Patents by Inventor Harwin Niessen
Harwin Niessen 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: 11970170Abstract: A drive system for an axle of a motor vehicle can be controlled. The drive system can have at least one drive unit driving a drive shaft, a first output shaft, and a second output shaft, as well as first and second clutches connecting the drive shaft to the first and second output shafts, respectively. A control unit of the drive system controls the clutches to operate at least at certain operating points with a micro-slip control in which a speed differential between the drive shaft and the output shaft of >0 revolutions per minute (RPM) and <50 RPM is set for the respective clutch. A travel state of the motor vehicle can be detected, including detecting: traveling straight ahead and cornering in the pull mode, and a control strategy can be selected and applied for each clutch, wherein the control strategy is different for different travel states.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.Inventors: Harwin Niessen, Michael Höck
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Patent number: 11433869Abstract: A drive torque of an electric motor for driving a driveline included in a driveline assembly of a motor vehicle can be controlled as a function of the vehicle speed in such a way that, when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined threshold value, the electric motor is controlled in a high torque mode and, when the vehicle speed is above the threshold value, the electric motor is controlled in a low torque mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: GKN Automotive LimitedInventors: Peter Obergünner, Harwin Niessen, Michael Höck, Theodor Gassmann
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Publication number: 20210261115Abstract: A drive system for an axle of a motor vehicle comprises at least one drive unit, a drive shaft driven by the drive unit, a first output shaft comprising a first wheel and a second output shaft comprising a second wheel, and a first clutch connecting the drive shaft to the first output shaft, and a second clutch connecting the drive shaft to the second output shaft, and furthermore, a control unit for regulating the clutches.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2018Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Harwin Niessen, Volker-René Ruiters, Marius Offenberg
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Publication number: 20210229663Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a drive system for an axle of a motor vehicle, wherein the drive system has at least one drive unit, a drive shaft driven by the drive unit, a first output shaft and a second output shaft, as well as a first clutch connecting the drive shaft to the first output shaft and a second clutch connecting the drive shaft to the second output shaft, and furthermore comprises a control unit for controlling the clutches, wherein the clutches are able to be operated at least at certain operating points with a micro-slip control in which a speed differential between the drive shaft and the output shaft of more than zero revolutions per minute and no more than 50 revolutions per minute is set at the respective clutch, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) establishing a travel state of the motor vehicle, wherein at least the following travel states are detected: traveling straight ahead and cornering in the pull mode; b) selecting and applying a cType: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2018Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Harwin Niessen, Michael Höck
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Publication number: 20210009129Abstract: A drive torque of an electric motor for driving a driveline included in a driveline assembly of a motor vehicle can be controlled as a function of the vehicle speed in such a way that, when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined threshold value, the electric motor is controlled in a high torque mode and, when the vehicle speed is above the threshold value, the electric motor is controlled in a low torque mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2018Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Peter Obergünner, Harwin Niessen, Michael Höck, Theodor Gassmann
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Patent number: 10295036Abstract: To reduce the complexity and the outlay involved in the development and implementation in a vehicle of systems and methods known from the prior art for operating a differential-free, clutch-controlled balancing unit having a first clutch and a second clutch, the invention provides for the first clutch and the second clutch to be controlled independently of the driving conditions, and always using the same variable controlled variable of the same value.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.Inventors: Michael Höck, Harwin Niessen
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Patent number: 10227070Abstract: Controlling a driving torque of a driveline assembly of a motor vehicle comprises: monitoring a speed of a first drive axle; monitoring a speed of a second drive axle; determining a target speed for the electric machine from at least one of the speeds of the first and the second drive axle controlling the electric machine in target speed mode as a function of the at least one speed; determining a target torque from the speed of the first drive axle and the speed of the second drive axle; controlling the clutch in a target torque mode as a function of the speed of the first drive axle and the speed of the second drive axle.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.Inventors: Michael Höck, Harwin Niessen, Juan Manuel Micó Soler
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Publication number: 20180339698Abstract: Controlling a driving torque of a driveline assembly of a motor vehicle comprises: monitoring a speed of a first drive axle; monitoring a speed of a second drive axle; determining a target speed for the electric machine from at least one of the speeds of the first and the second drive axle controlling the electric machine in target speed mode as a function of the at least one speed; determining a target torque from the speed of the first drive axle and the speed of the second drive axle; controlling the clutch in a target torque mode as a function of the speed of the first drive axle and the speed of the second drive axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Michael Höck, Harwin Niessen, Juan Manuel Micó Soler
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Publication number: 20170037949Abstract: To reduce the complexity and the outlay involved in the development and implementation in a vehicle of systems and methods known from the prior art for operating a differential-free, clutch-controlled balancing unit having a first clutch and a second clutch, the invention provides for the first clutch and the second clutch to be controlled independently of the driving conditions, and always using the same variable controlled variable of the same value.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: Michael Hoeck, Harwin Niessen
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Patent number: 9132730Abstract: A method for the distribution of drive torque to the wheels of a driven axle of a motor vehicle. The bend slip between a bend-inside and a bend-outside wheel of an axle of the motor vehicle during cornering is calculated. The inner drive slip between the bend-inside driven wheel and the bend-inside nondriven wheel is calculated. The drive torque is distributed as a function of a difference between the inner drive slip and the bend slip, multiplied by a scaling factor.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: GETRAG Driveline Systems GmbHInventors: Michael Hoeck, Harwin Niessen
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Patent number: 8938958Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement for the activation of two actuators, with a hydraulic pressure supply unit which is assigned jointly to the two actuators. The pressure supply unit is designed to be reversible in its direction of action, so that, depending on the direction of action, in each case only one of the actuators is driven.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: GETRAG Driveline Systems GmbHInventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Harwin Niessen, Jan Potulski
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Publication number: 20080149408Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement for the activation of two actuators, with a hydraulic pressure supply unit which is assigned jointly to the two actuators. The pressure supply unit is designed to be reversible in its direction of action, so that, depending on the direction of action, in each case only one of the actuators is driven.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Harwin Niessen, Jan Potulski
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Publication number: 20070282512Abstract: A method for the distribution of drive torque to the wheels of a driven axle of a motor vehicle. The bend slip between a bend-inside and a bend-outside wheel of an axle of the motor vehicle during cornering is calculated. The inner drive slip between the bend-inside driven wheel and the bend-inside nondriven wheel is calculated. The drive torque is distributed as a function of a difference between the inner drive slip and the bend slip, multiplied by a scaling factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventors: Michael Hoeck, Harwin Niessen
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Patent number: 7181325Abstract: A vehicle steering system having a steering handle for steering at least one wheel is provided, and includes an arrangement for applying torque to the steering handle and a sensor for detecting applied steering torque. The arrangement generates a return torque, as a function of the steering angle, for driving the steering handle into a central position. During a first driving state in which applied steering torque is above a threshold value, the function curve of the return torque increases monotonically and no return torque is generated at a steering angle of zero. During a second driving state in which applied steering torque is below the threshold value, the arrangement generates a return torque that is greater than that given by the function curve in the first driving state, at least at small steering angles.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta SteerTec GmbHInventors: Harwin Niessen, Roman Frank Starbeck
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Patent number: 7162341Abstract: A motor-driven power steering unit comprising an electric motor for producing an auxiliary steering force in a steering system coupling a steering wheel to two wheels of a vehicle. The steering system provides assistance, based on steering information, to a rotation of the steering wheel by control of an electric current fed to the electric motor. A steering angle detection device is provided, wherein the steering system regulates the assistance as a function of a steering angle detected by the detection device. The assistance, or current, is reduced after a pre-set or pre-definable angle is reached or exceeded prior to reaching a respective end position. The reduction of the assistance or current is cancelled as soon as signs of steering force and the steering angel no longer coincide.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta SteerTec GmbHInventors: Klaus von Hammel, Harwin Niessen
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Patent number: 7144346Abstract: A motor vehicle steering mechanism is provided and includes a steering wheel fixedly connected to a steering column, a steering pinion meshing with a rack, a planetary gear system connected to the steering column and the steering pinion, wherein during a normal trouble-free driving operation the housing of the gear system is freely rotatable; an angle sensor detects the position of the steering column and/or steering wheel and generates a signal representative thereof, wherein a first drive applies torque directly to the steering column, and a second drive acts on the steering pinion or rack. The signal from the angle sensor is an input signal for an electronic control system that controls the second drive. A torque adjuster controls the first drive such that a hand torque corresponding to a driving situation is Produced for achieving a defined driving sensation for the driver on the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Thyssen Krupp Presta SteerTec GmbHInventors: Jochen Hermann, Klaus von Hammel, Roman Frank Starbek, Harwin Niessen, Martin Vohmann
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Patent number: 7036626Abstract: A vehicle steering system for controlling a steering or steering lock angle of at least one wheel of a vehicle having a steering handle or wheel, whereby the actual manual torque or force that is to be applied by the driver for controlling the vehicle being regulated by a control device is a function of the vehicle condition or state values.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta Steertec GmbHInventors: Harwin Niessen, Hremann Henrichfreise
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Publication number: 20050154514Abstract: A vehicle steering system having a steering handle for steering at least one wheel is provided, and includes an arrangement for applying torque to the steering handle and a sensor for detecting applied steering torque. The arrangement generates a return torque, as a function of the steering angle, for driving the steering handle into a central position. During a first driving state in which applied steering torque is above a threshold value, the function curve of the return torque increases monotonically and no return torque is generated at a steering angle of zero. During a second driving state in which applied steering torque is below the threshold value, the arrangement generates a return torque that is greater than that given by the function curve in the first driving state, at least at small steering angles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: July 14, 2005Inventors: Harwin Niessen, Roman Starbeck
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Publication number: 20050037884Abstract: A motor vehicle steering mechanism is provided and includes a steering wheel fixedly connected to a steering column, a steering pinion meshing with a rack, a planetary gear system connected to the steering column and the steering pinion, wherein during a normal trouble-free driving operation the housing of the gear system is freely rotatable; an angle sensor detects the position of the steering column and/or steering wheel and generates a signal representative thereof. wherein a first drive applies torque directly to the steering column, and a second drive acts on the steering pinion or rack. The signal from the angle sensor is an input signal for an electronic control system that controls the second drive. A torque adjuster controls the first drive such that a hand torque corresponding to a driving situation is Produced for achieving a defined driving sensation for the driver on the steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: February 17, 2005Inventors: Jochen Hermann, Klaus Hammel, Roman Starbek, Harwin Niessen, Martin Vohmann
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Publication number: 20040098180Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven power steering unit, comprising an electric motor for producing an auxiliary steering force in a steering system that couples a steering handle to the wheels of a vehicle. The power steering unit assists the rotation of the steering wheel by controlling an electric current fed to the electric motor based on steering information. Said unit also comprises a steering angle detection device and an overload protection device to reduce the electric current fed to the electric motor, wherein the overload protection device reduces the electric current fed to the electric motor if the steering angle detected exceeds a predetermined angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Klaus Von Hammel, Harwin Niessen