Patents by Inventor Phanu Amatyakul
Phanu Amatyakul 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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Patent number: 10343660Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one brake assembly configured to brake at least one wheel of the vehicle in response to an applied voltage. A power supply is in signal communication with the at least one brake assembly. The power supply is configured to operate in a first mode that outputs a first voltage and a second mode that outputs a second voltage greater than the first voltage. A brake control system is in signal communication with the at least one brake assembly and the power supply. The brake control system is configured to determine a driving state of the vehicle, and is configured to output a brake boost request signal to initiate the second mode of the power supply in response to detecting the driving state, wherein a braking response time of the at least one brake assembly is improved in response to applying the second voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Michael D. Rizzo, Mark J. Rychlinski, Paul S. Shaub, Anthony J. Rifici, Phanu Amatyakul
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Publication number: 20180128334Abstract: A brake pad monitoring sensor includes an erodible, electrically non-conductive body, and an electrical circuit disposed within the body. The electrical circuit includes a first wear indicating portion. Electrical continuity of the first wear indicating portion is broken when the body erodes, in response to abrasion against a brake rotor, beyond a first depth relative to a contact surface of the body, to sense a first degree of wear. The electrical circuit includes a first thermocouple that is operable to generate a temperature dependent voltage signal for sensing a temperature of the brake pad. The brake pad monitoring sensor may be used to determine both brake pad wear, and brake pad temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: May 10, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: John W. Pennala, Robert L. Nisonger, Phanu Amatyakul, Eric E. Krueger, Steven J. Weber
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Patent number: 9964168Abstract: A brake pad monitoring sensor includes an erodible, electrically non-conductive body, and an electrical circuit disposed within the body. The electrical circuit includes a first wear indicating portion. Electrical continuity of the first wear indicating portion is broken when the body erodes, in response to abrasion against a brake rotor, beyond a first depth relative to a contact surface of the body, to sense a first degree of wear. The electrical circuit includes a first thermocouple that is operable to generate a temperature dependent voltage signal for sensing a temperature of the brake pad. The brake pad monitoring sensor may be used to determine both brake pad wear, and brake pad temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John W. Pennala, Robert L. Nisonger, Phanu Amatyakul, Eric E. Krueger, Steven J. Weber
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Publication number: 20170361824Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one brake assembly configured to brake at least one wheel of the vehicle in response to an applied voltage. A power supply is in signal communication with the at least one brake assembly. The power supply is configured to operate in a first mode that outputs a first voltage and a second mode that outputs a second voltage greater than the first voltage. A brake control system is in signal communication with the at least one brake assembly and the power supply. The brake control system is configured to determine a driving state of the vehicle, and is configured to output a brake boost request signal to initiate the second mode of the power supply in response to detecting the driving state, wherein a braking response time of the at least one brake assembly is improved in response to applying the second voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Michael D. Rizzo, Mark J. Rychlinski, Paul S. Shaub, Anthony J. Rifici, Phanu Amatyakul
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Patent number: 9663142Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for aligning a steering system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining when the vehicle is driving a straight-line path; determining a steering wheel position error when the vehicle is driving the straight-line path; computing a rear wheel steering offset based on the steering wheel position error and a closed loop control method; and generating a control signal to a rear wheel steering system based on the rear wheel steering offset.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Stephen R. Pastor, Phanu Amatyakul, Keun Jae Kim
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Patent number: 9316278Abstract: A brake pad life monitoring system can monitor the wear of a brake pad operatively coupled to a rotor. The brake pad life monitoring system includes an erodible, electrically non-conductive covering layer operatively coupled to the brake pad such that wear of the erodible, electrically non-conductive covering layer corresponds to the wear of the brake pad. Further, the brake pad life monitoring system includes an electrical circuit having a circuit path from a power supply to a ground. The electrical circuit is at least partially disposed on the erodible, electrically non-conductive covering layer and includes a first resistor connected in series with the power supply and a second resistor electrically connected in parallel with the power supply. The brake pad life monitoring system additionally includes a measuring device electrically connected to the electrical circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Joseph K. Moore, Mauricio Vazquez Camarena, Stacey M. Blundell, Paul S. Shaub, Phanu Amatyakul
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Publication number: 20150375778Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for aligning a steering system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining when the vehicle is driving a straight-line path; determining a steering wheel position error when the vehicle is driving the straight-line path; computing a rear wheel steering offset based on the steering wheel position error and a closed loop control method; and generating a control signal to a rear wheel steering system based on the rear wheel steering offset.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: STEPHEN R. PASTOR, PHANU AMATYAKUL, KEUN JAE KIM
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Publication number: 20150158525Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for aligning a steering system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining when the vehicle is driving a straight-line path; determining a steering wheel position error when the vehicle is driving the straight-line path; computing a rear wheel steering offset based on the steering wheel position error; and generating a control signal to a rear wheel steering system based on the rear wheel steering offset.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: STEPHEN R. PASTOR, PHANU AMATYAKUL, KEUN JAE KIM
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Publication number: 20150152931Abstract: A brake pad life monitoring system can monitor the wear of a brake pad operatively coupled to a rotor. The brake pad life monitoring system includes an erodible, electrically non-conductive covering layer operatively coupled to the brake pad such that wear of the erodible, electrically non-conductive covering layer corresponds to the wear of the brake pad. Further, the brake pad life monitoring system includes an electrical circuit having a circuit path from a power supply to a ground. The electrical circuit is at least partially disposed on the erodible, electrically non-conductive covering layer and includes a first resistor connected in series with the power supply and a second resistor electrically connected in parallel with the power supply. The brake pad life monitoring system additionally includes a measuring device electrically connected to the electrical circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Joseph K. Moore, Mauricio Vazquez Camarena, Stacey M. Blundell, Paul S. Shaub, Phanu Amatyakul
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Patent number: 8698489Abstract: A wheel assembly for a non-driven wheel includes a rotating wheel hub with a shaft portion supporting a bearing inner race. A magnetic encoder is mounted for rotation with the shaft portion. A non-rotating component radially surrounds the shaft portion and has a bearing outer race. A cap is secured to the non-rotating component and covers the outer and inner races, the shaft portion and the magnetic encoder inboard of the races to seal an inboard side of the outer and inner races. A sensor is mounted to a non-rotating vehicle steering member externally to, not covered by, and not extending through the cap. The sensor is configured to deflect to be biased into continuous contact with an outer surface of the cap to read the magnetic encoder through the cap without extending through the cap.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Todd D. Albertson, Vincent R. Sicilia, Josef Mack, Phanu Amatyakul, William P. Job, Robert G. Sutherlin, Michael L. Holly, Douglas N. Reed
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Publication number: 20120199214Abstract: A brake modulator is disclosed herein. The brake modulator includes, but is not limited to an electronic-brake-control-modulator portion including a processor and a hydraulic portion associated with the electronic-brake-control-modulator portion. The hydraulic portion includes a primary circuit extending through the hydraulic portion to receive hydraulic brake fluid. The hydraulic portion also includes a secondary circuit extending within the hydraulic portion to receive the hydraulic brake fluid. The secondary circuit is in fluid communication with the primary circuit. The hydraulic portion further includes a valve between the primary circuit and the secondary circuit. The valve is electronically actuatable and controls movement of fluid between the primary circuit and the secondary circuit. The processor is operatively coupled to the valve and configured to perform an automatic cycling of the valve in response to an actuating event during assembly of the vehicle to evacuate the secondary circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Josef MACK, Raymond J. SAPIENZA, Brian D. COTTON, Phanu AMATYAKUL, Paul S. SHAUB, Frank J. PICHLER, JR., Elizabeth A. CONLIN
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Publication number: 20110181102Abstract: A wheel assembly for a non-driven wheel includes a rotating wheel hub with a shaft portion supporting a bearing inner race. A magnetic encoder is mounted for rotation with the shaft portion. A non-rotating component radially surrounds the shaft portion and has a bearing outer race. A cap is secured to the non-rotating component and covers the outer and inner races, the shaft portion and the magnetic encoder inboard of the races to seal an inboard side of the outer and inner races. A sensor is mounted to a non-rotating vehicle steering member externally to, not covered by, and not extending through the cap. The sensor is configured to deflect to be biased into continuous contact with an outer surface of the cap to read the magnetic encoder through the cap without extending through the cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Todd D. Albertson, Vincent R. Sicilia, Josef Mack, Phanu Amatyakul, William P. Job, Robert G. Sutherlin, Michael L. Holly, Douglas N. Reed
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Patent number: 7694555Abstract: A method for providing an estimate of brake pad thickness. The method employs fusion of sensors, if used, and driver brake modeling to predict the vehicle brake pad life. An algorithm is employed that uses various inputs, such as brake pad friction material properties, brake pad cooling rate, brake temperature, vehicle mass, road grade, weight distribution, brake pressure, brake energy, braking power, etc. to provide the estimation. The method calculates brake work using total work minus losses, such as aerodynamic drag resistance, engine braking and/or braking power as braking torque times velocity divided by rolling resistance to determine the brake rotor and lining temperature. The method then uses the brake temperature to determine the brake pad wear, where the wear is accumulated for each braking event. A brake pad sensor can be included to provide one or more indications of brake pad thickness from which the estimation can be revised.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Mark N. Howell, John P. Whaite, Jr., Phanu Amatyakul, Yuen-Kwok Chin, Mutasim A. Salman, Chih-Hung Yen, Mark T. Riefe
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Publication number: 20080236269Abstract: A method for providing an estimate of brake pad thickness. The method employs fusion of sensors, if used, and driver brake modeling to predict the vehicle brake pad life. An algorithm is employed that uses various inputs, such as brake pad friction material properties, brake pad cooling rate, brake temperature, vehicle mass, road grade, weight distribution, brake pressure, brake energy, braking power, etc. to provide the estimation. The method calculates brake work using total work minus losses, such as aerodynamic drag resistance, engine braking and/or braking power as braking torque times velocity divided by rolling resistance to determine the brake rotor and lining temperature. The method then uses the brake temperature to determine the brake pad wear, where the wear is accumulated for each braking event. A brake pad sensor can be included to provide one or more indications of brake pad thickness from which the estimation can be revised.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Mark N. Howell, John P. Whaite, Phanu Amatyakul, Yuen-Kwok Chin, Mutasim A. Salman, Chih-Hung Yen, Mark T. Riefe