Patents by Inventor Alexander Zepeda

Alexander Zepeda has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11649772
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for enhanced engine friction generation. The enhanced engine friction generation improves the effectiveness of vehicle braking in deceleration fuel cut-off driving conditions by using engine vacuum and backpressure to temporarily increase engine pumping losses, thereby increasing powertrain drag and increasing deceleration torque to the wheels. The engine vacuum and backpressure may be created by changing the duration of the intake and/or exhaust valves. The system includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising adjusting an intake valve time duration or an exhaust valve time duration to increase engine friction to enhance mechanical friction on a drivetrain of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Zepeda, Dean Schlingmann
  • Publication number: 20230043345
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for enhanced engine friction generation. The enhanced engine friction generation improves the effectiveness of vehicle braking in deceleration fuel cut-off driving conditions by using engine vacuum and backpressure to temporarily increase engine pumping losses, thereby increasing powertrain drag and increasing deceleration torque to the wheels. The engine vacuum and backpressure may be created by changing the duration of the intake and/or exhaust valves. The system includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising adjusting an intake valve time duration or an exhaust valve time duration to increase engine friction to enhance mechanical friction on a drivetrain of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander Zepeda, Dean Schlingmann
  • Patent number: 11313290
    Abstract: A method of controlling a turbocharged engine system including customized and selective operation of a turbocharger bypass valve to modulate air pressure through an intake system of the engine to achieve certain desirable auditory feedback, which are deliberately generated through control of engine systems. Additionally, the method may include receiving a user input corresponding to one of a plurality of turbocharger modes. Further, the method may include, in response to receiving the user input, determining an intake air pressure of an intake manifold of the turbocharged engine system. Still further, the method may include comparing the intake air pressure of the intake manifold with a predetermined threshold. Even further, the method may include adjusting a position of a bypass valve based on the turbocharger mode corresponding to the user input and the intake air pressure in comparison to the predetermined threshold. Related apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Zepeda
  • Publication number: 20220018295
    Abstract: A method of controlling a turbocharged engine system including customized and selective operation of a turbocharger bypass valve to modulate air pressure through an intake system of the engine to achieve certain desirable auditory feedback, which are deliberately generated through control of engine systems. Additionally, the method may include receiving a user input corresponding to one of a plurality of turbocharger modes. Further, the method may include, in response to receiving the user input, determining an intake air pressure of an intake manifold of the turbocharged engine system. Still further, the method may include comparing the intake air pressure of the intake manifold with a predetermined threshold. Even further, the method may include adjusting a position of a bypass valve based on the turbocharger mode corresponding to the user input and the intake air pressure in comparison to the predetermined threshold. Related apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventor: Alexander Zepeda