Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221763 | VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INHIBIT METHOD AND APPARATUS - A control method is provided including detecting transmission output speed and a forward and reverse shift request, and executing inhibit limits when the detected speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed. The inhibit limits slow the output speed to zero upon detection of a shift request at output speeds above the threshold, with a pedal progression map executed upon reaching zero output speed. The limits approach zero output torque as vehicle speed increases, reaching zero at a relatively high speed and simulating a neutral transmission upon a detected shift request at high speed. A vehicle is also provided having a transmission, a sensor for detecting transmission output speed, a sensor for detecting a shift request, and a PCM having an algorithm and a threshold transmission output speed. The algorithm inhibits a shift event in the direction opposite that of vehicle travel upon detection when vehicle speed is greater than the threshold. | 09-11-2008 |
20080228369 | ACCELERATOR/BRAKE PEDAL MANAGEMENT FOR TORQUE-BASED ENGINE CONTROL - 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. | 09-18-2008 |
20080249745 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGEMENT OF AN ELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE TO ACHIEVE A TARGET LIFE OBJECTIVE - A method for determining a preferred operating gradient for use in attaining a life objective for an electrical energy storage device is disclosed. A present state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device is provided and a life target for the electrical energy storage device is established as a predetermined limit in a predetermined metric at a predetermined state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device. A state-of-life gradient is then determined with respect to the predetermined metric which converges the state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device to the life target. | 10-09-2008 |
20090045778 | METHOD FOR UPDATING MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM ENERGY STORAGE VALUES - A battery control system comprises a battery control module, an averaging module, and a supervisor module. The battery control module measures voltages of N energy storage blocks, wherein N is an integer greater than one, and determines a first voltage of the voltages at a first rate. The first voltage is one of a maximum voltage and a minimum voltage. The averaging module calculates an average voltage at a second rate that is greater than the first rate. The average voltage is based on a measured total voltage of an energy storage pack including the N energy storage blocks. The supervisor module generates an updated voltage based on the first voltage and the average voltage and controls a vehicle system based on the updated voltage. | 02-19-2009 |
20090056429 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING CRANKSHAFT POSITION DATA - A method for collecting crankshaft position data includes rotating a crankshaft of an engine within a selected angular velocity range without any fuel being applied to the engine and measuring crankshaft position data. | 03-05-2009 |
20090105914 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INHIBITING OPERATION IN A COMMANDED OPERATING RANGE STATE FOR A TRANSMISSION OF A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A hybrid powertrain system includes torque generative devices to transfer power to an output member. An operator torque request, a rotational direction and speed of the output member, and a signal output from a transmission range selector are monitored. When a change in a direction of intended motion is determined, the powertrain system can change rotational direction of the output member when the speed of the output member is less than a threshold. The powertrain can inhibit a change in the rotational direction of the output member. | 04-23-2009 |
20090107745 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING SIGNAL INTEGRITY IN A DISTRIBUTED CONTROLS SYSTEM - A method to monitor integrity of a signal in a distributed control system for a powertrain system includes communications link transmitting signals between control modules. Integrity of each of the control modules is monitored. The signal is generated and verified in an originating control module and transmitted to a receiving control module whereat it is subsequently verified. | 04-30-2009 |
20090108673 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A VOLTAGE LEVEL ACROSS AN ELECTRIC CIRCUIT OF A POWERTRAIN - A method for determining a voltage level across an electrical circuit of a powertrain includes measuring a plurality of voltage levels and utilizing a comparison test between at least two voltage levels of the plurality of voltage levels to determine the circuit voltage level. | 04-30-2009 |
20090111640 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING REGENERATIVE OPERATION IN A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A hybrid powertrain system includes an engine and a torque actuator coupled to a driveline to transfer tractive power to a wheel including a friction brake. A method includes monitoring an operator braking request and determining a request for regenerative braking torque. Operation of the torque actuator to react tractive power is inhibited when a fault is detected in the monitored request for regenerative braking torque and achieved regenerative braking torque. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112399 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING SOFTWARE AND SIGNAL INTEGRITY IN A DISTRIBUTED CONTROL MODULE SYSTEM FOR A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method to monitor integrity of a signal generated and communicated in a distributed control module system for a hybrid powertrain system includes generating and verifying signal within an originating control module. A message is generated based upon the signal. The message is transmitted and received at a receiving control module. The signal is extracted from the message and its integrity is verified. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112412 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO MONITOR OUTPUT OF AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION - Controlling a hybrid powertrain includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques based upon the operator torque request, determining a commanded transmission output torque, and comparing the commanded transmission output torque and each of the maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques. | 04-30-2009 |
20090115351 | METHOD FOR MANAGING ELECTRIC POWER IN A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A powertrain system includes a transmission operative to transfer power between a plurality of power actuators and an output member, and an energy storage device. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes establishing a first set of electric power limits and a second set of electric power limits for the energy storage device, determining a preferred input power from a first power actuator based upon the first set of electric power limits, determining a first set of power constraints for constraining input power from the first power actuator and a second set of power constraints for constraining output power from the output member based upon a second set of electric power limits, and controlling operation of the powertrain system based upon the preferred input power, the first set of power constraints, and the second set of power constraints. | 05-07-2009 |
20090115377 | METHOD OF EXTERNALLY CHARGING A POWERTRAIN - A method of externally charging a powertrain includes monitoring a voltage level of a first battery, determining when the monitored voltage level is below a first voltage threshold, and when the monitored voltage level is below the first voltage threshold, charging the first battery by supplying power from an external power source and increasing voltage of the power supplied by the external power source within the powertrain. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118078 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A control method for vehicular hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a transmission gear selector, and determining an operator torque request based upon the operator inputs to the accelerator pedal and the transmission gear selector. Torque output from the electric machine is commanded based upon the operator torque request. Engine output is controlled based upon the operator torque request and the commanded torque output from the electric machine. Vehicle hood position is monitored and the engine output is controlled correlative to the operator input to the accelerator pedal when the monitored position of the vehicle hood is open and the operator input to the transmission gear selector is one of a PARK and a NEUTRAL position. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118081 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER ACTUATORS IN A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method for controlling a powertrain system includes controlling a first power actuator based upon a set of power constraints for the first power actuator. The method further includes controlling a second power actuator based upon the set of power constraints for the second power actuator. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118877 | CREATION AND DEPLETION OF SHORT TERM POWER CAPABILITY IN A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Short term power limits of an electrical energy storage device are progressively tightened toward long term power limits in accordance with net energy flow or magnitude or duration metrics. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118885 | SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR A BLENDED BRAKING SYSTEM IN A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - An engine and a second power generating device transmit power through a transmission to a driveline to a wheel. A control module determines a regenerative braking axle torque capacity and a regenerative braking torque. Power output from the second power generating device is controlled based upon a regenerative braking axle torque request. A brake control module determines a total braking torque request and generates the regenerative braking axle torque request based upon the total braking torque request, the regenerative braking axle torque capacity, and the regenerative braking torque. The brake control module controls a friction brake. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118901 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING OUTPUT TORQUE IN A DISTRIBUTED CONTROL MODULE SYSTEM FOR A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method to monitor integrity of a motor torque command for a transmission in a hybrid powertrain system includes calculating motor torque commands for the torque generating machines. Torque corrections for the motor torque commands are determined. The motor torque commands are adjusted based upon the torque corrections. The adjusted motor torque commands are verified based upon an estimated output torque. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118916 | METHOD TO MANAGE A HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM IN A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A powertrain includes an electromechanical transmission operative to transmit torque between an input member and an electric machine and an output member to transmit tractive torque. The electric machine is electrically connected to an inverter device which is electrically connected to an energy storage device. A method for operating the powertrain includes detecting a shutdown event, commanding the transmission to neutral, commanding the electric machine to cease operating in a torque generating mode, and electrically disconnecting the energy storage device from the inverter device. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118929 | PREDICTED AND IMMEDIATE OUTPUT TORQUE CONTROL ARCHITECTURE FOR A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method for controlling torque in a hybrid powertrain system to selectively transfer mechanical power to an output member includes monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and to a brake pedal. An immediate accelerator output torque request, a predicted accelerator output torque request, an immediate brake output torque request, a predicted brake output torque request, and an axle torque response type are determined. An output torque command to the output member of the transmission is determined based upon the immediate accelerator output torque request and the immediate brake output torque request. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118962 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OUTPUT POWER OF AN ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE IN A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring a state-of-charge of the energy storage device and determining a first set of electric power limits and a second set of electric power limits based on the state-of-charge of the energy storage device. The method further includes providing a power range for opportunity charging and discharging of the energy storage device based on the first set of electric power limits. The method further includes providing a power range for controlling output power of the energy storage device based on the second set of electric power limits. | 05-07-2009 |
20090204280 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A HYBRID VEHICLE - A hybrid controller for controlling a hybrid vehicle is set forth. The hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric motor and an engine controller determining a crankshaft torque. The hybrid controller includes an optimization module determining an electric motor torque, determining an engine torque and communicating the engine torque from the hybrid controller to the engine controller. The hybrid controller also includes a motor control module controlling the electric motor based on the electric motor torque. | 08-13-2009 |
20100045335 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EVALUATING PERMANENT MAGNET MOTORS - A method for evaluating a permanent magnet motor, which includes a rotor with a plurality of magnets mounted thereon, and a stator with a plurality of windings in proximity to the rotor and coupled to an inverter, includes spinning the motor such that a voltage is induced in the windings of the stator and the inverter; measuring the voltage on the inverter; calculating the voltage constant from the motor from the measured voltage; comparing the voltage constant to accepted voltage constants; and identifying the motor as not acceptable if the voltage constant is outside of a range of the accepted voltage constants. | 02-25-2010 |
20100075802 | COLD START EMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGY FOR COORDINATED TORQUE CONTROL SYSTEMS - A cold-start control system for an internal combustion engine includes a heat estimation module, a torque request module and a propulsion torque determination module. The heat estimation module determines an exhaust system temperature and estimates heat required to heat an exhaust system to a predetermined temperature. The torque request module generates a torque request based on the estimated heat. The propulsion torque determination module determines a desired engine torque based on the torque request. | 03-25-2010 |
20100123573 | SERIES INTERLOCK SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED ABILITY TO IDENTIFY BREACHED LOCATIONS - A system is provided for implementing a series interlock loop. An example of the interlock system includes a series interlock loop, a data table, and a control module. The series interlock loop has an overall electrical characteristic. The series interlock loop includes first and second safety interlocks electrically coupled in series. Each interlock includes a switch coupled in parallel with an impedance value. The data table is configured to store values corresponding to the impedance values. The control module is communicatively coupled to the data table and configured to receive an indication of the overall electrical characteristic and to compare the overall electrical characteristic to the values in the data table to thereby identify an open one of the first and second safety interlocks. | 05-20-2010 |
20100213948 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSING A MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUIT IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) has an algorithm for executing a method for diagnosing a high-voltage (HV) fault condition aboard the HEV. The HEV includes a high-voltage (HV) battery, an auxiliary power module (APM), a power inverter module (PIM), and a three-phase motor/generator unit (MGU). A controller executes the method to thereby measure a DC output current from the HV battery, a DC inlet current into the APM, and a pair of AC phase currents in the MGU. The method further includes calculating a DC inlet current into the PIM using the AC phase currents, diagnosing the HV fault condition using the DC output currents and the DC inlet currents, and executing a control action in response to the diagnosed condition. The method can include shutting off the APM to determine whether the APM is the root cause of the HV fault condition. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217547 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EVALUATING PERMANENT MAGNET MOTORS - A method for evaluating a permanent magnet motor, which includes a rotor with a plurality of magnets mounted thereon, and a stator with a plurality of windings in proximity to the rotor and coupled to an inverter, includes spinning the motor such that a voltage is induced in the windings of the stator and the inverter; measuring the voltage on the inverter; calculating the voltage constant from the motor from the measured voltage; comparing the voltage constant to accepted voltage constants; and identifying the motor as not acceptable if the voltage constant is outside of a range of the accepted voltage constants. | 08-26-2010 |
20110130903 | TORQUE COMMAND STRUCTURE FOR AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A method controls a motor generator unit (MGU) aboard a vehicle. An event signal is generated using a transmission controller, with the event signal predicting a transient vehicle event, e.g., auto start, transmission shift, fuel cycling, etc. The event signal is received by a motor controller, which determines a predicted level of motor output torque required from the MGU during the transient vehicle. Electromagnetic flux of the MGU is increased to a calibrated threshold level prior to commencement of the transient vehicle event. The MGU may be used for regenerating energy during the transient vehicle event. The MGU is then used to facilitate execution of the transient vehicle event. A vehicle having the MGU uses a controller(s) to automatically increase electromagnetic flux of the MGU prior to the transient vehicle event using the method as noted above. | 06-02-2011 |
20110202211 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OF VEHICLES - Methods and systems are provided for controlling an electrical system of a vehicle. Sensors are used to obtain first data for a first path of calculations and second data for a second path of calculations. The first path comprises a first plurality of calculations of generating a value of a parameter pertaining to the electrical system, and the second path comprises a second plurality of calculations of monitoring the electrical system with respect to the first path. A processor is coupled to the plurality of sensors, and is configured to determine whether a data frozen flag is active, perform the first plurality of calculations of the first path using the first data if the first data flag is inactive, and perform the second plurality of calculations of the second path if the first data flag is active. | 08-18-2011 |
20110202226 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an electrical system of a vehicle. Data pertaining to the electrical system is obtained. Calculation modules are performed using the data to generate intermediate determinations. An aggregate calculation module is performed using each of the intermediate determinations to generate an aggregate determination pertaining to the electrical system. Redundant intermediate calculations are performed using the data to generate redundant intermediate determinations. Each of the redundant intermediate determinations is used for comparison with a respective intermediate determination. | 08-18-2011 |
20110208378 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A HYBRID VEHICLE - An exemplary method for operating a hybrid vehicle in the event that there is a problem with an auxiliary power source, such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. According to one embodiment, the method provides a power management scheme for a variety of situations where an auxiliary power source experiences a problem; this may include situations where an internal combustion engine runs out of fuel, where there is a mechanical or electrical malfunction, or any other instance where the auxiliary power source is unable to generate and/or provide electrical energy for the hybrid vehicle. The power management scheme conserves the vehicle's primary power source, which is typically a battery, in order to provide the hybrid vehicle with an extended driving range. | 08-25-2011 |
20110213518 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING TORQUE CAPABILITY IN ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEMS - A method for operating an electric motor is provided. The method includes receiving a torque request; determining long term torque capabilities and short term torque capabilities of the electric motor; generating a torque command based on the torque request and at least one of the long term torque capabilities or the short term torque capabilities; and controlling the electric motor in accordance with the torque command. | 09-01-2011 |
20120032506 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STARTING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A starting system for an internal combustion engine includes a starter motor configured to transfer torque to the engine during an engine starting event, a low-voltage power bus including a first bus segment and a second bus segment, a controllable isolation circuit including a first state wherein the first and second bus segments are electrically coupled and a second state wherein the first and second bus segments are electrically isolated, a low-voltage battery and the starter motor electrically coupled to the first bus segment, an accessory power module and a power supply for a control module electrically coupled to the second bus segment; and the control module configured to control the isolation circuit to the second state to electrically isolate the first bus segment from the second bus segment during the engine starting event. | 02-09-2012 |
20120065864 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES IN HYBRID POWERTRAINS - A method for selectively creating vacuum in a hybrid powertrain controlled by a hybrid control processor and having an engine controlled by an engine control module includes requesting a pressure differential between a first intake point and a second intake point, wherein the first intake point and the second intake point are separated by a throttle. An actual torque capacity is calculated for the engine, wherein the actual torque capacity occurs when pressure is substantially equal at the first intake point and at the second intake point. A desired torque capacity is also calculated for the engine, wherein the desired torque capacity reduces the pressure at the second intake point relative to the pressure at the first intake point, such that the requested pressure differential is created. The engine is then operated at one of the desired torque capacity and the actual torque capacity. | 03-15-2012 |
20120109479 | BLENDED BRAKING MANAGEMENT IN POWERTRAIN SYSTEMS - A method for operating a powertrain system including a torque machine coupled to a drive wheel of a vehicle includes determining a regenerative braking capacity of the powertrain system. In response to a net operator torque request including a braking torque request, a friction braking torque command to operate a friction brake system and a regenerative braking torque request for the torque machine are coincidentally generated, a torque command is generated for controlling operation of the torque machine in response to the regenerative braking torque request, and the friction braking torque command is adjusted by an amount corresponding to a difference between the braking torque request and the regenerative braking torque request. | 05-03-2012 |
20120203405 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A RESOLVER IN A TORQUE MACHINE - A method for monitoring an electrically-powered torque machine configured to generate torque in a hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring signal outputs of a resolver configured to monitor rotational position of the torque machine. Upon detecting a fault warning state associated with the signal outputs of the resolver, a motor torque capacity of the torque machine is derated. Upon a clearing of the fault warning state, a torque ramp-up state to increase the motor torque capacity of the torque machine is executed. Notice of an incidence of a fault associated with the signal outputs of the resolver is provided only when the motor torque capacity fails to achieve a threshold motor torque capacity within a threshold recovery time period while executing the torque ramp-up state. | 08-09-2012 |
20120283921 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A vehicular powertrain system includes an engine, an electro-mechanical transmission and an electric machine arranged in an input-split hybrid configuration. A control system for the powertrain system includes a control module signally connected to a plurality of input devices and configured to execute program code stored on a computer readable medium to control the powertrain. The program code monitors operator inputs, determines an intent to service the vehicle based upon the operator inputs, commands the electric machine to generate a net torque output of zero, and controls the engine speed correlative to an operator depression of an accelerator pedal. | 11-08-2012 |
20130289811 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR TORQUE CONTROL IN AN ELECTRONIC ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE - Methods and apparatus are provided for torque control in an electric all wheel drive (e AWD) vehicle. The apparatus is a system having at least one propulsion system capable of determining a desired torque command and torque capability data for a primary and secondary axle. Also included are one or more active chassis systems capable of providing chassis system data and a processor coupled for processing the desired torque command, the torque capability data and the chassis system data to provide a maximum torque limit and a minimum torque limit for the secondary axle. In this way, at least one propulsion system processes the desired torque signal and the maximum torque limit and the minimum torque limit to provide an electric motor torque command and an engine torque command for the eAWD vehicle. A method for torque control in an eAWD vehicle is also provided. | 10-31-2013 |
20130314011 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR COMPUTING A VOLTAGE ADVANCE USED IN CONTROLLING OPERATION OF AN ELECTRIC MACHINE - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems and apparatus for computing a voltage advance used in controlling operation of an electric machine. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317630 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING DITHERING IN MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF AN ELECTRIC MACHINE - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems and apparatus for implementing dithering in motor drive system for controlling operation of a multi-phase electric machine. | 11-28-2013 |
20140265975 | INVERTER CONTROL METHOD AND VEHICLE HAVING SAME - A method of controlling a power inverter coupled to an electric motor in a vehicle powertrain having an engine is provided. The method includes generating a voltage waveform signal and a switching frequency signal for the inverter via a controller. At least one of the voltage waveform signal and the switching frequency signal is at least partially based on at least one commanded engine operating parameter. For example, the engine on/off state, engine torque, and engine speed can be considered. A vehicle having a controller configured to implement the method is also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140354292 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A MULTI-PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON A VEHICLE - An electric machine electrically connects to an inverter via a multi-phase power circuit. A method for monitoring the multi-phase power circuit includes non-intrusively adjusting a commanded AC electric current from the inverter after a prescribed time period and comparing a measured magnitude of AC electric current in the multi-phase power circuit with a minimum threshold. Presence of an open circuit fault in the multi-phase power circuit can be detected based upon the comparison. | 12-04-2014 |
20150073630 | CONTROLLER FOR AN ELECTRIC MOTOR, AND A METHOD THEREOF - A controller for an electric vehicle having an electric motor is provided. The controller includes a motor control processor (MCP) module configured to control torque output of the electric motor. The controller also includes a first main processor monitor (MPM) module and a second MPM module. The first MPM module and the second MPM module are configured to separately determine a state of health of the MCP module, and to generate a first fault signal and a second fault signal, respectively, after determining the MCP module is not functional. The controller further includes a voting control module configured to receive at least one of the first fault signal from the first MPM module, and the second fault signal from the second MPM module, and to generate an override command when it receives both the first fault signal and the second fault signal. The override command overrides the MCP module. | 03-12-2015 |