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).
  • Vehicle transmission clutch engagement control system
    Patent number: 10451125
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission and a controller. The transmission has clutches that are configured to establish multiple speed ratios, including a first clutch. The first clutch has a measured drag torque distribution. The measured drag torque distribution has a median and a standard deviation. The controller is programmed to increase a pressure at a rate to engage the first clutch and to increase the rate in response to a measured first clutch torque exceeding the median by a predetermined multiple of the standard deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Qi Wang, Yuji Fujii, Rohit Hippalgaonkar, Joseph F. Kucharski, Jason Meyer, Stuart N. Ford
  • Electric vehicle battery thermocouple
    Patent number: 10454145
    Abstract: An example electric vehicle battery thermocouple includes a temperature sense lead of a first material, and an electric vehicle battery component of a second material different than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Turgeon, Masahiro Kimoto
  • Proximity switch having sensor with decorative metal
    Patent number: 10454474
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly is provided having a sensing pad and a proximity sensor extending around the sensing pad for generating an activation field. The proximity sensor comprises at least one electrode that forms a decorative trim component that is visibly exposed. The proximity switch assembly also includes a controller for determining activation of the switch based on a signal generated from the activation field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Anthony Majkowski, Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati, Wei Xu, Steven J. Antilla, Akshay Kaasam Sudershan
  • Systems and method for exhaust warm-up strategy
    Patent number: 10450930
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine to adjust exhaust warm-up strategy based on a vehicle network information. In one example, in response to an expected decrease in temperature of a catalyst of a vehicle below a threshold and an estimated duration thereof based on communications external from the vehicle, a method may include delaying catalyst heating actions, when the catalyst heating actions are determined to be unable to heat up the catalyst to threshold temperatures. However, the catalyst heating actions may be enabled when the catalyst heating actions are determined to be able to achieve the threshold temperature within the duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Ronald Smith, Michael Brendan Hopka, Devesh Upadhyay
  • Method for operating a dual lift pump system
    Patent number: 10451013
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a fuel system in an engine comprising two lift pumps. One example method comprises deactivating one of a first lift pump and a second lift pump if fuel fill level in a common reservoir decreases below a threshold fill level, wherein the first lift pump and the second lift pump are positioned in the common reservoir. By deactivating one of the two lift pumps, the two lift pumps may be protected from degradation due to fuel starvation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Lyle Thomas
  • Loose layered build components and vehicle front end assembly strategy
    Patent number: 10450018
    Abstract: A method of assembling vehicle front end components to a vehicle front end includes the steps of attaching at least one non-skin component to the body, supporting a first skin component using at least one of the at least one non-skin component such that the first skin component is moveable relative the at least one non-skin component, joining a second skin component to the first skin component such that the first skin component and the second skin component are fixed relative one another and moveable relative the at least one non-skin component, and restricting movement of the second skin component relative the at least one non-skin component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Carroll, Bradly Gilmour, David Brian Glickman, Andre Jurkiewicz, Matthew William Maier, Sandip Patel, Matt W. Roosen, David Paul Villescas, Scott Stinson
  • Battery system identification through impulse injection
    Patent number: 10451678
    Abstract: Vehicle systems and methods can include a traction battery and a controller to operate the traction battery according to current limits of a battery model identified from a battery response to a pulse of current injected into the battery while the battery is not being discharged to propel the vehicle or being charged. The pulse can have a sampling time and magnitude. The response is battery terminal voltages measurements at every sampling time during a set duration. The controller can implement a state estimator configured to output battery state uses a battery impulse response. The pulse input into the battery can be a current signal and the measured battery response can be a voltage. The controller can select a time period for the pulse input and battery measurement response to be when the controller is not charging the battery or drawing current from the battery to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tae-Kyung Lee
  • Methods and apparatus for adaptively assisting developmentally disabled or cognitively impaired drivers
    Patent number: 10449968
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adaptively assisting developmentally disabled or cognitively impaired drivers are disclosed. An apparatus comprises a user interface. The user interface is to present first navigation data in a first mode to assist a driver in guiding a vehicle from a current location to a destination location. The user interface is further to present second navigation data in a second mode to assist the driver in guiding the vehicle from the current location to the destination location. The second navigation data is adapted relative to the first navigation data based on driver assistance data associated with the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Furqan Zafar Shaikh, Damian Porcari, Deborah Frances Mielewski, Jeff Allen Greenberg
  • Object detection using recurrent neural network and concatenated feature map
    Patent number: 10452946
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system includes a sensor component and a detection component. The sensor component is configured to obtain a first stream of sensor data and a second stream of sensor data, wherein each of the first stream and second stream comprise a plurality of sensor frames. The detection component is configured to generate a concatenated feature map based on a sensor frame of a first type and a sensor frame of a second type. The detection component is configured to detect one or more objects based on the concatenated feature map. One or more of generating and detecting comprises generating or detecting using a neural network with a recurrent connection that feeds information about features or objects from previous frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Guy Hotson, Parsa Mahmoudieh, Vidya Nariyambut Murali
  • Vehicle light control
    Patent number: 10453346
    Abstract: A system including a computer for a vehicle is programmed to identify the vehicle as a lead vehicle in a platoon of three or more vehicles, and to identify one of the vehicles in the platoon as a caboose vehicle. The computer is programmed to deactivate a rear light of the lead vehicle, and to instruct activation of a rear light of the caboose vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Somak Datta Gupta, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Pramita Mitra, Jayanthi Rao, Perry Robinson MacNeille
  • Valve lift control device with cylinder deactivation
    Patent number: 10450907
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a valve lift control device. In one example, a method may include rotating an adjusting camshaft of the valve lift control device in order to adjust a valve lift of one or more cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Guenter Hans Grosch, Rainer Lach, Joerg Bonse
  • Autonomous personal mobility systems
    Patent number: 10452077
    Abstract: Autonomous personal mobility systems including one or more personal mobility vehicles, each personal mobility vehicle including a navigation system configured to provide autonomous point-to-point navigation within a specified geographic area, and one or more sensors configured to detect obstructions proximate to the personal mobility vehicle, so as to enable the navigation system to avoid the detected obstructions. The system includes one or more kiosks configured to store the one or more personal mobility vehicles and charge the one or more personal mobility vehicles while stored. In some examples, the systems include a smartphone app interface to the navigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Louey, Gaetano D'Agata, Graeme Cameron, Howard Schulz, David Evans
  • Anti-chucking device for a motor vehicle closure
    Patent number: 10450785
    Abstract: An anti-chucking device for a motor vehicle closure includes a wedge and a receiver. That receiver includes (a) a first stopper and a second stopper defining a throat there between and (b) a pop-up mechanism in the throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Reinaldo Osti, Farley De Matos Souza
  • Methods and systems for adjusting a direct fuel injector and a port fuel injector
    Patent number: 10450997
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing direct injector fueling errors due to injection variability in a transition region of a direct injector map. Fuel injection, including usage of one or more direct and port injected fuel pulses, may be planned based on engine operating conditions including engine temperature and driver demand. Responsive to any of the direct injected fuel pulses having a pulse-width that lies in a high variability transition region of the direct injector, the fuel injection may be adjusted via adjustments to a number and/or split ratio of the injections so as to not operate in the transition region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lyle Thomas, Ethan D. Sanborn, Daniel Dusa, Paul Hollar, Mark Meinhart, Ian D. Campbell
  • On-board vehicle electrical system having a converter and high-load consumer
    Patent number: 10449917
    Abstract: An on-board electrical system for motor vehicles has a battery, a generator and at least one normal consumer that is connected to the battery in a switchable manner. A DC voltage/DC voltage converter is connected on its primary side to the battery and on its secondary side to a high-load resistor. A switch connects the high-load consumer to a storage device in a first switching position, and to the primary side in a second switching position. A controller controls and operates the switch between the first and the second switching position. A device that detects the actual electrical power of the high-load consumer is associated with the high-load consumer, and is connected at the output end to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bjoern Mohrmann, Peter Schmitz, Armin Warm, Manuel Bojahr, Engbert Spijker, Mark Eifert
  • Fuel cell multifunction cathode valve
    Patent number: 10454120
    Abstract: A fuel cell system in a vehicle has a cathode and an anode. A compressor has an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being configured to outlet a compressed air from the compressor. A bypass line is configured to return the compressed air from the outlet to the inlet such that the air returns to the compressor in a loop. A valve is located downstream of the compressor and is operable in a plurality of modes. In a first mode, the valve is configured to block the air from the cathode and return the air via the bypass line. In a second mode, the valve is configured to direct at least some of the air to the cathode. The valve can also be configured to operate in a third mode in which the air is sent to the cathode without going through the bypass line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Michael Mathie, Martin Pryor, Matthew Riley
  • Electronic locking differential
    Patent number: 10451161
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a differential having an electronic locker and a controller. The controller is programmed to, when in differential-lock mode, engage the locker responsive to vehicle speed being less than a speed threshold and a steering angle being less than a threshold, disengage the locker responsive to vehicle speed exceeding the speed threshold, and prevent automatic re-engagement of the locker responsive to the steering angle exceeding the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gustavo Luis Garcia, Jacob Martin Povirk, Jihong Guo, Filip Tomik
  • Method and system for fuel system control
    Patent number: 10450994
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enforcing a minimum fuel lift pump commanded voltage that is determined as a function of commanded lift pump pressure and fuel flow rate. The minimum fuel lift pump voltage is applied when the commanded voltage is lower than the minimum voltage. The approach reduces engine stalls induced by ingestion of fuel vapors at an injection pump coupled downstream of the lift pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Integral cylinder head with port condensate
    Patent number: 10450942
    Abstract: An engine system includes a layered cylinder head with a plurality of intake ports and a stratified tubular member integrated into the cylinder head, configured as a condensate port, surrounding each of the plurality of intake ports and forming a plurality of nozzles located on at least one side of the tubular member. Each of the nozzles arranged to have a plurality of openings extending into a cavity of each intake port such that there is no seal between the tubular member and the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Donald Wicks, Karen Elizabeth Maceroni
  • EV charging connector unlock via biometric input
    Patent number: 10453282
    Abstract: An electric vehicle (EV) charging system includes a receptacle on the EV and a controller. The controller may be configured to, responsive to a removal request and a discrepancy between a stored biometric record and first biometric data received from a first biometric sensor, compare the stored biometric record and second biometric data received from a second biometric sensor that is different from the first biometric sensor, and responsive to the comparison matching, generate an unlock request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jaswant-Jas S. Dhillon, Ryan Hunt, Kevin James Rhodes
  • Misfire detection with crankshaft vibrations
    Patent number: 10451523
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for engine misfire detection. In one example, a method may include sampling crankshaft fluctuations with a first and a second sampling window, wherein the first and second windows overlapping each other; and identify misfire based on the sampled signals. The method may further comprise adjusting engine operation responsive to the misfire indication via a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mikhail Ejakov
  • Heat treatment to improve joinability of aluminum sheet
    Patent number: 10450639
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an assembly is provided comprising a first member including a 6xxx series aluminum alloy heat treated to have a yield strength of at least 200 MPa and an r/t (bendability) ratio of up to 0.4. One or more members may be secured to the first member with a rivet (e.g., a self-piercing rivet). The heat treated alloy may have a yield strength of at least 260 MPa and may have a bendability ratio of up to 0.3. A method of forming an assembly is also provided, including heat treating a 6xxx series aluminum alloy to produce an alloy having a yield strength of at least 200 MPa and an r/t (bendability) ratio of up to 0.4 and riveting a member including the heat treated alloy to one or more additional members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Nia R. Harrison, S. George Luckey, Jr., James Maurice Boileau, Aindrea McKelvey Campbell, Amanda Kay Freis
  • Battery charge strategy using discharge cycle
    Patent number: 10449870
    Abstract: A battery management system for a vehicle includes a controller programmed to charge a battery at a predetermined charge current. The controller activates an electrical load to discharge the battery for a predetermined time in response to a charge current of the battery becoming less than the predetermined charge current at a predetermined voltage limit. After discharging for the predetermined time, the controller resumes charging at the predetermined charge current. A current magnitude during the discharge and the predetermined time may be based on factors including the predetermined charge rate, a battery temperature, and a charge current magnitude during charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Chang, Szushen Ho, Xu Wang, Chuan He
  • Systems and methods for diagnosing components in a vehicle evaporative emissions system
    Patent number: 10451010
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a canister purging operation and for rationalizing components of a vehicle evaporative emission system. In one example, after completion of a refueling event, a first fuel vapor canister purge operation is conducted to desorb hydrocarbon light ends from the fuel vapor canister, and subsequently the canister is heated to desorb hydrocarbon heavy ends from the canister, which are routed to a hydrocarbon sensor to rationalize the hydrocarbon sensor, before being purged to engine intake in a second purging operation. In this way, a fuel vapor storage canister may be thoroughly cleaned of hydrocarbon light ends and hydrocarbon heavy ends, while additionally indicating whether a canister heating element, and a hydrocarbon sensor positioned between the canister and atmosphere, are functioning as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Engine cooling system and method
    Patent number: 10450941
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine cooling while reducing the overall energy consumption of the engine cooling system's components. A first circulation pump is used to pump coolant through an engine block as a function of engine output while a second radiator pump is selectively operated when a thermostat valve is open to pump coolant through a radiator and the engine block to effect the engine coolant temperature. Operation of the second pump is coordinated with the operation of a radiator cooling fan and grille shutters to improve radiator performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Cunningham, Joseph Ulrey, Ross Pursifull
  • System and method for acoustic determination of battery cell expansion
    Patent number: 10454144
    Abstract: A battery pack according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery assembly, a resonant device disposed about the battery assembly, a bracket located between the battery assembly and the resonant device, and at least one modulating device located between the bracket and the resonant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Poirier
  • Lane change assistant
    Patent number: 10451730
    Abstract: A computing device in a vehicle can determine a time bound for a lane change maneuver based on determining a reaction time, an occupant acceptance time, a vehicle maneuver time and a maneuver cancellation time and request authorization to perform the lane change maneuver. The computing device can determine the time bound has expired, and cancel the authorization request based on the expired time bound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Joseph Talamonti, Louis Tijerina, Steven Joseph Szwabowski
  • Methods and systems for stopping an engine
    Patent number: 10450979
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a stop/start vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine throttle position is adjusted in response to whether or not a starter engages a flywheel during engine stopping. The throttle may be adjusted to a more open position if the starter engages the flywheel or to a more closed position if the starter does not engage the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Richard John Hippley, Danny Zdravkovski, Craig Cabadas
  • Turbocharger system having an air-cooled wastegate actuator
    Patent number: 10450946
    Abstract: A system and methods for a vehicle are provided for adjusting each of a speed of a radiator fan and a position of grille shutters of the vehicle responsive to a temperature at a wastegate exceeding a temperature threshold. In one example, a system may include a radiator fan at a front end of a vehicle, an engine coupled to an exhaust passage, a turbine in the exhaust passage having a bypass conduit, a wastegate positioned in the turbine conduit, and the wastegate receiving airflow from downstream of the radiator fan via a cooling duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shuya Shark Yamada, Timothy J. Gardner, Christopher David Tiernan, Matthew Coon, Shawn Michael Spannbauer
  • Methods and apparatuses for vehicle wading safety
    Patent number: 10452072
    Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to vehicle water wading safety are described. A processor implementable to a vehicle approaching a waterbody may receive data related to the waterbody from one or more above-water or under-water sensors. The processor may determine a top surface and a bottom profile of the waterbody, and calculate one or more critical trajectories of water-sensitive components of the vehicle if the vehicle is to wade through the waterbody by traversing the bottom profile. The processor may then determine the wading safety based on the critical trajectories and the top surface of the waterbody. The processor may further determine a wading route, and autonomously drive the vehicle to wade the waterbody via the optimal wading route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Vincent Myers, Harpreetsingh Banvait, Joshua Scott Smith
  • Object tracking by unsupervised learning
    Patent number: 10449956
    Abstract: A computing device in a vehicle can determine one or more objects based on 3D data points by determining a joint Bayesian probability of each of the one or more objects, conditioned on previously determined objects, and pilot the vehicle based on the determined one or more objects, wherein the objects have parameters including locations, sizes, poses, speeds, directions and predicted paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Wyffels
  • Vehicle assembly
    Patent number: 10455422
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly is provided. The vehicle assembly comprises: one or more body frame components configured to define an interior of the vehicle; and one or more windows provided within apertures formed in the body frame components, each window comprising one or more first electrically conductive elements, wherein the first electrically conductive elements are configured to selectively limit transmission of electromagnetic waves within the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Markus Quarta, Marcus Hoggarth
  • Method and system for diagnosing operation of an engine compression ratio changing mechanism
    Patent number: 10450983
    Abstract: Methods and systems for diagnosing operation of a compression ratio adjusting mechanism are described. In one example, an output of a pressure sensor is sampled and an assessment of the engine's present compression ratio is made after adjusting sampling of the output. Engine operation may be adjusted responsive to whether or not degradation of the compression ratio adjusting mechanism is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Glugla, Gopichandra Surnilla, Imtiaz Ali, Lyth Alobiedat, Mohannad Hakeem, John Eric Rollinger, Paul Algis Baltusis
  • Exhaust silencer
    Patent number: 10450912
    Abstract: An exhaust silencer for a motor vehicle is provided. In one example, the silencer comprises a noise-reducing structure and a heat sink to transfer heat from exhaust gases to the exterior of the silencer, the heat sink comprising two regions of fins which define a plurality of flow channels through the heat sink, the flow channels directing the flow of exhaust through the silencer from an inlet passage to an outlet passage. In this way, a temperature of the exhaust is reduced, and the silencer and downstream components of an exhaust system may be constructed of materials of a lower thermal tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Donnelly, Daniel Neville, John Shore, Graeme McKen
  • Thermal engine encapsulation diagnostic
    Patent number: 10450981
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an engine thermal encapsulation positioned around a powertrain of a vehicle. In one example, degradation of the thermal encapsulation may be determined by comparing a temperature sampled via a sensor during engine off condition with an expected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Tascillo, Thomas G. Leone, Kenneth James Miller, William Charles Ruona
  • Air vent for mitigating hot air in vehicle
    Patent number: 10449831
    Abstract: An air vent is mounted in a vehicle window frame. The air vent includes a one-piece body having an interior face and an exterior face. An air pathway extends between a first opening in the interior face to a second opening in the exterior face. An elongated window channel is also provided in the body for receiving the window over which the air vent is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Juanito Yu Co, Leonard Anthony Shaner
  • Method of controlling a belt drive of an engine of a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 10451018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a vehicle comprising a stop-start system and in particular to a motor vehicle having a belt driven integrated starter-generator (BISG) drivingly connected to an accessory drive belt of an engine of the motor vehicle are provided. The BISG may be used during an engine stop event to preposition the crank at an angle from which it facilitates rapid restart of the engine and during engine running the BISG may be used as a power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Andrew Straker, Ian Robinson
  • Method for charging a motor vehicle and motor vehicle
    Publication number: 20190315242
    Abstract: A charging method (10) for an electrically operated motor vehicle (30) designed for autonomous driving is provided, in which, in a first exercise, the motor vehicle (30) is charged in a charging procedure (22) within a time window at a charging station (4). According to the invention, the motor vehicle (30) is commanded in an approach command delivery (19) to approach (6) the charging station (4) or in a departure command delivery (24) to depart (7) from the charging station (4). Moreover, a motor vehicle (30) is claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arnulf Sponheimer, Stephan Strahl
  • VEHICLE ENERGY ABSORBING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20190315298
    Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper elongated along a first axis. The bumper assembly includes a first energy absorbing device extending from the bumper, the first energy absorbing device having a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the first energy absorbing device being elastically deformable along the second axis. The bumper assembly includes a second energy absorbing device within the first energy absorbing device and being shorter than the first energy absorbing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jorge Romero
  • SEATBELT GUIDE ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20190315310
    Abstract: An assembly includes a seatbelt guide. The seatbelt guide includes a slot. A webbing extends through the slot. A releasable post is supported by the seatbelt guide and extends across the slot. The releasable post releases during a vehicle impact to allow the webbing to move along the slot to reduce chest deflection of an occupant during the vehicle impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S.M. Iskander Farooq
  • INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH PASSENGER AIRBAG
    Publication number: 20190315302
    Abstract: An instrument panel includes a substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface, a covering, a foam layer between the outer surface and the covering, and a chute elongated to an end. The end is attached to the inner surface. The end includes a protrusion elongated along a perimeter of the end and extending through the substrate into the foam layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manoj Patnala, Nicholas Andrew Mazzocchi, Alan Perelli
  • INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH PASSENGER AIRBAG
    Publication number: 20190315301
    Abstract: An instrument panel includes a housing and an airbag. The housing includes a chute elongated to an end and a door at least partially covering the end of the chute. The airbag is disposed in the chute. The housing includes a first ridge elongated along a perimeter of the end of the chute and a second ridge elongated along a perimeter of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: MANOJ PATNALA, NICHOLAS ANDREW MAZZOCCHI, ALAN PERELLI
  • HOLD DOWN DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SECURING MOVABLE VEHICLE PANELS DURING PROCESSING
    Publication number: 20190314854
    Abstract: A device for securing a movable panel relative to a vehicle body includes a housing, a plunger, a handle, and a spring. The housing defines a bore and a slot. The plunger includes a shaft and a clamp extending radially outward from the shaft. The shaft extends through the bore and is coupled to the housing for relative axial and rotational movement relative to the housing. The handle is fixedly coupled to the shaft and extends through the slot. The spring biases the clamp toward the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Kevin Favero, Michael Gardynik, Daniel Trentin, Steven Frank
  • ROOF MOUNTED SEAT SUPPORT AIRBAG
    Publication number: 20190315304
    Abstract: An airbag includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is for extending from a vehicle roof and engagement with a head rest of a seat in an inflated position. The lower portion forms a cushion board that extends downwardly from the upper portion for engagement with and disposition between a seatback and a restraining bar located rearward of the seatback in the inflated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: HUIPENG CHEN, ZHENYAN GAO, ROBERT WILLIAM MCCOY
  • MOTOR VEHICLE REAR WHEEL SUSPENSION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20190315171
    Abstract: A motor vehicle independent rear-wheel suspension system including a left-hand and a right-hand transverse link, each articulated at an inner end on a chassis of the motor vehicle and fixedly connected at an outer end to a wheel carrier. The suspension system having a left-hand and a right-hand trailing arm unit. Each trailing arm unit articulated a front end on the chassis of the motor vehicle and at a rear end on a wheel carrier. Open installation space is formed between the trailing arm units and the transverse links for at least a partial accommodation of an electrical drive train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
  • Fully-Floating Pivot Joint With Press-Fit Bushings
    Publication number: 20190316678
    Abstract: A pivot joint is disclosed that has an inner link with an opening and an outer link with two spaced-apart tabs that each have openings. The opening of the inner link has an inner bushing press-fit therein. A pivot pin is inserted through the aligned openings of the inner link and the outer link. The pivot pin has two outer bushings press fit on either end. By press fitting the bushings on, the pivot pin is trapped in place. By trapping the pivot pin, it can be a fully-floating pin that yields lower friction and wear and/or supports higher loads. The press fit outer bushings supplant the prior-art practice of placing a circlip at the ends of the outer bushings to keep them from sliding out. The disclosed pivot joint is more compact and lighter weight than the prior art pivot joint that uses clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Werth
  • PARTITION WALL SUBASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20190316389
    Abstract: A partition wall subassembly having a gripping unit for a partition wall, having first and second gripping portions which in the assembled state extend from mutually opposing sides into a recess of the partition wall which extends along a passage axis, are connected to each other within the recess and each have an access opening. In order to provide an ergonomically advantageous gripping unit which can be produced in a cost-effective manner for a partition wall, there is provision for the two gripping portions to be constructed identically and, in the assembled state, arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to an axis of symmetry, wherein the access openings are constructed in a non-symmetrical manner with respect to a center plane which is formed by the axis of symmetry and the passage axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Karsten Schlutius
  • CLEANING APPARATUS FOR SENSOR
    Publication number: 20190314865
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a ring-shaped tube including first and second chambers from an inlet end to a terminal end, a compressed gas source connected to the first chamber, and a liquid reservoir connected to the second chamber. The tube includes a slot outwardly directed from the first chamber extending substantially from the inlet end to the terminal end, and a plurality of nozzles outwardly directed from the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manan Sevak, David Doellstedt, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • ENGINE SOUND GENERATION AS TRANSMISSION SHIFTING AID FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20190315338
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine operable as a traction motor with a manual transmission arranged between the engine and the driving wheels and a clutch between the engine and the transmission generates an acoustic notification signal to indicate a gear shift that would result in either an excessive or insufficient engine speed. A different acoustic tone may be provided for a gear shift that would result in excessive engine speed than a gear shift that would result in insufficient engine speed. The acoustic notification signal may be a simulated engine noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Markus ESPIG, Matthew Allen SCHNEIDER, Tobias EMIG, Julian David POTT, Markus WILMES
  • Vehicle hood
    Patent number: D864060
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Woodhouse, Kemal Curic, Xitij Mistry, John C. Caswell