Patents by Inventor Joseph F. Kucharski
Joseph F. Kucharski 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: 11746838Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline disconnect clutch of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a time duration of a boost phase of a driveline disconnect clutch closing sequence is adjusted in response to one or more error values. The error values may include pressure error, integrated pressure error, and electric machine speed error.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Akshay Bichkar, Corey James Blue, Samuel Melville Glauber, Joseph F. Kucharski, Jason Meyer, Bradley Dean Riedle
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Patent number: 11679758Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline disconnect clutch of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, the systems and methods may adjust a relationship (e.g., transfer function) between an amount of electric current that is supplied to a driveline disconnect clutch control valve and a commanded driveline disconnect clutch pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Akshay Bichkar, Jason Meyer, Bradley D. Riedle, Corey James Blue, Joseph F. Kucharski, Bret Keller
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Publication number: 20230182716Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, the systems and methods adjust a driveline disconnect clutch boost time duration or magnitude responsive to a pressure error and a time delay error. A driveline disconnect clutch may be operated via supplying a pressure to the driveline disconnect clutch that includes the adjusted boost time duration or magnitude.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Akshay Bichkar, Jason Meyer, Bradley D. Riedle, Corey James Blue, Joseph F. Kucharski
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Publication number: 20230182715Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline disconnect clutch of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, the systems and methods may adjust a relationship (e.g., transfer function) between an amount of electric current that is supplied to a driveline disconnect clutch control valve and a commanded driveline disconnect clutch pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Akshay Bichkar, Jason Meyer, Bradley D. Riedle, Corey James Blue, Joseph F. Kucharski, Bret Keller
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Patent number: 11285960Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes a driveline disconnect clutch is described. In one example, the method includes adjusting a pressure of the driveline disconnect clutch as a function of an engine pull-up torque minus a driver demand torque when the pressure of the driveline disconnect clutch is between a torque stroke pressure and a hydraulic stroke pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Corey James Blue, Bradley Dean Riedle, Andrew E. Burt, Joseph F. Kucharski
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Publication number: 20210086775Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes a driveline disconnect clutch is described. In one example, the method includes adjusting a pressure of the driveline disconnect clutch as a function of an engine pull-up torque minus a driver demand torque when the pressure of the driveline disconnect clutch is between a torque stroke pressure and a hydraulic stroke pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Corey James Blue, Bradley Dean Riedle, Andrew E. Burt, Joseph F. Kucharski
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Patent number: 10563712Abstract: A transmission includes at least one shift element for which both the apply pressure and the release pressure are actively controlled. A controller adjusts the torque capacity of the shift element by varying the apply pressure and the release pressure in a coordinated fashion. During particular events, such as a shift event with the shift element as oncoming element or holding element, both the apply pressure and the release pressure are monotonically increased, mitigating the effect of hysteresis.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Kucharski, Diego Campos Venegas, Kimberly Ann Meehan, Bradley Ronald Heuver
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Patent number: 10451125Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission and a controller. The transmission has clutches that are configured to establish multiple speed ratios, including a first clutch. The first clutch has a measured drag torque distribution. The measured drag torque distribution has a median and a standard deviation. The controller is programmed to increase a pressure at a rate to engage the first clutch and to increase the rate in response to a measured first clutch torque exceeding the median by a predetermined multiple of the standard deviation.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Qi Wang, Yuji Fujii, Rohit Hippalgaonkar, Joseph F. Kucharski, Jason Meyer, Stuart N. Ford
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Publication number: 20190048947Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission and a controller. The transmission has clutches that are configured to establish multiple speed ratios, including a first clutch. The first clutch has a measured drag torque distribution. The measured drag torque distribution has a median and a standard deviation. The controller is programmed to increase a pressure at a rate to engage the first clutch and to increase the rate in response to a measured first clutch torque exceeding the median by a predetermined multiple of the standard deviation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2017Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Gregory Michael PIETRON, Qi WANG, Yuji FUJII, Rohit HIPPALGAONKAR, Joseph F. KUCHARSKI, Jason MEYER, Stuart N. FORD
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Publication number: 20190032777Abstract: A transmission includes at least one shift element for which both the apply pressure and the release pressure are actively controlled. A controller adjusts the torque capacity of the shift element by varying the apply pressure and the release pressure in a coordinated fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2017Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Joseph F. KUCHARSKI, Diego Campos VENEGAS, Kimberly Ann MEEHAN, Bradley Ronald HEUVER
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Patent number: 10180186Abstract: A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nicholas Joseph Witte, Stephen Michael Cicala, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Nimrod Kapas, Davorin David Hrovat
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Patent number: 10166980Abstract: A vehicle having a drivetrain is controlled based on a difference between a torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating. The drivetrain torque may be measured by a drivetrain torque sensor. The effective vehicle mass is computed from the torque difference. The computed mass of the vehicle is used to adjust the activation of a collision warning system or a collision avoidance system. A method of operating a vehicle where the activation of a collision avoidance system is adjusted based on a difference between a torque transmitted by a drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating is disclosed. The torque difference is used to compute a vehicle mass that is used to adjust a collision warning distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yuji Fujii, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Diana Yanakiev, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Jianbo Lu, Gregory Michael Pietron
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Patent number: 9945300Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes measuring a transmission output torque, measuring impeller and turbine speeds, estimating a transmission component torque, and adjusting an engine torque to avoid overstressing a transmission component such as a gear. The method does not rely on an accurate estimate of engine torque. Furthermore, the method does not rely on a fixed transmission torque rating in each gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rohit Hippalgaonkar, Joseph F. Kucharski, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer, Eric Hongtei Tseng
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Patent number: 9815473Abstract: A method for controlling a manual transmission includes using a controller to determine a desired torque transmitted through an input clutch for the desired gear after a shift lever is moved to a desired gear position and while a clutch pedal is being released for engaging the clutch; inferring torque in the vehicle drive assembly; using inferred torque to determine clutch torque; and using the controller to automatically adjust a clutch actuator such that a difference between the desired torque and the inferred torque is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Yuji Fujii, Alex O. Gibson, Gregory M. Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski
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Patent number: 9758170Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine, a transmission, and one or more accessories, such as an alternator or an air conditioning compressor, all operating based on commands from a controller. The controller is programmed to coordinate commands to the transmission with commands to the accessories to mitigate the impacts of transmission state changes. The accessory drive torque may be adjusted to compensate for the torque required to change the speed of a transmission internal shaft. The accessory effective inertia may be adjusted to maintain a powertrain natural frequency so that active damping can be maintained throughout a transmission state change event.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John G. Fowler, Joseph F. Kucharski
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Patent number: 9733138Abstract: Various packaging designs for placement of a magnetic torque sensor at the output shaft of a front wheel drive transmission are provided. One design provides for mounting a sensor on a chain drive sprocket or integrating a sensor into a modified sprocket bearing mount. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the grounded ring gear of a final planetary drive. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the differential housing. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the output planetary carrier hub/park gear. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at a multi-piece transfer gear face.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Nimrod Kapas, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Daniel Goleski, Jeffrey Edward Maurer
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Patent number: 9726280Abstract: A transmission calibration tool automatically generates a detailed gearbox model based on a user input transmission topology description. During transmission calibration, the tool accepts inputs from transmission speed and torque sensors and estimates component torques for each gear element and each shift element. Following a shift or other transmission event, the calibration tool plots the component torques as a function of time, permitting the calibration engineer to better understand what is occurring during the event, and thus reducing the time required for calibration. The calibration tool also adapts several transmission component models and outputs the adapted models to provide insight into actual transmission component behavior.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
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Patent number: 9709164Abstract: A method of operating a transmission includes measuring an output torque, estimating a gearbox input torque using a model, and estimating gearbox component torques based on a detailed gearbox model. The model used to estimate the input torque varies depending on whether a torque converter is locked, open, or slipping. In some operating conditions, multiple estimates are available for gearbox input torque, impeller torque, or shift element torque in which case the models are adapted. When an estimated component torque is outside an expected range, a warning flag is raised and diagnostic data is saved. When an estimated torque approaches or exceeds a torque limit, the input torque command may be reduced to prevent component damage. A warning flag may also be raised and diagnostic data saved in response to a model parameter being adapted to a value outside of a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rohit Hippalgaonkar, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Jason Meyer, Michael John Leads, Joseph F. Kucharski
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Patent number: 9677492Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle powertrain includes a controller that is operative to automatically control at least one powertrain function other than engine torque based on a measured torque and a predetermined torque range. The predetermined torque range is based on a first engine torque estimate. The measured torque is related to actual engine torque, and can be measured directly at the engine crankshaft, or in another location in the powertrain and then transferred to the engine space.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Kucharski, Yuji Fujii, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Nimrod Kapas, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev
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Publication number: 20170122821Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission for volume production applications are provided. A transfer case assembly includes a transfer case shaft having a magnetized region and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the transfer case shaft, mounted on at least one bushing supporting the transfer case shaft. A drive axle assembly includes an axle housing, an input shaft having a magnetized region, and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the input shaft, mounted to the axle housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2017Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Diana Yanakiev, Mark Richard Dobson, Yuji Fujii