Patents by Inventor Mark Steven Yamazaki

Mark Steven Yamazaki 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).

  • HYBRID VEHICLE INCLUDING A PREVENT POWERTRAIN GEAR HUNTING STRATEGY
    Publication number: 20160137182
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a controller. The controller is programmed to inhibit a scheduled transmission downshift and increase a torque of the motor for a specified period of time in response to a torque demand being greater than a maximum torque capability of the engine but less than a maximum combined torque capability of the engine and motor. Upon expiration of the specified period of time, the controller may permit the downshift to occur. The specified period of time may be based on a state of charge of a battery at a time when the torque demand exceeds the maximum torque capability of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Rajit JOHRI, Ming Lang KUANG, Mark Steven YAMAZAKI, Xiaoyong WANG, Wei LIANG, Jeffrey Allen DOERING
  • Method and apparatus for driveline softening in a vehicle
    Patent number: 9341262
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source, such as an engine, an electric machine, or combination thereof. A torque converter is selectively coupled to the power source such that drive torque can be altered before being distributed into a transmission of the vehicle. A torque converter bypass clutch enables torque from the power source to selectively transmit directly to the transmission with little or no torque altering provided by the torque converter. At least one controller in the vehicle is in communication with a storage device. The controller sends road condition data to the storage device regarding a road segment. During a subsequent drive to or over the road segment, the controller receives the road condition data and enables the torque converter bypass clutch to slip to dampen driveline disturbances when the vehicle passes over the road segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Marvin Paul Kraska, Daniel Scott Colvin
  • Cancelling creep torque in a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9327709
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of propelling the vehicle. The electric machine provides creep torque to propel the vehicle at a slow speed or hold the vehicle when on an incline. At least one controller is programmed to cancel or otherwise inhibit the electric machine from generating the creep torque in response to a brake torque or brake torque request exceeding a calibratible threshold. The calibratible threshold varies based upon vehicle incline, vehicle mass, and/or vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Ming Lang Kuang, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • HYBRID POWERTRAIN SPEED CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160107633
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle powertrain includes an engine and an electric machine mechanically coupled by a clutch. The powertrain also includes a torque converter configured to fluidly couple the electric machine to an output shaft. A controller is programmed to command a rotational speed output of the electric machine to the torque converter based on a predicted torque delivered across the clutch. The controller is further programmed to modify the command based on a difference between the commanded rotational speed output and an actual rotational speed output of the electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Wei LIANG, Rajit JOHRI, Xiaoyong WANG, Mark Steven YAMAZAKI, Ming Lang KUANG, Jeffrey Allen DOERING
  • Methods and Systems of Controlling A Vehicle Powertrain
    Publication number: 20160101770
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a controller programmed to, in response to a vehicle speed less than a speed threshold, a decrease in driver demand, and a change in steering position greater than a position threshold, maintain a friction element pressure of a friction element configured to couple an engine with and electric machine, and increase an amount of spark retard associated with an engine cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Bernard D. Nefcy, David Farrell, Xiaoyong Wang
  • VEHICLE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TORQUE DELIVERY DURING TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENTS WITH ROAD GRADE AND MASS ESTIMATION
    Publication number: 20160096446
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a torque output of an electric machine of an electrified vehicle based on estimated loads present during a transmission engagement of the electrified vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Hai Yu, Bernard D. Nefcy, Felix Nedorezov, Wei Liang
  • CREEP COMPENSATION USING ROAD GRADE AND MASS ESTIMATION
    Publication number: 20160090006
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a torque output of an electric machine of an electrified vehicle during a vehicle creep condition, the torque output calculated based at least on a road grade estimate and a vehicle mass estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Hai Yu, Rajit Johri, Wei Liang
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR STARTING A HYBRID VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20160068152
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving emissions and drivability of a hybrid vehicle that includes a motor/generator and an engine are presented. The systems and methods may allow vehicle emissions regulations to be met while at the same time providing driveline torque that matches driver demand torque so that vehicle drivability may be maintained or improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Lear, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Larry Wroza
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING HYBRID DRIVELINE OPERATION
    Publication number: 20160059840
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving transmission gear shifting of a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods prepare the hybrid vehicle for conditions that may occur after a requested gear shift is performed. In one example, a motor speed that would occur after a downshift, if the downshift were allowed to occur, is determined and control actions may be taken in response to the predicted motor speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Matthew John Shelton, Felix Nedorezov, Todd McCullough, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20160059846
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine restart operations responsive to a heavy operator pedal tip-in. Engine torque and disconnect clutch capacity are controlled during cranking and engine speed run-up so as to provide excess torque to accelerate the engine to the motor speed and prepare the engine for elevated torque delivery after the engine connects to the driveline. At a time of connecting the engine to the driveline, the engine torque is transiently reduced to avert NVH issues related to engine speed overshooting or undershooting the target speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Wang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Ming Lang Kuang
  • INCREASED ELECTRIC MACHINE CAPABILITY DURING ENGINE START
    Publication number: 20160059847
    Abstract: A powertrain controller for a vehicle may include input channels configured to receive start requests for an engine and operating condition data for an electric machine, and output channels configured to provide torque commands for the electric machine. The powertrain controller may further include control logic configured to, in response to receiving a start request for the electric machine while the operating condition data indicates that the electric machine is operating at a torque limit to drive the vehicle, generate torque commands that cause the electric machine to exceed the torque limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Scott James THOMPSON, Walter Joseph ORTMANN, Mark Steven YAMAZAKI
  • METHOD OF TRANSITIONING AMONG SHIFT SCHEDULES
    Publication number: 20160059845
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having a discrete ratio transmission shifts according to distinct shift schedules in various operating modes. For example, different shift schedules may be used for operating with the engine off, operating with the engine running, and regenerative braking. When the vehicle transitions from one mode to another, the new shift schedule may schedule a shift that the driver would not expect. To avoid annoying the driver, a control strategy inhibits the shift until either the old strategy would also schedule a shift or a customer event occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: BERNARD D. NEFCY, DANIEL SCOTT COLVIN, MATTHEW JOHN SHELTON, MARK STEVEN YAMAZAKI
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR LAUNCHING A HYBRID VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20160052509
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving launching of a stopped hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods adjust speed of a motor to reduce the possibility of noticeable impact between driveline gears during vehicle launch. In one example, motor speed is adjusted to a pump pressurization speed where driveline components may be moved to reduce impact between driveline gears during vehicle launch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Wei Liang, Xiaoyong Wang, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Ming Lang Kuang, Chen Zhang, Scott James Thompson
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20160046282
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine restart operations occurring during a transmission shift in a hybrid vehicle. Engine speed is controller during cranking and run-up to approach a transmission input shaft speed that is based on the future gear of the transmission shift. Engine speed is controlled via adjustments to spark, throttle, and/or fuel, to expedite engine speed reaching the synchronous speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Xiaoyong Wang, Ming Lang Kuang, Scott Thompson, David Oshinsky, Dennis Reed, Adam Banker
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN CONTROL MODES WHILE CREEPING
    Publication number: 20160031431
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transitioning a torque source between speed control and torque control modes during a vehicle creep mode are disclosed. In one example, torque of an electric machine is adjusted in response to a torque converter model. The torque converter model provides for a locked or unlocked torque converter clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Francis Thomas Connolly, Wei Liang, Bernard D. Nefcy, Xiaoyong Wang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Ming Lang Kuang, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR APPLYING A DRIVELINE DISCONNECT CLUTCH
    Publication number: 20160032990
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a driveline disconnect clutch for a hybrid vehicle shifting are presented. In one example, pressure of a working fluid supplied to the driveline disconnect clutch is adjusted in response to a rate of change in accelerator pedal position. Further, pressure of the working fluid may be decreased responsive to selected operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Francis Thomas Connolly, Xiaoyong Wang, Hong Jiang, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Engine torque imbalance compensation in hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9242646
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a fraction motor in a hybrid vehicle includes varying a traction motor torque in response to an engine cylinder misfire. The traction motor torque is varied to compensate for an engine torque shortfall due to the engine cylinder misfire, reducing a torque imbalance caused by the misfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Xiaoyong Wang, Rajit Johri, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Ryan Abraham McGee, Ming Lang Kuang
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING HYBRID VEHICLE PERFORMANCE CONSISTENCY
    Publication number: 20160009270
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle performance and efficiency attributes are presented. In one example, an electric machine maximum available torque is controller limited so as to improve conservation of battery charge and driveline performance consistency. The electric machine torque may be limited as a function of driveline speed, battery discharge limit, and other parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, Xiaoyong Wang, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Method and system for selecting an engine operating point for a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9227628
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an engine and an electric machine (M/G) connected by an upstream clutch, and a gearbox connected to the M/G by a torque converter. A controller is configured to, in response to a Park or Neutral gear selection and an electrical power request from the M/G, operate the engine at an engine speed and an engine torque based on the request and M/G speed and torque for improved powertrain efficiency. A method is provided for controlling a vehicle. In response to a Park or Neutral gear selection and an electrical power request from the M/G, the engine is operated at an engine speed and an engine torque based on the request and M/G speed and torque for improved powertrain efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Xiaoyong Wang, Rajit Johri, Ryan Abraham McGee, Ming Lang Kuang
  • REGENERATIVE-BRAKING TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT TORQUE LIMITING
    Publication number: 20150360691
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain is configured to provide a regenerative-braking torque limit on a transmission during a regenerative-braking downshift. The regenerative-braking downshift event has sequential boost, start, torque, inertia, and end phases. The transmission may be operated in absence of a regenerative-braking torque limit during the boost and start phases to recapture more energy. The transmission may be operated with a regenerative-braking torque limit during the torque and inertia phases to protect for an input shaft speed dip that may occur without the limit. The limit may be removed once the regenerative-braking downshift event is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Yanan Zhao, Scott J. Lauffer, Francis Thomas Connolly, Zhengyu Dai, Matthew John Shelton