Patents by Inventor Zhijian James Wu

Zhijian James Wu 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: 9657670
    Abstract: A control system for an engine of a vehicle includes an adder module that determines a temperature sum based on a sum of a plurality of temperatures determined based on (i) a plurality of operating parameters of the vehicle and (ii) a plurality of predetermined values calibrated for determining an estimated temperature at a location within an exhaust system of the vehicle. A temperature difference module determines a temperature difference based on the temperature sum and a previous value of the temperature difference. An estimating module determines the estimated temperature at the location within the exhaust system based on the temperature difference and a reference temperature. An actuator control module selectively adjusts at least one engine actuator based on the estimated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Sanjeev M. Naik, Joshua D. Cowgill, Martino Casetti
  • Patent number: 9644548
    Abstract: A control system for an engine of a vehicle includes an adder module that determines a pressure sum based on a sum of a plurality of pressures determined based on (i) a plurality of operating parameters of the vehicle and (ii) a plurality of predetermined values calibrated for determining an estimated pressure at a location within an exhaust system of the vehicle. An estimating module determines the estimated pressure at the location within the exhaust system based on the pressure sum and a reference pressure. An actuator control module selectively adjusts at least one engine actuator based on the estimated pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Sanjeev M. Naik, Joshua D. Cowgill, Martino Casetti
  • Publication number: 20170096950
    Abstract: A control system for an engine of a vehicle includes an adder module that determines a pressure sum based on a sum of a plurality of pressures determined based on (i) a plurality of operating parameters of the vehicle and (ii) a plurality of predetermined values calibrated for determining an estimated pressure at a location within an exhaust system of the vehicle. An estimating module determines the estimated pressure at the location within the exhaust system based on the pressure sum and a reference pressure. An actuator control module selectively adjusts at least one engine actuator based on the estimated pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Zhijian James WU, Sanjeev M. NAIK, Joshua D. COWGILL, Martino CASETTI
  • Publication number: 20170096957
    Abstract: A control system for an engine of a vehicle includes an adder module that determines a temperature sum based on a sum of a plurality of temperatures determined based on (i) a plurality of operating parameters of the vehicle and (ii) a plurality of predetermined values calibrated for determining an estimated temperature at a location within an exhaust system of the vehicle. A temperature difference module determines a temperature difference based on the temperature sum and a previous value of the temperature difference. An estimating module determines the estimated temperature at the location within the exhaust system based on the temperature difference and a reference temperature. An actuator control module selectively adjusts at least one engine actuator based on the estimated temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Zhijian James WU, Sanjeev M. NAIK, Joshua D. COWGILL, Martino CASETTI
  • Patent number: 9175582
    Abstract: An engine system and method for variable valve lift (VVL) diagnostic techniques are provided. In one exemplary implementation, the techniques include receiving, at a controller, a camshaft position signal indicative of detected edges of teeth of a camshaft toothed member that is coupled to a camshaft of an engine. The camshaft is configured to actuate a VVL system, which is configured to control a lift of a valve of the engine. The techniques also include calculating, at the controller, a camshaft speed signal indicative of a rotational speed of the camshaft based on the camshaft position signal. A valve stuck index (VSI) value is then calculated, at the controller, based on the camshaft speed signal. The techniques also include determining, at the controller, whether the valve is stuck based on a comparison of the VSI value to a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Steven J Gorgas, Brian P Gebby, Ethan E Bayer, Kevin V Rafalo, Julian D John, Jacob A Kohn
  • Publication number: 20150167560
    Abstract: A method can include receiving, at a controller for an internal combustion engine, the controller having one or more processors, an intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP) signal indicative of an air pressure in an intake manifold of the engine. The method can include processing, at the controller, the MAP signal in a crank angle domain to obtain distinct portions of the MAP signal corresponding to cylinders of the engine, respectively. The method can include calculating, at the controller, a valve stuck index value based on the distinct portions of the MAP signal. The method can also include detecting, at the controller, one or more stuck valves of the engine based on the valve stuck index value and one or more thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Brian P. Gebby
  • Patent number: 8903598
    Abstract: A technique can include receiving, at a controller for a vehicle, the controller including one or more processors, a signal indicative of a pressure in an intake manifold of an engine of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a supercharger configured to supply pressurized air to the intake manifold. The supercharger can be driven by a crankshaft of the engine via a belt. The technique can include estimating, at the controller, a frequency of the signal to obtain an estimated frequency. The technique can include determining, at the controller, whether the belt is slipping based on a comparison between the estimated frequency and a predetermined frequency. The technique can also include outputting, at the controller, a notification when the belt is determined to be slipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Andrew P. Bagnasco
  • Publication number: 20140316641
    Abstract: A technique can include receiving, at a controller for a vehicle, the controller including one or more processors, a signal indicative of a pressure in an intake manifold of an engine of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a supercharger configured to supply pressurized air to the intake manifold. The supercharger can be driven by a crankshaft of the engine via a belt. The technique can include estimating, at the controller, a frequency of the signal to obtain an estimated frequency. The technique can include determining, at the controller, whether the belt is slipping based on a comparison between the estimated frequency and a predetermined frequency. The technique can also include outputting, at the controller, a notification when the belt is determined to be slipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Andrew P. Bagnasco
  • Publication number: 20140095089
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing an estimated battery state of charge is provided. The method includes estimating a first state of charge of a battery at a first time with a state-of-charge sensor, estimating a second state of charge of the battery at the first time, calculating a difference between the first state of charge and the second state of charge, and comparing the difference between the first state of charge and the second state of charge to a predetermined value to determine whether the battery sensor is within operating parameters. A system for estimating battery state of charge is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Brian P. Gebby
  • Publication number: 20130268177
    Abstract: A method of estimating the individual fuel air ratio richness of an individual cylinder in an engine by utilizing a single oxygen sensor at the confluence of a plurality of exhaust runners. The method provides for the use of a wide range or switching oxygen sensor at the confluence of a plurality of exhaust runners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Paula M. Reeber-Schmanski, Richard A. Kulas, Jay C. McCombie, Gregory L. Ohl
  • Patent number: 7032439
    Abstract: A method of detecting misfire events in an engine uses system identification technology. A linear model is determined for estimating engine firing events based on engine speed fluctuations. The linear model is represented as a difference equation. A Kalman filter is applied to the difference equation to determine unknown parameters of the linear model. Misfire events in the engine are detected based on the linear model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Anson Lee, Zhijian James Wu
  • Patent number: 6978666
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for systematically calibrating an engine misfire detection system for an internal combustion engine. The present invention provides a method of collecting a plurality of groups of sample data points. Each of the groups of sample data points represents a cylinder firing event. Optionally, misfire events can be induced during the collection of the groups of sample data points. Using the collected data points, a plurality of compensation parameters is then generated and applied iteratively to the sample data points to generally optimize the detection of misfire occurrences. Compensation parameters that produce a high accuracy misfire detection are selected and can be exported from the calibration system to transport to an engine controller in an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Min Han, Anson Lee
  • Patent number: 6902319
    Abstract: A method of estimating an internal temperature of a vehicle battery is based on heat transfer between a heat source and the battery. In addition to the heat source, airflow generated by vehicle movement and radiator fans affects the internal temperature of the battery. The method estimates an initial internal temperature of the battery at engine startup based on how long the engine was off. The temperature of the heat source is determined. A transfer function is determined to represent the effect of the airflow. The method updates a current internal temperature of the battery based on the initial internal temperature and an integration of the transfer function and the heat source temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Jyh-Laing L. Lin, Dean Marshall, Brad Schoeff, Michel Trumbo, John G Hatfield, James Karlet, Yijun Tu
  • Patent number: 6314802
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for detecting engine misfire with an optimal compensation of the RPM signal in an internal combustion engine in which the data signal containing a plurality of groups of sample data points is generated. Each of the groups of sample data points represents a cylinder firing event. The data signal is then conditioned for misfire detection processing. The data engine cycle compensation vectors for the RPM zone is then multiplied to the sample data of the RPM. Each group of sample data points is processed using signal processing techniques and then mapped into a single mapped data point. The mapped data points are further processed and then compared to a misfire detection dynamic threshold. A misfire detection signal is then output if any of the mapped data points fall outside the dynamic threshold. The misfire detection system achieves high degree of accuracy through a signal processing and statistical detection technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Anson Lee
  • Patent number: 6286366
    Abstract: A technique for determining the charge air temperature within an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle without using a dedicated temperature sensor. The technique includes identifying a non-linear dynamic model based on the physical concepts of thermal transfer and system identification technique. The charge air temperature model uses several available physical measurements from the vehicle, including inlet air temperature, engine coolant temperature, vehicle speed, manifold pressure, engine speed, exhaust gas recirculation condition, and the engine fan on/off state. The model parameters are determined based on specific vehicle characteristics, and collected data from the vehicle. The charge air temperature is predicted by the model at regular predetermined intervals from the physical measurements, the vehicle parameters and the charge air temperature from the previous time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Gang Chen, Zhijian James Wu, Anson Lee, Kerry D. Franks, Timothy L. McDonald, James R. Tamm
  • Patent number: 6076964
    Abstract: A method of determining a vehicle battery temperature by a non-linear dynamic model based on the physical concepts of thermal transfer and a system identification technique. The battery temperature model uses several available physical measurements from the vehicle, including the engine coolant temperature, surrounding air temperature, vehicle speed and the engine fan on/off state. This method also includes the estimation of an initial value of battery temperature before starting the iteration process by the battery temperature prediction from the dynamic model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Gang Chen, Anson Lee, Kerry D. Franks, Timothy L. McDonald, James R. Tamm
  • Patent number: 6006155
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting engine misfire in an internal combustion engine. A data signal containing a plurality of groups of data points generated from sampling crankshaft rotational displacement over three pre-determined angular sampling windows; is generated. Each of the plurality of groups of sampled data points represents a cylinder firing event. The data signal is conditioned, and the plurality of groups of sampled data points are, mapped into single misfire data points. The mapped single misfire detection points are then compared to a misfire detection dynamic threshold, and a misfire detection signal is output if the misfire detection points fall outside the dynamic threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Anson Lee
  • Patent number: 5862507
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting engine misfire in an internal combustion engine. A data signal containing a plurality of groups of data points generated from sampling crankshaft rotational displacement over three predetermined angular sampling windows is generated. Each of the plurality of groups of sampled data points represents a cylinder firing event. The data signal is conditioned, and the plurality of groups of sampled data points are mapped into single misfire detection data points. The mapped single misfire detection points are then compared to a misfire detection dynamic threshold, and a misfire detection signal is output if the misfire detection points fall outside the dynamic threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Anson Lee
  • Patent number: 5744722
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for detecting and removing resonance from crankshaft speed measurements comprising signal demodulation and deconvolution processing. According to the invention, a crankshaft speed sensor sends an appropriate signal corresponding to crankshaft speed to an engine controller. The input signal with resonance noise is subjected to a demodulation operation in N demodulation subsystems for resonance detection and identification. Also, the input signal with resonance noise is subjected to a deconvolution operation in N deconvolution subsystems for resonance noise removal. The demodulated signals are compared to a given set of criteria for selecting a desired signal subsystem. The desired demodulated signal subsystem is then used to screen the deconvolved signal so that only a matching deconvolved signal exits the system as the system output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, John Fiaschetti
  • Patent number: 5717133
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting internal combustion engine misfiring. The method includes mixed rate sampling of crankshaft angular velocity for a plurality of cylinder firing events to generate a crankshaft angular velocity signal and a cylinder firing synchronization signal. The apparatus for executing the method comprises a crankshaft in operative relation with the internal combustion engine. A crankshaft sensor wheel is rotatably triggered by the crankshaft and includes a plurality of predetermined sensor indicators disposed at least at two different angular widths. A sensor is positioned adjacent to the wheel for sensing the passage of each indicator in producing a signal pulse having a duration corresponding to the angular width of the sensed indicator in response thereto. A counter determines the time intervals between signal pulses generated by the sensor including a synchronization signal time interval and an RPM signal time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Anson Lee