Patents by Inventor MICHAEL G. PETRUCCI
MICHAEL G. PETRUCCI 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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Publication number: 20240101120Abstract: A system for limiting performance inconsistences of an electric vehicle during a race or other circumstance when consistent, high performance output is desired, such as by enabling a driver to selectively engage endurance and qualify drive modes to control a supply of electrical power used for driving the electric vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2022Publication date: March 28, 2024Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Sean M. Welch, Michael A. Ryba, Sami Ahmed, Michael G. Petrucci, Brandon S. Vivian
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Patent number: 10442427Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a first error module that determines a first yaw error based on a difference between a yaw rate of the vehicle and a target yaw rate. A second error module determines a second yaw error based on the first yaw error and a target yaw error. A target yaw error module sets the target yaw error based on a skill level of a driver of the vehicle. An adjustment module selectively one of increases and decreases a target adjustment when the second yaw error is greater than a first predetermined threshold. An actuator control module, in response to the increase in the target adjustment, actuates a dynamics actuator of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Michael G. Petrucci, Christopher J. Barber, Alexander J. MacDonald
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Publication number: 20190263458Abstract: An exemplary method of controlling an automotive vehicle includes the steps of providing a first component, providing a second component movably coupled to the first component, providing an actuator coupled to the second component and configured to actuate the second component between a first position and a second position, providing a vehicle sensor configured to measure a vehicle characteristic, providing at least one controller in communication with the actuator and the vehicle sensor, and determining a baseline vehicle balance and determining an adjusted vehicle balance based on the measured vehicle characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2018Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Jason D. Fahland, Kevin Irwin, Dale Cattell, Samantha J. Bray, Michael G. Petrucci, Joshua R. Auden, Alexander MacDonald
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Patent number: 10173664Abstract: A method of determining a regeneration schedule for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a plurality of yaw rate actuators. The method includes determining an allowable yaw rate change based on dynamic conditions of the hybrid vehicle, a combined mitigation potential of the yaw rate actuators, and a regeneration torque command that causes an actual yaw rate change. Determining the regeneration torque command includes comparing the allowable yaw rate change to the combined mitigation potential. If the combined mitigation potential is less than the allowable yaw rate change, the regeneration torque command causes or limits the actual yaw rate change to be lower than the allowable yaw rate change. If the combined mitigation potential is greater than the allowable yaw rate change, the regeneration torque command causes or limits the actual yaw rate change to be substantially equal to the allowable yaw rate change.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci
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Patent number: 10166855Abstract: A method of calculating an engine torque request value for a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving an regeneration torque request value corresponding to a regeneration torque to be generated by an energy recovery mechanism. The vehicle controller further receives a desired acceleration value, and calculates the engine torque request value based on the regeneration torque request value and the desired acceleration value. The vehicle controller may then operate the engine in accordance with the engine torque request value.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci
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Publication number: 20180345973Abstract: A vehicle and method is provided. The vehicle includes systems and method for limiting the slip of the wheels. In an embodiment, the system holds the brakes based on an acceleration characteristic measured by a sensor. In another embodiment, the system includes a transmission controller that applies an adjustment to limit an amount of clutch slip as the clutch temperature to change in clutch performance to reduce wheel slip. In another embodiment, the system monitors wheel slip signal from a sensor and compares the wheel slip to a target slip value and controls clutch slip of the transmission clutch based to maintain engine output torque during acceleration. In another embodiment, in response to an anticipated vehicle launch event, a drive motor applies a first torque to the input shaft to adjust a gear lash of the differential unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2016Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Eric E. Krueger, Alexander J. MacDonald, Michael G. Petrucci, Anthony J. Rifici, Ryan Z. Goode, Aniket Kothari, Jonathan P. Kish
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Patent number: 10124807Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a skill level module that determines a skill level of a driver of the vehicle based on both (i) a lateral acceleration of the vehicle and (ii) a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. A handling module determines a handling type based on a rate of change of a steering wheel angle. An actuator control module, based on the skill level of the driver and the handling type, selectively actuates a dynamics actuator of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Michael G. Petrucci, Alexander J. MacDonald, Christopher J. Barber
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Publication number: 20180257613Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a power system supported by the chassis, and a plurality of wheels supported by the chassis. At least one of the plurality of wheels is operatively connected to the power system. A plurality of brakes is operatively associated with corresponding ones of the plurality of wheels, and a simulated brake pedal is operatively associated with the plurality of brakes. The simulated brake pedal is hydraulically isolated from the plurality of brakes. A non-hydraulic braking feedback controller is operatively connected to the plurality of brakes and the simulated brake pedal. The non-hydraulic braking feedback controller selectively provides at least one of a tactile, an audible, and a visual feedback to a driver based on an activation of the simulated brake pedal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2016Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci, Anthony J. Rifici, Brian W. Quinn, Steven J. Weber, William K. Wise
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Publication number: 20180208205Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a function that relates (i) pairs of lateral and longitudinal acceleration values to (ii) skill values. A skill module: receives both (i) a lateral acceleration of the vehicle and (ii) a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle; and, using the function, determines a skill value of a driver of the vehicle based on both (i) the lateral acceleration of the vehicle and (ii) the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. A skill level module determines a skill level of the driver of the vehicle based on the skill value. An actuator control module, based on the skill level of the driver, selectively actuates a dynamics actuator of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Alexander J. MACDONALD, Christopher J. BARBER, Stephen A. PADILLA, Michael G. PETRUCCI
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Publication number: 20180208206Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a skill level module that determines a skill level of a driver of the vehicle based on both (i) a lateral acceleration of the vehicle and (ii) a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. A handling module determines a handling type based on a rate of change of a steering wheel angle. An actuator control module, based on the skill level of the driver and the handling type, selectively actuates a dynamics actuator of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Michael G. PETRUCCI, Alexander J. MacDonald, Christopher J. Barber
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Publication number: 20180208182Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a first error module that determines a first yaw error based on a difference between a yaw rate of the vehicle and a target yaw rate. A second error module determines a second yaw error based on the first yaw error and a target yaw error. A target yaw error module sets the target yaw error based on a skill level of a driver of the vehicle. An adjustment module selectively one of increases and decreases a target adjustment when the second yaw error is greater than a first predetermined threshold. An actuator control module, in response to the increase in the target adjustment, actuates a dynamics actuator of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Michael G. PETRUCCI, Christopher J. Barber, Alexander J. MacDonald
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Patent number: 10029697Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a function that relates (i) pairs of lateral and longitudinal acceleration values to (ii) skill values. A skill module: receives both (i) a lateral acceleration of the vehicle and (ii) a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle; and, using the function, determines a skill value of a driver of the vehicle based on both (i) the lateral acceleration of the vehicle and (ii) the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. A skill level module determines a skill level of the driver of the vehicle based on the skill value. An actuator control module, based on the skill level of the driver, selectively actuates a dynamics actuator of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alexander J. MacDonald, Christopher J. Barber, Stephen A. Padilla, Michael G. Petrucci
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Publication number: 20180156330Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes initiating a temporary neutral mode of the transmission, in which at least one clutch of the transmission is disengaged to prevent power flow through the transmission, when an upshift paddle selector and a downshift paddle selector are both engaged within a pre-defined engagement time window. At least one of the upshift paddle selector and the downshift paddle selector is held in their respective engaged positions to maintain the temporary neutral mode of the transmission. The temporary neutral mode of the transmission is ended when both of the upshift paddle selector and the downshift paddle selector are disengaged, by re-engaging the at least one transmission clutch that was disengaged to initiate the temporary neutral mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2016Publication date: June 7, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Orson S. Wang, Tadge J. Juechter, Michael G. Petrucci, Mark A. Vernacchia
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Patent number: 9975436Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle having a first axle driven by an internal combustion engine, and a second axle independently driven by an electric device includes determining if the accelerator pedal is disposed in a depressed position or in a non-depressed position, and determining if a brake pedal is disposed in a depressed position or in a non-depressed position. An axle control strategy for controlling energy regeneration of an energy storage device is selected based on the position of the accelerator pedal being in either the depressed position or the non-depressed position, and the position of the brake pedal being in either the depressed position or the non-depressed position. A control signal is communicated to at least one of the first axle or the second axle to implement the selected axle control strategy.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci
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Patent number: 9873420Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes calculating a desired deceleration limited regeneration torque request based on a requested deceleration input from a driver. If current dynamic operating conditions of the vehicle are in a performance region that permits an increase to the regeneration torque request, the desired deceleration limited regeneration torque request is increased based on a regeneration torque overhead, to define a modified axle regeneration torque request. Modified torque values are output based on the modified axle regeneration torque request. If the torque control values will cause an estimated yaw rate that is less than a target yaw rate, then the modified torque values are applied. Otherwise, the modified torque values are re-defined until the estimated yaw rate is not greater than the target yaw rate, and the re-defined values of the modified torque values are applied.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci
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Patent number: 9751522Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle includes the following steps: (a) monitoring, via a controller, a magnitude and direction of a lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, and longitudinal deceleration of the hybrid vehicle; (b) determining, via the controller, vehicle operating conditions in which a hybrid powertrain is allowed to operate in a regenerative state based, at least in part, on the magnitude and direction of the lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, and longitudinal deceleration of the hybrid vehicle; and (c) commanding, via the controller, the hybrid powertrain to operate in the regenerative state when the hybrid vehicle is operating in the determined vehicle operating conditions. The vehicle operating conditions depend, at least in part, on operator commands and the current SOC of the energy storage system.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci
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Publication number: 20170072780Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle having a first axle driven by an internal combustion engine, and a second axle independently driven by an electric device includes determining if the accelerator pedal is disposed in a depressed position or in a non-depressed position, and determining if a brake pedal is disposed in a depressed position or in a non-depressed position. An axle control strategy for controlling energy regeneration of an energy storage device is selected based on the position of the accelerator pedal being in either the depressed position or the non-depressed position, and the position of the brake pedal being in either the depressed position or the non-depressed position. A control signal is communicated to at least one of the first axle or the second axle to implement the selected axle control strategy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci
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Publication number: 20170074193Abstract: A method of calculating an engine torque request value for a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving an regeneration torque request value corresponding to a regeneration torque to be generated by an energy recovery mechanism. The vehicle controller further receives a desired acceleration value, and calculates the engine torque request value based on the regeneration torque request value and the desired acceleration value. The vehicle controller may then operate the engine in accordance with the engine torque request value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci
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Publication number: 20170072938Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle includes the following steps: (a) monitoring, via a controller, a magnitude and direction of a lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, and longitudinal deceleration of the hybrid vehicle; (b) determining, via the controller, vehicle operating conditions in which a hybrid powertrain is allowed to operate in a regenerative state based, at least in part, on the magnitude and direction of the lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, and longitudinal deceleration of the hybrid vehicle; and (c) commanding, via the controller, the hybrid powertrain to operate in the regenerative state when the hybrid vehicle is operating in the determined vehicle operating conditions. The vehicle operating conditions depend, at least in part, on operator commands and the current SOC of the energy storage system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci
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Publication number: 20170072940Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes calculating a desired deceleration limited regeneration torque request based on a requested deceleration input from a driver. If current dynamic operating conditions of the vehicle are in a performance region that permits an increase to the regeneration torque request, the desired deceleration limited regeneration torque request is increased based on a regeneration torque overhead, to define a modified axle regeneration torque request. Modified torque values are output based on the modified axle regeneration torque request. If the torque control values will cause an estimated yaw rate that is less than a target yaw rate, then the modified torque values are applied. Otherwise, the modified torque values are re-defined until the estimated yaw rate is not greater than the target yaw rate, and the re-defined values of the modified torque values are applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Marsella L. White, Michael G. Petrucci