Patents by Inventor Mark A. Schang
Mark A. Schang 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: 11590972Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a body, a drive system, and a control system for controlling the adaptive cruise control functionality for the vehicle. The drive system is disposed within the body, and has adaptive cruise control functionality. The control system includes: one or more sensors disposed onboard the vehicle and configured to obtain sensor data for monitoring a driver of the vehicle while the vehicle is stopped during adaptive cruise control operation while a target vehicle in front of the vehicle has stopped; and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to provide instructions for automatically resuming movement of the vehicle, when the target vehicle resumes movement, based on the monitoring of the driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ming Zhao, Mark A. Schang, Sung-Tu Ho
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Publication number: 20210402993Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a body, a drive system, and a control system for controlling the adaptive cruise control functionality for the vehicle. The drive system is disposed within the body, and has adaptive cruise control functionality. The control system includes: one or more sensors disposed onboard the vehicle and configured to obtain sensor data for monitoring a driver of the vehicle while the vehicle is stopped during adaptive cruise control operation while a target vehicle in front of the vehicle has stopped; and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to provide instructions for automatically resuming movement of the vehicle, when the target vehicle resumes movement, based on the monitoring of the driver of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2020Publication date: December 30, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ming Zhao, Mark A. Schang, Sung-Tu Ho
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System and method for rationalizing torque phase ratio values in a vehicle propulsion control system
Patent number: 9938917Abstract: A propulsion system controller for a vehicle that includes a prime mover operable for generating an input torque on an input shaft, and a transmission connected to the prime mover that is configured to receive the input torque from the input shaft and produce an output torque on an output shaft. The controller is programmed to generate a torque phase ratio, rationalize the generated torque phase ratio, and submit a torque request to the prime mover that is based upon a desired output torque divided by the rationalized torque phase ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronald F Lochocki, Jr., Scott D Biggs, Jonathan P Kish, Mark A Schang, Ryan Z Goode -
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RATIONALIZING TORQUE PHASE RATIO VALUES IN A VEHICLE PROPULSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Publication number: 20180094595Abstract: A propulsion system controller for a vehicle that includes a prime mover operable for generating an input torque on an input shaft, and a transmission connected to the prime mover that is configured to receive the input torque from the input shaft and produce an output torque on an output shaft. The controller is programmed to generate a torque phase ratio, rationalize the generated torque phase ratio, and submit a torque request to the prime mover that is based upon a desired output torque divided by the rationalized torque phase ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Scott D. Biggs, Jonathan P. Kish, Mark A. Schang, Ryan Z. Goode -
Patent number: 9869259Abstract: A propulsion system controller for a vehicle that includes a prime mover operable for generating an input torque on an input shaft, and a transmission connected to the prime mover that is configured to receive the input torque from the input shaft and produce an output torque on an output shaft. The controller is programmed to generate a torque phase ratio, and submit a torque request to the prime mover that is based upon a desired output torque divided by the torque phase ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Ryan Z. Goode, Mark A. Schang, Jonathan Kish
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Patent number: 9738285Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes determining if an internal combustion engine of the vehicle is currently operating with active fuel management, or if the internal combustion engine is currently operating without active fuel management. The vehicle controller further determines if a possible engine torque is equal to, greater than, or less than a required engine torque. The transmission is upshifted when the internal combustion engine is currently operating with active fuel management, and when the possible engine torque is equal to or greater than the required engine torque. When the possible engine torque is less than the required engine torque, active fuel management is exited so that the internal combustion engine is currently operating without active fuel management. When the internal combustion engine is currently operating without active fuel management, the vehicle controller upshifts the transmission from the current gear ratio to the higher gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark A. Schang, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Jeremy V. Horgan
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Patent number: 8721498Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations LLCInventors: Mark A Schang, Robert L. Williams, David Szpara
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Patent number: 8696517Abstract: A control system for use with an engine and a transmission in a vehicle is provided that includes at least one controller having a processor with at least one stored algorithm that determines different crankshaft torque capacities associated with different respective torque actuators including a relatively slow torque actuator, such as an airflow actuator, and at least one relatively fast torque actuator, such as a spark actuator or a fuel actuator. The algorithm determines a torque actuation range over which to modify engine torque during an oncoming shift of the transmission. The torque actuation range may be based at least partially on a target gear of the upshift, desired shift duration, and a vehicle operating condition indicative of an operator intent regarding shift duration. Requests for torque modification by use of the torque actuators are then made to provide the torque actuation range.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Mark A. Schang, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Andrew W. Baur, Ning Jin
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Patent number: 8579762Abstract: A clutch control system for a vehicle includes a shift command module and an offgoing clutch control module. The shift command module commands an upshift of a clutch-to-clutch transmission when an engine torque is less than a predetermined negative torque. The offgoing clutch control module increases an offgoing clutch pressure above a predetermined apply pressure in response to the command. An offgoing clutch is fully engaged when the offgoing clutch pressure is greater than the predetermined apply pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Inventors: Mark A Yacoub, Matthew D. Whitton, Craig J. Hawkins, Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, Christopher Jay Weingartz
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Patent number: 8532892Abstract: A system includes a pump, accumulator, a sensor which measures line pressure in a fluid circuit, and a controller. The controller plots and calculates respective slopes of first and second sets of measured pressure values from the sensor, calculates a slope ratio, and compares the slope ratio to a threshold. The controller also records the pre-charge pressure as the point of intersection of lines representing the slopes when the ratio exceeds the threshold. A control action is executed when the pre-charge pressure drops below a calibrated minimum threshold. A method includes measuring the pressure values, calculating the respective slopes and the slope ratio, comparing the slope ratio to a ratio threshold, recording the point of intersection of lines representing the slopes as an interpolated pre-charge pressure value when the ratio exceeds the threshold, and executing the control action.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Crystal Nassouri, Mark A. Schang, Stephen Lewis Pudvay
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Publication number: 20130179046Abstract: A system includes a pump, accumulator, a sensor which measures line pressure in a fluid circuit, and a controller. The controller plots and calculates respective slopes of first and second sets of measured pressure values from the sensor, calculates a slope ratio, and compares the slope ratio to a threshold. The controller also records the pre-charge pressure as the point of intersection of lines representing the slopes when the ratio exceeds the threshold. A control action is executed when the pre-charge pressure drops below a calibrated minimum threshold. A method includes measuring the pressure values, calculating the respective slopes and the slope ratio, comparing the slope ratio to a ratio threshold, recording the point of intersection of lines representing the slopes as an interpolated pre-charge pressure value when the ratio exceeds the threshold, and executing the control action.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Crystal Nassouri, Mark A. Schang, Stephen Lewis Pudvay
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Patent number: 8396637Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission coupled to an engine by a torque converter includes a torque module and a first clutch control module. The torque module determines an input torque to the transmission based on an output torque of the engine. The first clutch control module adjusts an acceleration of a turbine of the torque converter during a down shift of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the acceleration of the turbine by adjusting a first pressure of fluid supplied to an off-going clutch of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the first pressure based on a mathematical model that relates a torque capacity of the off-going clutch, the input torque, and the acceleration. A method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Matthew D. Whitton
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Publication number: 20130045832Abstract: A control system for use with an engine and a transmission in a vehicle is provided that includes at least one controller having a processor with at least one stored algorithm that determines different crankshaft torque capacities associated with different respective torque actuators including a relatively slow torque actuator, such as an airflow actuator, and at least one relatively fast torque actuator, such as a spark actuator or a fuel actuator. The algorithm determines a torque actuation range over which to modify engine torque during an oncoming shift of the transmission. The torque actuation range may be based at least partially on a target gear of the upshift, desired shift duration, and a vehicle operating condition indicative of an operator intent regarding shift duration. Requests for torque modification by use of the torque actuators are then made to provide the torque actuation range.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Mark A. Schang, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Andrew W. Baur, Ning Jin
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Publication number: 20130045835Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, David Szpara
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Patent number: 8323150Abstract: A control system includes a shift stage determination module and a clutch control module. The shift stage determination module determines a duration of a first power-on downshift when a second power-on downshift is requested, where a power-on downshift is a downshift of a transmission that occurs when an accelerator pedal is depressed. The clutch control module completes the first power-on downshift and selectively starts controlling the second power-on downshift before the first power-on downshift ends.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Mark A. Schang
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Publication number: 20120010046Abstract: A clutch control system for a vehicle includes a shift command module and an offgoing clutch control module. The shift command module commands an upshift of a clutch-to-clutch transmission when an engine torque is less than a predetermined negative torque. The offgoing clutch control module increases an offgoing clutch pressure above a predetermined apply pressure in response to the command. An offgoing clutch is fully engaged when the offgoing clutch pressure is greater than the predetermined apply pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Mark A. Yacoub, Matthew D. Whitton, Craig J. Hawkins, Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, Christopher Jay Weingartz
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Publication number: 20110275479Abstract: A control system includes a shift stage determination module and a clutch control module. The shift stage determination module determines a duration of a first power-on downshift when a second power-on downshift is requested, where a power-on downshift is a downshift of a transmission that occurs when an accelerator pedal is depressed. The clutch control module completes the first power-on downshift and selectively starts controlling the second power-on downshift before the first power-on downshift ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Mark A. Schang
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Publication number: 20110251766Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission coupled to an engine by a torque converter includes a torque module and a first clutch control module. The torque module determines an input torque to the transmission based on an output torque of the engine. The first clutch control module adjusts an acceleration of a turbine of the torque converter during a down shift of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the acceleration of the turbine by adjusting a first pressure of fluid supplied to an off-going clutch of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the first pressure based on a mathematical model that relates a torque capacity of the off-going clutch, the input torque, and the acceleration. A method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Matthew D. Whitton