Control Of Engine Torque Patents (Class 701/84)
  • Patent number: 8175785
    Abstract: A system and related operating method for performance launch control of a vehicle begins by receiving a user-selected driving condition setting that is indicative of road conditions. The method also collects real-time vehicle status data during operation of the vehicle, and derives a target wheel slip profile from the user-selected driving condition setting and the real-time vehicle status data. The actual propulsion system torque of the vehicle is limited using the target wheel slip profile, resulting in improved performance for standstill launches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Turski, Kevin A. O'Dea, Eric E. Krueger
  • Patent number: 8170764
    Abstract: A method to control a powertrain including a transmission, an engine, and an electric machine includes monitoring an input speed, monitoring an output speed, upon initiation of a transmission shift, determining a plurality of input acceleration profiles for controlling the engine and electric machine during the shift, identifying an input acceleration constraint affecting one of the input acceleration profiles, reprofiling the input acceleration profiles based upon the identified input acceleration constraint, and controlling operation of the engine and electric machine based upon the reprofiled input acceleration profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 8160796
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a driver axle torque request module (DATRM) and a driver axle torque security module (DATSM). The DATRM determines a pedal torque request based on minimum and maximum scaling torques and a torque scalar. The DATRM determines a raw driver torque request. The DATRM selectively shapes raw driver torque request into a final driver torque request. The DATRM converts the final driver torque request into a first axle torque request. The DATSM selectively diagnoses a fault in the first axle torque request based on a minimum engine torque, the minimum scaling torque, a first comparison of the final driver torque request and the redundant final driver torque request, and a second comparison of the first axle torque request and a redundant axle torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph M. Stempnik, Ronald W. Van Diepen, Jinchun Peng, Mark H. Costin, Bryan D Lehman, Xuehan Kong, Jonathan Packard
  • Patent number: 8135530
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of: if brake hold control is currently exerted , setting at zero a controlled value of a degree of operation of an accelerator pedal used as a controlled value of a degree of a request made by a driver for acceleration, to control a force output to drive the vehicle; if an actual value of the degree of operation of the accelerator pedal serving as an actual value of the degree of the request made by the driver for acceleration is larger than a predetermined degree, determining that there is a request from the driver for acceleration; outputting a command to cancel the brake hold control; and converging the controlled value of the degree of operation of the accelerator pedal to the actual value of the degree of operation of the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Yu Nakao
  • Patent number: 8131430
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a device for controlling negative torque having a central control unit; an internal combustion engine; a device for braking the wheels; an input for a resistive torque; at least one element with negative torque (generator, alternator, air conditioning compressor, lighting); and at least one device for regulating each element. The central control unit controls each regulating device in order to meet the resistive torque demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Bruno Lecointre, Emmanuel Lannelongue
  • Patent number: 8126609
    Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system calculates a risk potential indicative of a degree of convergence between a host vehicle and a preceding obstacle. Then, the system performs a driver notification operation that produces a driver notification stimulus based on the risk potential such as decreasing the driving force exerted against the vehicle as the risk potential increases and increasing an actuation reaction force exerted on the accelerator pedal during its operation as the risk potential increases. If a failure is detected in a reaction force generating device serving to add a reaction force to the accelerator pedal in accordance with the risk potential, then the system corrects an engine torque characteristic such that the engine torque does not increase even if the accelerator pedal is depressed to suppress an odd feeling in the vehicle performance by the driver when a failure occurs in the reaction force generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kimura, Yosuke Kobayashi, Yukinori Nishida
  • Patent number: 8108125
    Abstract: Engine surge includes oscillations in engine torque resulting in bucking or jerking motion of a vehicle that may degrade driver experience. The present application relates to increasing reformate entering an example engine cylinder in response to engine surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone
  • Patent number: 8086329
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of controlling a device having a calibration process. The calibration process has a partial calibration routine and a calibration routine. A detector within the control system is capable of receiving one or more input signals and determining whether a partial calibration or calibration should occur. The first step in the process involves starting the control method where the detector receives input signals or generates it own data within the detector. The detector also determines whether a partial calibration routine or a calibration routine will take place based upon the value of the input signals received. A partial calibration routine will be performed if the input signals to the detector do not favor a calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Keefover, Joseph Labataille
  • Patent number: 8078338
    Abstract: System and method for behavior based control of an autonomous vehicle. Actuators (e.g., linkages) manipulate input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle lever, steering gear, tie rods, throttle, brake, accelerator, or transmission shifter) to direct the operation of the vehicle. Behaviors that characterize the operational mode of the vehicle are associated with the actuators. The behaviors include action sets ranked by priority, and the action sets include alternative actions that the vehicle can take to accomplish its task. The alternative actions are ranked by preference, and an arbiter selects the action to be performed and, optionally, modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Todd Pack, James Allard, David S. Barrett, Misha Filippov, Selma Svendsen
  • Patent number: 8073604
    Abstract: A method protects a starting clutch. The method generates an estimated equivalent temperature of the starting clutch and performs an operation for protecting the starting clutch if the estimated temperature exceeds critical temperature, in order to prevent the burnout of the starting clutch caused by excessive slip under severe conditions. A system implementing the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donghwan Hwang, Youngmin Yoon
  • Patent number: 8068976
    Abstract: A coaxial two-wheel vehicle comprises a detection means that obtains get-on/off information indicating whether an occupant is on the vehicle or not. In the coaxial two-wheel vehicle, a control means performs attitude control by using a control gain set with respect to an occupied state is used if the control means determines that the vehicle is in the occupied state. The control means performs attitude control by using a control gain set with respect to an unoccupied state is used if the control means determines that the vehicle is in the unoccupied state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Kosaka
  • Patent number: 8055425
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the amount of torque generated by at least one torque generating device in a vehicle is provided. A vehicle layer transmits arbitrated torque request signals indicative of first and second amounts of torque and at least one torque reservation request signal indicative of whether the vehicle is in an anticipated vehicle dynamic state or in a non-anticipated vehicle dynamic state. A coordination layer controls the torque generating device to generate the first amount of torque in response to the arbitrated torque request signal and the torque reservation request signal indicating that the vehicle is in the non-anticipated vehicle dynamic state. The coordination layer controls torque generating device to generate the second amount of torque in response to the arbitrated torque request signal and the torque reservation request signal indicating that the vehicle is in the anticipated vehicle dynamic state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Deepak Aswani, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Deepa Ramaswamy, Anthony David Tsakiris, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Patent number: 8050841
    Abstract: An air-per-cylinder (APC) security system for a vehicle comprises an APC determination module, an APC threshold determination module, and an APC diagnostic module. The APC determination module determines first and second APC values for first and second cylinders of an engine, respectively, based on mass airflow (MAF) into the engine. The APC threshold determination module determines an APC threshold based on the first APC value and a spark timing for the first cylinder. The APC diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in the APC determination module when the second APC value is greater than a sum of the first APC value and the APC threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Mark H. Costin, Timothy J. Hartrey, Layne K. Wiggins, Bryan D. Lehman, Roberto De Paula, Joseph M. Stempnik
  • Patent number: 8050832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the rotational speed of the main shaft (3) of a transmission in which the main shaft (3) is connected to an output shaft (4) via a shiftable planetary gear (17), whereby the main shaft (3) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the sun gear (18) and the output shaft (4) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the planet carrier (20). The steps of the method are picking up the rotational speed (nHohlrad) of the ring gear (22), picking up the rotational speed (nAbtrieb) of the output shaft or the planet carrier (20), and computing the rotational speed (nHauptwelle) of the main shaft (3) from the rotational speed (nHohlrad) of the ring gear and the rotational speed (nAbtrieb) of the output shaft or the planet carrier (20). The present invention further relates to a transmission having a rotational speed pickup device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Kim Fuhrer, Thomas Puth, Frank Gessler
  • Patent number: 8019498
    Abstract: An instruction value conversion section (31) of an operation target calculation section (30) converts an instruction signal from a joystick (25). In order to obtain a movement mode of a ship intended by an operator, a target propeller speed calculation section (32) calculates, using each converted value, target rotation speed of right and left propellers (13) and the propeller (14b) of a thruster (14). At a main engine operation control section (40), a slip rate determination section (41) calculates the slip rate U of a clutch mechanism (120) of a marine gear (12) in order to rotate the propellers (13) at the target rotation speed. A drive control section (42) controls operation of the main engine (11) and the clutch mechanism (120). Further, in a thruster operation control section (50), a drive control section (52) controls drive of the propeller (14b) in the rotational direction determined by an operation determining section (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayoshi Yamazaki, Atsuyuki Tsuzuki, Kouichi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 8010260
    Abstract: An engine control device detects the state of work of a working vehicle such as a construction machine or the like, and controls the power output capacity of an engine automatically. A determination is made as to whether excavation or uphill traveling is being performed, based upon the detection signals from a hydraulic oil pressure detector for a hydraulic cylinder of an arm, detectors for arm and bucket operation commands, a shift operation detector for a transmission, a pitch angle detector for the vehicle body, a traveling acceleration detector, and an accelerator opening degree detector. When the result of this determination is that excavation or uphill traveling is being performed, the engine is controlled to operate at a high power capacity, while at other times it is controlled to operate at a low power output capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Toda
  • Patent number: 8010272
    Abstract: A driving force control system includes an internal combustion engine model (1000) represented by a model linearized while including a first-order lag component, a calculator (2000) calculating deviation between target engine torque and estimated engine torque, a delay compensator (3000) compensating for response delay based on the deviation, and an adder (4000) calculating an engine controlled variable by adding delay-compensated deviation to the target engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Masato Kaigawa
  • Patent number: 8010270
    Abstract: An ECU releases brake hold control when an actual accelerator pedal position A exceeds a predetermined position A(0) while the brake hold control is being executed. Further, the ECU determines whether or not the actual accelerator pedal position A is larger than a position A(1), which is a value smaller than the predetermined position A(0), and if it is larger than the predetermined position A(1), executes a process for increasing a creep torque reflection ratio R to recover creep force that has been stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Kenji Oonishi
  • Patent number: 7996138
    Abstract: In a control unit for operating a vehicle drive, and to a method for operating the control unit. An upper bound is imposed on the final desired torque output by the control unit with a limiting torque dependent on the measured/manipulated variables of the accelerator pedal value sensor, when the detected vehicle speed lies below a starting limiting speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Lothar Rehm, Juergen Schenk, Hans-Christoph Wolf
  • Patent number: 7996139
    Abstract: During a starting operation or a low-speed drive of a vehicle on a slope, the drive control of the invention sets a gradient-corresponding rotation speed N? as a rotation speed of an engine to output a required driving force against a longitudinal vehicle gradient ?fr (step S110), and sequentially sets a low-?-road correction rotation speed Nlow upon identification of a low-?-road drive condition, a vehicle speed difference-compensating rotation speed Nv based on a vehicle speed V, and a brake-based correction rotation speed Nb based on a brake pressure Pb (steps S120 through S250). The drive control sets a target engine rotation speed Ne* based on these settings (step S260) and subsequently sets a target throttle opening THtag (step S270). The operation of the engine is controlled with the greater between the target throttle opening THtag and a required throttle opening THreq corresponding to an accelerator opening Acc (step S290).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Okuda, Mitsuhiro Tabata, Hiroshi Sato
  • Patent number: 7987035
    Abstract: An engine management system and a method of operating the same within a vehicle. The system uses a plurality of software modules one of which communicates with the vehicle engine to communicate information and additionally communicates with at least one other software module that provides information regarding auxiliary device operations and parameters such that the first software module produces an input torque curve signal for the vehicle engine. Additionally, secondary software modules are able to provide reduced power requirements signals to a plurality of auxiliary devices in order to ensure optimum fuel economy and noise reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Nelson, Jeremy E. Nack
  • Patent number: 7979191
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a starting process of a motor vehicle, having a drive train including a driving motor, a torque transfer system and a transmission, a controller and an actuator, which is controlled by the controller for actuating the torque transfer system. Upon initiation of the starting process, if it is observed that the motor vehicle does not start, despite a clear starting request, appropriate measures for starting the motor vehicle are initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rupert Kramer, Peter Herter, Ingo Sauter
  • Patent number: 7979183
    Abstract: An engine control device detects the state of work of a working vehicle such as a construction machine or the like, and controls the power output capacity of an engine automatically. A determination is made as to whether excavation or uphill traveling is being performed, based upon the detection signals from a hydraulic oil pressure detector for a hydraulic cylinder of an arm, detectors for arm and bucket operation commands, a shift operation detector for a transmission, a pitch angle detector for the vehicle body, a traveling acceleration detector, and an accelerator opening degree detector. When the result of this determination is that excavation or uphill traveling is being performed, the engine is controlled to operate at a high power capacity, while at other times it is controlled to operate at a low power output capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Toda
  • Patent number: 7973500
    Abstract: A normal revolution number calculation unit calculates a normal revolution number of a driving motor generator in every control period, based on a signal from a rotational position sensor. A moving average calculation unit calculates a moving average revolution number of the normal revolution number given in every control period. A predicted revolution number calculation unit determines whether or not the revolution number of the motor generator is in an increasing state, from the locus of the moving average revolution number. Determining that the revolution number of the motor generator is in the increasing state, the predicted revolution number calculation unit calculates a predicted revolution number based on respective moving average revolution numbers in the present and preceding control periods. The calculated predicted revolution number is set to be used as a control revolution number and output to a motor control unit and a torque command calculation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaishi
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Hideaki Saida, Takuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7970524
    Abstract: In a method for monitoring a function computer in a control unit which controls the generation of torque by an internal combustion engine, a maximum acceptable torque value is determined from a driver request. A torque actual value is determined from operational characteristic variables of the internal combustion engine and is compared with the maximum acceptable value. The air supply is limited when there is an unacceptably large actual value. The method is distinguished by the fact that the limitation takes place when a fault counter reading exceeds a threshold value. The fault counter reading is increased if the torque actual value is higher than the maximum acceptable torque value and is reduced by a predetermined value if the torque actual value is lower than the maximum acceptable value. In addition, a control unit which is configured to carry out the method is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Thomas Gruenter
  • Patent number: 7966117
    Abstract: A method for controlling rotation speed of at least one rotary element in the driveline of a vehicle is provided. At least one operating parameter is detected repeatedly, which operating parameter corresponds to an actual value of a torque in the driveline, which is delivered to the rotary element. A desired value of a torque to the rotary element is determined on the basis of friction against the ground of at least one of the ground engagement elements of the vehicle, which ground engagement element is driven via the rotary element. The rotation speed of the rotary element is controlled so that the actual value moves toward the desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Karl Erik Olsson
  • Patent number: 7966113
    Abstract: A vehicle stability system for a vehicle. In an embodiment the vehicle stability system includes a yaw rate sensor, an acceleration sensor, a steering sensor, a torque request sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an output of the yaw rate sensor, the lateral acceleration sensor, the steering sensor, and the torque request sensor, generate a torque signal and a braking signal, and transmit the torque signal to a differential in addition to transmitting the braking signal to a braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kroehnert, Siegfried Jauch, Flavio Nardi, Andris Samsons, Vaughan Scott
  • Patent number: 7957870
    Abstract: A torque distribution system is provided for a vehicle that uses a planetary gear set, an electric motor, and a torque-transmitting mechanism to control a torque difference between two axially-aligned wheels on a vehicle. The torque distribution system includes a planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. The torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engagable to connect the first and second members of the planetary gear set for common rotation. The second and third members of the planetary gear set are continuously operatively connected with the first and second rotatable connecting elements, respectively. The motor is continuously connected with the first member of the planetary gear set such that the motor adds or subtracts torque to the first member when the motor is energized and also adds or subtracts torque to the second member when the motor is energized and the torque-transmitting mechanism is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 7949451
    Abstract: A powertrain manager executes a program including the steps of: reading an instruction gear ratio kgear(1) for transmission control; calculating an actual gear ratio kgear(2); determining that failure of an automatic transmission has occurred on a low gear side if relation of kgear(1)<{kgear(2)/?} or kgear(1)<{kgear(2)??} is satisfied; and substituting larger one of kgear(1) and kgear(2) into a gear ratio for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Masato Kaigawa
  • Patent number: 7949456
    Abstract: A turning control apparatus for a vehicle that improves turning ability while avoiding degradation of acceleration ability is provided. The turning control apparatus comprises: a driving torque controller (31) for adjusting driving torque between a left and right wheels (14L and 14R); a unit (62) for calculating a necessary yaw momentum value indicating degree of necessary yaw momentum for the turning of the vehicle; and a clipping unit (63) for clipping the necessary yaw momentum value as a target yaw momentum at a maximum yaw momentum value, which is defined according to difference between rotation speeds of inside and outside wheels, if the necessary yaw momentum value is over the maximum yaw momentum value. The controller adjusts driving torque of the left and right wheels to generate target yaw momentum at the vehicle corresponding to the target yaw momentum value obtained by the clipping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takami Miura
  • Patent number: 7945367
    Abstract: A travel device includes an attitude detector that detects attitude information of a main body, a vehicle velocity detector that detects a vehicle velocity, a pseudo-attitude command generator that generates a pseudo-attitude information command of the main body based on the detected attitude information, the detected vehicle velocity, an input attitude information command and an input vehicle velocity command when accelerating or decelerating a vehicle, and an attitude controller that performs attitude control in such a way that the attitude information detected by the attitude detector follows the pseudo-attitude information command of the main body generated by the pseudo-attitude command generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Kosaka
  • Patent number: 7942127
    Abstract: A system and method are described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. In one example, the method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting dilution in the combustion chamber of the engine to reduce surge in response to the vehicle acceleration. The dilution may be adjusted by adjusting cam timing, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Eric Tseng, Davor David Hrovat, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Diana Yanakiev
  • Publication number: 20110106390
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine (101) with an exhaust gas purification device (102) located in the exhaust gas line, characterized in that in predetermined operating states of the internal combustion engine (101) and/or of the vehicle a correction torque is imposed onto a desired torque (140) produced by an engine control unit in relation to said desired torque such that an output torque (110) is produced for a pre-determined time interval, the value of said output torque lying outside a low-load range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Post, Andreas Kirsch
  • Patent number: 7937194
    Abstract: A method of reducing wheel slip and wheel locking in an electric traction vehicle includes receiving in a first controller a first signal value representative of a first amount of torque to be applied to at least one wheel of the electric traction vehicle by a motor coupled to the wheel and to the first controller, and a second signal value representative of a reference speed of the electric traction vehicle. The first and second signal values are generated by a second controller in communication with the first controller. The method also includes receiving in the first controller a third signal value representative of a speed of the at least one wheel, determining in the first controller a torque output signal using the first, second, and third signal values; and transmitting the torque output signal from the first controller to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Nader Nasr, Peter Werner
  • Patent number: 7920952
    Abstract: A turning control apparatus for a vehicle to improve turning ability and to avoid degradation of acceleration ability is provided. The turning control apparatus comprises a first yaw controller for adjusting at least one of driving torque of a left wheel and a right wheel; a second yaw controller for adjusting a speeds difference between a front wheel and a rear wheel; and an integrated yaw controller for controlling yaw momentum of the vehicle by managing the first and second yaw controller, wherein when the yaw of the vehicle should be reduced, the integrated yaw controller controls the first yaw controller so as to decrease the driving torque of a inside wheel, which is one of the right and left wheel and is near to a center axis of turning, and the second yaw controller so as to decrease the speeds difference between the front and rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takami Miura, Keiji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7917262
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program that includes the steps of: sensing an accelerator position (S100); calculating a target engine torque of a manipulating system “a” from the accelerator position (S200); holding the target engine torque of the manipulating system “a” (S300); calculating a target driving force of the manipulating system “A” from the target engine torque of the manipulating system “a” (S400); arbitrating in driving force between the target driving force of the manipulating system “A” and the target driving force of the supporting system “B” (S500); and, if the target driving force of the manipulating system “A” is selected as a result of the arbitration (NO in S600), outputting the held target engine torque of the manipulating system “a” as the target engine torque to the engine ECU (S900).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Masato Kaigawa
  • Publication number: 20110046849
    Abstract: A method for controlling the side slip angle of a rear-wheel drive vehicle when turning; the control method provides for the steps of: detecting the position of an accelerator control which is displaced along a predetermined stroke; using a first initial part of the stroke of the accelerator control for directly controlling the generation of the drive torque so that the generated drive torque depends on the position of the accelerator control; and using a second final part of the stroke of the accelerator control to directly control a side slip angle of the vehicle when turning so that the side slip angle depends on the position of the accelerator control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Amedeo Visconti, Martino Cavanna
  • Patent number: 7894969
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes a torque-boost control portion that boosts torque output from the engine, and corrects the operation amount of an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of air taken into the engine to increase the amount of air during a torque phase when the automatic transmission upshifts; and an inertia-phase determination portion that determines whether an inertia phase has started. The torque-boost control portion includes a torque-boost end control portion that executes a torque-boost end control that gradually decreases a correction amount, by which the operation amount is corrected, to zero when the inertia-phase determination portion determines that the inertia phase has started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Asami, Toshio Sugimura, Takaaki Tokura, Nobufusa Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7894971
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus is used to control a driving force to be given to a vehicle. A driving force calculating device calculates the driving force to be given to the vehicle, on the basis of a deviation between a vehicle speed of the vehicle and a target speed. A driving force correcting device performs correction of increasing the driving force calculated by the driving force calculating device, when the vehicle speed reduces to a predetermined value or less. Specifically, the driving force correcting device performs the correction of increasing the driving force, when the vehicle speed reduces to the predetermined value or less as the vehicle comes in contact with an obstacle, such as a bump. By this, it is possible to reduce a stop time length of the vehicle due to the contact with the obstacle, to thereby quickly make the vehicle run over the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gen Inoue, Yasuhito Ishida
  • Patent number: 7894968
    Abstract: A method and system for regulating a drive torque provided to a driveline of a vehicle includes monitoring an accelerator pedal position and a brake pedal position. An adjusted accelerator pedal position is determined based on the accelerator pedal position and the brake pedal position and a drive torque request is determined based on the adjusted accelerator pedal position. Drive torque is generated based on the drive torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Stroh, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Leonard G. Wozniak, William R. Cawthorne
  • Patent number: 7873459
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle that includes determining a dynamic normal load for the vehicle wheel, modifying the requested torque signal from a traction control system in response to the dynamic normal load to form a modified requested torque and controlling the engine in response to the modified requested torque. The controlling may be performed using the ratio of the dynamic normal load and the steady state normal load to form the modified requested torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Fodor, Davor Hrovat
  • Patent number: 7869931
    Abstract: When an engine torque trace is set during acceleration or deceleration, the ratio of increase or decrease in the engine torque per unit time is restricted so that when the engine torque generated during acceleration or deceleration approaches an engine torque (balance torque) at which the engine is oriented upright with respect to the engine mount, the engine torque stays near the balance torque for a prescribed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Satou, Hitoshi Konno, Mamoru Nemoto
  • Patent number: 7853389
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle comprising wheels, and an accelerator pedal actuated by a driver. The method comprises controlling wheel slip to a first amount during a first road condition, the first amount independent of a driver requested output; and controlling the wheel slip to a second amount during a second road condition, the second amount based on the driver requested output, the second road condition having higher friction than the first road condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Luehrsen, Michael Glenn Fodor, Don Perlick, Daniel Dunn
  • Patent number: 7853388
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, which can comprise automatically setting a service brake of a mining haulage vehicle. The service brake can be set responsive to a determination that a wheel comprising a wheel motor is rotating at a rotational speed that is above a predetermined rotational speed. In certain exemplary embodiments, the service brake can be automatically released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaobin Wang
  • Patent number: 7853386
    Abstract: There is provided a control system for a powertrain system including an electro-mechanical transmission that is selectively operative in a plurality of fixed gear modes and continuously variable modes. The control system is adapted to execute the following steps, comprising determining a range of permissible engine input speeds and a range of permissible engine input torques, and determining motor input torques for the first and second electrical machines based upon the range of permissible engine input speeds and the range of permissible engine input torques. A cost is determined for each of the motor input torques. A preferred engine input speed and a preferred engine input torque are identified based upon the costs for the motor input torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 7848867
    Abstract: A vehicle coasting deceleration control system has a motor/generator arranged in a drive-train of a vehicle. A controller is configured to determine a driver demand regarding deceleration of the vehicle at a time of coasting accompanied by an accelerator releasing operation. The controller is further configured to control the motor/generator to decelerate the vehicle according to the determined driver demand regarding deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Munetoshi Ueno
  • Publication number: 20100262348
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a device for controlling an amount of torque generated by a powertrain in a vehicle is provided. The controller is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of the status of the driver, a driver condition signal indicative of the driving conditions of the vehicle, and a driver mode signal indicative of the driving mode of the vehicle. The controller is further configured to control the powertrain to adjust the amount of torque that is generated based on the driver status signal, the driver condition signal, and the driver mode signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Venkatapathi Raju Nallapa, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Ming Lang Kuang, Anthony Mark Phillips
  • Patent number: 7801658
    Abstract: The output torque of an in-vehicle engine is controlled based on the larger one of a pedal torque set by a pedal torque setting section in accordance with an operation amount of an accelerator pedal and a cruise torque for cruise control set by a cruise torque setting section. At the time of starting the cruise control, an initial value of the cruise torque is set by an initial value setting section as the smaller one of the torque required for traveling a vehicle at a constant speed of a target vehicle speed and the pedal torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Ohshima
  • Patent number: 7801657
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Jae Y. Lew, John A. Grogg, Robert J. Kyle
  • Patent number: 7797094
    Abstract: The turning control apparatus for a vehicle has a driving torque controlling mechanism adjusting driving torque of left and right wheels. The apparatus includes a maximum-yaw momentum value calculating means having means for estimating an outside-wheel gripping capacity, which is capacity of adhesive friction between the outside-wheel and a road surface, and an inside-wheel gripping capacity, which is capacity of adhesive friction between the inside-wheel and the road surface, and means for calculating a torque adjustment limiting value indicating an adjustment amount of driving torque by the driving torque controlling mechanism so that the adjustment amount does not exceed the gripping capacity. The maximum-yaw momentum value calculating means sets the maximum-yaw momentum value indicating possible yaw momentum, which is estimated if the driving torque is adjusted along with the torque-adjustment-limit value calculated by the torque adjustment limiting value calculating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takami Miura