Patents by Inventor Andrew M. Zettel

Andrew M. Zettel 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: 8244427
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a power inverter module (PIM), a motor/generator unit (MGU), vehicle components, temperature sensors, and a controller. The sensors measure temperatures of a motor winding of the MGU, and temperatures of the multiple phase outputs of the PIM. The second plurality of temperature sensors measures temperatures of the vehicle components. The controller calculates an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnoses each temperature sensor using the average temperature. A control circuit for the vehicle includes the first and second plurality of sensors and the controller. A temperature performance diagnostic method includes using the first plurality to measure a temperature of the motor winding and the phase outputs of the PIM, using the second plurality to measure a temperature of the components, calculating an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnosing the performance of each of the first plurality of sensors using the average temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Hewlett-Packard Development, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Weiss, Thomas E Mathews, Andrew M. Zettel, Wei D. Wang
  • Publication number: 20120203405
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an electrically-powered torque machine configured to generate torque in a hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring signal outputs of a resolver configured to monitor rotational position of the torque machine. Upon detecting a fault warning state associated with the signal outputs of the resolver, a motor torque capacity of the torque machine is derated. Upon a clearing of the fault warning state, a torque ramp-up state to increase the motor torque capacity of the torque machine is executed. Notice of an incidence of a fault associated with the signal outputs of the resolver is provided only when the motor torque capacity fails to achieve a threshold motor torque capacity within a threshold recovery time period while executing the torque ramp-up state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wei D. Wang, Bon Ho Bae, Leah Dunbar, Kevin P. Houle, William R. Cawthorne, Andrew M. Zettel, Hanne Buur, Steven E. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20120191295
    Abstract: A method of detecting an in-range failure of a brake pedal position sensor includes calculating the difference between a minimum position and a maximum position of the brake pedal position sensor. The calculated difference is weighted to define a fast test weighted input value and/or a full test weighted input value. A cumulative test result value is incremented by the fast test weighted input value and/or the full test weighted input value. The cumulative test result value is filtered to define a moving average of the cumulative test result value after each incremented occurrence. The moving average of the cumulative test result value is tracked to determine if the brake pedal position sensor is functioning properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: ANDREW M. ZETTEL, JOHN F. VAN GILDER, AMMAR A. ATMEH, STANLEY D. SULLIVAN
  • Publication number: 20120158226
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a belt, and a controller. The engine is configured to output torque via a crankshaft. The motor is configured to apply torque to and/or receive torque from the engine via an output shaft. The belt is operably disposed on the crankshaft of the engine and the output shaft of the motor. Rotation of the output shaft is transferred to the crankshaft via the belt. The controller is configured to identify a slip event by comparing a speed of the motor to a speed of the engine. The controller is further configured to count the number of slip events and diagnose a belt failure if the number of slip events exceeds a predetermined number of slip events over a predetermined number of drive cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Prucka, Stanley D. Sullivan, Andrew M. Zettel, John G. Noetzel, Michael William Roblin
  • Publication number: 20120084039
    Abstract: A method includes detecting a first event and executing a first procedure to identify a sensor offset in response to detecting the first event. The method further includes determining, via a computing device, whether the sensor offset was measured during the execution of the first procedure, scheduling a second procedure to execute in response to detecting a second event if the sensor offset was not measured during the first procedure, and scheduling the first procedure to execute in response to detecting a subsequent occurrence of the first event if the sensor offset was measured during the first procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Wei D. Wang, Steven E. Schulz, Jeffrey David, Jackie L. Cui, Andrew M. Zettel, Hanne Buur
  • Publication number: 20120078481
    Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle having a hydraulic brake system and a regenerative brake system and a method of controlling the same is provided. The brake system may include a brake pedal having a range of motion and configured to control the application of the hydraulic brake system based upon a position of the brake pedal within the range of motion. The brake system may further include a brake controller configured to determine an inflection position of the brake pedal, the inflection position being a position of the brake pedal within the range of motion when the hydraulic brake system begins to apply a brake pressure over a predetermined threshold, wherein the brake controller applies the regenerative brake system based upon inflection position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM L. ALDRICH, III, ANDREW M. ZETTEL, AMMAR A. ATMEH
  • Publication number: 20120072060
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an onboard diagnostic system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle includes incrementing the denominator of an N/D ratio for the onboard diagnostic system only when a total time criteria, a vehicle speed criteria and an idle criteria are satisfied after an internal combustion engine of the vehicle has been fueled. The diagnostic system performance is summarized into a single N/D ratio. When an underperforming ratio is identified, the system controls the engine to provide more engine operation and subsequent diagnostic observability. The denominator of the N/D ratio is compared to a verification denominator to identify vehicles that are typically operated in a manner such that an engine-on cycle does not begin, or is not identified, until very near the end of the drive cycle, thereby preventing the denominator and a numerator of the N/D ratio from incrementing, and thereby providing a false passing performance ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Zettel, John F. Van Gilder, Saul Scott
  • Publication number: 20120035019
    Abstract: A vehicular powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine. A method for operating the powertrain includes monitoring operator inputs, monitoring a transmission output, and terminating an engine operating mode when a time-rate change in the transmission output exceeds a threshold absent a change in the monitored operator inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. MARTINI, Charles J. VAN HORN, Peter E. WU, Andrew M. ZETTEL, Sam ALMASRI, Jy-Jen F. SAH
  • Patent number: 8091667
    Abstract: A hybrid electric powertrain includes an electrical energy storage device and electric machines. A method for operating the powertrain to control the electric machines is effective to attain a predetermined state of life profile for the electric energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew M. Zettel, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8066615
    Abstract: A method for operating the powertrain includes monitoring operator inputs, monitoring a transmission output, and terminating an engine operating mode when a time-rate change in the transmission output exceeds a threshold absent a change in the monitored operator inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. Martini, Charles J. Van Horn, Peter E. Wu, Andrew M. Zettel, Sam Almasri, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20110288723
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a power inverter module (PIM), a motor/generator unit (MGU), vehicle components, temperature sensors, and a controller. The sensors measure temperatures of a motor winding of the MGU, and temperatures of the multiple phase outputs of the PIM. The second plurality of temperature sensors measures temperatures of the vehicle components. The controller calculates an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnoses each temperature sensor using the average temperature. A control circuit for the vehicle includes the first and second plurality of sensors and the controller. A temperature performance diagnostic method includes using the first plurality to measure a temperature of the motor winding and the phase outputs of the PIM, using the second plurality to measure a temperature of the components, calculating an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnosing the performance of each of the first plurality of sensors using the average temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Weiss, Thomas E. Mathews, Andrew M. Zettel, Wei D. Wang
  • Patent number: 8027771
    Abstract: There is provided a method to monitor a sensing system adapted to monitor an output of an electro-mechanical transmission. This includes monitoring rotational speed of a wheel operatively connected to a driveline operatively connected to the output of the electro-mechanical transmission. A first expected output of the transmission is determined based upon the output of the first sensor. A second expected output of the transmission is determined based upon a rotational speed of a torque-generative device operatively connected to the transmission. The first and second expected outputs and an output of the sensing system adapted to monitor the output of the electro-mechanical transmission are compared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. Martini, Charles J. Van Horn, Peter E. Wu, Andrew M. Zettel, Rezaul Karim, Jeffrey R. Dec, Sailaja Paladugu
  • Patent number: 8005632
    Abstract: A method and article of manufacture are provided to monitor a sensing system operative to monitor electrical current in a transmission line between an electrical storage device and an electrical machine. The sensing system comprises first and second sensors, operative to monitor first and second ranges of electrical current. The method comprises determining outputs of the first and second sensors are valid, and comparing outputs of the first and second sensors when current is substantially zero. The method comprises comparing magnitudes of the outputs of the first and second sensors when the monitored electrical current, and monitoring polarity of each of the outputs of the first and second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew M. Zettel, Jayanthi Padmanabhan, Michael J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7974749
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for a vehicle includes a first sensor that generates a first status signal, which is indicative of an engine speed of an engine. A second sensor generates a second status signal that is indicative of an actual accessory speed of an accessory. The accessory is coupled to the engine via a belt system. A control module determines an expected accessory speed based on the engine speed and determines a residual accessory speed based on the expected and actual accessory speeds. The control module also detects a fault in the belt system based on the residual accessory speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew M. Zettel, John F. Van Gilder, Rick H. Schroeder, Michael J. Taljonick, Christopher J. Dobies
  • Publication number: 20110070991
    Abstract: A system for robust fault detection in an electrically variable, hydraulically controlled transmission includes independently monitoring hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control circuit and electric machine rotation for detecting clutch state faults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter E. Wu, Ryan D. Martini, Syed Naqi, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Osama Almasri, Hanne Buur, Andrew M. Zettel, Charles J. Van Horn
  • Patent number: 7878932
    Abstract: Monitoring operation of an electro-mechanical transmission having a hydraulic circuit with flow management valves and pressure control solenoids to actuate clutches and pressure monitoring devices to monitor the hydraulic circuit is provided. The transmission operates in fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states. The method comprises controlling position of one of the flow management valves to control operation in one of the operating range states. A fault is detected in the one of the flow management valves based upon outputs of the pressure monitoring devices during steady state operation in one of the continuously variable operating range states. A fault is detected in the one of the flow management valves based upon the output of one of the pressure monitoring devices during a transition in the flow management valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. Martini, Charles J. Van Horn, Peter E. Wu, Andrew M. Zettel, Thomas E. Mathews, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Syed Naqi, Darren Crewes
  • Patent number: 7869924
    Abstract: A flow management valve is operative to enable a multi-range electro-mechanical transmission in first and second ranges. Fluid pressure in a hydraulic circuit is monitored to detect a fault in the flow management valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter E. Wu, Ryan D Martini, Andrew M. Zettel, Charles J Van Horn, Thomas E Mathews, Kambiz Panahi
  • Patent number: 7867135
    Abstract: A system for robust fault detection in an electrically variable, hydraulically controlled transmission includes independently monitoring hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control circuit and electric machine rotation for detecting clutch state faults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter E. Wu, Ryan D Martini, Syed Naqi, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Osama Almasri, Hanne Buur, Andrew M. Zettel, Charles J Van Horn
  • Patent number: 7848902
    Abstract: Temperature of an electric power device of a hybrid transmission is managed based upon device temperatures and power flow, ambient temperature, and a cooling circuit flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Zettel, Charles J Van Horn, Peter E. Wu, Ryan D Martini, Wei D. Wang, Stephen T. West
  • Patent number: 7730984
    Abstract: A method for determining a preferred operating gradient for use in attaining a life objective for an electrical energy storage device in a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. A present state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device is provided and a life target for the electrical energy storage device is established as a predetermined limit in a predetermined metric at a predetermined state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device. A state-of-life gradient is then determined with respect to the predetermined metric which converges the state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device to the life target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Andrew M. Zettel, William R. Cawthorne