Ford Patents

Ford Motor Company is a a global automotive manufacturer and distributor of Ford and Lincoln branded vehicles.

Ford Patents by Type
  • Ford Patents Granted: Ford patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Ford Patent Applications: Ford patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Patent number: 11975688
    Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a front trunk; a housing adjacent a floor of the front trunk; and a panel moveable relative to the housing between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein, when in the panel is in the deployed position, the panel provides a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Benjamin Howard, Kathryn N. Cezar, Sarah Shaw, Charlie Qian
  • Patent number: 11975738
    Abstract: A first image can be acquired from a first sensor included in a vehicle and input to a deep neural network to determine a first bounding box for a first object. A second image can be acquired from the first sensor. Input latitudinal and longitudinal motion data from second sensors included in the vehicle corresponding to the time between inputting the first image and inputting the second image. A second bounding box can be determined by translating the first bounding box based on the latitudinal and longitudinal motion data. The second image can be cropped based on the second bounding box. The cropped second image can be input to the deep neural network to detect a second object. The first image, the first bounding box, the second image, and the second bounding box can be output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gurjeet Singh, Apurbaa Mallik, Rohun Atluri, Vijay Nagasamy, Praveen Narayanan
  • Patent number: 11975710
    Abstract: A vehicle can be detected approaching a limited operation zone of a travel area. It can be determined that the vehicle is able to execute wireless commands from a computer. The object can be identified within the limited operation zone. Based on identifying the object within the limited operation zone, the vehicle can be controlled by providing a control command via wireless communications, the control command including whether the vehicle is permitted to enter the limited operation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory P. Linkowski, Mario A. Santillo
  • Patent number: 11975742
    Abstract: Methods of refining a planned trajectory of an autonomous vehicle are disclose. For multiple cycles as the vehicle moves along the trajectory, the vehicle will perceive nearby objects. The vehicle will use the perceived object data to calculate a set of candidate updated trajectories. The motion planning system will measure a discrepancy between each candidate updated trajectory and the current trajectory by: (i) determining waypoints along each trajectory; (ii) determining distances between at least some of the waypoints; and (iii) using the distances to measure the discrepancy between the updated trajectory and the current trajectory. The system will use the discrepancy to select, from the set of candidate updated trajectories, a final updated trajectory for the vehicle to follow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Julian Varnhagen, Colen McAlister, Timothy Andrew Potts, Jr., David Breeden, Pragati Satpute, Alice Kassar
  • Patent number: 11975712
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify a first scenario in which a vehicle is operating from a plurality of scenarios, prompt an operator to activate an adaptive cruise control of the vehicle in response to a preference score for the first scenario being above a threshold, refrain from prompting the operator to activate the adaptive cruise control in response to the preference score for the first scenario being below the threshold, and activate the adaptive cruise control in response to receiving an input to activate the adaptive cruise control from the operator. The scenarios indicate at least one characteristic of a road on which the vehicle is traveling. The preference score indicates a preference of the operator for activating the adaptive cruise control in the first scenario.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fling Finn Tseng, Himanshu Verma, Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 11975647
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including a lift assembly. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including a panel and an actuator assembly configured to raise and lower the panel between a highest position and a lowest position. When the panel is in the lowest position, an underside of the panel is spaced-apart above a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jesse Rene Diephuis, Michael John Harmon, Hussain Tajmahal, Amol Borkar
  • Patent number: 11975724
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to determine vehicle trailer weight. An example apparatus includes a first sensor disposed on a hitch coupled to a vehicle to measure a first rate of change of a weight of the vehicle. The example apparatus also includes a second sensor disposed on a chassis of the vehicle to measure a second rate of change of the weight of the vehicle. The example apparatus also includes a controller to monitor the first rate of change and the second rate of change to determine if the vehicle is improperly loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anton Rogness, Joshua Rajasingh, Andrew Niedert, Elliott Pearson
  • Patent number: 11975599
    Abstract: An assembly includes a housing. The assembly includes a sensor supported by the housing. The assembly includes a shell enclosing the sensor and rotatable relative to the housing in a first direction, the shell defining a window. The assembly includes a deflector extending radially outward from the shell at a leading edge of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Segundo Baldovino, Rashaun Phinisee, Michael Robertson, Jr., Vahan Kazandjian, Venkatesh Krishnan, Navvab Khajehosseini
  • Patent number: 11975687
    Abstract: A vehicle running board assembly includes, among other things, a reinforcing insert, and a beam that is extruded over the reinforcing insert. A step pad is extruded over the beam. A vehicle running board manufacturing method according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, extruding a beam over a reinforcing insert, extruding a step pad over the beam, and cutting the beam, the reinforcing insert, and the step pad to provide the running board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Patrick J. Reed, David Brian Glickman, Stuart C. Salter, Harry Lobo
  • Patent number: 11975614
    Abstract: Informed towing is provided. Towing information is identified, by a towing vehicle, with respect to a towed vehicle to be towed by the towing vehicle. A towed configuration of the towed vehicle is monitored. Responsive to the towed configuration of the towed vehicle being incorrect according to the towing information, a warning is displayed in the HMI indicating the incorrect towing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brendan F. Diamond, Keith Weston, Andrew Denis Lewandowski, Jordan Barrett, Michael Alan McNees, Lars Niklas Pettersson
  • Patent number: 11975577
    Abstract: A trailer coupling assembly for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cross-beam extending in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The cross-beam is configured to connect to a trailer coupling. The assembly further includes a mount connected to a body of the motor vehicle and a connection assembly. The connection assembly includes a plate connecting the mount to the cross-beam. The plate is configured to absorb energy and deform in response to application of a threshold force. The design does not compromise trailer towing capability or package space and can be regarded as a hybrid approach between existing bumper beam and trailer tow designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Kueppers, Ulrich Reske
  • Patent number: 11975651
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, heat a passenger cabin of a vehicle, actuate a thermal sensor to collect temperature data in the passenger cabin, identify a surface in the passenger cabin that has a temperature below a temperature threshold, and actuate one or more components to sanitize the identified surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Patent number: 11979068
    Abstract: A rotor includes a rotor core lamination. The rotor core lamination includes a first metal alloy that at least partially defines adjacent magnet pockets proximate an outer periphery of the rotor core lamination. The rotor core lamination further includes a second metal alloy different than the first metal alloy that forms at least a portion of a bridge that extends between the magnet pockets. The rotor core lamination further includes permanent magnets disposed in the magnet pockets at opposing sides of the second metal alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Leyi Zhu, Michael W. Degner, Feng Liang
  • Patent number: 11976945
    Abstract: An assembly includes a housing defining a pressurized chamber. The assembly includes a sensor supported by the housing. The assembly includes a shell enclosing the sensor and rotatable relative to the housing, the shell enclosing a second chamber in fluid communication the pressurized chamber, the housing and the shell defining a gap therebetween. The assembly includes a ring supported by the housing, the ring defining an internal passage having an exhaust vent at the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Subba Reddy Boggu, Vahan Kazandjian, Venkatesh Krishnan, Rashaun Phinisee, Michael Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11979847
    Abstract: Handshaking is performed, by an ego device via a wireless transceiver, with surrounding mobile devices to receive identifiers of the surrounding mobile devices and incoming notification messages from the surrounding mobile devices. Each of the incoming notification messages are sent from a different respective sender device of the surrounding mobile devices and include identifiers of devices seen by the sender device and an indication of whether issues with the devices seen by the sender device were identified by the sender device. An alert is raised responsive to an issue being indicated with the ego device based on the incoming notification messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chenliu Stephen Lu, Judhajit Roy, Jonathan Barker, W. Cary Cole, Jared King, Kyle Yeakle
  • Patent number: 11979742
    Abstract: Detection and prevention of resource drain from unauthorized wireless device connections is provided. Responsive to receiving of a connection request from a connecting device, a pre-authentication message is sent to the connecting device, the pre-authentication message including a challenge value. A vehicle hash result is computed using a hash function taking the challenge value and the unique identifier of the vehicle as inputs. A device hash result is received from the connecting device. Responsive to a match of the vehicle hash result and the device hash result, additional hardware of the vehicle is activated to perform a secondary authentication of the connecting device. Responsive to a mismatch, authentication of the connecting device is rejected without activation of the additional hardware, thereby avoiding key-off load from the additional hardware in instances where pre-authentication of the connecting device fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jochen Schubert, Fouad Bounefissa, Michael Andrew Simons, Thomas Nelson, Timothy Thivierge, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11975612
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first wheel, a second wheel, and a controller. The first and second of wheels have first and second tires, respectively. The controller is programmed to receive inputs indicative of tire tread wear of the first and second wheels. The controller is further programmed to, in response to a command to adjust torques of the first and second wheels to first and second desired torque values, respectively, and a difference between a tire tread wear of the first wheel and a tire tread wear of the second wheel exceeding a threshold, adjust the torque of the first electric machine to less than the first desired torque value and adjust the torque of the second electric machine to greater than the second desired torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brendan F. Diamond
  • Patent number: 11976946
    Abstract: An assembly includes a housing and a sensor supported by the housing. The assembly includes a deflector supported by the housing forward of the sensor. The deflector and the sensor define a spacing therebetween. The spacing is open to an ambient environment external of the housing. The deflector includes transparent material that permits light to pass through the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Navvab Khajehosseini, Rashaun Phinisee, Segundo Baldovino, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 11975604
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first rail and a second rail elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis and spaced from each other along a vehicle-lateral axis. The vehicle includes an energy storage device between the first rail and the second rail. The vehicle includes a support structure between the first rail and the second rail. The vehicle includes a cable under tension and extending from the first rail to the second rail, the cable between the energy storage device and the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Saeed D. Barbat
  • Patent number: 11978842
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronics assembly includes forming a base layer, forming a first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer onto the base layer using an additive manufacturing process, placing an electronics component onto the first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer, the electronics component comprising a plurality of vias, and forming a second thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer over the first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer and over at least a portion of the electronics component using an additive manufacturing process, wherein a material of the second thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer extends through the vias to contact the first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer and the vias, thereby forming a bond therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Richard Gall, Harold P. Sears
  • Patent number: 11976976
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for a systems and methods for intra-shot dynamic LIDAR detector gain. One example method my include receiving first image data associated with a first image of an object illuminated at a first wavelength and captured by a camera at the first wavelength, the first image data including first pixel data for a first pixel of the first image and second pixel data for a second pixel of the first image. The example method may also include calculating a first reflectance value for the first pixel using the first pixel data. The example method may also include calculating a second reflectance value for the second pixel using the second pixel data. The example method may also include generating, using first reflectance value and the second reflectance value, a first reflectance distribution of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Morelli, Laurens M. Schouten-Evers, Minseok Oh
  • Patent number: 11975681
    Abstract: A seatbelt retractor includes a frame and a spool having a first end and a second end each rotatably supported by the frame. The spool is elongated on an axis from the first end to the second end. The seatbelt retractor includes a plurality of torsion posts fixed to the frame. The seatbelt retractor includes a locking device operatively coupled between the spool and the plurality of torsion posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 11977440
    Abstract: A system includes an on-board electronic device of an autonomous vehicle, and a computer-readable medium having one or more programming instructions. The system receives one or more forecast messages pertaining to a track, where each of the forecast messages includes a unique identifier associated with the track, and receives one or more inference messages pertaining to the track, where each of the inference messages includes the unique identifier. The system aggregates the one or more forecast messages and the one or more inference messages to generate a message set, and applies a set of processing operations to the message set to generate a feedback message. The system identifies one or more events from the feedback message, automatically generates an annotation for one or more of the events that is identified, and embeds the generated annotations in an event log for the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Lepird, Lorenzo Nardi, Andrew T. Hartnett
  • Patent number: 11978021
    Abstract: A system includes a transceiver and a processor. The processor is programmed to receive, using the transceiver, information from a vehicle indicative of vehicle status and from a cloud service indicative of a user schedule, and responsive to occurrence of a predefined trigger event determined according to the information, identify a responsive action to update the user schedule corresponding to the trigger event and notify a user of the action in accordance with a degree of freedom setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas Chamon, Debora Lima, Larissa Souza, Leonardo Botasoli
  • Patent number: 11976800
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly includes a light housing, a lens, a light source within a cavity provided by the light housing and the lens, and a light blade projecting from the lens outside the cavity. A vehicle lighting method includes emitting light from a light source that is inside a cavity provided by a light housing and a lens, and directing the light through a light blade that is outside the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Kaski, Omar Benjamin Lara Monarrez, Derek English, Brandon Schwandt, Linsheng Chen, Dean Carbis, Robert Todd Laster
  • Patent number: 11977715
    Abstract: An identifier for first set of display content on a vehicle display is input to a statistical model that outputs a plurality of probabilities that a user input will select each of a plurality of second set of display contents for display after the first set of display content is displayed. A first probability is identified for a predicted set of display content that is a highest probability in the plurality of probabilities. The plurality of probabilities are provided to at least one of an optimization model and a neural network upon determining an accuracy of the statistical model is below a threshold. Upon receiving, from the at least one of the optimization model and the neural network, a second probability for the predicted set of display content, the display content is selected based on the first and second probabilities. The vehicle display is updated based on the selected set of display content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fling Finn Tseng, Johannes Geir Kristinsson, Daryl Martin, Bhagyashri Satyabodha Katti, Himanshu Verma, Shiqi Qiu, Jonathan Niemi, Devesh Upadhyay
  • Patent number: 11975680
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback and a seat portion supported by a frame assembly. The seat portion includes a carrier assembly and a displaceable platform pivotally coupled thereto for pivoting movement between a use position and a deployed position. A retraction mechanism includes a first bracket operably coupled to the frame assembly, and a second bracket operably coupled to the displaceable platform. The first and second brackets are operably coupled to one another by an actuator, and the second bracket is operable between first and second positions relative to the first bracket. A belt assembly includes a tether member and a belt member. The tether member is coupled between the first and second brackets, and the belt member is operable between a deployed position outside of the seatback, and a stowed position within an interior of the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Rachel Demerly, Raed EL-Jawahri, Robyne McBride, Benjamin Yilma, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin Michael Pline, S. M. Akbar Berry
  • Patent number: 11977818
    Abstract: A method of producing a disconnect clutch includes producing a disconnect clutch, configured to selectively connect an engine and an electric machine, such that the disconnect clutch exhibits a clutch transfer function that causes a transmission output shaft torque variability that is less than a predetermined threshold during a simulated starting of the engine using the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hang Yang, Huanyi Shui, Yijing Zhang, Hiral Jayantilal Haria, Bradley Dean Riedle, Yuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 11978259
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a mobile platform. The methods comprise, by a computing device: obtaining a LiDAR point cloud; using the LiDAR point cloud to generate a track for a given object in accordance with a particle filter algorithm by generating states of a given object over time (each state has a score indicating a likelihood that a cuboid would be created given an acceleration value and an angular velocity value); using the track to train a machine learning algorithm to detect and classify objects based on sensor data; and/or causing the machine learning algorithm to be used for controlling movement of the mobile platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin James Player
  • Patent number: 11975671
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback and an airbag supported by the seatback. The airbag is inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The seat assembly includes a bar pivotally supported by the seatback and fixed to the airbag. The bar is pivotable about a vertical axis of the seat assembly from a stowed position at the seatback with the airbag at the uninflated position to a deployed position forward of the seatback with the airbag at the inflated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mangesh Kadam, Murugan Sundaram Ramasamy, Srinivas Reddy Malapati
  • Patent number: 11975678
    Abstract: An assembly includes a bed having a reclined position in which the bed is elongated along an axis A. The bed includes a first side and a second side with the axis A between the first side and the second side. The bed in the reclined position has a first end and a second end spaced from each other along the axis A. The bed includes an occupant support surface between the first end and second end. The assembly includes an airbag that is inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag is housed in the first end in the uninflated position. The airbag in the inflated position has an arch shape between the first side of the bed and the second side of the bed. The arch is elongated along the axis A from the first end toward the second end above the occupant support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: S. M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Publication number: 20240147675
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system and method embodiments for a cooling system. For example, the cooling system includes a chassis that defines a cavity. A circuit board assembly is disposed in the cavity and comprises electronics that generate heat during operation. A heat sink is coupled to the electronics and is configured to engage an inner surface of the chassis. A fan is configured to direct air across the heat sink. An external cooling subsystem is mounted to at least one external surface of the chassis. The external cooling subsystem is in thermal communication with the circuit board assembly through the heat sink for transferring heat generated by the electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Rajagopal MENON, Matthew SWANSON, Kevin Patrick KILIMAN
  • Publication number: 20240146723
    Abstract: A biometric evaluation system for a vehicle includes a vision sensor configured to detect a biometric quality of a user. The biometric evaluation system also includes an operational system for the vehicle. At least one processor is in communication with the vision sensor. The processor is configured to execute a first classification algorithm that performs a first biometric validation based on the biometric quality to estimate a state of the user. The first classification algorithm requires a first service latency. In response to an outcome of the first biometric validation, the at least one processor is further configured to execute a second classification algorithm that performs a second biometric validation to confirm the state of the user. The second classification algorithm requires a second service latency greater than the first service latency. The processor is further configured to communicate a signal to modify operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Justin Miller, Alexandra Taylor, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20240146227
    Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a traction battery, an inverter coupled to the traction battery via positive and negative legs of a high voltage bus and operable to convert DC power from the traction battery to three-phase AC power, a capacitor connected across the positive and negative legs of the high voltage bus, an electric machine having three phases coupled to the inverter, and a controller programmed to control electric machine voltage toward zero at a first slew rate or control electric machine current to a target short circuit current at a second slew rate in response to an active short request signal and to control the inverter to actively short the three phases of the electric machine after either (a) a specified elapsed time, or (b) after the electric machine voltage is below a first threshold or the current is within a predetermined range of the target short circuit current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ji WU, Yang XU
  • Publication number: 20240140462
    Abstract: A system for mitigating glare from at least one light source while driving a vehicle. The system includes determining an occurrence of a glare condition based on, at least in part, a visible light video stream generated by a visible light sensor. Upon determining the occurrence of the glare condition, indicia are presented at the vehicle display to assist in navigation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Bennie, David Hiskens, Collin Hurley, Mark Gehrke, Jonathan Diedrich
  • Publication number: 20240140198
    Abstract: A method to manage an event mode of a vehicle. The method includes receiving first input associated with the vehicle event mode. The method further includes determining an event type based on the first input. Further, the method includes obtaining an event type information. The event type information may include user preferences corresponding to the determined event type. In addition, the method includes determining whether the event is inside or outside the vehicle. Based on the determination whether the event is inside or outside the vehicle, the event type, and the event type information, the method includes selecting a vehicle unit configuration, and activating or actuating vehicle units based on the vehicle unit configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Maruthe Ravikumara Sharma Chengalvala, James Wilhelm Heaton
  • Publication number: 20240139783
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor window including a substrate and a plurality of electrodes applied to the substrate, a sensing device movable relative to the sensor window and having a field of view through the sensor window in at least one position, and a computer communicatively coupled to the sensing device and the electrodes. The computer is programmed to activate the electrodes in a sequence that electrostatically moves a droplet on the sensor window, and the sequence is coordinated with movement of the sensing device relative to the sensor window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raghuraman Surineedi, Segundo Baldovino, Venkatesh Krishnan, Giridharan Nammalwar
  • Publication number: 20240140282
    Abstract: A cargo locking system for a vehicle, the cargo locking system includes a gate and a pivot bracket coupled with the gate. The cargo locking system also includes a latch radially extending from the pivot bracket. The latch is movable between a first position and a second position. The cargo locking system also includes an actuator coupled with the latch. The cargo locking system further includes a striker coupled with the gate. The striker is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The striker holds the latch in the first position when the striker is in the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fabio Reis, Luiz Hurtado, Luiz Kachel, Marcos Juliano Rosaneli, Paulo Neto
  • Publication number: 20240144112
    Abstract: A peer-to-peer (P2P) vehicle sharing method is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a list of rent requests and associated requested rental durations, and a list of available vehicles and associated vehicle availability time periods. The list of rent requests may represent first nodes and the list of available vehicles may represent second nodes of a vehicle-renter graph. The method may further include obtaining a list of edges that connects at least one first node and at least one second node. The method may further include receiving a predefined trigger event and updating the list of edges in response to receiving the predefined trigger event. Furthermore, the method may include transmitting a vehicle reservation notification to at least one renter and at least one vehicle owner based on the updated list of edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Garrow, Yifan Chen
  • Publication number: 20240142777
    Abstract: A method to prevent intoxicated operation is described. The method includes providing instructions to a vehicle user to position a vehicle user body portion posture in a predefined alignment. The method further includes obtaining the vehicle user body portion posture from a first vehicle detector, and determining whether the vehicle user body portion posture is in the predefined alignment. The method includes activating a plurality of vehicle visual indicators to illuminate in a predefined manner when the vehicle user body portion posture is in the predefined alignment. The method further includes providing instructions to the vehicle user to move vehicle user eyes to track the plurality of vehicle visual indicators, and obtaining a vehicle user eye movement from a second vehicle detector. The method further includes determining whether the vehicle user eye movement meets a predetermined condition, and actuating a control action accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexandra Taylor, Ali Hassani, Mohammad Hassani, Justin Miller, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20240143804
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods associated with communicating privacy rights pertaining to data captured from a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor of a data capture apparatus in a vehicle can include capturing an image. In an example scenario, the image may include an individual who is located outside the vehicle. Furthermore, in some cases, the image can be a part of a video clip containing multiple images. The method further includes generating an identifier for identifying the image(s). The identifier can be a machine-readable symbol such as, for example, a QR-code symbol or a barcode. A notification that includes the identifier may be generated and conveyed to the individual for use by the individual to exercise his/her rights to privacy with respect to the images in which he/she is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Katharina Mitschker, Ryan Sorsby, David Michael Herman
  • Publication number: 20240143943
    Abstract: A system for distributing string length computation by a server computer coupled to a computer network. A server memory stores executable server instructions to receive a client request over the computer network at a server network endpoint, determine a pixel size of display text based on the string specification, and transmit a server response over the computer network. The client request includes a string specification with a display text, a font identifier, a font size, and a display resolution. The server response includes the pixel size of the display text.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saul Moreno, Aaron Lara
  • Publication number: 20240140349
    Abstract: An assembly includes a dash and a deployable panel supported by the dash. The deployable panel is moveable relative to the dash from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The deployable panel has a proximal end at the dash in the deployed position and a distal end spaced above the dash in the deployed position. An airbag is supported by the dash and is inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag abuts the deployable panel when the deployable panel is in the deployed position and the airbag is in the inflated position. A tether extends from the airbag to the deployable panel in the undeployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Axel Smitterberg, Russell Joseph Mihm, Johnathan Andrew Line, Chuck R. Reese, James Robert Chascsa, II
  • Publication number: 20240144663
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a computer that includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to input an image acquired by a sensor to a neural network to output a prediction regarding an object included in the image. The neural network can be trained, based on (a) a distributed robust optimization that minimizes an expectation applied to probability distributions of loss functions to select training images that yield a solution with a selected uncertainty level and (b) generating additional input images based on adversarial images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Xinru Hua, Huanzhong Xu, Jose Blanchet, Viet Anh Nguyen, Marcos Paul Gerardo Castro
  • Publication number: 20240147237
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a first control module, a plurality of second control modules, and a vehicle network. The vehicle network communicatively couples the first control module and the second control modules. The first control module is programmed to generate an update command including a plurality of authentication keys and transmit the update command over the vehicle network. The update command is functionally addressed to be receivable by the second control modules. Each second control module is programmed to receive a configuration file; in response to receiving the update command, identify the authentication keys in the update command that are associated with that second control module based on the configuration file; and update with the identified authentication keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Kishore Kajuluri, Jacob David Nelson, Cameron Smyth
  • Publication number: 20240140530
    Abstract: A structural assembly for an electric vehicle that includes a vehicle frame, a pair of suspension mounts and a deflector beam. The vehicle frame has a pair of longitudinal rails. The pair of suspension mounts are configured to support a vehicle suspension system. Each suspension mount is secured to a respective longitudinal rail of the pair of longitudinal rails. The deflector beam includes a body portion and opposing end portions. The body portion extends in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle and is configured to support an electrical module between the pair of longitudinal rails. The deflector beam is secured to the pair of suspension mounts or the vehicle frame. Each end portion extends from the body portion to a respective location that is outboard of a respective suspension mount of the pair of suspension mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alejandro Eli Acosta Flores, Diego Eduardo Mendoza Hernández
  • Patent number: 11970044
    Abstract: A vehicle having a heating and cooling system includes a refrigerant loop for conveying refrigerant, a coolant loop for conveying coolant, a chiller configured to convey the refrigerant and the coolant, and a vessel coupled to the chiller and having a phase change material disposed in the vessel. The phase change material is configured to freeze via heat transfer from the phase change material to the refrigerant and melt via heat transfer from the coolant to the phase change material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Van Evans, Manfred Koberstein, Angelo Patti, Saad Afzal Bhatti
  • Patent number: 11973384
    Abstract: An electric motor includes a stator, an insulating layer, and a wire. The stator includes a first circular laminate and a second circular laminate. The first laminate includes a first finger having a distal end extending toward a center point of the first circular laminate. The second laminate includes a second finger having a distal end extending toward a center point of the second circular laminate. The first and second fingers define a wall. The distal ends of the first and second fingers define a space therebetween. The insulating layer extends along the wall and into the space. The insulating layer is spaced from the distal end of the second finger. The wire extends along the insulating layer below the distal ends of the first and second fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Xiaogang Zhang
  • Patent number: D1025848
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Piaskowski, Doyle Letson, Christopher Walter, Omead Dorandish
  • Patent number: D1026265
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Willing, Ehab Kaoud, Sean Tant, Jiacheng Liu