Patents by Inventor Chi-Kuan Kao
Chi-Kuan Kao 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).
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Publication number: 20220065333Abstract: A two-speed drive unit of an electric vehicle includes a planetary gear set transmission having multiple elements including a first element, a second element and a third element. A motor generator unit supplies a motive force to the planetary gear set transmission. A first stage gear transfers the motive force to the planetary gear set transmission from the motor generator unit. A second stage gear is connected through the second element to a final drive. A first torque transmitting device defining a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) is connected to the third element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-kuan Kao, Norman K. Bucknor
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Patent number: 11242915Abstract: A two-speed drive unit of an electric vehicle includes a planetary gear set transmission having multiple elements including a first element, a second element and a third element. A motor generator unit supplies a motive force to the planetary gear set transmission. A first stage gear transfers the motive force to the planetary gear set transmission from the motor generator unit. A second stage gear is connected through the second element to a final drive. A first torque transmitting device defining a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) is connected to the third element.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chunhao J Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Norman K Bucknor
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Patent number: 11235667Abstract: A method for multi-speed electric vehicle shift control for damping an acceleration oscillation of the electric vehicle. The method includes determining a percentage of accelerator pedal travel and then retrieving a clutch calibration, a first electric motor calibration, and a second electric motor calibration correlating with the determined percentage of accelerator pedal travel. The method then applies the clutch calibration in actuating a clutch-to-clutch gear ratio change, thereby generating a vibration fluctuation in a first axle, and applies the first electric motor calibration in modulating a first electric motor to dampen the vibration fluctuation. The clutch actuation and first electric motor modulation together produces a first axle torque oscillation.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2021Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Chi-kuan Kao
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Patent number: 10922906Abstract: A system for monitoring operation of a vehicle includes a processing device including an interface configured to receive measurement data from sensing devices configured to measure parameters of a vehicle system. The processing device is configured to receive measurement data from each of the plurality of sensing devices, and in response to detection of a malfunction in the vehicle, input at least a subset of the measurement data to a machine learning classifier associated with a vehicle subsystem, the classifier configured to define a class associated with normal operation of the vehicle subsystem. The processing device is also configured to determine whether the subset of the measurement data belongs to the class, and based on at least a selected amount of the subset of the measurement data being outside of the class, output a fault indication, the fault indication identifying the vehicle subsystem as having a contribution to the malfunction.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara, David Sun, Yusheng Zou, Shiming Duan, Chi-kuan Kao, Xiangxing Lu
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Publication number: 20200312056Abstract: A system for monitoring operation of a vehicle includes a processing device including an interface configured to receive measurement data from sensing devices configured to measure parameters of a vehicle system. The processing device is configured to receive measurement data from each of the plurality of sensing devices, and in response to detection of a malfunction in the vehicle, input at least a subset of the measurement data to a machine learning classifier associated with a vehicle subsystem, the classifier configured to define a class associated with normal operation of the vehicle subsystem. The processing device is also configured to determine whether the subset of the measurement data belongs to the class, and based on at least a selected amount of the subset of the measurement data being outside of the class, output a fault indication, the fault indication identifying the vehicle subsystem as having a contribution to the malfunction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara, David Sun, Yusheng Zou, Shiming Duan, Chi-kuan Kao, Xiangxing Lu
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Patent number: 10767729Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a linking member that may have links arranged in rows that have multiple pitch lengths. Each of the rows may have at least one link. Each of the multiple pitch lengths may be a discrete length that may be different from others of the multiple pitch lengths. The rows may be arranged along the linking member in a repeating sequence of the multiple pitch lengths.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chengwu Duan, Chi-kuan Kao, Jian Yao
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Publication number: 20200089241Abstract: Presented are intelligent vehicle systems and control logic for predictive route planning and adaptive control, methods for manufacturing/operating such systems, and motor vehicles with real-time eco-routing and automated driving capabilities. A method for controlling operation of a vehicle includes determining vehicle origin and destination information, and identifying candidate routes for traversing from the origin to the destination. Road-level data, including speed and topology data, is received for each candidate route. Total energy uses are estimated for propelling the vehicle from the origin to the destination across each of the candidate routes. This estimating includes evaluating respective road-level data of each candidate route against a memory-stored table that correlates energy consumption to speed, turn angle, and/or gradient.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Steven E. Muldoon, Chen-Fang Chang, Edward Gundlach
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Patent number: 10473195Abstract: A continuously-variable transmission (CVT) assembly is employed for transmitting a torque from an external power-source. The CVT includes a variable-diameter input pulley and a variable-diameter output pulley, each having a respective range of adjustment. The CVT also includes a continuous torque-transmitting element extending between the variable-diameter input pulley and the variable-diameter output pulley, and thereby operatively connecting the input pulley to the output pulley. The CVT additionally includes a first elastic element having a first zero stiffness over the range of adjustment of the variable-diameter input pulley and configured to apply a first constant spring clamping force via the input pulley to the continuous torque-transmitting element.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chengwu Duan, Farzad Samie, Jian Yao, Chi-Kuan Kao
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Patent number: 10337609Abstract: A continuously variable transmission, a transmission control system, and a method is provided. The control system is configured to determine whether a predetermined condition is met for applying a clutch critical pressure to an applied clutch. The clutch critical pressure is less than line pressure and is a pressure at which the clutch may slip upon experiencing a predetermined torque disturbance level. The control system is configured to command the clutch critical pressure to be applied to the clutch if the predetermined condition is met. The control system is further configured to determine whether the clutch is slipping beyond a predetermined threshold, and if the clutch is slipping beyond the predetermined threshold, command a clutch slip control scheme to be applied to the clutch that is configured to bring a clutch slip of the clutch under the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chunhao J Lee, Dongxu Li, Farzad Samie, Chi-kuan Kao, Kumar V Hebbale
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Patent number: 10247292Abstract: A multi-speed clutch-damper assembly for selectively connecting an output of a power-source to an input of a transmission includes a planetary gear-set. The planetary gear-set is encased in a housing and configured to provide two selectable speed ratios and a damper between the power-source output and the transmission input. The planetary gear-set includes first, second, and third gear members. The second gear member is configured to be connected to the transmission input and the third gear member is configured to be selectively fixed to the housing. The planetary gear-set also includes an elastic element operatively connected to the second gear member and configured to generate torsional vibration damping between the output of the power-source and the input of the transmission. The clutch-damper assembly also includes a first clutch configured to selectively connect the power-source output to the first gear member for transmitting torque of the power-source to the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chi-kuan Kao, Kumar V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li
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Patent number: 10161517Abstract: A powertrain system includes a torque generating device to transfer torque to a driveline via a CVT, wherein the CVT includes a first pulley coupled to a second pulley via a flexible continuous device to transfer torque therebetween. A controller including a processor and memory is operatively connected to the CVT. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to dynamically monitor operating parameters associated with an input force and an output force of the CVT and determine an amplitude variation of one of the operating parameters. The controller is disposed to detect an impending slip event based upon the amplitude variation, wherein the impending slip event is associated with a macro-slip condition on the flexible continuous device. Operation of the CVT is controlled to preclude the impending slip event.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chi-kuan Kao, K V Hebbale, Chunhao J. Lee, Heather N. Allen
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Publication number: 20180355971Abstract: A powertrain system includes a torque generating device to transfer torque to a driveline via a CVT, wherein the CVT includes a first pulley coupled to a second pulley via a flexible continuous device to transfer torque therebetween. A controller including a processor and memory is operatively connected to the CVT. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to dynamically monitor operating parameters associated with an input force and an output force of the CVT and determine an amplitude variation of one of the operating parameters. The controller is disposed to detect an impending slip event based upon the amplitude variation, wherein the impending slip event is associated with a macro-slip condition on the flexible continuous device. Operation of the CVT is controlled to preclude the impending slip event.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chi-kuan Kao, K V Hebbale, Chunhao J. Lee, Heather N. Allen
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Publication number: 20180347673Abstract: A continuously-variable transmission (CVT) assembly is employed for transmitting a torque from an external power-source. The CVT includes a variable-diameter input pulley and a variable-diameter output pulley, each having a respective range of adjustment. The CVT also includes a continuous torque-transmitting element extending between the variable-diameter input pulley and the variable-diameter output pulley, and thereby operatively connecting the input pulley to the output pulley. The CVT additionally includes a first elastic element having a first zero stiffness over the range of adjustment of the variable-diameter input pulley and configured to apply a first constant spring clamping force via the input pulley to the continuous torque-transmitting element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: December 6, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chengwu Duan, Farzad Samie, Jian Yao, Chi-Kuan Kao
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Patent number: 10082206Abstract: A powertrain assembly includes a continuously variable transmission having a variator, an input member, an output member and a torque converter clutch. An input sensor configured to receive a signal from the input member. An output sensor is configured to receive a signal from the output member. The assembly includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method of controlling the continuously variable transmission. If the torque converter clutch is locked, the controller is programmed to obtain respective readings at predefined time intervals which are collected for the respective signals from the input sensor and the output sensor, until a predefined time window is reached. First and second fast Fourier transforms are obtained of the respective signals. The continuously variable transmission is controlled based at least partially on the first and second fast Fourier transforms.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee
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Publication number: 20180238420Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a linking member that may have links arranged in rows that have multiple pitch lengths. Each of the rows may have at least one link. Each of the multiple pitch lengths may be a discrete length that may be different from others of the multiple pitch lengths. The rows may be arranged along the linking member in a repeating sequence of the multiple pitch lengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2015Publication date: August 23, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chengwu Duan, Chi-kuan Kao, Jian Yao
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Publication number: 20180100580Abstract: A continuously variable transmission, a transmission control system, and a method is provided. The control system is configured to determine whether a predetermined condition is met for applying a clutch critical pressure to an applied clutch. The clutch critical pressure is less than line pressure and is a pressure at which the clutch may slip upon experiencing a predetermined torque disturbance level. The control system is configured to command the clutch critical pressure to be applied to the clutch if the predetermined condition is met. The control system is further configured to determine whether the clutch is slipping beyond a predetermined threshold, and if the clutch is slipping beyond the predetermined threshold, command a clutch slip control scheme to be applied to the clutch that is configured to bring a clutch slip of the clutch under the predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2016Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Farzad Samie, Chi-kuan Kao, Kumar V. Hebbale
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Publication number: 20180045290Abstract: A multi-speed clutch-damper assembly for selectively connecting an output of a power-source to an input of a transmission includes a planetary gear-set. The planetary gear-set is encased in a housing and configured to provide two selectable speed ratios and a damper between the power-source output and the transmission input. The planetary gear-set includes first, second, and third gear members. The second gear member is configured to be connected to the transmission input and the third gear member is configured to be selectively fixed to the housing. The planetary gear-set also includes an elastic element operatively connected to the second gear member and configured to generate torsional vibration damping between the output of the power-source and the input of the transmission. The clutch-damper assembly also includes a first clutch configured to selectively connect the power-source output to the first gear member for transmitting torque of the power-source to the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2016Publication date: February 15, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chi-kuan Kao, Kumar V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li
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Publication number: 20170159813Abstract: A powertrain assembly includes a continuously variable transmission having a variator, an input member, an output member and a torque converter clutch. An input sensor configured to receive a signal from the input member. An output sensor is configured to receive a signal from the output member. The assembly includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method of controlling the continuously variable transmission. If the torque converter clutch is locked, the controller is programmed to obtain respective readings at predefined time intervals which are collected for the respective signals from the input sensor and the output sensor, until a predefined time window is reached. First and second fast Fourier transforms are obtained of the respective signals. The continuously variable transmission is controlled based at least partially on the first and second fast Fourier transforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee
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Publication number: 20170037946Abstract: A transmission includes a continuously variable unit and a fixed-gear-ratio unit. The continuously variable unit includes a variator input, and a variator output that is continuously connected to the transmission output member. A first torque transmitting mechanism interconnects the variator input and a transmission input member. The fixed-gear-ratio unit includes a single planetary gear set having a ring gear, planet gears supported by a carrier, and a sun gear. The fixed-gear-ratio unit includes a fixed input and a fixed output. The fixed input is continuously connected to the transmission input member, and one node of the planetary gear set. The fixed output is continuously connected to the transmission output member, and is selectively connected to another node of the planetary gear set. The fixed-gear-ratio unit includes second, third, fourth, and fifth torque transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable and/or disengageable for changing between fixed gear ratios.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2015Publication date: February 9, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee
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Patent number: 9482328Abstract: A torque transmission device for a powertrain system is described, and includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) arranged in parallel with a fixed-gear-ratio transmission to transfer torque between a transmission input member and a transmission output member. The fixed-gear-ratio transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets arranged to transfer torque between the transmission input member and the transmission output member in one of a plurality of fixed-gear-ratio modes by selectively activating a plurality of transmission clutches. The transmission input member rotatably couples to one of the nodes of the first planetary gear set and one of the nodes of the second planetary gear set. The torque transmission device transfers torque in one of a continuously variable mode, a fixed underdrive input/output speed ratio, or a fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Farzad Samie