Patents by Inventor Matthew John Shelton

Matthew John Shelton 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).

  • Publication number: 20230364990
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a primary axle powered by an actuator and a secondary axle powered by a motor and including a wheel and a clutch selectively coupling the wheel to the motor via mating components. A controller is electrically connected to the clutch and the motor. The controller is programmed to, in response to an engagement of the clutch being unsuccessful within a first duration of time, command a series of speeds to the motor based on wheel speed and an alternating offset that changes between positive and negative signs at predefined periods so that relative speeds between the mating components oscillate due to the alternating offset to jiggle the clutch into engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Zubair Feroz, Abhinav Kumar, Nithesh Maddi Reddy, Rohit Ravindra Hippalgaonkar, Matthew John Shelton, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Oliver Legel, Neil Hurst
  • Patent number: 11499626
    Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a higher gear range to a lower gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a higher gear range to a lower gear range without stopping a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Weitian Chen, Matthew John Shelton, Pinzhi Liu, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Zhengyu Dai, Hong Jiang
  • Patent number: 11493127
    Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a lower gear range to a higher gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a lower gear range to a higher gear range in a way that may reduce torque disturbances that may result from gear lash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Weitian Chen, Matthew John Shelton, Zhengyu Dai, Pinzhi Liu, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Joseph Jay Torres
  • Patent number: 11305748
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a primary axle powered by an actuator and a secondary axle powered by a motor. The secondary axle includes a differential, first and second halfshafts, first and second wheels, a first electric clutch selectively coupling the first wheel to the first halfshaft, and a second electric clutch selectively coupling the second wheel to the second halfshaft. A vehicle controller is programmed to: responsive to a request to activate the secondary axle and a first speed difference between the first and second wheels being less than a first threshold, engage the first and second clutches at a same time, and, in response to the request to activate the secondary axle and the first speed difference between the first and second wheels exceeding the first threshold, engage one of the clutches and then subsequently engage the other of the clutches once the one of the clutches is fully engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Joseph Jay Torres, Matthew John Shelton
  • Publication number: 20220065346
    Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a lower gear range to a higher gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a lower gear range to a higher gear range in a way that may reduce torque disturbances that may result from gear lash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Weitian Chen, Matthew John Shelton, Zhengyu Dai, Pinzhi Liu, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Joseph Jay Torres
  • Patent number: 11198428
    Abstract: A vehicle system and method for remote start operation in the vehicle system are provided. The method includes responsive to receiving a remote start request and while the vehicle is stationary, automatically engaging a wheel-arresting device coupled to a wheel in the vehicle. The method also includes when an electronically actuated clutch is automatically disengaged and subsequent to the automatic engagement of the wheel-arresting device, implementing remote start operation in an engine, where the wheel-arresting device is distinct from a secondary vehicle brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Patrick J. Curran, Urs Christen
  • Patent number: 11174940
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an powerplant, a manual transmission, and a clutch. A vehicle controller is programmed to automatically control operation of the clutch allowing the driver to shift gears by just operating the gear shifter. The vehicle also includes an input allowing the driver to override the controller and operate the clutch. The input is located on the gear shifter and is in electric communication with the controller. The controller is programmed to, inter alia, command the clutch to reduce clutch capacity responsive to receiving a signal from the sensor indicating grasping of the shifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Glenn Fodor, Patrick J. Curran, Matthew John Shelton, Peter Douglas Kuechler
  • Publication number: 20210172513
    Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a higher gear range to a lower gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a higher gear range to a lower gear range without stopping a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Weitian Chen, Matthew John Shelton, Pinzhi Liu, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Zhengyu Dai, Hong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20210155219
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a primary axle powered by an actuator and a secondary axle powered by a motor. The secondary axle includes a differential, first and second halfshafs, first and second wheels, a first electric clutch selectively coupling the first wheel to the first halfshaft, and a second electric clutch selectively coupling the second wheel to the second halfshaft. A vehicle controller is programmed to: responsive to a request to activate the secondary axle and a first speed difference between the first and second wheels being less than a first threshold, engage the first and second clutches at a same time, and, in response to the request to activate the secondary axle and the first speed difference between the first and second wheels exceeding the first threshold, engage one of the clutches and then subsequently engage the other of the clutches once the one of the clutches is fully engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Joseph Jay Torres, Matthew John Shelton
  • Publication number: 20210107453
    Abstract: A vehicle system and method for remote start operation in the vehicle system are provided. The method includes responsive to receiving a remote start request and while the vehicle is stationary, automatically engaging a wheel-arresting device coupled to a wheel in the vehicle. The method also includes when an electronically actuated clutch is automatically disengaged and subsequent to the automatic engagement of the wheel-arresting device, implementing remote start operation in an engine, where the wheel-arresting device is distinct from a secondary vehicle brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Patrick J. Curran, Urs Christen
  • Patent number: 10919518
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, a rear drive unit electric machine, an integrated starter/generator, and a transmission are described. In one example, inertia torque compensation is provided to counter inertia torque during a power-on upshift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Xiaoyong Wang, Matthew John Shelton, Christopher John Teslak, Kenneth James Miller
  • Patent number: 10876617
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a driveline that includes a dual clutch transmission are described. In one example, clutches of the dual clutch transmission may be cooled via activating and adjusting a flow rate of an electric pump. Further, driveline operating modes may be entered or exited in response to clutch operating conditions so that driveline robustness may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Kevin Ray Ruybal, Jeffrey Doering, Matthew John Shelton, Steven A. Frait, Walter J. Ortmann
  • Patent number: 10821963
    Abstract: A control strategy is provided for a hybrid vehicle that will increase drivability during low or decreasing driver demands. Coordination between shifting the transmission and stopping or (non-demand) starting of the engine can increase drivability. The vehicle includes a motor/generator with one side selectively coupled to the engine and another side selectively coupled to the transmission. The control strategy acts when an engine start or stop is requested while driver demand is decreasing and a shift of the transmission is demanded. To inhibit these events from proceeding simultaneously, the control strategy delays the engine from starting or stopping until the transmission has finished shifting, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Matthew John Shelton, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Marvin Paul Kraska
  • Patent number: 10696289
    Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for meeting wheel torque demand in a hybrid vehicle with an engine, a dual clutch transmission coupled to a driveline of the vehicle downstream of the engine, and an electric machine coupled to the driveline downstream of the dual clutch transmission. In one example, a method includes transferring transmission input torque through a clutch of the dual clutch transmission controlled to a first capacity, and, in response to a desired transmission input torque exceeding the capacity, increasing torque output of the electric machine coupled downstream of the dual clutch transmission to assist in meeting a wheel torque demand. In this way, a driver-requested increase in acceleration may be met under conditions where transmission input torque is limited by clutch capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Jeffrey Doering, Kevin Ray Ruybal
  • Publication number: 20200200259
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an powerplant, a manual transmission, and a clutch. A vehicle controller is programmed to automatically control operation of the clutch allowing the driver to shift gears by just operating the gear shifter. The vehicle also includes an input allowing the driver to override the controller and operate the clutch. The input is located on the gear shifter and is in electric communication with the controller. The controller is programmed to, inter alia, command the clutch to reduce clutch capacity responsive to receiving a signal from the sensor indicating grasping of the shifter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Glenn FODOR, Patrick J. CURRAN, Matthew John SHELTON, Peter Douglas KUECHLER
  • Patent number: 10571022
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adapting a pressure to torque transfer function of a clutch of a dual clutch transmission. In one example, a method includes operating a first clutch of the dual clutch transmission at a selected capacity to change a speed of a first transmission input shaft to a desired speed, adjusting values of a torque transfer function of the first clutch based on a rate of the speed change, and maintaining driver demanded wheel torque during the adjusting via controlling torque output of an electric motor positioned in the driveline. In this way, the method may be used to adapt both positive and negative torque transfer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor
  • Patent number: 10562512
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting clutch pressures and electric machine torques as a function of a stability metric threshold(s) in order to balance performance and charging of an onboard energy storage device. In one example, a method includes during an upshift of a transmission from a first gear to a second gear, adjusting a clutch pressure of the transmission to adjust slippage of a clutch in response to a vehicle stability control parameter exceeding a threshold. In this way, torque delivered to a transmission output shaft may be reduced, which may increase vehicle stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies. LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Patent number: 10549758
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine operates is rolling. A transmission coupled to the engine may be shifted as the vehicle rolls so that vehicle response may be improved if a driver requests an increase of engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Steven Anatole Frait, Matthew John Shelton, Kirk Pebley, Hong Jiang
  • Patent number: 10518767
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission, where the transmission is downstream of the engine, and where the electric machine is downstream of the transmission. In one example, while the vehicle is being propelled solely via the electric machine, one or more gears of the transmission may be pre-engaged or selected, to prepare the driveline for an engine start event. In this way, driveline torque disturbance and delays in torque requests may be reduced or avoided upon a request for an engine start event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Jason Meyer, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Matthew John Shelton, Todd McCullough
  • Patent number: 10513256
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that may include an internal combustion engine, a rear drive unit electric machine, an integrated starter/generator, and a transmission are described. In one example, torque capacity of an on-coming clutch is adjusted during an inertia phase of a power-on upshift to improve shift smoothness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Xiaoyong Wang, Matthew John Shelton, Christopher John Teslak, Kenneth James Miller