuator has a proximal end attached to the first section of the chassis and a distal end attached to the second section of the chassis. The sensor is configured to obtain information associated with a stair structure located on a traversal path of the robotic vehicle. The controller evaluates the information obtained by the sensor and operates the actuator to vary a separation distance between the first section of the chassis and the second section of the chassis so as to enable the robotic vehicle to traverse the stair structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Smruti Panigrahi, Kurt Lundeen, Sanghyun Hong, Yifan Chen
  • Publication number: 20240038132
    Abstract: An age of an operator of a vehicle and a light condition in the vehicle are determined. A pattern for display is selected based on the determined age of the operator of the vehicle and the light condition in the vehicle. The pattern is presented on the display on the display. Then the display is adjusted based on input from the vehicle operator in response to the pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Hussein H. Berry, Brendan Francis Diamond, Lucretia Williams, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • Publication number: 20240034214
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a front leg, a seatback, and a lower leg support. The seat includes a forward end and a rearward end. The seat is configured to be coupled to a support surface. The front leg engages with the support surface. The seatback is rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the rearward end. The lower leg support is directly and rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the forward end. The lower leg support is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The vehicle seating assembly is movable between a seated position and a reclined-and-raised position. Moving from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position includes increasing a first distance between the front leg and the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Maloney, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin VanNieulande, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Joseph Michael Kish
  • Publication number: 20240036943
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a master controller, a plurality of control modules, and a vehicle network communicatively coupling the master controller and the control modules. The master controller is programmed to receive a set of dependencies between a plurality of applications, receive resource limitations for the control modules, and allocate the applications to the control modules based on the dependencies and the resource limitations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kexun Chen, Abdullah Ali Husain
  • Publication number: 20240034171
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the pathway of cables. In an example method, a first location at a site for stationing a vehicle may be selected. A first routing for a cable may then be determined, where a first end of the cable is connected to the vehicle stationed at the first location. It may then be determined at the vehicle whether the first routing for the cable passes through at least one potential or actual obstacle, where the determination is based at least in part on a topographic map. Responsive to the determination that the first routing for the cable passes through the at least one potential or actual obstacle, a remedial action may be performed, where the remedial action prevents the first routing of the cable from passing through the at least one potential or actual obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Vyas Shenoy, David Celinske, Todd Ansbacher, Paul Kenneth Dellock, John Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20240034417
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body component includes a substrate, at least one corrosion protection layer disposed on the substrate, a basecoat layer disposed on the at least one corrosion protection layer, and a clearcoat layer disposed on the basecoat layer. The clearcoat layer includes a material having a conductive network of linked nanostructures and also defines a Class A surface finish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Darren Palmer, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Katherine Howard-Cone, Kevin Howard
  • Publication number: 20240035497
    Abstract: An ionic airflow management system for a motor vehicle includes a controller, a power supply in communication with the controller, at least one exterior component of a motor vehicle having an integral electrode in electrical communication with the power supply, the integral electrode comprising a cathodic terminal portion and an anodic terminal portion oriented relative to a managed airflow vector, and at least one sensor in communication with the controller, the at least one sensor including a speed sensor. The power supply receives signals from the controller to supply a predetermined amount of electrical power to the integral electrode based on a threshold speed detected by the speed sensor in an active mode. The power supply receives signals from the controller to switch off electrical power to the integral electrode below the threshold speed in an inactive mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, Alex Allmandinger, Matthew Arthur Titus, Lorne Forsythe
  • Publication number: 20240034264
    Abstract: An instrument-panel assembly for a vehicle includes an instrument panel. The instrument-panel assembly includes a steering column adjacent to the instrument panel. The instrument-panel assembly includes an airbag mounted to the instrument panel below the steering column. The airbag is inflatable to an inflated position below the steering column. The airbag defines a knee cavity in the inflated position. The airbag in the inflated position has a knee-forward panel vehicle-forward of the knee cavity; a first wing and a second wing that extends vehicle-rearward from the knee-forward panel on opposite sides of the knee cavity; and a top panel that extends vehicle-rearward from the knee-forward panel and extends from the first wing to the second wing above the knee cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi, S.M. Iskander Farooq
  • Publication number: 20240037611
    Abstract: A server includes a hardware processor configured to: responsive to receiving a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from a vehicle via a computer network, analyze the DTC to calculate a first price deduction for the vehicle caused by the DTC; calculate a base price for the vehicle using vehicle information reflecting vehicle make, model, year, and mileage; and calculate a resale price for the vehicle using the base price and the first price deduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham MEZAAEL, Colleen HUMMEL
  • Publication number: 20240034197
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a pivot bracket coupled to a vehicle floor and disposed at a front of a seat frame, a gear assembly and a locking disk assembly disposed around an axis of rotation defined by the pivot bracket, wherein the gear assembly and the locking disk assembly are configured to each alternatively move the seating assembly from a sitting position to a standing position, and a track assembly disposed on the vehicle floor and between opposing side brackets of a seat frame. The track assembly includes a cam assembly movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The vehicle seating assembly further includes a crank assembly extending between the pivot bracket and the cam assembly and configured to move the cam assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Macit Aktas, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jung Jeon
  • Patent number: 11884327
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body including a first frame rail and a second frame rail and a cross-brace directly connected to the first frame rail and the second frame rail. A powertrain-electrification component is supported by the cross-brace. A vehicle subframe is directly connected to the cross-brace. A vehicle-steering gear is connected to the subframe. The direct connection of the subframe to the cross-brace dampens vibration, e.g., road vibration and noise, in the subframe to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness transferred to a vehicle occupant through the vehicle-steering gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Suriyaprakash Ayyangar Janarthanam, Do Young Chung, Jason C. Marcath, Suma Rani Das, Afif Sabbagh
  • Patent number: 11888140
    Abstract: An article, such as a battery pack system, includes a battery pack that is comprised of a plurality of battery cells. An external housing covers at least a portion of the battery pack. A silicate-based thermal barrier coating is configured to block heat emitted from the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bhaskara Rao Boddakayala, Saravanan Paramasivam, Suriyaprakash Ayyangar Janarthanam, Mohammadreza Eftekhari, Kanchana Perumalla
  • Patent number: 11883935
    Abstract: A method for assembling a sensor assembly, the sensor assembly including a cylindrical sensor and a housing, includes inserting the sensor through a circular port in the housing, fixing a concentric gap between the port and the sensor by placing a partially annular tool in the concentric gap, affixing the housing while the tool is in place, and removing the tool after affixing the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robertson, Jr., Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 11884286
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining a vehicle configuration indicative of a towing mode setting for the vehicle, which can include a neutral transmission gear setting, a battery conservation mode, or another towing mode setting. The method can include determining at least one vehicle operation characteristic that changes with time while the vehicle is in the towing mode setting, and performing, via a vehicle control module and based at least in part on the towing mode setting and the vehicle operation characteristic, one or more vehicle actions that include generating an alert signal indicative that vehicle damage may occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Ansbacher, Adam Stratton, Patrick Holub, John Van Wiemeersch, Ronald Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 11884228
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body defines an occupant cabin. The vehicle body includes a ceiling above the occupant cabin and a floor below the occupant cabin. The vehicle includes a partition extending from the floor to the ceiling and dividing the occupant cabin into an officer compartment and a detainee compartment. The partition has a front surface facing the officer compartment and a rear surface facing the detainee compartment. An airbag is supported by the partition and is inflatable into the detainee compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 11884252
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to predict a collision time between a corner point of a host vehicle and a target vehicle, predict a reach time for the corner point of the host vehicle to reach the target vehicle based on a predicted relative heading angle between the host vehicle and the target vehicle, and determine a threat number based on the lower of the collision time and the reach time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuhao Liu, Alex Maurice Miller, Christopher Pontisakos, Purushothaman Rayalsamy
  • Patent number: 11888209
    Abstract: A multiband antenna comprises a dielectric substrate with a first surface defining an annular ledge and a central recess with a plurality of pockets. A MIMO radiator body is disposed in the central recess having a first surface defining a plurality of lobes which are disposed in respective ones of the plurality of pockets and having a second surface defining an outer rim and a central shelf A radiator ring is disposed at the annular ledge so that the radiator ring and the outer rim converge along an annular gap therebetween. A plurality of MIMO feed lines provide external connection to respective lobes. The MIMO radiator body and the radiator ring provide a substantially horizontally-directed radiation pattern (e.g., for terrestrial signals). At least one low-profile radiator on the central shelf provides a substantially circularly polarized or vertically-directed radiation pattern for receiving signals radiated from a satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignees: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, OHIO STATE INNOVATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: John F. Locke, Chi-Chih Chen, Jiukun Che
  • Patent number: 11884304
    Abstract: Provided are autonomous vehicles (AV), computer program products, and methods for maneuvering an AV in a roadway, including receiving forecast information associated with predicted trajectories of one or more actors in a roadway, determining a relevant trajectory of an actor based on correlating a forecast for predicted trajectories of the actor with the trajectory of the AV, regenerate a distance table for the relevant trajectory previously generated for processing constraints, generate a plurality of margins for the AV to evaluate, the margins based on a plurality of margin types for providing information about risks and effects on passenger comfort associated with a future proximity of the AV to the actor, classifying an interaction between the AV and the actor based on a plurality of margins, and generating continuous scores for each candidate trajectory that is also within the margin of the actor generated for the relevant trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arek Viko Sredzki, Mark Ollis, Christopher Cunningham, Neal Andrew Seegmiller, Patrick Stirling Barone
  • Patent number: 11884179
    Abstract: A bidirectional energy transfer system includes a supply device having a vehicle port, an inverter port, a converter, and an isolation transformer. The vehicle port is configured to electrically couple the supply device to an electrified vehicle. The inverter port is configured to electrically couple the supply device to an inverter that is separate from the supply device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Ryan J. O'Gorman, Timothy Harris, Peter Phung, Katherine Howard-Cone
  • Patent number: D1013588
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Damon G. Depeyster, Soohyoung Kim, William J. Mangan, Todd Willing, Ehab Kaoud, Michael Webb, Joshua Henry
  • Patent number: D1013700
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Ruthenberg, Mohammad Kalash
  • Patent number: D1013912
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ehab Kaoud, William K. Moore, Richard L. Howard, Joshua P. Henry
  • Patent number: D1013913
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ehab Kaoud, William K. Moore, Richard L Howard