Patents by Inventor Brent R. Chinnock

Brent R. Chinnock 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).

  • Steer by wire system with dynamic braking and endstop cushioning for haptic feel
    Patent number: 11370483
    Abstract: A haptic feedback mechanism for steering by wire system includes a motor. Electronic circuitry includes a node and switches for controlling the motor. A voltage sensor at the node and a motion sensor for the DC motor feed a motor control logic module that is operative to: determine if the voltage at the node is above a predetermined threshold; determine if the input motion is above a predetermined speed; and change the switches into an overcurrent protection mode if the voltage is above the predetermined threshold or the input motion is above the predetermined speed. In overcurrent protection mode, electrical power, generated by the input motion, passes through resistance and/or the motor to dissipate while maintaining haptic feedback. An endstop mechanism includes a position sensor coupled to the haptic feedback mechanism for detecting an angular position of the motor to increase feedback torque near an endstop of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Max L. Kotula, Maxwell C. Geary, Brent R. Chinnock, Andrew F. Willner
  • STEER BY WIRE SYSTEM WITH DYNAMIC BRAKING AND ENDSTOP CUSHIONING FOR HAPTIC FEEL
    Publication number: 20210229738
    Abstract: A haptic feedback mechanism for steering by wire system includes a motor. Electronic circuitry includes a node and switches for controlling the motor. A voltage sensor at the node and a motion sensor for the DC motor feed a motor control logic module that is operative to: determine if the voltage at the node is above a predetermined threshold; determine if the input motion is above a predetermined speed; and change the switches into an overcurrent protection mode if the voltage is above the predetermined threshold or the input motion is above the predetermined speed. In overcurrent protection mode, electrical power, generated by the input motion, passes through resistance and/or the motor to dissipate while maintaining haptic feedback. An endstop mechanism includes a position sensor coupled to the haptic feedback mechanism for detecting an angular position of the motor to increase feedback torque near an endstop of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Max L. Kotula, Maxwell C. Geary, Brent R. Chinnock, Andrew F. Willner