Engine Output Control Patents (Class 701/54)
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Patent number: 11365805Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission having a variator and a sub-transmission mechanism, a controller serving as a shift control unit adapted to, as shift of the transmission, shift the sub-transmission mechanism and the variator so that a through speed ratio becomes a target speed ratio, and an engine serving as a torque increasing portion adapted to increase a torque inputted to the transmission in association with the shift of the transmission. The controller has a torque setting unit adapted to make a magnitude of an inclination larger as an increase amount of the engine rotation speed in association with the shift of the transmission is larger.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Seiya Kitagawa, Tomoaki Honma
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Patent number: 11364883Abstract: In various examples, activation criteria and/or braking profiles corresponding to automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems and/or collision mitigation warning (CMW) systems may be determined using sensor data representative of an environment to a front, side, and/or rear of a vehicle. For example, activation criteria for triggering an AEB system and/or CMW system may be adjusted by leveraging the availability of additional information with regards to the surrounding environment of a vehicle—such as the presence of a trailing vehicle. In addition, the braking profile for the AEB activation may be adjusted based on information about the presence of and/or location of vehicles to the front, rear, and/or side of the vehicle. By adjusting the activation criteria and/or braking profiles of an AEB system, the potential for collisions with dynamic objects in the environment is reduced and the overall safety of the vehicle and its passengers is increased.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: NVIDIA CorporationInventors: Mark Henry Costin, Jonathan Sweedler
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Patent number: 11358605Abstract: An approach is provided for generating a passenger-based driving profile. The approach involves collecting vehicle sensor data of a vehicle carrying a user as a passenger. The vehicle sensor data indicates at least one driving behavior of the vehicle. The approach also involves collecting user sensor data, user input data, or a combination thereof indicating a reaction of the user to the at least one driving behavior. The approach further involves including or excluding the at least one driving behavior in a passenger profile for the user based on the reaction of the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: HERE GLOBAL B.V.Inventors: Jerome Beaurepaire, Aaron Rincover
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Patent number: 11345361Abstract: The vehicle control device includes an arithmetic processing circuit configured to estimate a deterioration degree of a power transmission system component provided in a power transmission path between a drive source and wheels of a vehicle. The arithmetic processing circuit is configured to execute torque limit control that reduces an upper limit value of output torque of the drive source based on a scheduled maintenance date of the vehicle after a current date and an estimated value of the deterioration degree.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shojiro Suga
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Patent number: 11332114Abstract: A vehicle control data generation method includes causing processing circuitry to execute an obtaining process that obtains a state of a vehicle and a specifying variable, an operating process that operates an electronic device, a reward calculating process that provides a greater reward when a characteristic of the vehicle meets a standard than when the characteristic does not meet the standard, and an updating process that updates relationship defining data. The update map outputs the updated relationship defining data. The reward calculating process includes a changing process that changes the reward, provided when the characteristic of the vehicle is a predetermined characteristic, such that the reward in a case where torque generated by an internal combustion engine is used to generate the propelling force of the vehicle differs from the reward in a case where the torque is not used to generate the propelling force.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2021Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yosuke Hashimoto, Akihiro Katayama, Yuta Oshiro, Kazuki Sugie, Naoya Oka
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Patent number: 11292476Abstract: Vehicles feature various forms of automated driving control, such as speed control and braking distance monitoring. However, the parameters of automated control may conflict with the user driving behaviors of the user; e.g., braking distance maintained with respect to a leading vehicle may seem overcautious to users who prefer shorter braking distances, and unsafe to users who prefer longer braking distances. Presented herein are techniques for controlling vehicles according to the user driving behaviors of users. While a user operates a vehicle in a driving context, a device monitors various driving features (e.g., acceleration or braking) to determine various user driving behaviors. When requested to control a driving feature of the vehicle, a controller may identify the user driving behaviors of the user in the driving context, and control the driving features according to the user driving behaviors, thus personalizing automated driving to the preferences of the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: INRIX Inc.Inventors: Christopher L. Scofield, Scott Sedlik
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Patent number: 11292446Abstract: A technique is described for the redundant registering of an actuation of a motor-vehicle brake system. A device which is provided for this purpose comprises a first sensor for generating a first sensor signal which indicates a movement of a mechanical input component of the brake system, and a second sensor for generating a second sensor signal which indicates a hydraulic pressure in the brake system. A processing device which is coupled to the two sensors is configured for selectively outputting an actuation signal which is generated on the basis of the first sensor signal or an actuation signal which is generated on the basis of the second sensor signal. The actuation signal indicates an actuation of the brake system.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: ZF Active Safety GmbHInventors: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Michael Keller, Kenneth Vincent
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Patent number: 11254297Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle driveline are presented. In one example, a margin torque for closing a torque converter clutch is adjusted responsive to a state of engine operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Zhengyu Dai, Daniel Colvin
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Patent number: 11225244Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for engine starting and transmission shifting where a controller may be operable to decrease a torque of a motor and operate a starter-generator (ISG) to start an engine responsive to a command to shift the transmission and start the engine. The controller may disengage a second clutch and subsequently shift the transmission to a target gear ratio speed responsive to the torque of the motor achieving zero. The controller may increase respective torques of the motor, ISG, and engine to drive a speed of the motor, ISG, and engine toward a target speed defined by the target gear speed responsive to completion of the shift. The controller may engage the second clutch responsive to the speed of the motor achieving the target speed and engage a disconnect clutch responsive to the respective speeds of the ISG and engine achieving the target speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jason Meyer, Dushyant Palejiya, Rajit Johri, Yixin Yao
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Patent number: 11204252Abstract: Embodiments relate to producing a plan of a route in a transportation system. The method receives route requirements, including a starting location and an ending location. The method builds a model of the transportation system from data about vehicles. The model abstracts a “prospect travel” between two locations using any of a range of choices of vehicles and walks that can transport between the two locations. Given anticipated wait durations for the vehicles and their ride durations, the method determines an expected minimum travel duration using any of these choices. The method combines the expectations for various locations in a scalable manner. As a result, a route plan that achieves a shortest expected travel duration, and meets other requirements, is computed for one of the largest metropolitan areas in existence today. Other embodiments include a computer system and a product service that implement the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Inventor: Grzegorz Malewicz
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Patent number: 11197135Abstract: Disclosed is a method of receiving a V2X message from a first V2X communication device by a second V2X communication device associated with a vehicle. The method of receiving a V2X message includes receiving a V2X message for providing information related to air pollution, determining whether the V2X message includes vehicle control information including information associated with at least one type of vehicle control, wherein the vehicle control information includes control mode information indicating a mode of the vehicle control, and controlling the vehicle on the basis of the control mode information if the V2X message includes the vehicle control information.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jaeho Hwang, Woosuk Ko
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Patent number: 11149626Abstract: A method of rapidly cooling a high temperature vehicle coolant is disclosed. The method includes determining a coolant temperature lowering entry condition by detecting information on the coolant temperature, an engine speed, and a gear state and determining whether the coolant temperature needs to be rapidly lowered on the basis of the detected information; and changing a number of gear stages by adjusting the number of gear stages of a transmission to be reduced to a specific number of gear stages when the coolant temperature needs to be rapidly lowered in the determining of the coolant temperature lowering entry condition, so that the cooling fan is driven by driving the fan belt through a crank damper pulley using the increased engine speed according to the reducing adjustment of the number of gear stages.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Hyundai Kefico CorporationInventors: Se Hoon Son, Nam Hoon Kim, Tae Hyun An, John Ha Lee, Seo Yeon Cho
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Patent number: 11142200Abstract: A driving assist system for a vehicle includes a sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle and having a field of sensing exterior of the equipped vehicle and forward of the equipped vehicle. A controller includes a processor operable to process data captured by the sensor. The controller, responsive at least in part to an initial speed setting of an adaptive cruise control system of the equipped vehicle, controls acceleration of the equipped vehicle. The controller, responsive at least in part to processing by the processor of data captured by the sensor, determines presence of a target vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle and determines an acceleration profile to adjust the speed of the vehicle from the current vehicle speed to a target speed. The controller adjusts the acceleration of the equipped vehicle responsive to the acceleration profile, which has smooth transitions between the initial speed setting and the target speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Christophe Albert Rene Laurent
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Patent number: 11046316Abstract: A regenerative braking control method of a hybrid vehicle may include: a vehicle condition determination operation of determining, by a controller, whether a vehicle speed and a driving mode satisfy conditions suitable for regenerative braking control of the hybrid vehicle; an accumulated count increasing operation of increasing, by the controller, an accumulated count of a reduction direction signal when the reduction direction signal is input from a two-way input device while the conditions are satisfied; an accumulated count reducing operation of reducing, by the controller, the accumulated count of the reduction direction signal depending on a count of the increase direction signal when the increase direction signal is input from the two-way input device while the conditions are satisfied; and a phased braking operation of increasing, by the controller, regenerative braking torque of a motor in phases depending on the accumulated count of the reduction direction signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sung Chan Na, Seong Hwan Cheong
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Patent number: 11041450Abstract: A vehicle control device includes an engine 10 capable of switching between reduced-cylinder operation and all-cylinder operation, an engine control mechanism that controls an engine torque, and a PCM 50 that executes vehicle posture control for generating vehicle deceleration by controlling the engine control mechanism to reduce the engine torque upon satisfaction of a condition that a vehicle is travelling and a steering angle-related value related to a steering angle of a steering device increases. In addition, this PCM 50 permits the execution of the vehicle posture control when an engine rotation speed is more than or equal to a first rotation speed Ne1 and permits the execution of the reduced-cylinder operation of the engine 10 when the engine rotation speed is more than or equal to a second rotation speed Ne2 that is more than the first rotation speed Ne1.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Daisaku Ogawa, Osamu Sunahara, Yasunori Takahara, Chikako Ohisa, Yuichiro Akiya, Atsushi Yamasaki, Keiichi Hiwatashi, Daisuke Umetsu
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Patent number: 11021157Abstract: A controller for a motor vehicle (1) has an internal combustion engine (3), a transmission (4), and a cooling device (5) with a coolant (5b) for cooling the internal combustion engine (3), wherein the controller (2) is configured to determine a target minimum rotational speed for the internal combustion engine (3) on the basis of the temperature of the internal combustion engine (3) and/or the temperature of the coolant (5b) and to determine a target gear setting on the basis of the target minimum rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Christian Jungnickel, Jens Wodausch
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Patent number: 11007880Abstract: The present invention relates to a controller for controlling at least first and second propulsion units to generate a combined torque at least substantially equal to a total requested torque. At least first and second torque ranges are determined for each of the at least first and second propulsion units. The at least first and second torque ranges are determined to maintain dynamic stability of the vehicle. A total power cost is determined in dependence on an estimated power loss of the at least first and second propulsion units within said at least first and second torque ranges and a minimum value of the determined total power cost identified. The torque to be generated by each of said at least first and second propulsion units corresponding to the identified minimum value of the total power cost is determined. At least first and second control signals are generated to control said at least first and second propulsion units to generate the determined torque.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: Alex Plianos, Matthew Hancock, Marco D'Amato, Minsuk Shin
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Patent number: 10994738Abstract: A method for operating an engine of a vehicle, in which after an execution of an automated gear change of a transmission of the vehicle, an acceleration force for accelerating the vehicle is requested when a force value representing a present drive force of the engine is in a tolerance band around a reference value determined before the gear change and a request signal for the acceleration force exists.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2020Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Schultz, Benjamin Pfeil, Leo Michels, Thomas Brettschneider
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Patent number: 10982603Abstract: A method for controlling a motor of a vehicle and the vehicle are presented. The vehicle includes the motor, a control unit, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and a belt looped around the primary and secondary pulleys, the belt transmitting torque between the primary and secondary pulleys and at least one ground engaging member operatively connected to the secondary pulley. The method is performed at least in part by the control unit. The method comprises determining a CVT ratio of the CVT; determining a current power output of the motor; determining a power boundary based in part on the CVT ratio; determining, when the current power output of the motor is greater than the power boundary, a torque setting based at least in part on the CVT ratio; and controlling the motor to operate under conditions corresponding to the torque setting.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventor: Jean-Philippe Houle
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Patent number: 10955844Abstract: A server apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of vehicles each of which carries a vibration control apparatus for attenuating vibration by adjusting a parameter that affects a predetermined acceleration so that the predetermined acceleration approaches a target acceleration is disclosed. The server apparatus acquires traveling data including a magnitude of the predetermined acceleration generated in each of the vehicles and the target acceleration set for the vehicle every time when each of the vehicles travels on each of sections of a previously divided road, and accumulates the acquired traveling data while being correlated with section identification information. Then, the server apparatus sets the target acceleration which is adequate for each of the vehicles to travel on a scheduled traveling section on the basis of the accumulated traveling data, and transmits the set target acceleration to the vehicle scheduled to travel on the scheduled traveling section.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso CorporationInventors: Naoki Yamamuro, Shinichi Adachi, Ryo Hattori, Taichi Amakasu, Keigo Hiruma
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Patent number: 10941855Abstract: A controller performs control in a vehicle having a planetary gear mechanism, a forward clutch, an engine rotation sensor. a PRI rotation sensor, and a rotation sensor. The controller determines a rotation direction of a primary pulley corresponding to a rotation direction of a carrier on the basis of a rotation speed corresponding to a rotation speed of a sun gear, a rotation speed corresponding to a rotation speed of the carrier C, and a rotation speed of a ring gear, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Seiya Kitagawa
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Patent number: 10940850Abstract: Methods and systems are described for conserving energy used by an energy consuming device. In certain embodiments, an energy conservation system can be configured to deliver energy to the energy consuming device for a period, followed by a period where energy delivery is dampened and/or cut. By cycling the delivery of energy in this fashion, the energy conservation can achieve a pulsed efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: FUEL SAVING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey N. Yu, James W. Hill, Gregory W. Davis
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Patent number: 10920874Abstract: An electronic control unit of a vehicle recognizes a shift position based on a user's shift operation and controls a drive device based on the shift position, and an accelerator operation, a brake operation, and a steering operation by the user. When a predetermined abnormality that the shift position is not able to be recognized has occurred, the electronic control unit sets an abnormality-time shift position based on vehicle surroundings information and controls the drive device based on the abnormality-time shift position, the brake operation, and the steering operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shinichiro Minegishi, Shigeru Chiba
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Patent number: 10906581Abstract: Technical solutions are described herein for steer-by-wire (SBW) steering systems to detect a rack-limiting condition and generate feedback signal that can provide responsive handwheel torque for a driver. According to one or more embodiments the steer-by-wire steering system includes a processor that receives input signals comprising a handwheel velocity signal and a vehicle speed signal. The processor determines a simulated left end stop position of a rack based on the input signals, and a simulated right end stop position of a rack based on the input signals. The processor compares a rack position with the simulated left end stop position and the simulated right end stop position. The processor generates a feedback signal based on a determination that the rack position is not within a range bound by the left end stop position and the right end stop position.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Scott T. Stanford, Kai Zheng
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Patent number: 10906547Abstract: A method can include: detecting a distance between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle and a current speed of the preceding vehicle; calculating a relative speed of the host vehicle with respect to the preceding vehicle based on a current speed of the host vehicle and the detected current speed of the preceding vehicle; determining whether to activate an engine idle sailing (EIS) function, in which a driving gear of the host vehicle shifts to neutral, based on the relative speed of the host vehicle with respect to the preceding vehicle and the detected distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle; and in response to determining to activate the EIS function of the host vehicle, controlling operation of the host vehicle so as to activate the EIS function of the host vehicle, causing the driving gear of the host vehicle to shift to neutral.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jason Hoon Lee, Sejun Kim, Byungho Lee, Jaihyun Lee, Kwangwoo Jeong, Sanghoon Yoo
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Patent number: 10899225Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a first calculator configured to calculate a first operation amount, a second calculator configured to calculate a second operation amount, and a controller configured to cause the operation amount of one driving force control to be changed to zero in a predetermined time, causes the operation amount of the other driving force control to be increased to a target operation amount in the predetermined time, and controls a driving force of the vehicle on the basis of the operation amount of one driving force control and the operation amount of the other driving force control during the predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takayuki Kishi, Satoshi Hanyu
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Patent number: 10895237Abstract: An electric starter system is disclosed for use with an engine having a flywheel. The electric starter system includes a pinion gear and a solenoid device coupled to the pinion gear. The solenoid device is movable between a pre-engaged position when the pinion gear is moved into engagement with the flywheel and a disengaged position when the pinion gear is disengaged from the flywheel. A brushless starter motor is selectively connectable to the flywheel of the engine via the pinion gear during a requested engine start event. A latch mechanism is selectively engageable with the solenoid device. The latch mechanism is moveable between a latched position in which the solenoid device is mechanically held in the pre-engaged position and an unlatched position in which the solenoid device is released for movement to the disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Lei Hao, Chandra S. Namuduri
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Patent number: 10865877Abstract: A system includes a powertrain system including a transmission, and a controller coupled to the powertrain system. The controller is structured to: receive operation data regarding operation of the powertrain system; determine the powertrain system is operating in a non-nominal state responsive to the operation data; adjust a shift schedule for the transmission based on the determined non-nominal state; and control the transmission based on the adjusted shift schedule.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Cummins, Inc.Inventor: Vivek A. Sujan
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Patent number: 10858003Abstract: A vehicle transmission system may include an engine outputting power from fuel combustion, a transmission coupled to the engine and including at least one clutch to control torque input from the engine, an supercharger compressing an intake air and supplying the compressed intake air to the engine, and a control unit, where, when a predetermined acceleration condition is satisfied, the control unit is configured to operate the supercharger and to control the transmission according to a transmission clutch stroke operation map corresponding to the operation of the electric supercharger, to vary an engagement speed of the clutch when the supercharger is operated.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sueng Ho Lee, Woochurl Son, Dong Hee Han, Yong Woo Shin, Jin San Kim, Chong Tae Yang, Choung Wan Son, Young Chan Gweon, Kijong Park, Young Chul Jeong, Dong Hyup Kang, Jihun Lee, Yeongseop Park, Cheol Ho Jang, Jihwan Byun, Wootae Kim, Jung Woo Kim, Han Ki Hong, Ki Been Lim, Changgi Yeo, Hwangbok Lee, Hwan Hur, Woo Jin Chang, Nag Geun Song, Bo Hee Lee
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Patent number: 10793092Abstract: In one aspect, a system and method allow for various pairs of candidate gear ratios and engine speeds to be identified for achieving a desired ground speed of a work vehicle. The individual operating efficiencies of one or more of the power-consuming components of the work vehicle may then be analyzed for each pair of transmission/engine settings to estimate the associated parasitic power loss(es) within the system. Based on the parasitic power loss value determined for each transmission/engine setting, a net engine power or torque requirement can be calculated and used as an input for determining the fuel efficiency of the work vehicle at each candidate setting. The gear ratio and corresponding engine speed of the candidate setting associated with the lowest fuel consumption may then be set as the target or desired transmission/engine setting for maintaining the work vehicle at the desired ground speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Ashraf Omran, Brian A. Hartman, Rowland J. Milburn, Jr., Rajeshwar Adupala, Ivan Tate
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Patent number: 10781912Abstract: A system and method of controlling the operation of a transmission using fuel consumption data. The system and method includes controlling the operation of a vehicle transmission which is operatively connected to an engine having operating characteristics and operatively connected to a transmission control module having access to a memory. Fuel consumption data for an engine is converted to engine efficiency loss data representative of the engine operating. A set of equations is determined to provide a pattern representative of the operating characteristics the engine. A transmission controller using the pattern determines a prospective operating condition of the transmission to provide fuel efficient operation of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.Inventors: Jessica Anderson, John A. Byerly
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Patent number: 10773710Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a manual transmission are presented. In one example, a controller enters and exits a vehicle drive mode that is included in a plurality of vehicle drive modes in response to a clutch pedal being applied or released by a human vehicle operator. The vehicle drive modes include series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and electric vehicle only mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Kevin Ruybal
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Patent number: 10759409Abstract: A control system and method for a hybrid vehicle involve controlling a hybrid powertrain comprising an engine and a transmission having one or more electric motors and not comprising a decoupling mechanism therebetween, detecting an operating condition where the transmission is in neutral and the vehicle is moving at a speed less than a low speed threshold, and in response to detecting the operating condition: determining a desired propulsive torque of the powertrain, determining an actual propulsive torque at the driveline, calculating a torque difference between the actual and desired propulsive torques over a period, comparing the calculated torque difference to a first movement threshold, and when the calculated torque difference exceeds the first movement threshold, applying an electric parking brake (EPB) of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: FCA US LLCInventors: Behrouz Ashrafi, Feisel F Weslati, Sathya Manivasagam
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Patent number: 10683010Abstract: In a four-wheel-drive vehicle having auxiliary drive wheels to which power of a drive power source is transmitted via a transmission member, in which connecting/disconnecting devices are provided between the drive power source and the transmission member and between the transmission member and the auxiliary drive wheels such that one of the connecting/disconnecting devices is a friction engagement clutch while the other is a dog clutch, when switching from two-wheel-drive running mode in which both the clutches are disconnected to four-wheel-drive running mode, an acceleration/deceleration adaptive synchronization portion sets an allowable deceleration based on a vehicle acceleration/deceleration and controls an engagement torque of the friction engagement clutch to make the deceleration of the vehicle equal to the allowable deceleration when the rotation speed of the transmission member is increased.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akinori Takahashi, Terumichi Asai
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Patent number: 10677268Abstract: In a construction machine with a hydraulic pilot type hydraulic control device, occurrence of jerking is prevented. A hydraulic excavator 1 having hydraulic pumps 51L and 51R, travel motors 22L and 22R, traveling operating levers 34L and 34R, a pilot pump 54, hydraulic pilot valves 55La, 55Lb, 55Ra, and 55Rb, and directional control valves 53L and 53R includes: changeover switches 35L and 35R which change the operating mode of the traveling operating levers 34L and 34R; pilot pressure adjusting devices 5L and 5R which adjust the pilot pressure applied to the directional control valves 53L and 53R; and pilot pressure sensors 56La, 56Lb, 56Ra, and 56Rb. The pilot pressure adjusting devices apply the pilot pressure at the time when the operating mode of the traveling operating levers 34L and 34R is changed to a control mode, to the directional control valves 53L and 53R.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daiki Itou, Akihiro Narazaki, Katsuaki Kodaka
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Patent number: 10632996Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enhancing reverse driving torque in a powersplit hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. In one example, a method may include accelerating an engine via a generator functioning as a motor, any number of times, to provide an engine braking torque that may increase a reverse driving torque to enable the vehicle to be propelled in reverse at a vehicle speed above a threshold vehicle speed. In this way, reverse gradability may be improved and customer satisfaction increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Craig Lechlitner, Kenneth Frederick, Floyd Cadwell
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Patent number: 10611359Abstract: Methods and controllers for coordinating firing fraction transitions that occur in conjunction with transmission shifts are described. In some embodiments, when a transmission shift to a target gear is expected, a target firing fraction is determined that is desired for use after the shift has completed. In selected circumstances, the change to the target firing fraction is initiated prior to the shift to the target gear. The transition to the target firing fraction preferably completes before an inertia/speed phase of the shift. In other embodiments, the engine transitions to all cylinder operation or other suitable transitional firing fraction in response to an expected transmission shift. After the shift completes, a transition is made to a target firing fraction. The described approaches are well suited for use during skip fire or other cylinder output level modulation operation of the engine and are particularly beneficial during up-shifts.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Xiaoping Cai, Louis J. Serrano, Andrew W. Phillips
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Patent number: 10569780Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting powertrain torque in a vehicle based on driver intent. Driver intent is inferred based on foot motion inside a foot well monitored via a foot well region sensor and changes in clearance outside the vehicle monitored via a range sensor. By adjusting powertrain torque based on operator foot motion and traffic movements outside the vehicle, frequency of lash transitions can be reduced and lash transition initiation can be adjusted based on expected changes in torque demand.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
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Patent number: 10539229Abstract: An engagement operation of a dog clutch is carried out while an engagement operation of a second clutch is being carried out, that is, during a situation that an uplock is hard to occur because of a phase shift generated between meshing counterpart members of the dog clutch. Thus, the dog clutch is easily engaged, and it is possible to facilitate preparation for transmission of power through a first power transmission path. If the dog clutch is not engaged, the second clutch is engaged and a second power transmission path is established, so it is possible to start moving a vehicle by transmitting power through the second power transmission path. Thus, when the dog clutch is in a non-engaged state at the time of an N-to-D shift during a stop of the vehicle, it is possible to ensure the startability of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Daisuke Inoue, Akihide Ito, Kazuya Sakamoto, Hiroki Kondo, Mitsuhiro Fukao, Kenji Matsuo
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Patent number: 10526934Abstract: A friction loss management system for an engine, comprises a combustion engine comprising a crankshaft and a plurality of cylinders, a reciprocating piston assembly connected to the crankshaft, a fuel injector connected to an injection controller, an intake valve connected to an intake valve controller, and an exhaust valve connected to an exhaust valve controller. A control unit comprises at least one set of control algorithms configured to receive engine power demand data, and determine a number of cylinders of the plurality of cylinders for deactivation based on the received engine power demand data and further based on sensed or stored friction values for the plurality of cylinders. Determining the number of cylinders of for deactivation minimizes friction between the plurality of cylinders and their respective reciprocating piston assembly by selecting a cylinder combination of active cylinders and deactivated cylinders with the lowest total friction while meeting engine power demand.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: James E McCarthy, Jr., Douglas J Nielsen, Christian Cousin
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Patent number: 10513266Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling a vehicle including a drive motor are provided. The apparatus includes a data detector that detects a driving information including a vehicle speed, a position value of a brake pedal and a drive motor speed and a drive motor that generates a driving torque for driving the vehicle and selectively operates as a generator. A controller then determines a braking mode based on the driving information and adjusts a shift completion timing in accordance with the braking mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Gwang Il Du, Teh Hwan Cho, Hye Kil Hwang, Seong Ik Park, Jee Wook Huh
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Patent number: 10507830Abstract: A speed control system for automatically controlling the speed of a vehicle. The system operates according to a method that includes: causing automatically a vehicle to travel at a predetermined speed value at least in part by controlling an amount of torque applied to one or more wheels of a vehicle; determining a recommended transmission gear ratio for a transmission of the powertrain at a given moment in time; providing an indication of the recommended transmission gear ratio to a user; and receiving a clutch actuation signal indicative of an actuation state of a clutch that is configured to connect the transmission to a torque drive source. The system is configured automatically to control a speed of the torque drive source to achieve a speed determined in dependence at least in part on at least one predetermined parameter when a predetermined one or more conditions are met.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: James Kelly, Andrew Fairgrieve
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Patent number: 10495221Abstract: A control device for a vehicle controlling the vehicle including a driving source and an automatic transmission coupled to the driving source and includes a power transmission mechanism including a forward engaging element. The control device for the vehicle includes a first control unit configured to execute a driving-source-stop-while-traveling control that stops the driving source and brings the automatic transmission into a neutral state when a driving-source-stop-while-traveling condition for stopping the driving source while traveling is satisfied and a second control unit configured to engage the forward engaging element on the basis of input and output rotation speeds of the power transmission mechanism after a driving-source-stop-while-traveling cancellation condition is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshimasa Nishihiro, Masayoshi Nakasaki, Naoki Kobayashi, Yusuke Oota, Shintaro Ohshio
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Patent number: 10486686Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission are described. In one example, values of an engine spark to engine torque relationship are adjusted to improve engine torque control. The engine is subsequently operated responsive to adjusted values of the engine spark to engine torque relationship.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jason Meyer, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Kevin Ray Ruybal
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Patent number: 10479365Abstract: An electronic control unit controls a motor so that a torque applied to an input shaft does not exceed an upper limit torque. The electronic control unit sets so as to restrict the upper limit torque from a first torque to a second torque smaller than the first torque, and then return the upper limit torque to the first torque more gradually when a first condition that a driver is assumed to have felt a decrease in driving force output to driving wheels is met before the upper limit torque is returned than when the first condition is not met.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukimasa Nishimura, Yoshizo Akita, Tadaaki Watanabe
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Patent number: 10480645Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic gearbox for a motor vehicle having at least two different drive train states. The method includes: determining minimum deceleration force requirement that needs to be achieved by the drive train state depending on speed of the vehicle, longitudinal acceleration, and resistive forces experienced by the vehicle, then taking a decision to authorize or prohibit the drive train state for which the minimum deceleration force requirement has been calculated depending on the deceleration force setpoint, the current drive chain state, and the minimum force achievable by the drive train state in question.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventors: Florent Le-Cam, Frederic Roudeau, Aurelien Lefevre
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Patent number: 10457291Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain and a controller. The powertrain includes a powerplant. The controller is programmed to, responsive to a tip-in resulting in a powertrain torque direction reversal and upon obtaining a base value of a desired powertrain lash angle, adjust a powerplant torque schedule. The controller is then subsequently programmed to adjust the desired powertrain lash angle from the base to an adjusted value based on an observed powertrain lash angle that corresponds to a maximum powertrain acceleration during the tip-in.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mary Catherine Farmer, Dennis Craig Reed, Peter Douglas Kuechler, Terry Gene Feldpausch, Mitchell Thomas Fink
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Patent number: 10449949Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes: a transmission shifting control portion configured to implement a shifting action of a step-variable transmission, by controlling a releasing action of a releasing coupling device and an engaging action of an engaging coupling device; a torque control portion configured, during the shifting action of the step-variable transmission, to implement a feedback control to control an input torque inputted to the step-variable transmission, such that a value representing a state of a rotary motion of an input rotary member of the step-variable transmission coincides with a target value dependent on a degree of progress of the shifting action; and a backup control portion configured, when it is determined that the drive wheels are slipped, to inhibit the feedback control, and to compensate a transmitted torque to be transmitted through an initiative coupling device, such that the shifting action is facilitated by compensation of the transmitted torque.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Masato Yoshikawa, Masayuki Baba, Takeshi Kitahata
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Patent number: 10424136Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately estimating the transfer torque of an engine clutch provided between an engine and a motor in a hybrid electric vehicle, may include a forward estimation device configured for determining a first estimate of engine clutch transfer torque using engine torque information, a reverse estimation device configured for determining a second estimate of the engine clutch transfer torque using a drive system model including wheels, a transmission, and a motor and using wheel speed information, a weight determination device configured for determining a weight based on brake input by a driver and whether predetermined devices in the vehicle are operated, and an estimate combination determination device configured for determining a final estimate of the engine clutch transfer torque as a value combined by applying a weight to the determined first estimate and the determined second estimate.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Ji Won Oh, Young Joon Chang, Jeong Soo Eo, Youn Kwang Jung, Sung Jae Kim
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Patent number: 10417723Abstract: A method and a system are provided for identifying one or more locations for placement of one or more replenishment stations for one or more vehicles. The method comprises receiving a historical demand data at a plurality of existing replenishment stations within a pre-defined area. The method identifies one or more point of interest locations within the pre-defined area based on a map data. Further, the method receives traffic information between a plurality of road intersections within the pre-defined area. Based on an aggregation of a first demand prediction, a second demand prediction, and a third demand prediction, the method predicts a replenishment demand at a plurality of locations. The method further identifies the one or more locations from the plurality of locations for placement of the one or more replenishment stations based on the predicted replenishment demand at the plurality of locations and a pre-defined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Conduent Business Services, LLCInventors: Abhishek Tripathi, Skanda Vasudevan, Alefiya Lightwala, Arpita Biswas, Partha Dutta