Patents by Inventor Brendan M. Conlon

Brendan M. Conlon 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).

  • Publication number: 20240253523
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a reconfigurable energy storage system with a first submodule and a second submodule. An interface circuit is operable to transfer a charging power to the reconfigurable energy storage system from a charging station that is external to the electric vehicle. A switching circuit is operable to electrically arrange the first submodule and the second submodule in series or in parallel. A diode is operable to convey the charging power between the first submodule and the second submodule while the reconfigurable energy storage system is arranged in series and the charging power is present. A bias circuit is operable to maintain a reverse bias across the diode while the reconfigurable energy storage system is arranged in series and the charging power is absent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Zhijian J. Wu
  • Patent number: 11358486
    Abstract: A multi-pack battery system having at least first and second battery packs each with positive and negative terminals, and each with upper and lower switches respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals. The battery packs have a first voltage level, and are connectable in either series or parallel. A controller controls an ON/OFF state of the switches in response to input signals to select between two series charging modes, three parallel charging modes, and one or more propulsion modes. Some embodiments have a series propulsion mode. An electric powertrain system includes first and second power inverter modules (“PIMs”), an electrical load, front and rear electric machines connected to a respective one of the first and second PIMs, and the battery system. The powertrain system may selectively provide all-wheel, front-wheel, or rear-wheel drive capabilities in each of the various propulsion modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shifang Li, William T. Ivan, Brendan M. Conlon, Yue Fan
  • Patent number: 10992147
    Abstract: An electric propulsion system for a mobile platform includes a battery system connected to positive and negative bus rails, an accessory load having a rotary electric machine, a traction power inverter module (“TPIM”), and an accessory load, switches configured to transition the battery modules to a series-connected (“S-connected”) configuration during a direct current fast-charging (“DCFC”) operation of the battery system, and a controller. When battery modules of the battery system are connected in series during a direct current fast-charging (“DCFC”) operation, the controller executes a diagnostic method to determine bus rail voltages on the positive and negative bus rails and a mid-bus voltage, identifies a diagnosed electrical condition of the electric propulsion system by comparing the voltages to expected values or ranges, and executes a control action in response to the diagnosed electrical condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shifang Li, William T. Ivan, Brendan M. Conlon, Yue Fan
  • Patent number: 10982745
    Abstract: A differential drive system includes an electric motor for generating an electric motor torque and an input planetary gear-set operatively connected to the electric motor to receive the electric motor torque. The input planetary gear-set has first, second, and third members. The first member receives the electric motor torque, the second member provides a first input torque in a first rotational direction in response to the electric motor torque, and the third member provides a second input torque in a second rotational direction, opposite the first direction, in response to the electric motor torque. The system also includes a first output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set, and providing a first output torque in response to the first input torque. The system additionally includes a second output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set and providing a second output torque in response to the second input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Joseph R. Littlefield, Brendan M. Conlon
  • Publication number: 20210091575
    Abstract: An electric propulsion system for a mobile platform includes a battery system connected to positive and negative bus rails, an accessory load having a rotary electric machine, a traction power inverter module (“TPIM”), and an accessory load, switches configured to transition the battery modules to a series-connected (“S-connected”) configuration during a direct current fast-charging (“DCFC”) operation of the battery system, and a controller. When battery modules of the battery system are connected in series during a direct current fast-charging (“DCFC”) operation, the controller executes a diagnostic method to determine bus rail voltages on the positive and negative bus rails and a mid-bus voltage, identifies a diagnosed electrical condition of the electric propulsion system by comparing the voltages to expected values or ranges, and executes a control action in response to the diagnosed electrical condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shifang Li, William T. Ivan, Brendan M. Conlon, Yue Fan
  • Publication number: 20210078429
    Abstract: A multi-pack battery system having at least first and second battery packs each with positive and negative terminals, and each with upper and lower switches respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals. The battery packs have a first voltage level, and are connectable in either series or parallel. A controller controls an ON/OFF state of the switches in response to input signals to select between two series charging modes, three parallel charging modes, and one or more propulsion modes. Some embodiments have a series propulsion mode. An electric powertrain system includes first and second power inverter modules (“PIMs”), an electrical load, front and rear electric machines connected to a respective one of the first and second PIMs, and the battery system. The powertrain system may selectively provide all-wheel, front-wheel, or rear-wheel drive capabilities in each of the various propulsion modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shifang Li, William T. Ivan, Brendan M. Conlon, Yue Fan
  • Patent number: 10920859
    Abstract: An electric drive-unit encased in a housing includes an electric motor, a first output member, and a second output member. The drive-unit also includes first, second, and third planetary gear-sets, each having first, second, and third nodes. The first gear-set has one node connected to the electric motor. The second gear-set has one node connected to the first planetary gear-set, another node connected to the first output member, and the remaining node fixed to the housing. The third gear-set has one node connected to the first gear-set and another node connected to the second output member. The drive-unit additionally includes a first torque-transmitting device configured to selectively connect one third gear-set node to the housing to thereby affect a first speed-ratio. Furthermore, the drive-unit includes a second torque-transmitting device configured to selectively connect one first gear-set node to one of the third gear-set nodes to thereby affect a second speed-ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20210018069
    Abstract: An electric drive-unit encased in a housing includes an electric motor, a first output member, and a second output member. The drive-unit also includes first, second, and third planetary gear-sets, each having first, second, and third nodes. The first gear-set has one node connected to the electric motor. The second gear-set has one node connected to the first planetary gear-set, another node connected to the first output member, and the remaining node fixed to the housing. The third gear-set has one node connected to the first gear-set and another node connected to the second output member. The drive-unit additionally includes a first torque-transmitting device configured to selectively connect one third gear-set node to the housing to thereby affect a first speed-ratio. Furthermore, the drive-unit includes a second torque-transmitting device configured to selectively connect one first gear-set node to one of the third gear-set nodes to thereby affect a second speed-ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20200224754
    Abstract: A differential drive system includes an electric motor for generating an electric motor torque and an input planetary gear-set operatively connected to the electric motor to receive the electric motor torque. The input planetary gear-set has first, second, and third members. The first member receives the electric motor torque, the second member provides a first input torque in a first rotational direction in response to the electric motor torque, and the third member provides a second input torque in a second rotational direction, opposite the first direction, in response to the electric motor torque. The system also includes a first output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set, and providing a first output torque in response to the first input torque. The system additionally includes a second output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set and providing a second output torque in response to the second input torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Joseph R. Littlefield, Brendan M. Conlon
  • Patent number: 10596917
    Abstract: An electrical system includes cables, a DC charge connector, first and second battery modules, a splice device, and a controller. Each battery module has first, second, third, and fourth electrical connectors receiving a respective one of the cables. The battery modules are connected to each other via the cables, and further have first, second, third, and fourth switches that connect battery cell strings to one or more connectors. The charge connector is connected to one of the cables between the first electrical connectors. The splice device connects the charge connector to the first connector of the first battery module and to a pair of the cables. A charging current may be split between the battery modules. The controller selectively establishes parallel charging, parallel drive, and separate drive and charging modes for each battery module. The system may have an independent drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Shifang Li, Kris Sevel, Russell K. Steele
  • Publication number: 20200055404
    Abstract: An electrical system includes cables, a DC charge connector, first and second battery modules, a splice device, and a controller. Each battery module has first, second, third, and fourth electrical connectors receiving a respective one of the cables. The battery modules are connected to each other via the cables, and further have first, second, third, and fourth switches that connect battery cell strings to one or more connectors. The charge connector is connected to one of the cables between the first electrical connectors. The splice device connects the charge connector to the first connector of the first battery module and to a pair of the cables. A charging current may be split between the battery modules. The controller selectively establishes parallel charging, parallel drive, and separate drive and charging modes for each battery module. The system may have an independent drive mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Shifang Li, Kris Sevel, Russell K. Steele
  • Patent number: 10500980
    Abstract: A modular battery pack system includes a battery pack and controller. The battery pack has first and second battery modules interconnected via electrical cables, with each module having a battery cell string. The pack has first, second, and third electrical connectors and four switches that selectively connect the strings to one or more of the electrical connectors. A DC charging connector is electrically connected to one of the cables between the first electrical connectors of the battery modules, and electrically connects the pack to an off-board DC fast-charging station. In response to input signals corresponding to a requested mode, the controller commands an open/closed state of each of the switches, via switching control signals, to establish a series charge mode, a parallel charge mode, and one or more of a series and/or parallel drive mode of the battery pack. A motor vehicle includes the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Martin M. Freedman
  • Publication number: 20190283611
    Abstract: A modular battery pack system includes a battery pack and controller. The battery pack has first and second battery modules interconnected via electrical cables, with each module having a battery cell string. The pack has first, second, and third electrical connectors and four switches that selectively connect the strings to one or more of the electrical connectors. A DC charging connector is electrically connected to one of the cables between the first electrical connectors of the battery modules, and electrically connects the pack to an off-board DC fast-charging station. In response to input signals corresponding to a requested mode, the controller commands an open/closed state of each of the switches, via switching control signals, to establish a series charge mode, a parallel charge mode, and one or more of a series and/or parallel drive mode of the battery pack. A motor vehicle includes the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Martin M. Freedman
  • Publication number: 20190255953
    Abstract: A DC charging circuit has a pair of switches and a battery pack with a maximum voltage capacity, and a power inverter module (PIM). The pair of switches connects/disconnects the battery pack to/from the PIM. An electric machine has phase windings sharing a motor neutral terminal. The phase windings are electrically connected to respective switching pair of the PIM. A switching module has one or two additional switches selectively connecting the PIM to the station, and a center switch selectively connecting the station to the motor neutral terminal. A controller executes a method that establishes a boost mode of the PIM when the maximum voltage capacity exceeds the maximum charging voltage. The boost mode is established by closing the pair of switches of the RESS, closing the center switch of the switching module and one of the additional switches, and opening the other additional switch if present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brendan M. Conlon
  • Patent number: 10369900
    Abstract: A DC charging circuit has a pair of switches and a battery pack with a maximum voltage capacity, and a power inverter module (PIM). The pair of switches connects/disconnects the battery pack to/from the PIM. An electric machine has phase windings sharing a motor neutral terminal. The phase windings are electrically connected to respective switching pair of the PIM. A switching module has one or two additional switches selectively connecting the PIM to the station, and a center switch selectively connecting the station to the motor neutral terminal. A controller executes a method that establishes a boost mode of the PIM when the maximum voltage capacity exceeds the maximum charging voltage. The boost mode is established by closing the pair of switches of the RESS, closing the center switch of the switching module and one of the additional switches, and opening the other additional switch if present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Brendan M. Conlon
  • Patent number: 10300905
    Abstract: An electric vehicle drive system includes an electric motor, first and second planetary gear sets, including sun gear, carrier and ring gear members, first and second output shafts, and a housing. The members of the first planetary gear set are connected with the electric motor, the first output shaft, and a member of the second planetary gear set. The members of the second planetary gear set are connected with the first planetary gear set, the housing, and the second output shaft. The first planetary gear set provides differential reduction and the second planetary gear set provides reversal and reduction. Optional clutches can provide the function of a limited slip differential and distribute torque preferentially to one output shaft or the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Min-Joong Kim, Edward A. Rapa, Jr., Brendan M. Conlon, Joseph R. Littlefield, Donald L. Dusenberry
  • Publication number: 20190031043
    Abstract: A power system is configured to deliver direct current (DC) electric power to an energy storage system (ESS) at a first voltage and to deliver DC electric power from the ESS at a second voltage. A converter is coupled to an electric power source at the second voltage. The converter includes a boost converter and a buck converter. The boost converter and the buck converter are configurable in a first interleaved arrangement and in a second interleaved arrangement, different than the first interleaved arrangement. In the first interleaved arrangement the converter provides DC electric power from the power source to the ESS at the first voltage, and in the second interleaved arrangement the converter provides DC electric power from the ESS to the power source at the second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ahmad Albanna, Mohammad N. Anwar, Brendan M. Conlon
  • Patent number: 10160306
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a first electric device, and a second electric device. A first planetary gear set is coupled to the first electric device. A second planetary gear set is coupled to the second electric device. The output is coupled to both the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set. The input is connected to the first planetary gear set. A fixed ratio gear reduction system couples the input and the second planetary gear set. The fixed ratio gear reduction system is operable to transmit rotation from the input to the second planetary gear set at a reduced rotational speed and at an increased torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Goro Tamai
  • Publication number: 20180345949
    Abstract: An electric vehicle drive system includes an electric motor, first and second planetary gear sets, including sun gear, carrier and ring gear members, first and second output shafts, and a housing. The members of the first planetary gear set are connected with the electric motor, the first output shaft, and a member of the second planetary gear set. The members of the second planetary gear set are connected with the first planetary gear set, the housing, and the second output shaft. The first planetary gear set provides differential reduction and the second planetary gear set provides reversal and reduction. Optional clutches can provide the function of a limited slip differential and distribute torque preferentially to one output shaft or the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Alan G. HOLMES, Min-Joong KIM, Edward A. RAPA, JR., Brendan M. CONLON, Joseph R. LITTLEFIELD, Donald L. DUSENBERRY
  • Publication number: 20180312075
    Abstract: A high voltage bus system for electrified vehicles may include a direct current (DC) bus. A rectifier may be electrically coupled to the DC bus. The rectifier may be configured to receive an alternating current (AC) input and to provide a first DC electric power output to the DC bus. An energy storage system (ESS) may be electrically coupled to the DC bus. A converter may be electrically coupled to the ESS. The converter may be configured to provide a second DC electric power output to the DC bus. A load may be electrically coupled to the DC bus to receive the second DC electric power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: AHMAD ALBANNA, MOHAMMAD N. ANWAR, BRENDAN M. CONLON