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).

  • Publication number: 20220065333
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-kuan Kao, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 11242915
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Norman K Bucknor
  • Patent number: 11235667
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Chi-kuan Kao
  • Patent number: 10922906
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara, David Sun, Yusheng Zou, Shiming Duan, Chi-kuan Kao, Xiangxing Lu
  • Publication number: 20200312056
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara, David Sun, Yusheng Zou, Shiming Duan, Chi-kuan Kao, Xiangxing Lu
  • Patent number: 10767729
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Chi-kuan Kao, Jian Yao
  • Publication number: 20200089241
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Steven E. Muldoon, Chen-Fang Chang, Edward Gundlach
  • Patent number: 10473195
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Farzad Samie, Jian Yao, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Patent number: 10337609
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J Lee, Dongxu Li, Farzad Samie, Chi-kuan Kao, Kumar V Hebbale
  • Patent number: 10247292
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chi-kuan Kao, Kumar V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li
  • Patent number: 10161517
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chi-kuan Kao, K V Hebbale, Chunhao J. Lee, Heather N. Allen
  • Publication number: 20180355971
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chi-kuan Kao, K V Hebbale, Chunhao J. Lee, Heather N. Allen
  • Publication number: 20180347673
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Farzad Samie, Jian Yao, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Patent number: 10082206
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20180238420
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Chi-kuan Kao, Jian Yao
  • Publication number: 20180100580
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Farzad Samie, Chi-kuan Kao, Kumar V. Hebbale
  • Publication number: 20180045290
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chi-kuan Kao, Kumar V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li
  • Publication number: 20170159813
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20170037946
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 9482328
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Farzad Samie