Patents by Inventor Wilfried Brunssen

Wilfried Brunssen 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: 9387850
    Abstract: A multi-mode powertrain system includes a transmission configured to transfer torque among an internal combustion engine, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes operating the multi-mode powertrain system to execute an engine intake manifold pump down mode, and aborting the engine intake manifold pump down mode and fueling the engine, wherein aborting is based upon intake manifold pressure and system constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen, Poh Fong Chin
  • Publication number: 20140349807
    Abstract: A multi-mode powertrain system includes a transmission configured to transfer torque among an internal combustion engine, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes operating the multi-mode powertrain system to execute an engine intake manifold pump down mode, and aborting the engine intake manifold pump down mode and fueling the engine, wherein aborting is based upon intake manifold pressure and system constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: ANTHONY H. HEAP, WILFRIED BRUNSSEN, POH FONG CHIN
  • Patent number: 8862297
    Abstract: A method for determining a preferred engine speed and a preferred engine torque of a selected operating range state of an electro-mechanical multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque among an engine, at least one electric machine and a drive includes selecting between of a first search window and a second search window. Each of the first and second search windows includes a two-dimensional search window definable by a first axis having minimum and maximum engine speed values and a second axis having minimum and maximum engine torque values. A plurality of candidate operating points within the selected one of the first and second search windows is iteratively generated. One of the plurality of candidate operating points within the selected one of the first and second search windows is iteratively determined as an optimum operating point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Samantha Victoria Lado, Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen, Michael Glenn Diaz
  • Patent number: 8755960
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine and a torque machine wherein electrical energy is controllably transferred between an electric energy storage device and the torque machine by a control system. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring a voltage, a current, and a power output of the electric energy storage device. A battery power control scheme is executed to control the output power of the electric energy storage device associated with the electrical energy transferred between the electric energy storage device and the torque machine. The battery power control scheme is disabled when the control system loses a power limit authority associated with the electrical energy transferred between the electric storage device and the torque machine during ongoing operation. The battery power control scheme is re-enabled when the control system regains the power limit authority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sean W. McGrogan, Ryan D. Martini, Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Publication number: 20140046523
    Abstract: A method for determining a preferred engine speed and a preferred engine torque of a selected operating range state of an electro-mechanical multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque among an engine, at least one electric machine and a drive includes selecting between of a first search window and a second search window. Each of the first and second search windows includes a two-dimensional search window definable by a first axis having minimum and maximum engine speed values and a second axis having minimum and maximum engine torque values. A plurality of candidate operating points within the selected one of the first and second search windows is iteratively generated. One of the plurality of candidate operating points within the selected one of the first and second search windows is iteratively determined as an optimum operating point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Samantha Victoria Lado, Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen, Michael Glenn Diaz
  • Patent number: 8630776
    Abstract: An engine is coupled to an input member of a hybrid transmission. The hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between the input member and a torque machine and an output member to generate an output torque in response to an operator torque request. The torque machine is connected to an energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen, Scott J Thompson
  • Patent number: 8585540
    Abstract: An engine is mechanically coupled to a transmission device, the transmission device operative to transfer mechanical power between the engine and a second power generating device and an output member. A method for controlling the engine includes monitoring an operator demand for power, selecting a preferred engine state, determining a preferred engine torque input to the transmission device when operating in the preferred engine state based upon the operator demand for power, determining constraints on the engine torque input to the transmission device based upon a capacity of the transmission device to react the engine torque input, and commanding operation of the engine to the preferred engine state and commanding the engine torque input to the transmission device based upon the preferred engine torque input and the constraints on the engine torque input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Patent number: 8448731
    Abstract: An engine is coupled to an input member of a hybrid transmission and the hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between the input member and a torque machine and an output member to generate an output torque in response to an operator torque request. The torque machine is connected to an energy storage device. A method for controlling the engine includes determining a preferred input torque from the engine to the hybrid transmission based upon operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, determining maximum and minimum allowable input torques from the engine to the hybrid transmission, controlling the engine at the preferred input torque when the preferred input torque is within the maximum and minimum allowable input torques, and controlling the engine based upon the maximum and minimum allowable input torques when the preferred input torque is outside one of the maximum and minimum allowable input torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Patent number: 8433486
    Abstract: A method to determine a preferred operating point for an internal combustion engine includes determining a current set of candidate operating points for a current search iteration. The method further includes iteratively determining an operating cost for operating the internal combustion engine at each candidate operating point of the current search iteration, and determining the preferred operating point for operating the internal combustion engine after a predetermined number of search iterations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Bin Wu, Wilfried Brunssen, Jason J McConnell, Kee Yong Kim, Brian R Medema
  • Patent number: 8287426
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring voltage of an energy storage device. The method further includes modifying a preferred voltage limit when the voltage of the energy storage device transgresses a trigger voltage limit, and determining the power constraint of a first power actuator based on the estimated output power of the energy storage device when the voltage of the energy storage device transgresses the preferred voltage limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Patent number: 8229633
    Abstract: An engine is selectively operative in one of a plurality of engine states to transfer torque to an input member of a hybrid transmission. The hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between the input member and a torque machine and an output member to generate an output torque in response to an operator torque request. A method for controlling the engine includes monitoring the operator torque request, determining operating power costs associated with a plurality of candidate engine states in response to the operator torque request, determining transition costs for transitioning the engine from a present engine state to each of the candidate engine states, determining stabilization costs for operating the engine in the present engine state and subsequently operating the engine in each of the candidate engine states, and selecting a preferred engine state based upon the operating power costs, the transition costs, and the stabilization costs for the plurality of engine states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen, Scott J Thompson
  • Patent number: 8214114
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is mechanically coupled to a hybrid transmission to transmit mechanical power to an output member. A method for controlling the internal combustion engine includes determining an accelerator output torque request based upon an operator input to the accelerator pedal, and determining an axle torque response type. A preferred input torque from the engine to the hybrid transmission is determined based upon the accelerator output torque request. An allowable range of input torque from the engine which can be reacted with the hybrid transmission is determined based upon the accelerator output torque request and the axle torque response type. The engine is controlled to meet the preferred input torque when the preferred input torque is within the allowable range of input torque from the engine. The engine is controlled within the allowable range of input torque from the engine when the preferred input torque is outside the allowable range of input torques from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Patent number: 8200403
    Abstract: A method for controlling an input torque provided to a transmission includes executing a first iterative search within a first range of permissible torque values to determine a first torque value based on a first cost value. The first cost value is based on a first set of powertrain measurements measured at a first time. A second cost value based on a second torque value and the first set of powertrain measurements measured at the first time is calculated. The second torque value is determined using a second set of powertrain measurements measured at a second time prior to the first time. One of the first torque value and the second torque value is then selected based on the first cost value and the second cost value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen, Bin Wu, Brian R Medema
  • Patent number: 8195349
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes determining an operator torque request, determining a time-based derivative of the operator torque request, determining a first future time, and predicting a change in the operator torque request based upon the operator torque request, the time-based derivative of the operator torque request, and the first future time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jason J McConnell, Kee Yong Kim, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Patent number: 8135532
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring a state-of-charge of the energy storage device and determining a first set of electric power limits and a second set of electric power limits based on the state-of-charge of the energy storage device. The method further includes providing a power range for opportunity charging and discharging of the energy storage device based on the first set of electric power limits. The method further includes providing a power range for controlling output power of the energy storage device based on the second set of electric power limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoen Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, William R. Cawthorne, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Patent number: 8131437
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a multi-cylinder engine coupled to a hybrid transmission. The engine is selectively operative in one of a plurality of main engine states to transfer engine torque to the hybrid transmission. A method for operating a powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining a preferred main engine state and a preferred engine torque associated with the preferred engine state, determining an engine state transition path from a present main engine state to the preferred main engine state including an engine transition state, and executing the engine state transition path between the present main engine state and the preferred main engine state and adjusting engine torque to the preferred engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Patent number: 8121766
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine includes defining a two-dimensional search region based upon an input power transmittable between the internal combustion engine and an electromechanical transmission. The method further includes iteratively dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of subregions based upon one of the input power and the input speed, iteratively determining an engine operating point within each of the subregions, iteratively calculating an operating cost to operate the internal combustion engine and the electromechanical transmission to meet the operator torque request for each engine operating point within each of the subregions, and iteratively identifying the subregion having a minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request. A preferred engine operating point is determined based upon the engine operating point within the identified subregion having the minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Bin Wu, Wilfried Brunssen, Jason J McConnell, Kee Yong Kim, Brian R Medema
  • Patent number: 8112192
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring output power of the energy storage device, modifying a preferred electric power limit when the output power of the energy storage device transgresses a trigger power limit, and determining the power constraint of the first power actuator based on the estimated output power of the energy storage device when the output power of the energy storage power transgresses the preferred power limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Patent number: 8095254
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring operating conditions of an engine, a transmission device, and an energy storage device. The method further includes determining a first power constraint, filtering the first power constraint utilizing a first filter response time when the first power constraint changes in a first direction, and filtering the first power constraint utilizing a second filter response time when the first power constraint changes in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jason J McConnell, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Publication number: 20100292880
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine and a torque machine wherein electrical energy is controllably transferred between an electric energy storage device and the torque machine by a control system. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring a voltage, a current, and a power output of the electric energy storage device. A battery power control scheme is executed to control the output power of the electric energy storage device associated with the electrical energy transferred between the electric energy storage device and the torque machine. The battery power control scheme is disabled when the control system loses a power limit authority associated with the electrical energy transferred between the electric storage device and the torque machine during ongoing operation. The battery power control scheme is re-enabled when the control system regains the power limit authority.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: SEAN W. MCGROGAN, Ryan D. Martini, Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen