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).
-
Publication number: 20120277964Abstract: A control system for controlling clutches of a dual clutch transmission includes an internal model based force control algorithm that converts a desired clutch force to a pressure control signal, a pressure control valve that receives the pressure control signal, a hydraulic actuator to which the pressure control valve applies a pressure related to the pressure control signal, and a clutch assembly with a spring lever and a plurality of clutch plates. The hydraulic actuator applies a desired force corresponding to the pressure control signal to a distal end of the spring lever such that the desired force to the distal end of the spring lever imparts an actual clutch force to the clutch plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez
-
Publication number: 20120251359Abstract: A low noise, high efficiency solenoid pump includes a housing containing a hollow electromagnetic coil. Within the coil resides a pump assembly defining a tubular body having a pair of opposed ends which respectively include an inlet or suction port and an outlet or pressure port and within which a plunger or piston resides. The piston is biased in opposite directions by a pair of opposed compression springs. A first compression spring limits and arrests travel of the piston during the suction or return stroke and a second compression spring limits travel of the piston during the pumping stroke and returns the piston after the pumping stroke. The piston includes a first check valve that opens to allow hydraulic fluid into a pumping chamber during the suction stroke and closes during the pumping stroke to cause fluid to be pumped out of the pumping chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez, Shushan Bai
-
Patent number: 8210066Abstract: An assembly for actuating a synchronizer includes a shift fork, a shift rail, and a permanent magnet connected to the shift rail. A first control coil is disposed in proximity to the permanent magnet. The first control coil is operable to produce a magnetomotive force on the permanent magnet in a first direction when a current is applied to the first control coil. A second control coil is disposed in proximity to the permanent magnet. The second control coil is operable to produce a magnetomotive force on the permanent magnet in a second direction when a current is applied to the second control coil. The permanent magnet is moved to a first position when the current is applied to the first control coil and the permanent magnet is moved to a second position when the current is applied to the second control coil. Movement of the magnet in turn moves the synchronizer between engaged positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez
-
Publication number: 20120152688Abstract: A method to control a hydraulically actuated clutch in a transmission of a vehicle includes monitoring a pressure in a hydraulic circuit providing pressurized fluid to the hydraulically actuated clutch with micro-electromechanical pressure sensor, providing a closed-loop feedback control command for a hydraulic control device providing the pressurized fluid to the hydraulic circuit based upon the monitoring pressure, and controlling the control device based upon the closed-loop feedback control command.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Paul G. Otanez, Farzad Samie
-
Publication number: 20120144945Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a housing, a piston disposed within a portion of the housing. The piston has a movable range along a working-axis, and separates a first volume and a second volume within the housing. The assembly also includes a biasing feature disposed within the second volume, where the piston is configured to engage the biasing feature within a first portion of the movable range, and configured to not engage the biasing feature within a second portion of the movable range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez, Bret M. Olson
-
Publication number: 20120088630Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on vehicle conditions. In addition, the system and method is configured to selectively actuate an accumulator to prime the transmission for a smooth restart.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Paul G. Otanez
-
Publication number: 20120088632Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation that minimizes clutch fill during engine restart.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Paul G. Otanez
-
Publication number: 20120088631Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to disable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on accumulator pressure conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Paul G. Otanez, Shushan Bai
-
Publication number: 20120089306Abstract: A transmission control system for a vehicle includes a transmission control module (TCM), a solenoid valve, a pressure regulator valve, and a transmission element. The TCM includes a control algorithm providing output signals to valve drive electronics, where the valve drive electronics supply current to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls an output pressure located in a passage between the pressure regulator valve and the transmission element. During an engine start-up condition of the vehicle, the control algorithm of the TCM includes control logic for activating a solenoid adjustment algorithm. The solenoid adjustment algorithm decreases the sensitivity of the valve drive electronics when supplying current to the solenoid valve. The solenoid adjustment algorithm is activated for a predetermined amount of time after engine start-up, and is then terminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Paul G. Otanez, Zhen J. Zhang, Ronald F. Lochocki, JR.
-
Publication number: 20110303033Abstract: A gear selector apparatus for a transmission having a first gear and a second gear selectively engageable to a shaft through a synchronizer. The gear selector apparatus includes a hydraulic actuator, a gear selection fork engaged with the actuator, a guide bar fixed for common movement to the gear selection fork, a detent mechanism disposed in contact with a first edge of the guide bar, a position sensor disposed in contact with a second edge of the guide bar, a first and a second pressure control valve in communication with the hydraulic actuator, a controller in electrical communication with the position sensor and the first and second pressure control valve. The controller includes a control logic sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez
-
Patent number: 8010265Abstract: A method for adjusting the slip of a torque converter for a plurality of selected engine speeds, transmission gears and engine torque. A sensor is used to determine vibrations transmitted through the torque converter to the driveline of the vehicle. The sensor signal is sent to a controller where it is converted to the frequency domain. If the amplitude of the frequency signal exceeds a threshold, then the algorithm increases/decreases the converter slip until the driveline vibrations equal a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Paul G Otanez
-
Publication number: 20110208396Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for estimating the realtime position of a clutch piston during the fill cycle using noisy pressure measurements which ensures proper and desired clutch operation. Pressures on both sides of a flow controlling orifice, at the fluid control actuator and the clutch cylinder are measured and these measurements in conjunction with other system parameters such as orifice size, clutch volume and return spring characteristics are used to solve nonlinear dynamic equations (algorithms) which reside in a microprocessor. The microprocessor provides outputs corresponding to an estimate of the current position of the clutch piston, an estimate of the current speed of the piston and an estimate of the current hydraulic pressure. The method can also be utilized to detect clutch wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Yue-Ming Chen
-
Publication number: 20110195794Abstract: A system for absorbing vibration created by operation of an engine of the present invention includes a first plate driven by an engine shaft and a torque transmitting device for transferring torque from the engine shaft to a transmission input shaft. The system includes a first vibration absorber and a second vibration absorber. The first vibration absorber includes at least one selectively moveable mass. The second vibration absorber includes at least one biasing member and generally opposing ends. The first vibration absorber is configured to absorb vibrations created at a first harmonic of the engine and the second vibration absorber is configured to absorb vibrations created at multiple harmonics of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Shushan Bai, Paul G. Otanez, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Donald L. Dusenberry
-
Publication number: 20110186395Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber (CPVA) for absorbing torsional vibration created by operation of an engine includes a plurality of pendulums moveable with respect to a rotatable shaft. The pendulums are connected to the rotatable shaft by a plurality of pins that extend through apertures in the pendulum. The pendulums each move along a path defined by various drive line or powertrain parameters and characteristics. The path is implemented by contouring an active section of the apertures that engage the pins.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Shushan Bai, Paul G. Otanez, Vijay A. Neelakantan
-
Publication number: 20110190995Abstract: A system and method for transferring torque from a prime mover to a transmission includes a coupling device, a hydraulic control system and a control module. The coupling device includes a torque converter clutch (TCC), where the coupling device is located between an output of the prime mover and an input of the transmission. The TCC is actuated between a fully engaged position, a slip mode where slip occurs, and a fully disengaged position. The hydraulic control system includes a controller device that communicates an actuation pressure to the TCC. The actuation pressure actuates the TCC between the fully engaged position, the slip mode, and the fully disengaged position. The controller is in communication with the TCC, the output of the prime mover, the input of the transmission, and the controller device of the hydraulic control system. The controller regulates the actuation pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Chunhao J. Lee, Xu Chen
-
Publication number: 20110180358Abstract: A system for absorbing vibration in a rotary member having a predetermined rotary speed of the present invention has a selectively moveable mass and a positioning mechanism. The mass is in communication with the rotary member having a predetermined position. The positioning mechanism exerts a force on the mass at least when the rotary member operates below the predetermined rotary speed. The force exerted by the positioning mechanism orients the mass at the predetermined position when the rotary member operates below the predetermined rotary speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan
-
Patent number: 7976430Abstract: A system and method for providing TCC control and/or transmission gear shift control by considering the rate of change of the accelerator pedal or throttle position. The method determines whether the rate of change of the throttle position exceeds a predetermined positive rate of change or a predetermined negative rate of change and, if so, releases the TCC to provide TCC control. Alternatively, or additionally, the method can provide a transmission gear down-shift or up-shift depending on which direction the throttle position is changing. Once the TCC and/or gear shift control has been initiated, the method can start a timer and then return to normal TCC and/or gear shift control after the timer has expired. The TCC and/or gear shift control can also return to normal if the rate of change of the throttle position indicates that the throttle is being returned to its previous position.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Paul G. Otanez, Daekyun Kim
-
Publication number: 20110166758Abstract: A method for controlling torque converter slip includes operating the torque converter in a controlled slip mode, monitoring slip in the torque converter, statistically analyzing the monitored slip to determine a likely condition of the torque converter, and utilizing the likely condition of the torque converter to control the torque converter slip.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie
-
Publication number: 20110166757Abstract: A method for responding to a rapid change in engine torque includes monitoring a change in engine torque and determining a rapid change in engine torque when the change in engine torque exceeds a threshold change in engine torque. Subsequent to determining a rapid change in engine torque, an increase in the torque converter slip is provided by reducing the torque converter clutch pressure command by a selected value and thereafter the feedback control is deactivated for a predetermined duration. Subsequent to the predetermined duration, the feedback control is reactivated to decrease the torque converter slip toward a desired torque converter slip value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Scott A. Hearld, Xu Chen, Daniel J. Wickman, Xuefeng Tim Tao
-
Publication number: 20110153144Abstract: A pressure sensor module for a vehicle includes a sensing element module, a sampling module, a filtering module, and a monitoring module. The sensing element module measures a pressure of a fluid and outputs a pressure signal based on the pressure. The sampling module samples the pressure signal. The filtering module receives at least one filter coefficient from a control module and determines a filtered pressure based on at least one of the samples. The monitoring module receives a condition monitoring request from the control module, receives a predetermined value from the control module, and notifies the control module when a condition is satisfied based on a comparison of the predetermined value and one of the filtered pressure and a parameter determined based on the pressure signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Randall B. Dlugoss, Paul G. Otanez