Patents by Inventor Ming Lang Kuang

Ming Lang Kuang 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).

  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20180257634
    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, charging of an electric energy storage device may be allocated between the rear drive unit electric machine and the integrated starter/generator to increase charge stored in the electric energy storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Ming Lang Kuang, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR HYBRID VEHICLE REGENERATIVE BRAKING
    Publication number: 20180257656
    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 are described. In one example, regenerative torque and torque of an electronically controlled differential clutch are adjusted to increase utilization of a vehicle's kinetic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Joseph Jay Torres, Ming Lang Kuang, Lucian Lippok, Hai Yu
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A HYBRID VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20180257638
    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 are described. In one example, gears of a transmission may be unlocked from layshafts while an engine is stopped to conserve energy. Alternatively, the gears may be locked and unlocked from layshafts in response to vehicle operating conditions while the engine is stopped to improve driveline response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Yanan Zhao, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Regenerative torque limit control
    Patent number: 10071724
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain and at least one controller programmed to, in response to a brake request and a shaft speed associated with a speed of the vehicle achieving a starting speed that is defined by a torque of the powertrain that changes with brake demand at a given shaft speed, reduce a regenerative torque limit that constrains regenerative braking torque over a blend-out duration based on the shaft speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Ming Lang Kuang, Stuart N. Ford, Bernard D. Nefcy, Todd McCullough
  • Vehicle tire saturation estimator
    Patent number: 10065636
    Abstract: A vehicle and associated method for calculating tire saturation is provided. The method may include the stability control computer calculating slip ratio and longitudinal force for the tire, calculating tire longitudinal stiffness by dividing longitudinal force by slip ratio, calculating tire saturation from tire longitudinal stiffness, and the stability control computer altering dynamic control of the vehicle based on calculated tire saturation. The stability control computer may calculate tire saturation from a tire saturation membership function which includes a first tire longitudinal stiffness value representing an unsaturated tire, a second tire longitudinal stiffness value representing a saturated tire, and a function line connecting the first tire longitudinal stiffness value to the second tire longitudinal stiffness value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Varnhagen, Ming Lang Kuang
  • System and method to prevent driveline float in lash region
    Patent number: 10029670
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine coupled to a gearbox through a torque converter. The vehicle includes a controller programmed to command an engine torque and an electric machine torque to achieve a predetermined positive torque at the input of the torque converter when a driver demand torque at the torque converter input decreases to fall within a range between the predetermined positive torque and a predetermined negative torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Ming Lang Kuang, Francis Thomas Connolly, Bernard D. Nefcy, Yanan Zhao, Fazal Urrahman Syed
  • Methods and system for controlling torque flow through a torque converter
    Patent number: 9988038
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid vehicle driveline that includes an engine and a motor are presented. In one example, the systems and methods include one or more control modes where engine and/or motor speed or torque is adjusted responsive to different control parameters during a vehicle launch from zero speed or a creep speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, Rajit Johri, Xiaoyong Wang, Ming Lang Kuang, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Felix Nedorezov, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • REGENERATIVE BRAKING DOWNSHIFT CONTROL USING PREDICTIVE INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20180141557
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an engine selectively coupled to a motor and a transmission. The vehicle may include a controller configured to, in response to actuation of a brake pedal, command the transmission to downshift during a regenerative braking event based on a regenerative braking downshift torque. The regenerative braking downshift torque may be determined from a predicted brake pedal input rate. The predicted brake pedal input rate may be based on road grade, vehicle headway range and a driver history. The predicted brake pedal input rate may be classified as Low, Medium, or High. The regenerative braking downshift torque may also be determined from a predicted brake torque rate that is based on a predicted deceleration rate of the vehicle, a vehicle speed prediction and a road grade prediction within a future time interval that begins upon actuation of the brake pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Bernard D. NEFCY, Yanan ZHAO, Ming Lang KUANG
  • Upshift Control For Regenerative Braking
    Publication number: 20180135744
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain and a controller. The powertrain includes a transmission mechanically coupled to an electric machine and configured to transfer torque between a wheel and the electric machine. The transmission has a gearbox configured to establish gear ratios through a shift. The controller is programmed to, in response to an indication of an expected regenerative braking event having a timing falling within a shift window of the transmission, prevent a clutch of the transmission from disengaging until first occurrence of application of an accelerator pedal or removal of the indication to inhibit the shift prompted by a shift schedule of the gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Ming Lang Kuang, Bernard D. Nefcy, Yanan Zhao
  • REGENERATIVE TORQUE LIMIT CONTROL
    Publication number: 20180134276
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain and at least one controller programmed to, in response to a brake request and a shaft speed associated with a speed of the vehicle achieving a starting speed that is defined by a torque of the powertrain that changes with brake demand at a given shaft speed, reduce a regenerative torque limit that constrains regenerative braking torque over a blend-out duration based on the shaft speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Yanan ZHAO, Ming Lang KUANG, Stuart N. FORD, Bernard D. NEFCY, Todd McCULLOUGH
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PREVENT DRIVELINE FLOAT IN LASH REGION
    Publication number: 20180126975
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine coupled to a gearbox through a torque converter. The vehicle includes a controller programmed to command an engine torque and an electric machine torque to achieve a predetermined positive torque at the input of the torque converter when a driver demand torque at the torque converter input decreases to fall within a range between the predetermined positive torque and a predetermined negative torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Rajit JOHRI, Ming Lang KUANG, Francis Thomas CONNOLLY, Bernard D. NEFCY, Yanan ZHAO, Fazal Urrahman SYED
  • Torque Converter Clutch Engagement Pressure Control For Regenerative Braking
    Publication number: 20180118193
    Abstract: A vehicle system may include a controller configured to increase, after a specified delay, an engagement pressure of a torque converter clutch prior to occurrence of the event to a target pressure that is based on a regenerative braking torque estimate associated with the event such that a portion of energy associated with the event is converted to electricity. The controller may increase the engagement pressure in response to an accelerator pedal release and an expected regenerative braking event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Bernard D. Nefcy, Ming Lang Kuang
  • CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A CLUTCH DURING A REGENERATIVE BRAKING EVENT
    Publication number: 20180118194
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, battery, torque converter bypass clutch, drive wheel, and controller. The electric machine is configured to recharge the battery via regenerative braking. The torque converter bypass clutch is disposed between the electric machine and the drive wheel. The controller is programmed to, in response to a negative drive wheel torque command during a regenerative braking event, adjust a closed-state torque capacity of the torque converter bypass clutch based on the torque command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Ming Lang KUANG, Bernard D. NEFCY, Yanan ZHAO, Daniel Scott COLVIN
  • Methods and systems for hybrid driveline control
    Patent number: 9937913
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating and hybrid driveline are presented. In one example, driver demand torque may be supplied to vehicle wheels via a hydraulic torque path and a friction torque path. Torque is distributed between the friction torque path and the hydraulic torque path in a way that ensures that driver demand torque is met and the friction torque path transfers torque up to its capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Francis Thomas Connolly, Daniel Colvin, Ming Lang Kuang, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • Torque Convrter Clutch Engagement Pressure
    Publication number: 20180066753
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a controller configured to, in response to an accelerator pedal release and an expected regenerative braking event, increase an engagement pressure of a torque converter clutch prior to occurrence of the event to a threshold that is based on a regenerative braking torque estimate associated with the event such that during the event, the clutch transfers more torque than the converter. The regenerative braking torque estimate may be based on a difference between an average road grade and a current road grade. The regenerative braking torque estimate may be based on a headway range and a rate of change thereof. The regenerative braking torque estimate may be based on a predicted deceleration rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Bernard D. Nefcy, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Vehicle Tire Saturation Estimator
    Publication number: 20170369050
    Abstract: A vehicle and associated method for calculating tire saturation is provided. The method may include the stability control computer calculating slip ratio and longitudinal force for the tire, calculating tire longitudinal stiffness by dividing longitudinal force by slip ratio, calculating tire saturation from tire longitudinal stiffness, and the stability control computer altering dynamic control of the vehicle based on calculated tire saturation. The stability control computer may calculate tire saturation from a tire saturation membership function which includes a first tire longitudinal stiffness value representing an unsaturated tire, a second tire longitudinal stiffness value representing a saturated tire, and a function line connecting the first tire longitudinal stiffness value to the second tire longitudinal stiffness value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Scott Varnhagen, Ming Lang Kuang
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING DRIVELINE TORQUE
    Publication number: 20170361831
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain that includes an engine and a motor/generator are described. The systems and methods adjust torque converter clutch opening responsive to whether or not a motor/generator is available to provide a negative torque to a driveline. Further, the motor/generator and the vehicle's engine are operated to provide a desired amount of driveline braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Load-based vehicle operating control
    Patent number: 9827980
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of providing propulsion power. A clutch is configured to selectively couple the engine to the electric machine. At times, the vehicle may be subject to excessive loads, such as a large amount of weight in the vehicle or the vehicle towing another object. At least one controller is programmed to engage the clutch and start the engine in response to a load of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined threshold and a release of the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped and in drive. This increases available engine torque prior to vehicle launch in anticipation of an upcoming acceleration demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Wei Liang, Xiaoyong Wang, Rajit Johri, Ryan Abraham McGee, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Controlling powertrain torque in a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9827969
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of providing torque to transmission gearing. A clutch is disposed between the engine and the electric machine and is configured to selectively couple the engine to the electric machine. At times in which control of the amount of engine torque transmitted to the gearing is desirable, a controller is programmed to slip the clutch. If the controller is able to determine the amount of torque transmitted through the slipping clutch, the controller alters an output of the electric machine based upon the torque through the clutch. If, however, the controller is unable to determine the amount of torque transmitted through the slipping clutch, the controller alters the output of the electric machine based upon an acceleration of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Xiaoyong Wang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Rajit Johri, Ryan Abraham McGee, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Hybrid vehicle engine starts
    Patent number: 9821798
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a starter motor, an engine having an output mechanically coupled to the starter motor, a transmission having an input, and an electric machine mechanically coupled to the transmission input. The vehicle further includes a clutch configured to mechanically couple the electric machine and the output of the engine, and at least one controller. The at least one controller is programmed to initiate an engine start based on driver demand. The controller is further configured to enable pressure to the clutch for the engine start if driver demand is less than a calibratable torque value or enable the starter motor for the engine start if the driver demand is greater than a calibratable torque value. The controller may lock the clutch to the output of the engine in response to the speed of the engine being approximately equal to the speed of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Ming Lang Kuang, Ryan Abraham McGee