Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130095237 | SOL-GEL BASED ANTIREFLECTIVE COATINGS USING ALKYLTRIALKOXYSILANE BINDERS HAVING LOW REFRACTIVE INDEX AND HIGH DURABILITY - Methods and compositions for forming porous low refractive index coatings on substrates are provided. The method comprises coating a substrate with a sol-formulation comprising silica based nanoparticles and an alkyltrialkoxysilane based binder. Use of the alkyltrialkoxysilane based binder results in a porous low refractive index coating having bimodal pore distribution including mesopores formed from particle packing and micropores formed from the burning off of organics including the alkyl chain covalently bonded to the silicon. The mass ratio of binder to particles may vary from 0.1 to 20. Porous coatings formed according to the embodiments described herein demonstrate good optical properties (e.g. a low refractive index) while maintaining good mechanical durability due to the presence of a high amount of binder and a close pore structure. | 04-18-2013 |
20130194668 | METHOD OF MAKING COATED ARTICLE INCLUDING ANTI-REFLECTION COATING WITH DOUBLE COATING LAYERS INCLUDING MESOPOROUS MATERIALS, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE SAME - Certain examples relate to a method of making an antireflective (AR) coating supported by a glass substrate. The anti-reflection coating may include porous metal oxide(s) and/or silica, and may be produced using a sol-gel process. The pores may be formed and/or tuned in each layer respectively in such a manner that the coating ultimately may comprise a porous matrix, graded with respect to porosity. The gradient in porosity may be achieved by forming first and second layers using one or more of (a) nanoparticles of different shapes and/or sizes, (b) porous nanoparticles having varying pore sizes, and/or (c) compounds/materials of various types, sizes, and shapes that may ultimately be removed from the coating post-deposition (e.g., carbon structures, micelles, etc., removed through combustion, calcination, ozonolysis, solvent-extraction, etc.), leaving spaces where the removed materials were previously located. | 08-01-2013 |
20130194670 | METHOD OF MAKING COATED ARTICLE INCLUDING ANTI-REFLECTION COATING AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE SAME - Certain examples relate to a method of making an antireflective (AR) coating supported by a glass substrate. The anti-reflection coating may include porous metal oxide(s) and/or silica, and may be produced using a sol-gel process. The pores may be formed and/or tuned in each layer respectively in such a manner that the coating ultimately may comprise a porous matrix, graded with respect to porosity. The gradient in porosity may be achieved by forming first and second layers using one or more of (a) nanoparticles of different shapes and/or sizes, (b) porous nanoparticles having varying pore sizes, and/or (c) compounds/materials of various types, sizes, and shapes that may ultimately be removed from the coating post-deposition (e.g., carbon structures, micelles, etc., removed through combustion, calcination, ozonolysis, solvent-extraction, etc.), leaving spaces where the removed materials were previously located. | 08-01-2013 |
20130196139 | COATED ARTICLE WITH ANTIREFLECTION COATING INCLUDING FULLERENE STRUCTURES, AND/OR METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - In certain examples, a porous silica-based matrix may be formed. In an exemplary embodiment, using sol gel methods, a coating solution of or including metal alkoxides such as TEOS and carbon-based structures such as fullerene structures may be used to form a layer(s) of or including silica and fullerene compounds in a solid matrix on (directly or indirectly) a glass substrate. The coated article may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered), which may cause the carbon-based fullerene structures to combust, resulting in a porous silica-based matrix. The layer of the porous silica-based matrix may be used as a broadband anti-reflective coating. | 08-01-2013 |
20130196140 | COATED ARTICLE WITH ANTIREFLECTION COATING INCLUDING POROUS NANOPARTICLES, AND/OR METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - In certain examples, a porous silica-based matrix may be formed. In an exemplary embodiment, using sol gel methods, a coating solution of or including metal alkoxides such as TEOS and porous nanoparticles such as mesoporous silica may be used to form a layer(s) of or including silica and porous nanoparticles in a solid matrix directly or indirectly on a glass substrate. The coated article may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered). The layer of the porous silica-based matrix may be used as a broadband anti-reflective coating. | 08-01-2013 |
20130215513 | METHOD OF MAKING COATED ARTICLE INCLUDING ANTI-REFLECTION COATING WITH POROSITY DIFFERENCES IN TWO LAYERS, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE SAME - Certain examples relate to a method of making an antireflective (AR) coating supported by a glass substrate. The anti-reflection coating may include porous metal oxide(s) and/or silica, and may be produced using a sol-gel process. The pores may be formed and/or tuned in each layer respectively in such a manner that the coating ultimately may comprise a porous matrix, graded with respect to porosity. The gradient in porosity may be achieved by forming first and second layers using one or more of (a) nanoparticles of different shapes and/or sizes, (b) porous nanoparticles having varying pore sizes, and/or (c) compounds/materials of various types, sizes, and shapes that may ultimately be removed from the coating post-deposition (e.g., carbon structures, micelles, etc., removed through combustion, calcination, ozonolysis, solvent-extraction, etc.), leaving spaces where the removed materials were previously located. | 08-22-2013 |
20130295392 | ANTI-REFLECTION GLASS WITH TIN OXIDE NANOPARTICLES - An improved anti-reflection glass with higher transmittance (ΔTqe %) results from a coating of or including tin oxide (e.g., SnO | 11-07-2013 |
20130323464 | COATED ARTICLE COMPRISING A HYDROPHOBIC ANTI-REFLECTION SURFACE, AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Certain examples embodiments relate to hydrophobic anti-reflection coatings, and/or methods of making the same. A major surface of an anti-reflection coating may be treated with a silane-based solution so as to increase the contact angle of the coating's surface. The silane-based solution may include silane(s) having alkyl and/or fluoroalkyl functional groups. The treatment of the major surface of the AR coating may include chemically grafting the surface of the coating such that the silanes and functional groups bond to an outermost portion of the coating. The presence of the silanes and/or the functional groups may lower the surface energy of the coating. The lowered surface energy and/or intrinsic roughness of the AR coating may cause the contact angle of the coating to rise to hydrophobic and/or super hydrophobic levels, such that the hydrophobic AR coating possesses anti-fogging and/or anti-fouling properties. | 12-05-2013 |
20140154466 | METHOD OF MAKING HYDROPHOBIC COATED ARTICLE, COATED ARTICLE INCLUDING HYDROPHOBIC COATINGS, AND/OR SOL COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN THE SAME - Certain example embodiments relate to a coated article including a coating formed from a sol that has hydrophobic surface properties. The sol may include a mixture of at least two alkylsiloxane chemicals, with the sol potentially being aged for a certain comparatively short amount of time before being wet-applied to a major substrate surface. The application process may also undergo a certain comparatively short curing process to help provide hydrophobic surface properties. The hydrophobic surface properties help provide anti-soiling functions that are advantageous in a variety of applications including, for example, solar mirror applications. | 06-05-2014 |
20140170308 | ANTIREFLECTIVE COATINGS WITH GRADATION AND METHODS FOR FORMING THE SAME - Embodiments provided herein describe antireflective coatings and methods for forming antireflective coatings. A substrate is provided. A first antireflective layer is formed over the substrate. The first antireflective layer has a first refractive index. A second antireflective layer is formed on the first antireflective layer. The second antireflective layer has a second refractive index. The first antireflective layer and the second antireflective layer jointly form an antireflective coating. The antireflective coating is graded such that the antireflective coating comprises at least three sub-layers, each of the at least three sub-layers having a unique refractive index. | 06-19-2014 |
20140186613 | ANTI-REFLECTION COATINGS WITH SELF-CLEANING PROPERTIES, SUBSTRATES INCLUDING SUCH COATINGS, AND RELATED METHODS - Methods of making titania coatings having self-cleaning properties, and associated articles are provided. In certain example instances, a substrate supports a layer comprising titanium dioxide. The substrate may support multiple layers. After curing, the resulting coating may reduce the occurrence of fouling. | 07-03-2014 |
20140272125 | ANTI-REFLECTION GLASS MADE FROM AGED SOL INCLUDING MIXTURE OF TRI-ALKOXYSILANE AND TETRA-ALKOXYSILANE - A method of making a coated article including an anti-reflection coating on a glass substrate, the method comprising: mixing at least a tri-alkoxysilane based binder and a tetra-alkoxysilane based binder with at least silica based nanoparticles and a solvent in forming a coating sol formulation; aging the coating sol formulation at least about two weeks so as to provide an aged coating sol formulation; coating at least a portion of said aged coating sol formulation onto the glass substrate to form a coating; and heating said glass substrate and said coating. Anti-reflection (AR) glasses show improved mechanical strength and higher transmittances (e.g., Tqe % gain). | 09-18-2014 |
20140272126 | ANTI-REFLECTION GLASS MADE FROM SOL MADE BY BLENDING TRI-ALKOXYSILANE AND TETRA-ALKOXYSILANE INCLUSIVE SOLS - Anti-reflection (AR) coating for a glass substrate is prepared by blending at least two different sols to form a coating sol which is used to coat a substrate such as a transparent glass substrate. In certain example embodiments, a method includes forming a first sol formulation including a colloidal solution having a tri-alkoxysilane based binder; forming a second sol formulation including a colloidal solution having a tetra-alkoxysilane based binder; blending the first and second sol formulations to form a coating sol formulation; coating at least a portion of said coating sol formulation onto the glass substrate to form a coating; and heating (e.g., for curing and/or annealing) the glass substrate and the coating thereon. Anti-reflection glasses show improved mechanical strength and higher transmittances (e.g., Tqe % gain). | 09-18-2014 |
20140356633 | ANTI-CORROSION ANTI-REFLECTION GLASS AND RELATED METHODS - Certain example embodiments relate to methods of making anti-corrosion anti-reflection (ACAR) films, and/or associated coated articles. The methods may involve forming the reaction product of a hydrolysis and/or a condensation reaction of at least one hybrid alkoxide selected from the group consisting of Si(OR) | 12-04-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110172865 | Method For Optimizing Powertrain Efficiency For A Vehicle - A vehicle powertrain includes an engine, an electric machine operable to output torque to at least one vehicle wheel, and an electric power source operable to provide electric power to the electric machine. A method for optimizing powertrain efficiency includes generating a plurality of three-dimensional maps of optimized engine speeds for combinations of vehicle power and vehicle speed at a plurality of predetermined powers of the electrical power source. Each of the maps corresponds to one of the predetermined powers of the electrical power source. The maps are used to determine an optimized engine speed for a given power of the electrical power source, a given vehicle power and a given vehicle speed. | 07-14-2011 |
20110257826 | Vehicle Stability And Steerability Control Via Electronic Torque Distribution - A system for distributing propulsion to front and rear axles of a vehicle includes: a front axle motor coupled to the front axle and a rear axle motor coupled to the rear axle. An electronic control unit (ECU) electronically coupled to the motors commands the rear axle motor to increase torque supplied to the rear axle during understeer and commands the front axle motor to increase torque supplied to the front axle during oversteer. A method to distribute propulsion to front and rear axles of a vehicle includes estimating actual yaw rate, estimating desired yaw rate, providing electrical energy to the front axle motor during oversteer, and providing electrical energy to the rear axle motor during understeer. Additionally, electrical energy may be extracted from the rear axle motor during oversteer and electrical energy may be extracted from the front axle motor during understeer. | 10-20-2011 |
20110263379 | Multiple-Mode Power Split Hybrid Powertrain - A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having a mechanical power source and an electro-mechanical power source, including a generator, a motor and a battery. Driving torque developed by the mechanical power source is delivered through one clutch of a geared transmission to a power output shaft. The electric motor of the electro-mechanical power source delivers driving torque through a second clutch of the geared transmission. A mechanical reverse drive torque is used to improve reverse drive performance. A reduction in duration of operation in a negative power split during a driving event is achieved to improve vehicle powertrain efficiency. A series drive is available as the mechanical power source drives the generator to charge the battery, which drives the motor. The generator may act as an engine starter motor. | 10-27-2011 |
20110307129 | VEHICLE STEERABILITY AND STABILITY CONTROL VIA INDEPENDENT WHEEL TORQUE CONTROL - An independent wheel torque control algorithm is disclosed for controlling motor torques applied to individual electric motors coupled to vehicle wheels in an electric vehicle. In a first range of vehicle states, vehicle steerability is favored so that the operator of the vehicle suffers little or no longitudinal propulsion loss while steering is enhanced. In a second range of vehicle states, vehicle stability is favored. According to embodiments of the disclosure, a desired yaw moment is computed and then may be reduced in magnitude due to system limitations, electrical or friction limits, which prevents the desired yaw moment from being fully realized. | 12-15-2011 |
20130179015 | Electronic Stability Control System for Electric Drive Vehicle - A stability control system for a vehicle that has an electric traction motor that provides torque to an axle through a differential. The traction motor responds to an instability event that is sensed by sensors on the vehicle by initially reducing the torque provided to the traction wheels to regain steering control. The traction motor then pulses increased torque in sequence with the application of braking force to provide enhanced direct yaw moment control. | 07-11-2013 |
20130274969 | Feed Forward and Feedback Adjustment of Motor Torque During Clutch Engagement - A hybrid electric vehicle having a motor and an engine that are selectively connected on a driveline and controlled by a controller. The controller is configured to schedule additional motor torque to compensate for engine inertia drag based upon a clutch pressure value and a clutch slip speed value during a period of clutch engagement. The controller is also configured to maintain vehicle acceleration using a proportional integral controller to adjust the motor torque during a period of clutch engagement. | 10-17-2013 |
20140004997 | Active Damping During Clutch Engagement for Engine Start | 01-02-2014 |
20140277875 | HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE DRIVELINE ACTIVE DAMPING AND TRANSIENT SMOOTHNESS CONTROL - A method and system for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle include controlling torque in a traction motor in response to a provisional motor torque that has been adjusted based on a difference between a measured traction motor speed and a calculated vehicle speed and filtered to attenuate a resonant driveline frequency. | 09-18-2014 |
20140352492 | Hybrid Electric Vehicle Engine Starting with a Preloaded Damper Spring - A method for starting an engine includes preloading a spring of a torsion damper by transmitting torque having a magnitude less than engine cranking torque from an electric motor through a clutch to the spring, before cranking the engine, increasing a torque capacity of the clutch, and using the electric motor to crank the engine in response to a command to start the engine. | 12-04-2014 |
20150032309 | ENGINE SPEED CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle powertrain system has an engine, a damper and an electric machine configured to be selectively mechanically coupled with the engine via damper. The vehicle powertrain system also has at least one controller programmed to filter a frequency content of a speed or torque command for the electric machine corresponding to a resonant frequency of the engine, damper and electric machine to reduce resonance of the engine, damper and electric machine. | 01-29-2015 |
20150066264 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HYBRID DRIVELINE CONTROL - Systems and methods for operating and hybrid driveline are presented. In one example, driver demand torque may be supplied to vehicle wheels via a hydraulic torque path and a friction torque path. Torque is distributed between the friction torque path and the hydraulic torque path in a way that ensures that driver demand torque is met and the friction torque path transfers torque up to its capacity. | 03-05-2015 |
20150105214 | Coordinating Regenative Braking with Torque Converter Clutch Operation - A method for controlling a vehicle regenerative braking event includes maintaining a converter clutch closed while braking, while an engine connected to the impeller is running, opening the converter clutch when impeller speed reaches a reference speed difference relative to engine idle speed, and while the engine is off, opening the converter clutch when impeller speed reaches a speed required for a transmission pump, connected to an impeller, to produce line pressure at a desired magnitude. | 04-16-2015 |
20150111693 | HYBRID VEHICLE IDLE AND CREEP CONTROL - A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, a transmission having an input, and a torque converter mechanically coupled to the input. The vehicle further includes an electric machine mechanically coupled to the torque converter, a clutch configured to mechanically couple the electric machine and crankshaft, and one or more controllers. The one or more controllers are programmed to, in response to the transmission being in a drive or reverse gear and a speed of the vehicle being less than a predetermined value in an absence of driver demand, control the electric machine to achieve a target speed to cause the torque converter to output torque such that the speed of the vehicle approaches a generally constant speed less than or equal to the predetermined value when the vehicle is on a generally flat grade. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112522 | Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Plug-Out Mode Energy Management - A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a battery, and at least one controller. The vehicle may further comprise a port for supplying power to a load external to the vehicle. The controller is programmed to operate the engine at a power level based on a difference between a battery voltage and a reference voltage such that a power output by the electric machine reduces the difference. The power level may define an engine operating point that minimizes fuel consumption. The operating point may be an engine torque and an engine speed. The power level may be further based on a state of charge of the battery. The electric machine may be operated to cause the engine to rotate at an engine speed corresponding to the selected power level. The difference may be caused by varying power drawn by a load external to the vehicle. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112523 | HYBRID VEHICLE ENGINE START - A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, a transmission having an input, and an electric machine mechanically coupled to the transmission input. The vehicle further includes a clutch configured to mechanically couple the electric machine and engine crankshaft, and at least one controller. The at least one controller, in response to an engine start condition and subsequent partial engagement of the clutch, outputs a torque command for the electric machine to increase the speed of the crankshaft to a speed of the electric machine before commanding fuel injection of the engine. The torque command is based on driver demanded torque and a change in speed of the crankshaft caused by changes in pressure to the clutch. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112524 | HYBRID VEHICLE ENGINE STARTS - A vehicle includes a starter motor, an engine having an output mechanically coupled to the starter motor, a transmission having an input, and an electric machine mechanically coupled to the transmission input. The vehicle further includes a clutch configured to mechanically couple the electric machine and the output of the engine, and at least one controller. The at least one controller is programmed to initiate an engine start based on driver demand. The controller is further configured to enable pressure to the clutch for the engine start if driver demand is less than a calibratable torque value or enable the starter motor for the engine start if the driver demand is greater than a calibratable torque value. The controller may lock the clutch to the output of the engine in response to the speed of the engine being approximately equal to the speed of the electric machine. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112525 | HYBRID VEHICLE POWERTRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle is provided with a powertrain including an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, and a turbocharger. The vehicle further includes a controller programmed to apply a variable filter to engine torque commands that are responsive to driver demand. The filter affects commands having a rate of increase greater than a predetermined threshold such that corresponding rates of increase in both engine torque and turbocharger speed are limited to respective rates less than the maximum available levels in order to reduce a surge in engine output emissions. The controller additionally issues commands for motor torque such that overall powertrain torque satisfies the driver demand. | 04-23-2015 |
20150126329 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UPSHIFT TORQUE MODIFICATION USING AN UPSTREAM CLUTCH IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric machine connected to the engine by an upstream clutch, a transmission gearbox connected to the electric machine by a downstream clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a commanded upshift of the gearbox, modulate a pressure of the upstream clutch. A method for controlling a vehicle includes, in response to a commanded upshift of a gearbox, controlling an upstream clutch to a first nonzero speed differential corresponding to a first inertia connected to and upstream of the gearbox to reduce inertia torque during the upshift. A method for controlling a vehicle includes, in response to a commanded upshift of a gearbox when the vehicle is beyond an electrical limit and a fast path torque reduction limit, slipping an upstream clutch and reducing torque outputs of an engine and an electric machine. | 05-07-2015 |
20150134159 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING OVERALL COASTING TORQUE IN A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle is provided that includes an engine, a reversible electric machine capable of generating and providing electric power, and a clutch for selectively engaging the engine to the electric machine. While the vehicle is traveling, an operator of the vehicle may release (“tip-out”) the accelerator pedal, indicating a desire for a reduction in speed and/or acceleration of the vehicle. If the clutch is engaged during the tip-out, the at least one controller is programmed to disengage the clutch and alter a commanded torque to the electric machine in response to the tip-out of the accelerator pedal to simulate compression braking of the engine. If the vehicle is operating in an electric-only mode of propulsion during the tip-out, and if a state-of-charge of the battery is relatively high, the controller is programmed to activate the engine and provide compression torque to the driveline in response to the tip-out. | 05-14-2015 |
20150134160 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING AN ENGINE OPERATING POINT FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a powertrain having an engine and an electric machine (M/G) connected by an upstream clutch, and a gearbox connected to the M/G by a torque converter. A controller is configured to, in response to a Park or Neutral gear selection and an electrical power request from the M/G, operate the engine at an engine speed and an engine torque based on the request and M/G speed and torque for improved powertrain efficiency. A method is provided for controlling a vehicle. In response to a Park or Neutral gear selection and an electrical power request from the M/G, the engine is operated at an engine speed and an engine torque based on the request and M/G speed and torque for improved powertrain efficiency. | 05-14-2015 |
20150134161 | LOAD-BASED VEHICLE OPERATING CONTROL - A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of providing propulsion power. A clutch is configured to selectively couple the engine to the electric machine. At times, the vehicle may be subject to excessive loads, such as a large amount of weight in the vehicle or the vehicle towing another object. At least one controller is programmed to engage the clutch and start the engine in response to a load of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined threshold and a release of the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped and in drive. This increases available engine torque prior to vehicle launch in anticipation of an upcoming acceleration demand. | 05-14-2015 |
20150134162 | LOAD-BASED VEHICLE OPERATING CONTROL - A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of propelling the vehicle. The electric machine is electrically connected to a high voltage traction battery. The state of charge of the battery can decrease if the battery is used to power the electric machine, and can increase if the electric machine supplies power to the battery via regenerative braking. Constraints are placed on the vehicle such that the battery operates within a preferred operating window, defined between minimum and maximum state of charge thresholds. At least one controller is programmed to alter the preferred operating window of the battery in response to various vehicular activities, such as when the vehicle is towing another object, or when the vehicle weighs above a certain threshold due to contents within the vehicle, for example. | 05-14-2015 |
20150197234 | Power Split Hybrid Electric Vehicle Motor Torque Control Using State Estimation - A vehicle includes a traction motor coupled to a driveline. An engine and a generator are coupled to the driveline through a planetary gearset. A controller commands the traction motor torque based on a difference between a driver torque demand and an estimated powertrain torque. The estimated powertrain torque is based on an error between actual and estimated engine speed and an error between actual and estimated generator speed. The estimated powertrain torque may be further based on commanded or estimated engine torque and generator torque. The estimated powertrain torque may utilize a state estimator to calculate internal states based on the errors. | 07-16-2015 |
20150197242 | HYBRID VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SHIFT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle is provided with a powertrain including a battery-powered electric motor, an internal combustion engine, a transmission, and a powertrain controller. The controller is programmed to permit an upshift of a transmission gear ratio while a powertrain torque demand is less than a forecasted available powertrain torque sustainable over a predetermined upcoming duration of time. The controller is also programmed to inhibit an upshift while the torque demand exceeds the forecasted available powertrain torque to reduce successive gear shifts. The controller may be further programmed to, in response to battery a state of charge being less than a threshold, reduce the forecasted available powertrain torque by an amount sufficient to provide a recharge to a battery. The controller may be further still programmed to reduce the forecasted available powertrain torque by an amount sufficient to restart the engine while the powertrain is operating in an engine-off traction mode. | 07-16-2015 |
20150197243 | PREDICTIVE ENGINE PULL UP AND PULL DOWN IN HYBRID VEHICLE - A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine configured to automatically stop in response to an engine stop request and automatically start in response to an engine start request include selectively inhibiting an engine stop request based on an anticipated duration of an expected decreased driver power command state to reduce occurrence of successive automatic stops and automatic starts. | 07-16-2015 |
20150198243 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DRIVELINE TORQUE CONTROL - Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a difference between estimated torque output of an active torque source in a driveline and actual torque output of the active torque source is mitigated via entering a driveline speed control mode. The methods and systems may be useful when switching between different driveline modes of operation. | 07-16-2015 |
20150203091 | POWERTRAIN CONTROL OF A HYBRID VEHICLE IN PARK OR NEUTRAL - A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine selectively coupled to the engine via a clutch. The engine, electric machine, and clutch are arranged along a common axis. At least one controller is programmed to execute various commands when the vehicle is in park or neutral and the accelerator pedal of the vehicle is depressed. This enhances perceived vehicle reactions in response to accelerator pedal movement. To do so, the controller is programmed to control a rate of speed increase of the electric machine based on a rate of the depression of the accelerator pedal (e.g., “speed control”). Furthermore, the torque output of the engine is controlled to a target value irrespective of engine speed and engine torque is converted into electric energy via the electric machine (e.g., “torque control”). The rate of speed increase of the electric machine is altered when the engine is started. | 07-23-2015 |
20150203092 | TORQUE BASED ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN HYBRID VEHICLE - A system and method for controlling a powertrain in a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a traction motor include commanding the engine to provide an engine torque corresponding with a desired performance characteristic at a current engine speed. The method additionally includes commanding the motor to provide a motor torque to compensate a difference between an operator torque request and the engine torque. | 07-23-2015 |
20150203096 | System and Method for Controlling Battery Power Based on Predicted Battery Energy Usage - A system and method for controlling battery power in a hybrid vehicle for a given driver demand that balances battery state of charge and battery capacity limits while operating the engine at a system efficient engine power. Predictive information may be used to predict battery energy usage during a future time window that indicates a charging opportunity (excess power will be absorbed by the battery) or a boosting opportunity (battery power will be discharged). Based on this information and the current state of charge of the battery, an associated battery power for a given driver demand is determined. | 07-23-2015 |
20150203105 | ENGINE TORQUE IMBALANCE COMPENSATION IN HYBRID VEHICLE - A system and method for controlling a fraction motor in a hybrid vehicle includes varying a traction motor torque in response to an engine cylinder misfire. The traction motor torque is varied to compensate for an engine torque shortfall due to the engine cylinder misfire, reducing a torque imbalance caused by the misfire. | 07-23-2015 |
20150224976 | CANCELLING CREEP TORQUE IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of propelling the vehicle. The electric machine provides creep torque to propel the vehicle at a slow speed or hold the vehicle when on an incline. At least one controller is programmed to cancel or otherwise inhibit the electric machine from generating the creep torque in response to a brake torque or brake torque request exceeding a calibratible threshold. The calibratible threshold varies based upon vehicle incline, vehicle mass, and/or vehicle speed. | 08-13-2015 |
20150232086 | SMOOTHING HYBRID VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTDOWN - A method of smoothing hybrid vehicle engine shutdown. A powered and rotating electric machine is used to slow deceleration of an unpowered and rotating engine by transferring torque through a clutch from the machine to the unpowered engine. Prior to the machine being powered, torque may be transferred through the clutch from the unpowered and rotating engine to the unpowered machine to accelerate passage of the engine through a resonance frequency. | 08-20-2015 |
20150239467 | HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND METHOD OF STARTING ENGINE - Two methods may be used to start the engine of a hybrid electric vehicle while the vehicle is moving under electric power. When smoothness is most important, a disconnect clutch is partially engaged to initiate engine rotation and then released as the engine accelerates under its own power toward a motor speed. When rapid starting is most important, the disconnect clutch torque capacity is controlled to decrease the time required for the engine to accelerates to the motor speed. A torque converter bypass clutch is disengaged during the engine restart under either method. Also, the motor torque is adjusted under either method to compensate for the torque provided to the engine. | 08-27-2015 |
20150246669 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HYBRID DRIVELINE CONTROL - Systems and methods for operating and hybrid driveline are presented. In one example, driver demand torque may be supplied to vehicle wheels via a hydraulic torque path and a friction torque path. Torque is distributed between the friction torque path and the hydraulic torque path in a way that ensures that driver demand torque is met and the friction torque path transfers torque up to its capacity. | 09-03-2015 |
20150251649 | ACTIVE MOTOR DAMPING CONTROL OF A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE POWERTRAIN - A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric motor both configured to generate a vehicle powertrain torque and a controller programmed to control the powertrain torque for a limited duration in anticipation of a powertrain torque variation scenario using a damping function, wherein the damping function adjusts the vehicle powertrain torque based on a difference between a measured motor speed and a desired motor speed using the electric motor to counteract a powertrain speed oscillation. | 09-10-2015 |