Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Stirlen

Christopher A. Stirlen 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: 10766494
    Abstract: A system that determines a road surface profile based upon filter coefficient data from noise cancellation systems is disclosed. The system includes a filter coefficient monitoring module that is configured to receive a first set of filter coefficient data from an noise cancellation module. The system also includes a road surface profile module that is configured to receive an input representing a road surface type and generate a road surface profile based upon the road surface type and the first set of filter coefficient data and to store the road surface profile including a correspondence between the road surface type and the first set of filter coefficient data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roggenkamp, Christopher A. Stirlen, Frank C. Valeri
  • Patent number: 10414234
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first tube defining a first chamber and a piston head movably disposed within the first chamber. A hollow piston rod extends from the piston head. The hollow piston rod defines a rod chamber, and a tuned vibration absorber is disposed within the rod chamber of the hollow piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. McGuire, Robert P. Marble, Christopher A. Stirlen
  • Patent number: 10418015
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and a method for spectral shaping of vehicle noise cancellation. In an example implementation, the method includes determining a center frequency of an expected tonal peak within a selected noise band based upon vehicle data, generating a noise cancellation signal using a weighted shaping filter to shape the noise band, and outputting the noise cancellation signal to smooth the expected tonal peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Christopher A. Stirlen, Timothy J. Roggenkamp
  • Publication number: 20190256101
    Abstract: A system that determines a road surface profile based upon filter coefficient data from noise cancellation systems is disclosed. The system includes a filter coefficient monitoring module that is configured to receive a first set of filter coefficient data from an noise cancellation module. The system also includes a road surface profile module that is configured to receive an input representing a road surface type and generate a road surface profile based upon the road surface type and the first set of filter coefficient data and to store the road surface profile including a correspondence between the road surface type and the first set of filter coefficient data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roggenkamp, Christopher A. Stirlen, Frank C. Valeri
  • Publication number: 20190152284
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension structure includes a hollow structural component and a Tuned Vibration Absorber disposed inside the hollow structural component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Robert P. Marble, Christopher A. Stirlen, Michael E. McGuire
  • Publication number: 20190103087
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and a method for spectral shaping of vehicle noise cancellation. In an example implementation, the method includes determining a center frequency of an expected tonal peak within a selected noise band based upon vehicle data, generating a noise cancellation signal using a weighted shaping filter to shape the noise band, and outputting the noise cancellation signal to smooth the expected tonal peak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Frank C. VALERI, Christopher A. STIRLEN, Timothy J. ROGGENKAMP
  • Patent number: 10235987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that cancel component noise are provided. The method includes: detecting a trigger to activate component noise cancellation, in response to detecting the trigger, receiving feedforward information from a component, generating noise cancellation information based on the feedforward information, and outputting a noise cancellation sound according to the noise cancellation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Michael E. McGuire, Amy K. Luebke, Christopher A. Stirlen, Timothy J. Roggenkamp
  • Patent number: 10170096
    Abstract: A Fourier Transform (FT) module configured to determine amplitudes of acceleration at predetermined orders, respectively, by performing a FT on a plurality of values of acceleration associated with a wheel. An order module is configured to identify one of the predetermined orders where one of the amplitudes is greater than a predetermined value and to, based on the one of the amplitudes and a rotational speed of the wheel, determine an order of a frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheel. A sound control module is configured to set characteristics for outputting sound at the order of the frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheel. An audio driver module is configured to, based on the characteristics, apply power to a speaker within a passenger cabin of the vehicle at the order of the frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Christopher A. Stirlen, Scott M. Reilly
  • Publication number: 20180208009
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first tube defining a first chamber and a piston head movably disposed within the first chamber. A hollow piston rod extends from the piston head. The hollow piston rod defines a rod chamber, and a tuned vibration absorber is disposed within the rod chamber of the hollow piston rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. McGuire, Robert P. Marble, Christopher A. Stirlen
  • Patent number: 9970846
    Abstract: A system for determining dynamic properties of a chassis component includes a first fixture, a second fixture spaced from the first fixture, and a chassis component arranged between the first and second fixtures. The chassis component has a first end arranged at the first fixture and a second end arranged at the second fixture. A shaker system is arranged at the first end of the chassis component. A first multi-axis force transducer is arranged between the shaker system and the chassis component. The first multi-axis force transducer includes at least a 3 degree of freedom (DOF) sensing capability. A second multi-axis force transducer is arranged between the second end of the chassis component and the second fixture. The second multi-axis force transducer includes at least a 3 degree of freedom (DOF) sensing capability. A controller is coupled to the shaker system, and the first and second multi-axis dynamic force transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. McGuire, Jinshuo Zhu, Christopher A. Stirlen
  • Publication number: 20180045612
    Abstract: A system for determining dynamic properties of a chassis component includes a first fixture, a second fixture spaced from the first fixture, and a chassis component arranged between the first and second fixtures. The chassis component has a first end arranged at the first fixture and a second end arranged at the second fixture. A shaker system is arranged at the first end of the chassis component. A first multi-axis force transducer is arranged between the shaker system and the chassis component. The first multi-axis force transducer includes at least a 3 degree of freedom (DOF) sensing capability. A second multi-axis force transducer is arranged between the second end of the chassis component and the second fixture. The second multi-axis force transducer includes at least a 3 degree of freedom (DOF) sensing capability. A controller is coupled to the shaker system, and the first and second multi-axis dynamic force transducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Michael E. McGuire, Jinshuo Zhu, Christopher A. Stirlen
  • Publication number: 20170323628
    Abstract: A method of masking road noise for a vehicle includes monitoring, through a processor, one or more vehicle mounted transducers for noise produced by an interaction between the vehicle and a road surface, detecting, through the processor, an audible signal having one of an undesirable frequency and an undesirable magnitude associated with the interaction between the vehicle and the road surface, generating, through the processor, a masking signal having a frequency that will mask the audible signal having the one of the undesirable frequency and undesirable magnitude, and emitting the masking signal through one or more vehicle speakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Christopher A. Stirlen
  • Patent number: 9630575
    Abstract: A panel assembly includes a first panel defining a surface, and a boom attenuation panel. The boom attenuation panel includes a circumferential edge, and a central portion. The boom attenuation panel is attached to the surface of the first panel, along the circumferential edge of the boom attenuation panel. The central portion of the boom attenuation panel is spaced from the surface of the first panel a gap distance to form a gas chamber between the surface of the first panel and the central portion of the boom attenuation panel. The gas chamber contains a gas that is moveable within the gas chamber in response to wave-like motion of the first panel. Movement of the gas increases the effective acoustic mass of the boom attenuation panel, and damped the wave-like motion of the first panel, which operates to reduce noise generated from the wave-like motion of the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Qijun Zhang, Mark A. Stebbins, Christopher A. Stirlen, Michael E. McGuire, Andrew J Baines, John E Howard, Joseph A. Schudt
  • Publication number: 20170088063
    Abstract: A panel assembly includes a first panel defining a surface, and a boom attenuation panel. The boom attenuation panel includes a circumferential edge, and a central portion. The boom attenuation panel is attached to the surface of the first panel, along the circumferential edge of the boom attenuation panel. The central portion of the boom attenuation panel is spaced from the surface of the first panel a gap distance to form a gas chamber between the surface of the first panel and the central portion of the boom attenuation panel. The gas chamber contains a gas that is moveable within the gas chamber in response to wave-like motion of the first panel. Movement of the gas increases the effective acoustic mass of the boom attenuation panel, and damped the wave-like motion of the first panel, which operates to reduce noise generated from the wave-like motion of the first panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Qijun Zhang, Mark A. Stebbins, Christopher A. Stirlen, Michael E. McGuire, Andrew J. Baines, John E. Howard, Joseph A. Schudt
  • Patent number: 9545820
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel including a spoke portion radially supporting a rim portion about a central axis, wherein the rim portion presents a radial outer surface relative to the central axis. A tire is mounted to the wheel and cooperates with the wheel to define a tire cavity between the radial outer surface of the rim portion and the tire. A foamed aluminum portion is supported by the wheel, and includes a plurality of pores arranged to define an open-cell foam. The plurality of pores of the foamed aluminum portion is disposed in fluid communication with the tire cavity to absorb noise from within the tire cavity. The foamed aluminum portion may be integrally cast with the wheel, or otherwise affixed to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan V. Parrett, Christopher A. Stirlen, Jinshuo Zhu, Chong Wang
  • Patent number: 9354137
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining frequencies associated with tire crown bending. The system includes a vibration generating device configured to excite vibrations through a tire. The system further includes a vibration sensing arrangement configured to sense vibrations at a plurality of sensing points on the tire. A computer is in communication with the vibration sensing arrangement and configured to determine a first frequency associated with bending of the crown of the tire based at least partially on phase differences between the sensed vibrations at the plurality of points on the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jinshuo Zhu, Kenneth L. Oblizajek, Christopher A. Stirlen, John D. Sopoci, Zachary M. Shehabi
  • Publication number: 20160121648
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel including a spoke portion radially supporting a rim portion about a central axis, wherein the rim portion presents a radial outer surface relative to the central axis. A tire is mounted to the wheel and cooperates with the wheel to define a tire cavity between the radial outer surface of the rim portion and the tire. A foamed aluminum portion is supported by the wheel, and includes a plurality of pores arranged to define an open-cell foam. The plurality of pores of the foamed aluminum portion is disposed in fluid communication with the tire cavity to absorb noise from within the tire cavity. The foamed aluminum portion may be integrally cast with the wheel, or otherwise affixed to the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Alan V. Parrett, Christopher A. Stirlen, Jinshuo Zhu, Chong Wang
  • Patent number: 9302537
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a rim having a noise suppression device. The rim includes an outer radial surface that is concentrically disposed about a central axis. A tire is mounted to the rim to define a tire cavity between the outer radial surface of the rim and an interior surface of the tire. The noise suppression device includes a device wall that defines at least one resonator chamber, and includes a plurality of apertures allowing fluid communication between the tire cavity and the resonator chamber, with each of the plurality of apertures defining an opening area between the range of 0.03 mm2 and 0.8 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jinshuo Zhu, Chong Wang, Christopher A. Stirlen, Alan V. Parrett
  • Publication number: 20150211959
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining frequencies associated with tire crown bending. The system includes a vibration generating device configured to excite vibrations through a tire. The system further includes a vibration sensing arrangement configured to sense vibrations at a plurality of sensing points on the tire. A computer is in communication with the vibration sensing arrangement and configured to determine a first frequency associated with bending of the crown of the tire based at least partially on phase differences between the sensed vibrations at the plurality of points on the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JINSHUO ZHU, KENNETH L. OBLIZAJEK, CHRISTOPHER A. STIRLEN, JOHN D. SOPOCI, ZACHARY M. SHEHABI
  • Patent number: 9090128
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the wheel assembly for the vehicle are disclosed. The wheel assembly includes a rim and a tire. The tire includes a distal wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, with the first and second side walls extending from the distal wall and each of the side walls attached to the rim such that the distal wall is spaced from the rim to define an interior cavity between the tire and the rim. The wheel assembly also includes a resonator defining a hole such that the resonator presents an inner wall defining a boundary of the hole. The hole cooperates with the interior cavity. The resonator includes an insert mounted to the inner wall. The insert defines an aperture in fluid communication with the interior cavity for attenuating sound produced inside the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jinshuo Zhu, Chong Wang, Alan V. Parrett, Christopher A. Stirlen, Zachary L. Cohen