Patents by Inventor Edmund F. Gaffney
Edmund F. Gaffney 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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Patent number: 9937908Abstract: A method for controlling an active aerodynamic element in a vehicle having road wheels with tires in contact with a road surface includes receiving driver input signals and vehicle kinematics data. The driver input signals correspond to a requested aerodynamic performance operating point. Tire coefficients of friction in the longitudinal and lateral directions are provided to the controller. Desired longitudinal and lateral forces acting on the tires are determined using the input signals, kinematics data, and actual force data. Additionally, a desired total aerodynamic downforce for meeting the aerodynamic performance operating point is determined as a function of the tire forces and coefficients. A position of the aerodynamic element(s) is controlled such that the total aerodynamic downforce is achieved. A system includes the aerodynamic element(s), actuator(s), and controller. A vehicle includes the body, road wheels, active aerodynamic element(s), actuator(s), and controller.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chris Morgan, James H Holbrook, Edmund F. Gaffney, III
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Publication number: 20170080908Abstract: A method for controlling an active aerodynamic element in a vehicle having road wheels with tires in contact with a road surface includes receiving driver input signals and vehicle kinematics data. The driver input signals correspond to a requested aerodynamic performance operating point. Tire coefficients of friction in the longitudinal and lateral directions are provided to the controller. Desired longitudinal and lateral forces acting on the tires are determined using the input signals, kinematics data, and actual force data. Additionally, a desired total aerodynamic downforce for meeting the aerodynamic performance operating point is determined as a function of the tire forces and coefficients. A position of the aerodynamic element(s) is controlled such that the total aerodynamic downforce is achieved. A system includes the aerodynamic element(s), actuator(s), and controller. A vehicle includes the body, road wheels, active aerodynamic element(s), actuator(s), and controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chris Morgan, James H. Holbrook, Edmund F. Gaffney, III
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Patent number: 8725335Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for torque control in an electric all wheel drive (e AWD) vehicle. The apparatus is a system having at least one propulsion system capable of determining a desired torque command and torque capability data for a primary and secondary axle. Also included are one or more active chassis systems capable of providing chassis system data and a processor coupled for processing the desired torque command, the torque capability data and the chassis system data to provide a maximum torque limit and a minimum torque limit for the secondary axle. In this way, at least one propulsion system processes the desired torque signal and the maximum torque limit and the minimum torque limit to provide an electric motor torque command and an engine torque command for the eAWD vehicle. A method for torque control in an eAWD vehicle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Joseph M. Tolkacz, R Travis Schwenke, Michael Kochem, Edmund F. Gaffney, III, William R. Cawthorne, Thomas A Klingler, Richard A. Marsh
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Publication number: 20130289811Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for torque control in an electric all wheel drive (e AWD) vehicle. The apparatus is a system having at least one propulsion system capable of determining a desired torque command and torque capability data for a primary and secondary axle. Also included are one or more active chassis systems capable of providing chassis system data and a processor coupled for processing the desired torque command, the torque capability data and the chassis system data to provide a maximum torque limit and a minimum torque limit for the secondary axle. In this way, at least one propulsion system processes the desired torque signal and the maximum torque limit and the minimum torque limit to provide an electric motor torque command and an engine torque command for the eAWD vehicle. A method for torque control in an eAWD vehicle is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: JOSEPH M. TOLKACZ, R. TRAVIS SCHWENKE, MICHAEL KOCHEM, EDMUND F. GAFFNEY, III, WILLIAM R. CAWTHORNE, THOMAS A. KLINGLER, RICHARD A. MARSH
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Patent number: 8485612Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling braking in a vehicle are provided, for example in a vehicle in which regenerative braking is provided using a motor capable of providing regenerative braking on one axle or wheel that does not have a friction brake component. If it is determined that the energy storage system of the vehicle cannot accept additional electrical energy created by the regenerative braking, the electrical energy is transferred to another location such as a motor on another axle or wheel, resulting in a propulsion torque on that axle. In order to maintain the total desired braking consistent with the driver command, friction braking is provided on the axle the regenerative braking energy is transferred to using a friction braking component, based in part upon the amount of propulsion torque, when the energy storage system cannot accept additional electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Edmund F. Gaffney, James Heath Holbrook
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Patent number: 8428840Abstract: An exemplary method for controlling torque at one or more wheels of a vehicle, including controlling both positive torque (acceleration) and negative torque (braking) with a single torque command. According to one embodiment, the method interprets the acceleration and braking intent of the driver, takes into consideration certain special conditions (e.g., vehicle dynamic conditions like wheel slip, over- and under-steer, etc.), and generates one or more individual torque commands that are sent to individual wheels or corners of the vehicle. The individual torque commands may address certain chassis and powertrain functions like acceleration and braking, and may provide full-feature torque control (i.e., acceleration, braking, vehicle dynamics, etc.) on an individual wheel basis. It is also possible for the method to be used in a system where a number of the common chassis, powertrain and/or vehicle dynamic modules have been integrated into a single torque control module or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kevin A. O'Dea, John F. Larsen, Edmund F. Gaffney, III, James Heath Holbrook, Benjamin A. C. Beacock, Sisira D. Adikari
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Publication number: 20120109483Abstract: An exemplary method for controlling torque at one or more wheels of a vehicle, including controlling both positive torque (acceleration) and negative torque (braking) with a single torque command. According to one embodiment, the method interprets the acceleration and braking intent of the driver, takes into consideration certain special conditions (e.g., vehicle dynamic conditions like wheel slip, over- and under-steer, etc.), and generates one or more individual torque commands that are sent to individual wheels or corners of the vehicle. The individual torque commands may address certain chassis and powertrain functions like acceleration and braking, and may provide full-feature torque control (i.e., acceleration, braking, vehicle dynamics, etc.) on an individual wheel basis. It is also possible for the method to be used in a system where a number of the common chassis, powertrain and/or vehicle dynamic modules have been integrated into a single torque control module or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Kevin A. O'Dea, John F. Larsen, Edmund F. Gaffney, III, James Heath Holbrook, Benjamin A. C. Beacock, Sisira D. Adikari
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Publication number: 20110303497Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling braking in a vehicle are provided, for example in a vehicle in which regenerative braking is provided using a motor capable of providing regenerative braking on one axle or wheel that does not have a friction brake component. If it is determined that the energy storage system of the vehicle cannot accept additional electrical energy created by the regenerative braking, the electrical energy is transferred to another location such as a motor on another axle or wheel, resulting in a propulsion torque on that axle. In order to maintain the total desired braking consistent with the driver command, friction braking is provided on the axle the regenerative braking energy is transferred to using a friction braking component, based in part upon the amount of propulsion torque, when the energy storage system cannot accept additional electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: EDMUND F. GAFFNEY, JAMES HEATH HOLBROOK
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Patent number: 7925405Abstract: A torque distribution system for a vehicle permits the transfer of torque between vehicle wheels using a selectively engagable clutch that is hydraulically engaged using hydraulic pressure provided by a hydraulic transmission pump driven by the engine, allowing for enhanced system functionality and reduced part content in comparison with known torque distribution systems. The system may include an “active-on-demand” clutch that is selectively engagable to transfer torque between a front differential and a rear differential (thereby transferring torque from the front wheels to the rear wheels) as well as an electronically-limited slip differential clutch selectively engagable to transfer torque from one front wheel to the other front wheel through the front differential. Utilization of the transmission hydraulic pump allows pressure to be provided to engage the clutch even when the wheels are stationary, i.e., to launch the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Clinton E. Carey, Craig S. Ross, Edmund F. Gaffney, Todd C. Schanz, Kenneth K. Lang, Paul A. Grougan
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Patent number: 7909126Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for integrating a torque vectoring differential (TVD) and a stability control system in a motor vehicle. The integrated system is utilized for more efficiently correcting understeer and/or oversteer slides in a motor vehicle. In correcting these slides, the integrated system utilizes the TVD to rotate two wheels on opposite sides of the motor vehicle at different rates to create a yaw moment at the vehicle's center of gravity until the TVD reaches a saturation point and the understeer or oversteer slide is not corrected. Once the saturation point is reached without correcting the understeer or oversteer slide, the stability control system is employed to selectively apply one or more of the vehicle's brakes in a further effort to correct the understeer or oversteer slide.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Edmund F. Gaffney
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Patent number: 7643960Abstract: A method for measuring and storing values of sensor bias in acceleration values for a vehicle, obtained over a plurality of time periods from a sensor having a specified range of expected variability of sensor bias values, includes measuring a first value of sensor bias obtained during operation of the vehicle in a first time period, storing the measured first value of sensor bias for use in one or more subsequent time periods, measuring a second value of sensor bias obtained during operation of the vehicle in a second time period, subtracting the measured second value of sensor bias from the stored first value of sensor bias, thereby generating a sensor bias difference, and storing the measured second value of sensor bias, for reference in one or more subsequent time periods, if the sensor bias difference is within the specified range of expected variability of sensor bias values.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Hualin Tan, Christopher A. Kinser, Edmund F. Gaffney
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Publication number: 20090272592Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for integrating a torque vectoring differential (TVD) and a stability control system in a motor vehicle. The integrated system is utilized for more efficiently correcting understeer and/or oversteer slides in a motor vehicle. In correcting these slides, the integrated system utilizes the TVD to rotate two wheels on opposite sides of the motor vehicle at different rates to create a yaw moment at the vehicle's center of gravity until the TVD reaches a saturation point and the understeer or oversteer slide is not corrected. Once the saturation point is reached without correcting the understeer or oversteer slide, the stability control system is employed to selectively apply one or more of the vehicle's brakes in a further effort to correct the understeer or oversteer slide.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: EDMUND F. GAFFNEY
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Publication number: 20090014226Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for modifying a torque differential between the road wheels of a non-driven axle. One apparatus includes, but is not limited to, two non-driven shafts and a torque transfer modulator coupling the two non-driven shafts. The torque transfer modulator is configured to modify the torque differential between the two non-driven shafts. A motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, the apparatus coupling left and right road wheels, a sensor for detecting a left turn and/or right turn, and a controller. The controller is configured to transmit an actuating signal to the torque transfer modulator in response to the turn. One method includes, but is not limited to, detecting a driving condition in a motor vehicle, subtracting an amount of torque from a first non-driven road wheel, and adding the amount of torque to a second non-driven road wheel in response to detecting the driving condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Paul A. Grougan, Edmund F. Gaffney
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Patent number: 7444222Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a slip control for an active driveline device (such as an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD)) that corrects for longitudinal tire slip in the turning wheels of a vehicle. Indicia of a yaw rate of the vehicle are obtained by the eLSD, which then determining a target velocity difference for the turning wheels based at least in upon the yaw rate, along with other factors such as difference in wheel rotation speed or the wheel-road angle of the vehicle. Using these measured parameters, a slip control signal can be applied to the eLSD as a function of the determined target velocity difference.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Matthew G. Villella, Edmund F. Gaffney
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Publication number: 20080221818Abstract: A method for measuring and storing values of sensor bias in acceleration values for a vehicle, obtained over a plurality of time periods from a sensor having a specified range of expected variability of sensor bias values, includes measuring a first value of sensor bias obtained during operation of the vehicle in a first time period, storing the measured first value of sensor bias for use in one or more subsequent time periods, measuring a second value of sensor bias obtained during operation of the vehicle in a second time period, subtracting the measured second value of sensor bias from the stored first value of sensor bias, thereby generating a sensor bias difference, and storing the measured second value of sensor bias, for reference in one or more subsequent time periods, if the sensor bias difference is within the specified range of expected variability of sensor bias values.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Hualin Tan, Christopher A. Kinser, Edmund F. Gaffney
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Publication number: 20080082243Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a slip control for an active driveline device (such as an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD)) that corrects for longitudinal tire slip in the turning wheels of a vehicle. Indicia of a yaw rate of the vehicle are obtained by the eLSD, which then determining a target velocity difference for the turning wheels based at least in upon the yaw rate, along with other factors such as difference in wheel rotation speed or the wheel-road angle of the vehicle. Using these measured parameters, a slip control signal can be applied to the eLSD as a function of the determined target velocity difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Matthew G. Villella, Edmund F. Gaffney
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Publication number: 20080046158Abstract: A torque distribution system for a vehicle permits the transfer of torque between vehicle wheels using a selectively engagable clutch that is hydraulically engaged using hydraulic pressure provided by a hydraulic transmission pump driven by the engine, allowing for enhanced system functionality and reduced part content in comparison with known torque distribution systems. The system may include an “active-on-demand” clutch that is selectively engagable to transfer torque between a front differential and a rear differential (thereby transferring torque from the front wheels to the rear wheels) as well as an electronically-limited slip differential clutch selectively engagable to transfer torque from one front wheel to the other front wheel through the front differential. Utilization of the transmission hydraulic pump allows pressure to be provided to engage the clutch even when the wheels are stationary, i.e., to launch the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Craig S. Ross, Edmund F. Gaffney, Todd C. Schanz, Kenneth K. Lang, Paul A. Grougan
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Patent number: 7308353Abstract: A method for closed loop vehicle dynamic control with a yaw rate controller, such as for example a TVD, utilizing a first understeer gradient for vehicle lateral accelerations at or below a vehicle lateral acceleration threshold and a second understeer gradient for vehicle lateral accelerations thereabove, wherein the vehicle lateral acceleration threshold defines a vehicle lateral acceleration transition point. A first desired vehicle yaw rate per the first understeer gradient is determined, and a second desired vehicle yaw rate per the second understeer gradient is determined, wherein the second desired vehicle yaw rate at the predetermined vehicle lateral acceleration transition point is calibrated to equal the first desired vehicle yaw rate at the predetermined vehicle lateral acceleration transition point so as to avoid any discontinuity therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Matthew G. Villella, Edmund F. Gaffney
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Patent number: 6842685Abstract: A method is directed to controlling a traction control system including a controllable center coupling and a controlled brake system. The method provides for receiving axle speed information, receiving a vehicle speed, determining at least one difference value between the vehicle speed and the axle speed information, and activating the controllable center coupling and the controlled brake system responsive to the difference values. The step of activating the controllable center coupling responsive to at least one of the difference values may include comparing the at least one difference value to at least one associated threshold value, and activating the controllable center coupling based on the comparison. The step of activating the controllable center coupling based on the comparison may include determining an engine torque request value based on the comparison, and engaging an engine with the controllable center coupling based on the engine torque request value.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., General Motors CorporationInventors: Todd A. Belvo, Eric E. Krueger, Edmund F. Gaffney, III
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Publication number: 20040176898Abstract: A method is directed to controlling a traction control system including a controllable center coupling and a controlled brake system. The method provides for receiving axle speed information, receiving a vehicle speed, determining at least one difference value between the vehicle speed and the axle speed information, and activating the controllable center coupling and the controlled brake system responsive to the difference values. The step of activating the controllable center coupling responsive to at least one of the difference values may include comparing the at least one difference value to at least one associated threshold value, and activating the controllable center coupling based on the comparison. The step of activating the controllable center coupling based on the comparison may include determining an engine torque request value based on the comparison, and engaging an engine with the controllable center coupling based on the engine torque request value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Todd A. Belvo, Eric E. Krueger, Edmund F. Gaffney