Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Storch

Kevin J. Storch 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: 11752881
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving an operator-input vehicle control command with an associated torque request, and identifying any propulsion actuator constraints that limit a brake torque capacity available from the vehicle powertrain. Using the propulsion actuator constraint(s) and torque request, the controller determines a propulsion brake torque distribution for the vehicle's road wheels and a maximum brake torque capacity for the powertrain actuator(s). A first brake torque request is determined using the propulsion brake torque distribution and a vehicle control mode of the powertrain system, and a second brake torque request is determined using the maximum brake torque capacity and the vehicle control mode. A friction brake torque command is determined by arbitrating between the first and second brake torque requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Yiran Hu, Nathaniel S. Michaluk, Krunal P. Patel, Adam J. Heisel, Kevin J. Storch, Jacob M. Knueven, Matthew Yard
  • Publication number: 20220258723
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes first and second drive axles coupled to respective sets of road wheels, torque actuators inclusive of rotary electric machines configured to transmit respective output torques to the drive axles, and a main controller in communication with the torque actuators. The controller receives vehicle inputs indicative of a total longitudinal and lateral motion request. In response, the controller calculates a total longitudinal torque request and/or a total longitudinal speed request, a yaw rate request, and a lateral velocity request, then determines, using a cost optimization function, a torque vector for allocating the total longitudinal torque request and/or speed request, the yaw rate request, and the lateral velocity request to the drive axles within predetermined constraints. The controller also transmits a closed-loop control signal to each torque actuator or local controllers thereof to apply the torque vector via the drive axles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yiran Hu, Ruixing Long, Kevin J. Storch, Robert C. Gibson, Bharath Pattipati, Paul G. Otanez
  • Publication number: 20220227237
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving an operator-input vehicle control command with an associated torque request, and identifying any propulsion actuator constraints that limit a brake torque capacity available from the vehicle powertrain. Using the propulsion actuator constraint(s) and torque request, the controller determines a propulsion brake torque distribution for the vehicle's road wheels and a maximum brake torque capacity for the powertrain actuator(s). A first brake torque request is determined using the propulsion brake torque distribution and a vehicle control mode of the powertrain system, and a second brake torque request is determined using the maximum brake torque capacity and the vehicle control mode. A friction brake torque command is determined by arbitrating between the first and second brake torque requests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Yiran Hu, Nathaniel S. Michaluk, Krunal P. Patel, Adam J. Heisel, Kevin J. Storch, Jacob M. Knueven, Matthew Yard
  • Patent number: 9914448
    Abstract: A powertrain assembly has multiple torque actuators. The assembly includes a first controller configured to control a first torque actuator and a second controller configured to control a second torque actuator. The first controller is configured to receive a signal from an input sensor and convert the signal into a torque demand. The second controller is configured to receive the torque demand from the first controller and determine respective optimal torque allocations for the first and second torque actuators based on the torque demand and a plurality of optimization factors. The first controller includes a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method of controlling the multiple torque actuators across the at least two controllers via a dynamic look-up table. The dynamic look-up table is populated by a plurality of stored torque production allocation values based on a respective plurality of torque requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Diaz, Ryan Z. Goode, Kevin J. Storch
  • Publication number: 20170361828
    Abstract: A powertrain assembly has multiple torque actuators. The assembly includes a first controller configured to control a first torque actuator and a second controller configured to control a second torque actuator. The first controller is configured to receive a signal from an input sensor and convert the signal into a torque demand. The second controller is configured to receive the torque demand from the first controller and determine respective optimal torque allocations for the first and second torque actuators based on the torque demand and a plurality of optimization factors. The first controller includes a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method of controlling the multiple torque actuators across the at least two controllers via a dynamic look-up table. The dynamic look-up table is populated by a plurality of stored torque production allocation values based on a respective plurality of torque requests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Diaz, Ryan Z. Goode, Kevin J. Storch
  • Patent number: 8734122
    Abstract: A control system includes an oil pump module and a diagnostic module. The oil pump module, based on engine operating conditions, selectively generates a first mode request signal to initiate a first transition from operating an oil pump of an engine in one of a first pressure mode and a second pressure mode to operating the oil pump in another one of the first pressure mode and the second pressure mode. The second pressure mode is different from the first pressure mode. The diagnostic module, based on when a driver starts the engine, selectively generates a second mode request signal to initiate consecutive transitions from operating the oil pump in the second pressure mode to operating the oil pump in the first pressure mode. The diagnostic module diagnoses a pump fault when a first oil pressure change associated with the consecutive transitions is less than a first predetermined pressure change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Lawrence O. Murray, David R. Staley, Kevin J. Storch, Colin S. Yager, Morena Bruno
  • Patent number: 8584647
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a driver input module, a cylinder actuation module, and an active fuel management (AFM) module. The driver input module generates a fuel saver mode (FSM) signal having a first state based upon a driver input. The cylinder actuation module selectively disables at least one of a plurality of cylinders of an engine based upon a deactivation signal having a first state. The AFM module generates the deactivation signal based on at least one engine parameter and at least one threshold. The at least one threshold is modified when the FSM signal has the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Colin A. Roberts, Richard H. Clutz, Robert Paul Black, Kevin J. Storch, Alfred E. Spitza, Jr., Richard L. Tiberg, William S. Beggs, Bala K. Murthy, Terrence E. Connolly, Mike M. McDonald, William C. Albertson, Eric S. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8499738
    Abstract: An oil circulating control system for an engine includes an engine speed module and a mode selection module. The engine speed module determines a speed of the engine. The mode selection module is configured to select a first pressure mode and a second pressure mode of an oil pump of the engine for the speed. The selection module selects one of the first pressure mode and the second pressure mode based on at least one mode request signal. The mode selection module signals a solenoid valve of a variable oil pressure circuit of the oil pump to transition to a first position when operating in the first pressure mode and to a second position when operating in the second pressure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin J. Storch, David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, Vijay Ramappan, Morena Bruno, Roberto Argolini
  • Patent number: 8307631
    Abstract: A control system may include an adsorber bypass evaluation module, an adsorber bypass control module and an engine operation control module. The adsorber bypass evaluation module may evaluate a bypass closing criterion of a hydrocarbon adsorber bypass passage in an engine exhaust gas treatment device after an engine key-on condition. The adsorber bypass control module may be in communication with the adsorber bypass evaluation module and may close the hydrocarbon adsorber bypass passage after the key-on condition when the bypass closing criterion meets a predetermined condition. The engine operation control module may be in communication with the adsorber bypass control module and may start the engine after the closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Halim G. Santoso, Kevin J. Storch
  • Publication number: 20120063927
    Abstract: A control system includes an oil pump module and a diagnostic module. The oil pump module, based on engine operating conditions, selectively generates a first mode request signal to initiate a first transition from operating an oil pump of an engine in one of a first pressure mode and a second pressure mode to operating the oil pump in another one of the first pressure mode and the second pressure mode. The second pressure mode is different from the first pressure mode. The diagnostic module, based on when a driver starts the engine, selectively generates a second mode request signal to initiate consecutive transitions from operating the oil pump in the second pressure mode to operating the oil pump in the first pressure mode. The diagnostic module diagnoses a pump fault when a first oil pressure change associated with the consecutive transitions is less than a first predetermined pressure change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: LAWRENCE O. MURRAY, DAVID R. STALEY, KEVIN J. STORCH, COLIN S. YAGER, MORENA BRUNO
  • Publication number: 20110296814
    Abstract: A control system may include an adsorber bypass evaluation module, an adsorber bypass control module and an engine operation control module. The adsorber bypass evaluation module may evaluate a bypass closing criterion of a hydrocarbon adsorber bypass passage in an engine exhaust gas treatment device after an engine key-on condition. The adsorber bypass control module may be in communication with the adsorber bypass evaluation module and may close the hydrocarbon adsorber bypass passage after the key-on condition when the bypass closing criterion meets a predetermined condition. The engine operation control module may be in communication with the adsorber bypass control module and may start the engine after the closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Halim G. Santoso, Kevin J. Storch
  • Patent number: 8042385
    Abstract: An engine controller diagnostic system includes a cylinder identification (ID) comparison module and a synchronization diagnostic module. The cylinder ID comparison module compares a first cylinder ID associated with a first controller with a second cylinder ID associated with a second controller. The synchronization diagnostic module determines a synchronization status of the first controller based on a comparison between the first cylinder ID and the second cylinder ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brennan, Jason T. Davis, David S. Mathews, Kevin J. Storch
  • Publication number: 20110209682
    Abstract: An oil circulating control system for an engine includes an engine speed module and a mode selection module. The engine speed module determines a speed of the engine. The mode selection module is configured to select a first pressure mode and a second pressure mode of an oil pump of the engine for the speed. The selection module selects one of the first pressure mode and the second pressure mode based on at least one mode request signal. The mode selection module signals a solenoid valve of a variable oil pressure circuit of the oil pump to transition to a first position when operating in the first pressure mode and to a second position when operating in the second pressure mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Storch, David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, Vijay Ramappan, Morena Bruno, Roberto Argolini
  • Publication number: 20110056278
    Abstract: An engine controller diagnostic system includes a cylinder identification (ID) comparison module and a synchronization diagnostic module. The cylinder ID comparison module compares a first cylinder ID associated with a first controller with a second cylinder ID associated with a second controller. The synchronization diagnostic module determines a synchronization status of the first controller based on a comparison between the first cylinder ID and the second cylinder ID.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brennan, Jason T Davis, David S. Mathews, Kevin J. Storch
  • Publication number: 20090173311
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a driver input module, a cylinder actuation module, and an active fuel management (AFM) module. The driver input module generates a fuel saver mode (FSM) signal having a first state based upon a driver input. The cylinder actuation module selectively disables at least one of a plurality of cylinders of an engine based upon a deactivation signal having a first state. The AFM module generates the deactivation signal based on at least one engine parameter and at least one threshold. The at least one threshold is modified when the FSM signal has the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Colin A. Roberts, Richard H. Clutz, Robert Paul Black, Kevin J. Storch, Alfred E. Spitza, JR., Richard L. Tiberg, William S. Beggs, Bala K. Murthy, Terrence E. Connolly, Mike M. Mc Donald, William C. Albertson, Eric S Kaufman
  • Patent number: 7526374
    Abstract: An engine control module determining an alcohol compensated fuel consumption value includes an alcohol percent module that determines an alcohol percent in fuel and a fuel mass module that determines a mass of the fuel. The engine control module also includes a fuel volume module that calculates a volume of the fuel based on the mass of the fuel, a density of the fuel, and the alcohol percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Carr, Louis A. Avallone, Michael J. Svestka, Kevin J. Storch
  • Publication number: 20080223453
    Abstract: An engine control module determining an alcohol compensated fuel consumption value includes an alcohol percent module that determines an alcohol percent in fuel and a fuel mass module that determines a mass of the fuel. The engine control module also includes a fuel volume module that calculates a volume of the fuel based on the mass of the fuel, a density of the fuel, and the alcohol percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Mark D. Carr, Louis A. Avallone, Michael J. Svestka, Kevin J. Storch
  • Patent number: 6966287
    Abstract: A torque control system for regulating operation of a displacement on demand engine that is operable in an activated mode and a deactivated mode includes a throttle that regulates air flow into the engine and a cam phaser that regulates a torque output of the engine. A first module determines a throttle area based on a desired deactivated manifold absolute pressure (MAP) and a desired mass air flow (MAF) and a second module determines a desired cam phaser position based on an engine speed and a transitional air per cylinder (APC) that is determined based on one of a desired deactivated APC and desired activated APC. A third module generates a throttle control signal to control the throttle based on the throttle area and a fourth module generates a cam phaser control signal to control the cam phaser based on the desired cam phaser position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Richard H. Clutz, Donovan L. Dibble, Bahram Younessi, Gregory J. York, Kevin J. Storch, Timothy J. Braman
  • Patent number: 6843229
    Abstract: An engine control system for monitoring torque increase during cylinder deactivation for a displacement on demand (DOD) engine includes a throttle and a controller. The controller adjusts a preload of the throttle prior to a cylinder deactivation event and determines whether a DOD fault is present during the cylinder deactivation event. The controller one of operates the engine without the preload in the deactivated mode and switches the engine back to the activated mode if the fault is present for a predetermined time. The controller cancels the preload if the DOD fault is present and resets the preload if the predetermined period has not expired. The DOD fault includes one of an engine speed fault, a transmission gear fault and a fueled cylinder fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Kevin J. Storch, Alfred E. Spitza, Jr., Kevin C. Wong
  • Publication number: 20040255905
    Abstract: An engine control system for monitoring torque increase during cylinder deactivation for a displacement on demand (DOD) engine includes a throttle and a controller. The controller adjusts a preload of the throttle prior to a cylinder deactivation event and determines whether a DOD fault is present during the cylinder deactivation event. The controller one of operates the engine without the preload in the deactivated mode and switches the engine back to the activated mode if the fault is present for a predetermined time. The controller cancels the preload if the DOD fault is present and resets the preload if the predetermined period has not expired. The DOD fault includes one of an engine speed fault, a transmission gear fault and a fueled cylinder fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Kevin J. Storch, Alfred E. Spitza, Kevin C. Wong