Patents by Inventor Klaus Pochner
Klaus Pochner 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: 10450972Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a target area module and a throttle actuator module. The target area module determines a target opening area of a throttle valve of an engine based on a first target pressure within an intake manifold of the engine when the engine is starting. The throttle actuator module actuates the throttle valve based on the target opening area.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Klaus Pochner, Christopher E. Whitney
-
Patent number: 10371018Abstract: A method, control system, and variable valve timing system are provided for controlling an actuator that can be switched into an on state and an off state with pulse width modulation. The systems and method include controls configured to determine an actual system parameter on a first time schedule and a desired system parameter on a second time schedule. On a third time schedule, a position error difference between the actual system parameter and the desired system parameter is determined. The third time schedule is configured to begin and to determine the position error difference each time that the actual system parameter is determined and each time that the desired system parameter is determined. A desired duty cycle is determined, and a duty cycle command is sent to a pulse width modulation output unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Klaus Pochner, Uwe Steinmann, Kea Hyuk Chang, Scott T Feldmann, Jon C Wasberg
-
Publication number: 20180274397Abstract: A method, control system, and variable valve timing system are provided for controlling an actuator that can be switched into an on state and an off state with pulse width modulation. The systems and method include controls configured to determine an actual system parameter on a first time schedule and a desired system parameter on a second time schedule. On a third time schedule, a position error difference between the actual system parameter and the desired system parameter is determined. The third time schedule is configured to begin and to determine the position error difference each time that the actual system parameter is determined and each time that the desired system parameter is determined. A desired duty cycle is determined, and a duty cycle command is sent to a pulse width modulation output unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2017Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Klaus Pochner, Uwe Steinmann, Kea Hyuk Chang, Scott T. Feldmann, Jon C. Wasberg
-
Publication number: 20180245560Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for the selective deactivation of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle by an automatic start-stop device. A traffic situation of the motor vehicle is detected. The deactivation is prevented or delayed in the case that the detected traffic situation corresponds to at least one predetermined traffic situation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Klaus Pochner
-
Patent number: 9920697Abstract: An engine control method includes: generating a torque request for an engine based on a driver input; and based on the torque request, controlling: opening of a wastegate of a turbocharger; opening of a throttle valve based on the torque request; and an intake valve phaser and an exhaust valve phaser. The engine control method also includes selectively determining an expected future increase in the torque request. The engine control method also includes, based on the expected future increase and before the torque request increases based on the expected future increase: decreasing the opening of the wastegate; and at least one of: decreasing the opening of the throttle valve; and adjusting at least one of the intake valve phaser and the exhaust valve phaser to decrease a volumetric efficiency of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Klaus Pochner, Christopher E. Whitney
-
Patent number: 9528453Abstract: A torque requesting module generates a torque request for an engine based on driver input. A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on the torque request, each of the sets of possible target values including target pressure ratios across a throttle valve; determines predicted operating parameters for the sets of possible target values, respectively; determines cost values for the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the cost values; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets, respectively, the target values including a target pressure ratio across the throttle valve. A target area module determines a target opening area of the throttle valve based on the target pressure ratio. A throttle actuator module controls the throttle valve based on the target opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Klaus Pochner, Julian R. Verdejo
-
Publication number: 20160363063Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a target area module and a throttle actuator module. The target area module determines a target opening area of a throttle valve of an engine based on a first target pressure within an intake manifold of the engine when the engine is starting. The throttle actuator module actuates the throttle valve based on the target opening area.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2015Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Klaus POCHNER, Christopher E. WHITNEY
-
Patent number: 9388758Abstract: A prediction module, based on a set of possible target values for M future times and a model of an engine, determines predicted torques of the engine for the M future times, respectively. M is an integer greater than one. A cost module determines a cost for the set of possible target values based on comparisons of the predicted torques for the M future times with engine torque requests for the M future times, respectively. A selection module, based on the cost, selects the set of possible target values from a group including the set of possible target values and N other sets of possible target values, wherein N is an integer greater than zero, and sets target values based on the selected set of possible target values. An actuator module controls an engine actuator based on a first one of the target values.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Klaus Pochner, Christopher E. Whitney, Gary Robert Cygan, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20160131061Abstract: A torque requesting module generates a torque request for an engine based on driver input. A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on the torque request, each of the sets of possible target values including target pressure ratios across a throttle valve; determines predicted operating parameters for the sets of possible target values, respectively; determines cost values for the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the cost values; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets, respectively, the target values including a target pressure ratio across the throttle valve. A target area module determines a target opening area of the throttle valve based on the target pressure ratio. A throttle actuator module controls the throttle valve based on the target opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Christopher E. WHITNEY, Klaus Pochner, Julian R. Verdejo
-
Publication number: 20150275771Abstract: An engine control method includes: generating a torque request for an engine based on a driver input; and based on the torque request, controlling: opening of a wastegate of a turbocharger; opening of a throttle valve based on the torque request; and an intake valve phaser and an exhaust valve phaser. The engine control method also includes selectively determining an expected future increase in the torque request. The engine control method also includes, based on the expected future increase and before the torque request increases based on the expected future increase: decreasing the opening of the wastegate; and at least one of: decreasing the opening of the throttle valve; and adjusting at least one of the intake valve phaser and the exhaust valve phaser to decrease a volumetric efficiency of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: KLAUS POCHNER, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY
-
Publication number: 20150275796Abstract: A prediction module, based on a set of possible target values for M future times and a model of an engine, determines predicted torques of the engine for the M future times, respectively. M is an integer greater than one. A cost module determines a cost for the set of possible target values based on comparisons of the predicted torques for the M future times with engine torque requests for the M future times, respectively. A selection module, based on the cost, selects the set of possible target values from a group including the set of possible target values and N other sets of possible target values, wherein N is an integer greater than zero, and sets target values based on the selected set of possible target values. An actuator module controls an engine actuator based on a first one of the target values.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: KLAUS POCHNER, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, GARY ROBERT CYGAN, JR.
-
Patent number: 8833345Abstract: Engine control apparatus includes, but is not limited to a determining device for determining whether or not the engine is operated under predetermined deceleration operating conditions or predetermined acceleration operating conditions and for individually deactivating two or more cylinders in a disenabling sequence which is different from the firing sequence if the engine is operated under predetermined deceleration operating conditions, and/or for individually reactivating two or more of the cylinders in a reactivating sequence which is different from the firing sequence if the engine is operated under predetermined acceleration conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Klaus Pochner, Enrico Tropschug, Christopher Whitney
-
Patent number: 8825319Abstract: A method of controlling the performance of a vehicle from a stationary condition includes operating a vehicle powertrain in a creep mode following the disengagement of a driver-operated braking device; and operating the vehicle powertrain in a launch mode following an engagement of a driver-operated acceleration device subsequent to the disengagement of the driver-operated braking device. Operating a vehicle powertrain in a creep mode includes: applying a friction clutch to couple an engine crankshaft of the vehicle powertrain with an input shaft of the transmission; determining a torque command to accelerate the vehicle powertrain at a predetermined rate; providing the torque command to an engine controller to controllably increase the input torque to the transmission; and operating a closed loop engine speed control module to prevent the crankshaft speed from slowing below a predetermined engine idle speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Klaus Pochner, Colin Hultengren, Krishnedu Kar
-
Publication number: 20130311055Abstract: A method of controlling the performance of a vehicle from a stationary condition includes operating a vehicle powertrain in a creep mode following the disengagement of a driver-operated braking device; and operating the vehicle powertrain in a launch mode following an engagement of a driver-operated acceleration device subsequent to the disengagement of the driver-operated braking device. Operating a vehicle powertrain in a creep mode includes: applying a friction clutch to couple an engine crankshaft of the vehicle powertrain with an input shaft of the transmission; determining a torque command to accelerate the vehicle powertrain at a predetermined rate; providing the torque command to an engine controller to controllably increase the input torque to the transmission; and operating a closed loop engine speed control module to prevent the crankshaft speed from slowing below a predetermined engine idle speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Klaus Pochner, Colin Hultengren, Krishnendu Kar
-
Patent number: 8310318Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an actuator that can be switched into an on state and an off state by means of pulse duration modulation, as well as to a control system. The inventive method includes, but is not limited to defining a standard pulse repetition period for the square wave signal for a range of a nominal pulse-duty factor, and increasing the pulse repetition period of the square wave signal referred to the standard pulse repetition period if a nominal pulse-duty factor falls short of a first lower threshold value and/or if a nominal pulse-duty factor exceeds a first upper threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Uwe Steinmann, Klaus Pochner, Ritesh Arenja
-
Patent number: 8255139Abstract: An engine control system comprises a pedal torque determination module, a driver interpretation module, and an actuation module. The pedal torque determination module determines a zero pedal torque based on a desired engine torque at a zero accelerator pedal position and a minimum torque limit for an engine system. The driver interpretation module determines a driver pedal torque based on the zero pedal torque and an accelerator pedal position. The actuation module controls at least one of a throttle area, spark timing, and a fuel command based on the driver pedal torque.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Klaus Pochner, Todd R. Shupe, Vivek Mehta, Ning Jin, Ronald W. Van Diepen, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Etsuko Muraji Stewart, Jun Lu, Enrico Tropschug, Jorg Bernards, Helmut Oswald
-
COOLING SYSTEM FOR A COMBUSTION ENGINE, COMBUSTION ENGINE AND MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A COMBUSTION ENGINE
Publication number: 20120118247Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a combustion engine having at least one pressure sensor and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is impermeable to a coolant of the cooling system and in contact with the coolant on a first side. A sensor device of the at least one pressure sensor is arranged separated from the coolant on a second side of the diaphragm located opposite the first side and configured to determine a pressure of the coolant.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Matthias REISS, Klaus POCHNER -
Publication number: 20120116647Abstract: Engine control apparatus includes, but is not limited to a determining device for determining whether or not the engine is operated under predetermined deceleration operating conditions or predetermined acceleration operating conditions and for individually deactivating two or more cylinders in a disenabling sequence which is different from the firing sequence if the engine is operated under predetermined deceleration operating conditions, and/or for individually reactivating two or more of the cylinders in a reactivating sequence which is different from the firing sequence if the engine is operated under predetermined acceleration conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Klaus POCHNER, Enrico TROPSCHUG, Christopher WHITNEY
-
Patent number: 7980221Abstract: An engine control system includes a spark bound module that determines a bounded spark value based on a desired spark value, a torque bound module that determines a bounded torque value based on the bounded spark value and a desired torque value, and an inverse torque calculation module that determines a desired engine air value based on the bounded torque value and the square of the bounded spark value. The engine air value may be one of a desired air-per-cylinder value and a desired manifold air pressure value. The bounded spark value and the bounded torque value are determined based on one or more of a plurality of engine actuator positions. Related methods for determining the bounded spark value, the bounded torque value, and the engine air value are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventors: Andrew W. Baur, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Michael Livshiz, Christopher E. Whitney, Sharon L. Storch, Bahram Younessi, Klaus Pochner
-
Publication number: 20110169541Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an actuator that can be switched into an on state and an off state by means of pulse duration modulation, as well as to a control system. The inventive method includes, but is not limited to defining a standard pulse repetition period for the square wave signal for a range of a nominal pulse-duty factor, and increasing the pulse repetition period of the square wave signal referred to the standard pulse repetition period if a nominal pulse-duty factor falls short of a first lower threshold value and/or if a nominal pulse-duty factor exceeds a first upper threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Uwe STEINMANN, Klaus POCHNER, Ritesh ARENJA