Patents by Inventor Paul G Otanez

Paul G Otanez 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).

  • Patent number: 11872989
    Abstract: The concepts described herein relate to a calculation of desired future longitudinal horizons related to torque or acceleration, and desired future lateral horizons related to yaw rate and lateral velocity, and their use in response to driver-selectable modes. In the longitudinal direction, driver inputs of pedal and brake position as well as drivability metrics are used to calculate the desired future torque trajectory. In the lateral direction, the front and rear steering angles may be used with a bicycle model to derive the trajectories. The trajectories are used in a vehicle motion controller that uses weighting to tradeoff competing requests and deliver performance that is consistent with a selected driver mode, such as a tour mode, a sport mode, an off-road mode, a trailering mode, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Yiran Hu, Hualin Tan, Daniel L Baibak, Ruixing Long
  • Patent number: 11752881
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving an operator-input vehicle control command with an associated torque request, and identifying any propulsion actuator constraints that limit a brake torque capacity available from the vehicle powertrain. Using the propulsion actuator constraint(s) and torque request, the controller determines a propulsion brake torque distribution for the vehicle's road wheels and a maximum brake torque capacity for the powertrain actuator(s). A first brake torque request is determined using the propulsion brake torque distribution and a vehicle control mode of the powertrain system, and a second brake torque request is determined using the maximum brake torque capacity and the vehicle control mode. A friction brake torque command is determined by arbitrating between the first and second brake torque requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Yiran Hu, Nathaniel S. Michaluk, Krunal P. Patel, Adam J. Heisel, Kevin J. Storch, Jacob M. Knueven, Matthew Yard
  • Patent number: 11745741
    Abstract: A method detects unintended acceleration of a motor vehicle during a closed-loop speed control mode by determining external forces on the vehicle via a controller, and then calculating a desired acceleration using a measured vehicle speed and the external forces. The method includes determining an actual acceleration of the vehicle, including filtering a speed signal as a first actual acceleration value and/or measuring a second actual acceleration value using an inertial measurement unit (IMU). During the speed control mode, the method includes calculating an acceleration delta value as a difference between the desired acceleration and the actual acceleration, and then using the acceleration delta value to detect the unintended acceleration during the speed control mode. A powertrain system for the motor vehicle, e.g., an electric vehicle, includes the controller and one or more torque generating devices coupled to road wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jacob M. Knueven, Jason C. Jousma, Paul G. Otanez, Aubrey W. Downs, Jr., Joseph D. Hillegass, Abdoulaye T. Diallo
  • Patent number: 11685262
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving a driver acceleration/deceleration command for the vehicle's powertrain and determining a torque request corresponding to the driver's acceleration command. The controller shapes the torque request and determines compensated and uncompensated accelerations from the shaped torque request. The compensated acceleration is based on an estimated road grade and an estimated vehicle mass, whereas the uncompensated acceleration is based on a zero road grade and a nominal vehicle mass. A final speed horizon profile is calculated as: a speed-control speed profile based on the uncompensated acceleration if the vehicle's speed is below a preset low vehicle speed; or a torque-control speed profile based on a blend of the compensated and uncompensated accelerations if the vehicle speed exceeds the preset low vehicle speed. The controller commands the powertrain to output a requested axle torque based on the final speed horizon profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Adam J. Heisel, Nathaniel S. Michaluk, Yiran Hu, Jacob M. Knueven, Todd P. Lindemann
  • Publication number: 20220297691
    Abstract: A method detects unintended acceleration of a motor vehicle during a closed-loop speed control mode by determining external forces on the vehicle via a controller, and then calculating a desired acceleration using a measured vehicle speed and the external forces. The method includes determining an actual acceleration of the vehicle, including filtering a speed signal as a first actual acceleration value and/or measuring a second actual acceleration value using an inertial measurement unit (IMU). During the speed control mode, the method includes calculating an acceleration delta value as a difference between the desired acceleration and the actual acceleration, and then using the acceleration delta value to detect the unintended acceleration during the speed control mode. A powertrain system for the motor vehicle, e.g., an electric vehicle, includes the controller and one or more torque generating devices coupled to road wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jacob M. Knueven, Jason C. Jousma, Paul G. Otanez, Aubrey W. Downs, JR., Joseph D. Hillegass, Abdoulaye T. Diallo
  • Publication number: 20220258723
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes first and second drive axles coupled to respective sets of road wheels, torque actuators inclusive of rotary electric machines configured to transmit respective output torques to the drive axles, and a main controller in communication with the torque actuators. The controller receives vehicle inputs indicative of a total longitudinal and lateral motion request. In response, the controller calculates a total longitudinal torque request and/or a total longitudinal speed request, a yaw rate request, and a lateral velocity request, then determines, using a cost optimization function, a torque vector for allocating the total longitudinal torque request and/or speed request, the yaw rate request, and the lateral velocity request to the drive axles within predetermined constraints. The controller also transmits a closed-loop control signal to each torque actuator or local controllers thereof to apply the torque vector via the drive axles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yiran Hu, Ruixing Long, Kevin J. Storch, Robert C. Gibson, Bharath Pattipati, Paul G. Otanez
  • Publication number: 20220227237
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving an operator-input vehicle control command with an associated torque request, and identifying any propulsion actuator constraints that limit a brake torque capacity available from the vehicle powertrain. Using the propulsion actuator constraint(s) and torque request, the controller determines a propulsion brake torque distribution for the vehicle's road wheels and a maximum brake torque capacity for the powertrain actuator(s). A first brake torque request is determined using the propulsion brake torque distribution and a vehicle control mode of the powertrain system, and a second brake torque request is determined using the maximum brake torque capacity and the vehicle control mode. A friction brake torque command is determined by arbitrating between the first and second brake torque requests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Yiran Hu, Nathaniel S. Michaluk, Krunal P. Patel, Adam J. Heisel, Kevin J. Storch, Jacob M. Knueven, Matthew Yard
  • Publication number: 20220194377
    Abstract: The concepts described herein relate to a calculation of desired future longitudinal horizons related to torque or acceleration, and desired future lateral horizons related to yaw rate and lateral velocity, and their use in response to driver-selectable modes. In the longitudinal direction, driver inputs of pedal and brake position as well as drivability metrics are used to calculate the desired future torque trajectory. In the lateral direction, the front and rear steering angles may be used with a bicycle model to derive the trajectories. The trajectories are used in a vehicle motion controller that uses weighting to tradeoff competing requests and deliver performance that is consistent with a selected driver mode, such as a tour mode, a sport mode, an off-road mode, a trailering mode, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Yiran Hu, Hualin Tan, Daniel L. Baibak, Ruixing Long
  • Publication number: 20220176827
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving a driver acceleration/deceleration command for the vehicle's powertrain and determining a torque request corresponding to the driver's acceleration command. The controller shapes the torque request and determines compensated and uncompensated accelerations from the shaped torque request. The compensated acceleration is based on an estimated road grade and an estimated vehicle mass, whereas the uncompensated acceleration is based on a zero road grade and a nominal vehicle mass. A final speed horizon profile is calculated as: a speed-control speed profile based on the uncompensated acceleration if the vehicle's speed is below a preset low vehicle speed; or a torque-control speed profile based on a blend of the compensated and uncompensated accelerations if the vehicle speed exceeds the preset low vehicle speed. The controller commands the powertrain to output a requested axle torque based on the final speed horizon profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Adam J. Heisel, Nathaniel S. Michaluk, Yiran Hu, Jacob M. Knueven, Todd P. Lindemann
  • Patent number: 11242927
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission control system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) including a primary variator pulley and a secondary variator pulley each including a set of pulley members defining a variable-width gap, and a flexible member positioned within the variable-width gap and movable to define a CVT ratio. The transmission control system also includes a primary pulley valve controlling a primary pulley pressure of a fluid to the primary variator pulley, a secondary pulley valve controlling a secondary pulley pressure of the fluid to the secondary variator pulley; and a pulley pressure control system configured to recognize and mitigate pressure oscillations occurring in the primary pulley pressure or in the secondary pulley pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ramadityanand Bhogadi, Paul G. Otanez
  • Publication number: 20200370642
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission control system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) including a primary variator pulley and a secondary variator pulley each including a set of pulley members defining a variable-width gap, and a flexible member positioned within the variable-width gap and movable to define a CVT ratio. The transmission control system also includes a primary pulley valve controlling a primary pulley pressure of a fluid to the primary variator pulley, a secondary pulley valve controlling a secondary pulley pressure of the fluid to the secondary variator pulley; and a pulley pressure control system configured to recognize and mitigate pressure oscillations occurring in the primary pulley pressure or in the secondary pulley pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Ramadityanand Bhogadi, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 10690245
    Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a continuously variable transmission in a vehicle propulsion system includes measuring a speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission, determining whether the measured speed ratio is drifting away from a commanded speed ratio, and adjusting the commanded speed ratio to a value that is different than a desired speed ratio if the measured speed ratio is drifting away from the commanded speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Hari C Perla, Joseph W Tatangelo, Paul G Otanez, Alexander J Severt, Virinchi Mallela
  • Patent number: 10661804
    Abstract: A propulsion system, control system, and method use model predictive control systems to generate a plurality of sets of possible command values and determine a cost for each set of possible command values. The set of possible command values that has the lowest cost is determined and defined as a selected set of command values. In some circumstances, the MPC-determined command value may be replaced by another transmission ratio command based on override inputs. Minimum and maximum transmission ratios are determined based on the override inputs, and a constrained (or arbitrated) transmission ratio is determined therefrom. The constrained or arbitrated transmission ratio is used to determine whether to apply an MPC-determined transmission ratio or a transmission ratio based on the arbitrated transmission ratio to determine an ultimate commanded transmission ratio. Pressure(s) are commanded to a transmission pulley assembly, which is configured to implement the ultimate commanded transmission ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Michael Livshiz, Christopher J. Weingartz, Cole Reinhold, Michael T. Sarzynski, Mateusz M. Nowak, Bharath Pattipati
  • Publication number: 20190308626
    Abstract: A propulsion system, control system, and method use model predictive control systems to generate a plurality of sets of possible command values and determine a cost for each set of possible command values. The set of possible command values that has the lowest cost is determined and defined as a selected set of command values. In some circumstances, the MPC-determined command value may be replaced by another transmission ratio command based on override inputs. Minimum and maximum transmission ratios are determined based on the override inputs, and a constrained (or arbitrated) transmission ratio is determined therefrom. The constrained or arbitrated transmission ratio is used to determine whether to apply an MPC-determined transmission ratio or a transmission ratio based on the arbitrated transmission ratio to determine an ultimate commanded transmission ratio. Pressure(s) are commanded to a transmission pulley assembly, which is configured to implement the ultimate commanded transmission ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Michael Livshiz, Christopher J. Weingartz, Cole Reinhold, Michael T. Sarzynski, Mateusz M. Nowak, Bharath Pattipati
  • Patent number: 10408343
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission pump limited stop controls system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) including primary and secondary variator pulleys. The primary and the secondary variator pulley each have a mating half with a conical face, defining a variable-width gap between each pulley and its mating half. A flexible member is positioned within the gap and is movable on the conical faces defining a CVT ratio. A secondary pulley valve controls flow of a fluid to the secondary variator pulley. A secondary pulley pressure boost system identifies if a rapid stop event is occurring and issues a command to fully open the secondary pulley valve during the rapid stop event. As the CVT ratio reaches a predetermined threshold of a desired relaunch ratio during the rapid stop event, an engine speed request is issued to an engine connected to the CVT to increase engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Tatangelo, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 10352442
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) including a hydraulically-controllable variator is described. A method for controlling the CVT includes detecting a transient event causing a commanded change in a speed ratio of the variator and disabling feedback control of hydraulic pressure to the variator during the transient event. A target pressure that achieves the commanded change in the speed ratio of the variator is determined, and a pressure trajectory is determined based upon the target pressure. A feed-forward control of the hydraulic pressure to the variator is executed in response to the pressure trajectory during the transient event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Tatangelo, Zhen J. Zhang, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 10344855
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a method is provided for CVT variator gross slip detection includes determining if a difference between a commanded variator speed ratio and a real variator speed ratio is greater than a predetermined variator speed ratio threshold, and then determining if a variator rate of change ratio is outside of predetermined variator rate of change ratio limits. Further, the method includes determining if a real torque capacity ratio is greater than a predetermined torque capacity ratio threshold, and performing at least one remedial action when the variator rate of change ratio is outside of predetermined variator rate of change ratio limits, and the real torque capacity ratio is greater than the predetermined torque capacity ratio threshold when the difference between the commanded variator speed ratio and the real variator speed ratio is greater than the predetermined variator speed ratio threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed O Egal, Paul G Otanez, Mateusz M Nowak
  • Patent number: 10316968
    Abstract: An apparatus for ratio control of a continuously variable transmission includes a driver commanded ratio unit outputting a signal defining a commanded ratio. A clamp control portion is in communication with the driver commanded ratio unit. The clamp control portion includes: a ratio limits and override ring selecting a ratio matching the commanded ratio from an executable functions having stored ratio code data; a screening monitor continuously receiving output from the executable functions and using an input from a vehicle speed signal to compute minimum and maximum ratio limits for the ratio selected by the ratio limits and override ring; and a ratio control execution ring in communication with the screening monitor. The ratio control execution ring calculates a range of pressures allowed for operation of both primary and secondary pulleys of the continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Christopher J. Weingartz, Greg J. Perantoni, Stuart W. Parker, Paul G. Otanez, Bret M. Olson, Mary M. Whitley, Nathan A. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20190136971
    Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a continuously variable transmission in a vehicle propulsion system includes measuring a speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission, determining whether the measured speed ratio is drifting away from a commanded speed ratio, and adjusting the commanded speed ratio to a value that is different than a desired speed ratio if the measured speed ratio is drifting away from the commanded speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Hari C Perla, Joseph W Tatangelo, Paul G Otanez, Alexander J Severt, Virinchi Mallela
  • Publication number: 20190128414
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for a vehicle propulsion system includes a controller including an instruction set, the instruction set executable to determine whether a current inertia torque value is greater than a previous inertia torque value, execute control over one of a first clamp pressure and a second clamp pressure such that one of the first clamp pressure and the second clamp pressure corresponds to a current inertia torque value if the current inertia torque value is greater than a previous inertia torque value, and execute control over one of the first clamp pressure and the second clamp pressure such that said one of the first clamp pressure and the second clamp pressure corresponds to previous inertia torque value if the current inertia torque value is not greater than a previous inertia torque value for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Virinchi Mallela, Douglas A. Ward, Paul G. Otanez, Bret M. Olson, Ronald W. Van Diepen