ATIEVA, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160107508 | EV Multi-Mode Thermal Management System - A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop and two non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, where one of the non-refrigerant-based loops is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the other of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control loop may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to the battery thermal control loop using refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107507 | EV Multi-Mode Thermal Management System - A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop and two non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, where one of the non-refrigerant-based loops is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the other of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control loop may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to the battery thermal control loop using refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers. A valve assembly is used to couple and/or decouple the battery and drive train thermal control loops, thereby allowing these two thermal control loops to operate either in parallel or in series. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107506 | EV Multi-Mode Thermal Management System - A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop and three non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, where one of the non-refrigerant-based loops provides temperature control over the vehicle's passenger cabin, a second of the non-refrigerant-based control loops is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the third of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control loop may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to the battery thermal control loop using refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107505 | EV Multi-Mode Thermal Management System - A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop and three non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, where one of the non-refrigerant-based loops provides temperature control over the vehicle's passenger cabin, a second of the non-refrigerant-based control loops is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the third of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control loop may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to the battery thermal control loop using refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers. A valve assembly is used to couple and/or decouple the battery and drive train thermal control loops, thereby allowing these two thermal control loops to operate either in parallel or in series. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107504 | EV Multi-Mode Thermal Management System - A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop and three non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, where one of the non-refrigerant-based loops provides temperature control over the vehicle's passenger cabin, a second of the non-refrigerant-based control loops is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the third of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control loop may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to one or more of the non-refrigerant-based control loops using refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107503 | EV Multi-Mode Thermal Management System - A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop and three non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, where one of the non-refrigerant-based loops provides temperature control over the vehicle's passenger cabin, a second of the non-refrigerant-based control loops is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the third of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control loop may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to one or more of the non-refrigerant-based control loops using refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers. A valve assembly is used to couple and/or decouple the battery and drive train thermal control loops, thereby allowing these two thermal control loops to operate either in parallel or in series. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107502 | EV Multi-Mode Thermal Management System - A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop and three non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, where one of the non-refrigerant-based loops provides temperature control over the vehicle's passenger cabin, a second of the non-refrigerant-based control loops is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the third of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control loop may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to one or more of the non-refrigerant-based control loops using refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers. A valve assembly is used to couple and/or decouple the passenger cabin and battery thermal control loops, thereby allowing these two thermal control loops to operate either in parallel or in series. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107501 | EV Multi-Mode Thermal Management System - A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop and three non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, where one of the non-refrigerant-based loops provides temperature control over the vehicle's passenger cabin, a second of the non-refrigerant-based control loops is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the third of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control loop may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to one or more of the non-refrigerant-based control loops using refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers. Valve assemblies are used to couple and/or decouple the three non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, thereby allowing the thermal control loops to operate either in parallel or in series. | 04-21-2016 |
20160101697 | Vehicle Display with Automatic Positioning System - A display system mounted within a vehicle is provided, where the system monitors the user's position within the vehicle's seat and automatically adjusts the location of the display to compensate for variations in the size or seating position of the user, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time. | 04-14-2016 |
20160099632 | Motor Housing with Integral Gear Housing - A motor assembly is provided that utilizes a single piece drive gear and bearing enclosure configured so that the end wall of the enclosure also serves as one of the motor's end caps, thereby helping to minimize coaxial misalignment between the input drive shaft of the primary drive gear and the motor's rotor shaft. To further minimize misalignment, three coaxial bearing assemblies are used, where the first and second bearing assemblies support the rotor shaft and the second and third bearing assemblies support the input drive shaft. | 04-07-2016 |
20160093931 | Battery Pack with Segmented, Electrically Isolated Heat Sink - A battery assembly is provided that utilizes electrically isolated heat sinks to enhance battery pack thermal management and safety. The battery assembly is divided into groups of batteries, where the batteries within each group are of the same voltage, and where each battery group is serially coupled to the other battery groups. The heat sink is segmented, where each heat sink segment is thermally coupled to the batteries within a single battery group, and where each heat sink segment is electrically isolated from the adjacent heat sink segments. The heat sink segments are thermally coupled to, and electrically isolated from, at least one coolant conduit which, in turn, is coupled to a thermal management system. | 03-31-2016 |
20160093930 | Battery Pack with Segmented, Electrically Isolated Heat Sink - A battery assembly is provided that utilizes electrically isolated heat sinks to enhance battery pack thermal management and safety. The battery assembly is divided into groups of batteries, where the batteries within each group are of the same voltage, and where each battery group is serially coupled to the other battery groups. The heat sink is segmented, where each heat sink segment is thermally coupled to the batteries within a single battery group, and where each heat sink segment is electrically isolated from the adjacent heat sink segments. The heat sink segments are thermally coupled to a cold plate, and electrically isolated from the cold plate by a layer of a thermal interface material. | 03-31-2016 |
20160082861 | EV Adaptive Thermal Management System Optimized to Minimize Power Consumption - A method of operating the thermal management system in a vehicle is provided, where the thermal management system includes a heat exchanger (e.g., a radiator) and a heat source (e.g., battery pack, drive train, power electronics, etc.). After characterizing the thermal management system, whenever the system controller issues a cooling demand an appropriate set of operating settings is determined that minimizes the amount of power consumed by the system's actuators (e.g., blower fan, coolant pump) while still meeting the cooling demand. As a result, the heat source is cooled to the degree required with a minimum expenditure of power, thereby minimizing the impact on driving range and vehicle performance. | 03-24-2016 |
20160065113 | Method of Diagnosing a Malfunctioning DC Fan Motor - A method of diagnosing DC fan motor performance is provided in which normal operation of the motor is periodically and temporarily suspended in order to verify that the motor is operating within an acceptable performance range. When normal fan motor operation is suspended, the back EMF of the motor is used to determine (i) whether the motor is seized and/or (ii) whether the rate of deceleration after interrupting power to the motor is indicative of a failing motor. | 03-03-2016 |
20160065104 | Sensorless DC Fan Speed Controller - A method of maintaining a calibrated DC fan motor is provided in which normal operation of the motor is periodically and temporarily suspended in order to calibrate the motor. During normal operation, the motor controller selects an appropriate PWM control signal to achieve the desired motor speed. This PWM control signal is later modified during the calibration process on the basis of the difference between the desired motor speed and the actual motor speed, where the actual motor speed is determined by temporarily interrupting power to the motor, measuring the back EMF of the motor, and calculating the actual motor speed based on the back EMF. When normal operation is resumed, the motor controller uses the modified PWM control signal. | 03-03-2016 |
20160061899 | Method of Diagnosing a Blocked Heat Exchanger - A method is provided for testing the performance of a vehicle-mounted heat exchanger and determining whether debris is preventing air from efficiently passing through the heat exchanger. To test performance, after the vehicle is traveling faster than a preset minimum speed, the power to the DC fan motor that is adjacent to the heat exchanger is interrupted and the back EMF of the motor is used to determine fan motor speed. As rotation of the unpowered fan motor is due to the air flowing through the heat exchanger, the rate of fan rotation is used to indicate the relative health of the heat exchanger. If the rotation of the fan motor indicates insufficient air flow, then a notification message (e.g., visual or auditory warning indicator) is transmitted. If the test indicates sufficient air flow, normal operation of the fan motor is re-initiated and power is re-connected to the motor. | 03-03-2016 |
20160047609 | Self-Cleaning Fan Assembly - A self-cleaning fan assembly is provided that can be used to automatically clean the assembly's heat exchanger or air filter. In use, once the system determines that the heat exchanger/air filter should be cleaned, for example based on the total operational time or the number of use cycles for the system, or based on the air flow passing through the heat exchanger/air filter, the controller temporarily reverses the direction of the fan, thereby reversing the flow of air through the heat exchanger/air filter and forcing out dust, dirt and other debris. | 02-18-2016 |
20160023664 | Event Sensitive Learning Interface - A vehicle control system is provided that is able to identify a particular driver from other potential drivers, monitor various vehicle functions, and determine if the identified driver repeatedly performs the same behavior upon activation of the car. When the control system determines that the identified driver repeats the same behavior each time the car is activated, the controller learns that behavior and associates it with the identified driver so that the learned behavior can be automatically performed, without driver interaction, when the driver is identified and the car is activated. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023532 | EV Integrated Temperature Control System - A thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based control circuit and a pair of non-refrigerant-based control circuits, where one of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the other of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control circuit may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to one of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits using a refrigerant-fluid heat exchanger. Multiple diverter valves allow the three thermal control circuits to be arranged in any of a variety of configurations, and to be coupled to any of a variety of radiators, thus allowing the system to efficiently regulate the temperature of the passenger cabin, the battery system and the drive train. | 01-28-2016 |
20160020719 | Direct Torque Control Motor Controller with Transient Current Limiter - An AC motor controller is provided that utilizes a direct torque controller and primary and secondary control loops. The primary control loop operates in a relatively conventional manner, determining a voltage vector that sets the inverter switching variables for the motor's power inverter, where the voltage vector is based on the motor's torque and flux as estimated from the measured voltage and current of the motor. Application of the voltage vector determined by the primary loop is delayed until initiation of the next primary control loop cycle. The secondary loop, utilizing a faster sampling rate than that of the primary loop, compares the measured phase current to a preset current limit. If the secondary loop determines that the measured phase current has exceeded the preset current limit, it sets a null voltage vector, thereby limiting transient over currents. | 01-21-2016 |
20160020718 | Direct Torque Control Motor Controller with Transient Current Limiter - An AC motor controller is provided that utilizes a direct torque controller and primary and secondary control loops. The primary control loop operates in a relatively conventional manner, determining a voltage vector that sets the inverter switching variables for the motor's power inverter, where the voltage vector is based on the motor's torque and flux as estimated from the measured voltage and current of the motor. The voltage vector determined by the primary loop is selected and applied immediately upon completion of the corresponding primary control loop computational cycle. The secondary loop, utilizing a faster sampling rate than that of the primary loop, compares the measured phase current to a preset current limit. If the secondary loop determines that the measured phase current has exceeded the preset current limit, it sets a null voltage vector, thereby limiting transient over currents. | 01-21-2016 |
20160020717 | Direct Torque Control Motor Controller with Torque Ripple Reduction - An AC motor controller is provided that utilizes a direct torque controller and primary and secondary control loops. The primary control loop operates in a relatively conventional manner, determining a voltage vector that sets the inverter switching variables for the motor's power inverter, where the voltage vector is based on the motor's torque and flux as estimated from the measured voltage and current of the motor. The secondary loop, utilizing a faster sampling rate than the primary loop, estimates a more up-to-date torque error which is compared to a secondary torque error band, where the secondary torque error band is preferably narrower that the primary torque error band. If the secondary loop determines that the up-to-date torque error has exceeded the secondary torque error band, it sets a null voltage vector, thereby limiting torque ripples. | 01-21-2016 |
20160020497 | Battery Pack with Non-Conductive Structural Support - A battery pack is provided that is configured to minimize the risk of battery shorts during a thermal runaway event. The battery pack uses a layer of a thermally conductive, electrically non-conducting epoxy to transfer heat from each of the pack's batteries to an underlying heat sink/heat spreader. A plurality of electrically non-conductive granules, for example fabricated from alumina or silica, is dispersed throughout at least a region of the epoxy layer. As a result of the granules, even if the epoxy layer softens sufficiently during a thermal runaway event to allow movement of the batteries, the granules will prevent the batteries from contacting the underlying heat sink/heat spreaders and shorting out, one benefit of which is decreasing the likelihood of an initial thermal runaway event propagating throughout the entire battery pack. | 01-21-2016 |
20150371462 | Vehicle Fault Early Warning System - A vehicle fault early warning system is provided in which a central processing system (e.g., vehicle manufacturer, service center, third party) transmits a warning once a set of conditions is identified that routinely leads to a particular vehicle malfunction, where the malfunction may either cause the failure of a component/subsystem or cause a component/subsystem to perform out-of-spec. The warning, which may be accompanied by instructions as to how to avoid, or at least mitigate, the effects of the vehicle malfunction, may either be sent to all users or only those that are likely to be affected by the malfunction. | 12-24-2015 |
20150363797 | Vehicle Test System - A method of using private vehicles for testing is provided, where the method includes the steps of (i) transmitting a request to users of the vehicle/technology to be tested, (ii) transmitting test protocols and/or software updates to users that accept the request to participate in the test, (iii) monitoring a set of vehicle performance characteristics during the test, (iv) transmitting a data log generated during the test for each participating user/vehicle, and (v) issuing participation rewards, such as a coupon for goods and services offered by the vehicle's manufacturer, to test participants. | 12-17-2015 |
20150353097 | Time and Day Sensitive Learning Interface - A vehicle control system is provided that is able to (i) identify a particular driver from other potential drivers and (ii) monitor various vehicle functions in order to determine if the identified driver repeatedly performs the same behavior at approximately the same time of day on the same day of the week. When the control system determines that the identified driver repeats the same behavior in response to the same temporal conditions, the controller learns that behavior and associates it with the identified driver so that it can be automatically performed, without driver interaction, under the same temporal conditions in the future. | 12-10-2015 |
20150353039 | Event Sensitive Learning Interface - A vehicle control system is provided that is able to (i) identify a particular driver from other potential drivers and (ii) monitor various vehicle functions in order to determine if the identified driver repeatedly performs the same behavior upon the occurrence of a particular event or condition. When the control system determines that the identified driver repeats the same behavior upon the re-occurrence of the same event or condition, the controller learns that behavior and associates it with the identified driver so that it can be automatically performed, without driver interaction, when the same event or condition re-occurs. | 12-10-2015 |
20150353038 | Time Sensitive Learning Interface - A vehicle control system is provided that is able to (i) identify a particular driver from other potential drivers and (ii) monitor various vehicle functions in order to determine if the identified driver repeatedly performs the same behavior at approximately the same time each day. When the control system determines that the identified driver repeats the same behavior in response to the same temporal conditions, the controller learns that behavior and associates it with the identified driver so that it can be automatically performed, without driver interaction, under the same temporal conditions in the future. | 12-10-2015 |
20150353037 | Location Sensitive Learning Interface - A vehicle control system is provided that is able to (i) identify a particular driver from other potential drivers and (ii) monitor various vehicle functions in order to determine if the identified driver repeatedly performs the same behavior when the vehicle is at or near the same location. When the control system determines that the identified driver repeats the same behavior in response to the vehicle being at or near the same location, the controller learns that behavior and associates it with the identified driver so that it can be automatically performed, without driver interaction, when the vehicle is at or near the same location in the future. | 12-10-2015 |
20150345984 | Vehicle Navigation Route Optimized for EV Charging - A method of incorporating recharging breaks into the route shown on an electric vehicle's on-board navigation system is provided. The system initially calculates the vehicle's driving range and determines whether the calculated range is sufficient to travel to all of the locations on the intended route. If the range is insufficient, the system may notify the user that the car should be charged the night before the intended travel day. Additionally, the system may be used to identify potential recharging stations along the intended route and, in at least some cases, confirm that the location of the identified recharging station is acceptable to the user. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345962 | Automated Vehicle Route Scheduling and Optimization System - A method of automatically incorporating a user's calendar into a vehicle's navigation system is provided. After the on-board calendar is synchronized with the calendar contained on the user's device (e.g., cellular phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, personal digital assistant, computer system, etc.), the system controller determines the locations that correspond to each of the appointments contained on the calendar and inputs those locations into the navigation system. The system also estimates the travel time between locations on the route and determines appropriate departure times corresponding to each appointment on the calendar. Using this information the system determines when insufficient time has been left between appointments and, in such cases, notifies the user of the potential scheduling problem. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345958 | Method of Controlling an Auxiliary Vehicle System - A method of preparing a car for travel is provided. The system incorporates a user's calendar into the vehicle's navigation system, synchronizes the on-board calendar with the calendar contained on the user's device (e.g., cellular phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, personal digital assistant, computer system, etc.), determines the locations corresponding to each of the appointments contained on the calendar, estimates the travel time between locations, and determines appropriate departure times corresponding to each appointment on the calendar. Using this information, the system may be configured to automatically activate a thermal management system or other auxiliary system prior to an intended departure time. | 12-03-2015 |
20150323066 | Dual Ratio Constant Mesh Gearbox - A dual ratio constant mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes. | 11-12-2015 |
20150323044 | Dual Ratio Constant Mesh Gearbox - A dual ratio constant mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes. | 11-12-2015 |
20150277478 | Dual Stage Accelerator Assembly with Selectable Stroke Transition and Pedal Feedback System - A dual stage accelerator pedal spring assembly is provided that allows the transition point between stroke stages to be set, thereby controlling pedal travel within the first stroke stage, and notifies the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a pedal feedback system. The spring assembly, which uses two springs exhibiting different spring force, allows adjustment of the relative positions of the two springs in order to control the transition point between the first and second pedal stroke stages. The change in pedal resistance used to notify the driver of a change in a monitored vehicle characteristic is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the spring assembly. | 10-01-2015 |
20150277477 | Dual Stage Accelerator Assembly with Selectable Stroke Transition and Pedal Feedback System - A dual stage accelerator pedal spring assembly is provided that allows the transition point between stroke stages to be set, thereby controlling pedal travel within the first stroke stage, and notifies the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a pedal feedback system. The spring assembly, which uses two springs exhibiting different spring force, allows adjustment of the relative positions of the two springs in order to control the transition point between the first and second pedal stroke stages. The change in pedal resistance used to notify the driver of a change in a monitored vehicle characteristic is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the spring assembly. | 10-01-2015 |
20150277476 | Dual Stage Accelerator Assembly with Pedal Feedback System - A dual stage accelerator pedal assembly is provided that is capable of communicating various vehicle operating conditions to the driver as well as notifying the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a change in pedal resistance. The change in pedal resistance is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the accelerator pedal's spring assembly. The spring assembly uses two springs exhibiting different spring force to achieve distinguishable first and second pedal stroke stages. | 10-01-2015 |
20150277475 | Accelerator Pedal Feedback System - An accelerator pedal feedback system is provided that supplies the driver with a tactile indicator, via a change in pedal resistance, when a monitored vehicle characteristic such as battery pack capacity falls below a preset level. The change in pedal resistance is achieved by preloading the accelerator pedal's spring assembly. | 10-01-2015 |
20150277474 | Dual Stage Accelerator Assembly with Selectable Stroke Transition - A dual stage accelerator pedal spring assembly is provided that allows the transition point between stroke stages to be adjusted in order to control pedal travel within the first stroke stage and provide the driver with a customizable accelerator pedal interface. The spring assembly, which uses two springs exhibiting different spring force, allows adjustment of the relative positions of the two springs in order to control the transition point between the first and second pedal stroke stages. | 10-01-2015 |
20150277473 | Configurable Accelerator Pedal - An accelerator pedal feedback system is provided that utilizes a virtual spring assembly to provide controllable pedal resistance, thereby supplying the driver with a tactile indicator of changes in a monitored vehicle characteristic, such as a low battery pack level. | 10-01-2015 |
20150254206 | Communication Bus with Zero Power Wake Function - A two wire bidirectional bus system is provided in which at least one of the slave nodes is configured to enter into a sleep mode, thereby minimizing power drainage, whenever the bus master stops transferring data over the bidirectional bus, and to wake up whenever the bus master begins to transfer data over the bidirectional bus. | 09-10-2015 |
20150224884 | Integrated Motor Assembly with Compliantly Mounted Power Inverter - An integrated drive assembly for an electric vehicle is provided, where the power inverter enclosure is separate from the motor and the transmission, and where the power inverter enclosure is coupled to, and separated from, the motor via a plurality of inverter support members. Each of the inverter support members is rigidly coupled to the transmission enclosure and compliantly coupled to the power inverter enclosure using a plurality of flexible bushings. | 08-13-2015 |
20150194711 | EV Battery Pack Multi-Mode Cooling System - A multi-mode thermal management system is provided for use with the battery pack of an electric vehicle, the system utilizing the surface area of the battery pack to remove battery pack heat. The system includes two sets of coolant conduits separated by a thermal insulator, with one set of the coolant conduits thermally coupled to the batteries and the other set of coolant conduits coupled to at least one thermally conductive battery pack surface. A valve controller is used to optimize system performance by coupling the battery cooling conduits to the battery pack heat withdrawal conduits and/or a separate radiator and/or a heat exchanger coupled to a refrigeration subsystem. | 07-09-2015 |
20150191101 | EV Battery Pack Multi-Mode Cooling System - A multi-mode thermal management system is provided for use with the battery pack of an electric vehicle, the system utilizing the surface area of the battery pack to remove battery pack heat. The system includes two sets of coolant conduits separated by a thermal insulator, with one set of the coolant conduits thermally coupled to the batteries and the other set of coolant conduits coupled to at least one thermally conductive battery pack surface. A valve controller is used to optimize system performance by coupling the battery cooling conduits to the battery pack heat withdrawal conduits and/or a separate radiator and/or a heat exchanger coupled to a refrigeration subsystem. | 07-09-2015 |
20150180398 | INDUCTION MOTOR FLUX AND TORQUE CONTROL - An induction motor controller is provided. The induction motor controller includes a first module that derives a commanded stator voltage vector, in a rotor flux reference frame, via a rotor flux regulator loop and a torque regulator loop, which process at least partially in the rotor flux reference frame. The induction motor controller includes a second module that processes the commanded stator voltage vector to produce AC (alternating current) power for an induction motor. | 06-25-2015 |
20150175010 | ALL-WHEEL DRIVE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MOTOR TORQUE SAFETY MONITOR - A vehicle torque safety monitor is provided. The safety monitor includes a vehicle power estimator configured to estimate a first mechanical power of a first electric motor and a second mechanical power of a second electric motor. The safety monitor includes an energy storage system power estimator and limiter, configured to estimate electrical power provided by an energy storage system, at least a portion of the electrical power converting to the first mechanical power and the second mechanical power. The system includes a vehicle power monitor, configured to indicate an inconsistency in the first mechanical power, the second mechanical power, and the electrical power. | 06-25-2015 |
20150145220 | Reactive Air Suspension System - A system that helps to mitigate the risks associated with roadway debris is provided. The system uses an on-board sensor system to detect obstacles within the vehicle's pathway and an on-board controller and air spring suspension system to automatically increase ride height and road clearance when an obstacle is detected, thereby allowing the vehicle to potentially avoid the detected obstacle. | 05-28-2015 |
20150140915 | Vehicle Seat Ventilation System - An air vent that is integrated into the back panel of a vehicle's seat back is provided. The air vent, which is coupled to an air duct within the vehicle seat, allows heated or cooled air from the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to be directed towards the rear portion of the vehicle's passenger cabin, thereby helping to insure the comfort of those passengers in the vehicle's rear seats. | 05-21-2015 |
20150138449 | Method of Adjusting a Display Position Based on User Orientation - A method of operating a vehicle's display system is provided, where the system monitors the user's position within the vehicle's seat and automatically adjusts the location of the display to compensate for variations in the size or seating position of the user, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time. | 05-21-2015 |
20150138448 | Adjustable Display System for Vehicular Use - An adjustable display screen mounted within a vehicle is provided. The combination of the display's mounting system and the linkage assembly allows the user to adjust and optimize the position of the display screen regardless of seating position, thereby alleviating the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time. | 05-21-2015 |
20150138044 | Vehicle Display with Automatic Positioning System - A display system mounted within a vehicle is provided, where the system monitors the user's position within the vehicle's seat and automatically adjusts the location of the display to compensate for variations in the size or seating position of the user, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time. | 05-21-2015 |
20150138043 | Synchronized Display System - A system and method of use is provided that monitors the position of a vehicle seat and automatically adjusts the location of a vehicle display based on the current seat position, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time. | 05-21-2015 |
20150135940 | Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Protection System - A battery pack protection system is provided for use with an electric vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted under the car. The system utilizes a plurality of deformable cooling conduits located between the lower surface of each of the batteries and the lower battery pack enclosure panel, with a thermal insulator interposed between the conduits and the lower enclosure panel. A layer of thermally conductive material may be included which is interposed between the cooling conduits and the thermal insulator and in contact with a lower surface of each of the cooling conduits. The cooling conduits are configured to deform and absorb impact energy when an object, such as road debris, strikes the lower surface of the lower battery pack enclosure panel. Further protection may be achieved by positioning a ballistic shield, alone or with a layer of compressible material, under the bottom surface of the battery pack. | 05-21-2015 |
20150135939 | Electric Vehicle Undercarriage Crumple Zone - A battery pack protection system is provided for use with an electric vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted under the car. The system utilizes a plurality of deformable cooling conduits located between the lower surface of the batteries within the battery pack and the lower battery pack enclosure panel. The cooling conduits are configured to deform and absorb impact energy when an object, such as road debris, strikes the lower surface of the lower battery pack enclosure panel. Further protection may be achieved by positioning a ballistic shield, alone or with a layer of compressible material, under the bottom surface of the battery pack. | 05-21-2015 |
20150032423 | INDUCTION MOTOR FLUX AND TORQUE CONTROL WITH ROTOR FLUX ESTIMATION - A rotor flux estimator is provided. The rotor flux estimator includes an estimation module that generates a first rotor flux vector expressed in a phase voltage reference frame and a second rotor flux vector expressed in the phase voltage reference frame, from a stator voltage vector expressed in a phase voltage reference frame, a rotational speed of a rotor, and a stator current vector expressed in the phase voltage reference frame. The estimation module includes at least one processor and the estimation module includes a rotor flux current model and a rotor flux voltage model. | 01-29-2015 |
20150028792 | INDUCTION MOTOR FLUX AND TORQUE CONTROL - An induction motor controller is provided. The induction motor controller includes a first module that derives a commanded stator voltage vector, in a stator flux reference frame, via a rotor flux regulator loop and a torque regulator loop, which process at least partially in the stator flux reference frame. The induction motor controller includes a second module that processes the commanded stator voltage vector to produce AC (alternating current) power for an induction motor. | 01-29-2015 |
20150028785 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE MOTOR TORQUE SAFETY MONITOR - A safety system for an electric motor controller is provided. The safety system includes a torque safety monitor having a first processor distinct from a second processor of a main motor controller. The first processor is configured to one of decrease or shut down AC (alternating current) power, sent from a DC/AC (direct current to alternating current) inverter to an electric motor, in response to an estimated torque of the electric motor differing from a commanded torque associated with the main motor controller by more than a set amount. | 01-29-2015 |
20140281079 | FAULT-TOLERANT LOOP FOR A COMMUNICATION BUS - A communication bus system is provided. The communication bus system includes a communication bus having a plurality of isolatable segments and a bus master coupled to a first end of the communication bus. The bus master is configured to couple to a second end of the communication bus and to decouple from the second end of the communication bus based on a selection signal. A method for operating a communication bus is also disclosed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281078 | CONFIGURATION SWITCH FOR A BROADCAST BUS - A bidirectional bus system is provided. The bidirectional bus system includes a plurality of bus slaves configured to couple to a bidirectional bus. Each bus slave of the plurality of bus slaves has a switch operated by a switch control to selectably couple and decouple an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the bidirectional bus relative to the bus slave, with the switch control being powered by activity on the bidirectional bus. A method of operating a bus is also provided | 09-18-2014 |
20140281077 | DUAL VOLTAGE COMMUNICATION BUS - A bidirectional bus system that includes a bus master having a first transmitter coupled to a bidirectional bus. The first transmitter transmits a signal in a first voltage range onto the bus. The bus master has a first receiver coupled to the bus. A bus slave having a second transmitter coupled to the bus is included. The second transmitter transmits a signal in a second voltage range onto the bus, where the bus slave having a second receiver is coupled to the bus. The first receiver is configured to interpret the signal in the first voltage range to indicate an idle state while the second receiver interprets the signal in the first voltage range as indicating data. The second receiver interprets the signal in the second voltage range as indicative of an idle state while the first receiver interprets the signal in the second voltage range as indicating data. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278174 | METHOD OF CONNECTING CELL VOLTAGE SENSORS - A battery pack monitoring apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a voltage measurement system configured to couple to opposed ends of each of a plurality of blocks of a battery pack and to measure voltages thereof, the blocks being coupled in series by interconnects each having an interconnect resistance. The voltage measurement system is configured to derive an internal resistance of each of the plurality of blocks based upon the voltages of the opposed ends of each of the plurality of blocks and based upon a measurement of current of the battery pack and derive the interconnect resistance of each of the interconnects based upon the voltages of the opposed ends of each of the plurality of blocks and based upon the measurement of current. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272497 | AUTOMATIC SWITCHOVER FROM CELL VOLTAGE TO INTERCONNECT VOLTAGE MONITORING - A battery assembly is provided. The battery assembly includes a first module having a first plurality of cells and a first voltage measurement device. The battery module includes a sense wire, coupled to a voltage measurement input of the first voltage measurement device and resistively coupled to a terminal of the first plurality of cells. The battery assembly includes a second module having a second plurality of cells and being configured to couple to the first module with the terminal of the first plurality of cells coupling to a terminal of the second plurality of cells via a connector and with the sense wire coupling to the terminal of the second plurality of cells via the connector. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269831 | POWER DEVICE TEMPERATURE MONITOR - A power device temperature monitor is provided. The power device temperature monitor includes a power device having a control terminal and an output terminal, where the output terminal is configured to output a current as directed by a voltage of the control terminal. The power device temperature monitor includes an inductor coupled to the output terminal of the power device and an amplifier coupled to the inductor. The power device temperature monitor includes a computing device that receives an output of the amplifier, the computing device is configured to derive a temperature of the power device based upon the output of the amplifier. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266381 | BIAS CIRCUIT FOR A SWITCHED CAPACITOR LEVEL SHIFTER - A noise resistant switch control circuit is provided. The circuit includes a low pass filter configured to couple to a first terminal of a switch and a first voltage clamp coupled to the low pass filter. The first voltage clamp is configured to couple to a control terminal of the switch and limit a voltage of the control terminal relative to the first terminal to within a first clamping range. The circuit includes a second voltage clamp coupled to an input terminal of the switch control circuit. The second voltage clamp is configured to couple to the control terminal of the switch. The second voltage clamp is further configured to reduce a level of a control voltage coupled to the second voltage clamp. The circuit includes a bias device configured to couple to the control terminal of the switch and to impress a biasing voltage to the control terminal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266325 | INVERTER WITH PARALLEL POWER DEVICES - A power drive apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first switch having a first plurality of power devices arranged in a back to back configuration within adjacent stacked rows of the first switch. The apparatus includes a second switch having a second plurality of power devices arranged in a back to back configuration within adjacent stacked rows of the second switch. A bus is shared with the first switch and the second switch. The apparatus includes a control drive device coupled to a gate of each power device of the first plurality of power devices and each power device of the second plurality of power devices. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266050 | BALANCE RESISTOR AND LOW PASS FILTER - A battery cell balancing and measuring apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of terminals having a portion of the terminals grouped as terminal pairs, each terminal of the plurality of terminals operable to couple to a node in a battery stack. Each terminal pair having a capacitor and a switch coupled in parallel with each other, the capacitor and the switch coupled across respective terminal pair. The apparatus includes a plurality of resistors, each resistor of the plurality of resistors coupled to a terminal of the plurality of terminals. Each resistor of the plurality of resistors provides a discharge path for a respective battery cell coupled to a terminal pair via the switch and wherein each resistor of the plurality of resistors provides a low pass filter path for the respective battery cell via the capacitor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266003 | CELL BALANCING THROUGH A SWITCHED CAPACITOR LEVEL SHIFTER - A battery management apparatus is provided. The battery management apparatus includes a switched capacitor level shifter having a first port and a second port. The first port is configured to couple to a cell in a battery stack and the second port is configured to couple to a voltage measurement device. The apparatus includes a discharge device coupled to the second port, wherein the discharge device is configured to discharge the cell via the switched capacitor level shifter. A method of managing a battery stack is also included. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262177 | INVERTER POWER MODULE PACKAGING WITH COLD PLATE - A heat sink is provided. The heat sink includes a single-piece housing having a floor and two walls, the walls perpendicular to the floor and the walls are parallel to each other. The heat sink includes the housing having an inlet and an outlet. The housing is configured to attach power modules to an outer surface of the floor and to outer surfaces of the two walls. The housing is configured to cool the power modules in response to fluid flow into the inlet. | 09-18-2014 |
20140255750 | Z-Shaped Bus Bar for a Battery Pack - A battery pack with a compact and robust bus bar assembly is provided. The batteries within the pack are divided into groups, where the batteries within each battery group are connected in parallel and the groups are connected in series. A repetitive sequence of overlapping bus bars is used, with each bus bar comprised of upper and lower segments coupled together via a step segment. The overlapping design allows the upper surface of the upper segment of each of the repetitive bus bars to be aligned within an upper plane, and the lower surface of the lower segment of each of the repetitive bus bars to be aligned within a lower plane. | 09-11-2014 |
20140255748 | BUS BAR FOR BATTERY PACKS - A battery pack has bus bars at one end, freeing the other end of the battery pack for cooling or other arrangements. A plurality of battery cells has first terminals of the battery cells at first ends of the battery cells. Portions of second terminals of the battery cells are at the first ends of the battery cells. The first ends of the battery cells are in a coplanar arrangement. A plurality of bus bars is assembled proximate to the first ends of the battery cells. The bus bars are coupled to the first terminals and the second terminals of the battery cells at the first ends of the battery cells to place the battery cells in one of a series connection, a parallel connection or a series and parallel connection. | 09-11-2014 |
20140191692 | SYNCHRONOUS ENERGY SOURCE SWITCHING CONTROLLER AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - The present invention relates to a motor assembly, a method of operation thereof and a transport vehicle provided with the motor assembly. The motor assembly is provided with an energy source switching controller that is in synchronization with motor operation and provides an improved utilization of energy storage sources in an electric, hybrid electric, or fuel cell based motor vehicle drive train application. | 07-10-2014 |
20140145684 | CHARACTERIZING A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY THROUGH DISCONTINUOUS CHARGING - A rechargeable battery pack is discontinuously charged in multiple discrete charging intervals. Reductions in battery pack voltage that occur during non-charging intervals, each transpiring between a respective pair of the discrete charging intervals, are measured. Multiple resistance values that characterize the internal resistance (DC resistance) of the battery pack are generated based on the reductions in battery pack voltage that occur during the non-charging intervals. | 05-29-2014 |
20130136958 | BATTERY ASSEMBLY WITH HIGH THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY - The invention relates to a battery assembly with high thermal conductivity. The battery assembly comprises a metal case having a hollow accommodation cavity formed therein, a plurality of battery cores installed parallel to one another within the metal case, and a common electrode for connection to the other electrode in each of the battery cores. Each of the battery cores has two electrodes, with one of the electrodes that corresponds to those of the rest of the battery cores being connected in a thermally conductive manner to the metal case. The invention takes advantage of high thermal conductivity of metallic material and dissipates heat by connecting the metal case to the battery electrodes. The invention further comprises fixation troughs formed on the metal case, thereby reducing the size of the assembly. | 05-30-2013 |
20110148201 | FUSE ELEMENT HAVING DAMPING STRUCTURE - A fuse element having a damping structure is disclosed. The fuse element includes a fuse body having two ends, a housing for encapsulating the fuse body and two extending anchor sections connected to the two ends. A meltable portion is coupled between the two ends and housed by the housing, so that the metable portion, when melted, will not contaminate the surrounding space. At least one of the anchor sections has at least one flexible conductive portion. If the fuse element is mounted in a circuit and subjected to shock and vibration, the flexible conductive portion will absorb the mechanical stresses placed on the terminals and the fuse body. As a result, the safety and reliability of the fuse element and the apparatus to which it is connected is significantly enhanced. | 06-23-2011 |
20110147174 | CIRCUIT BREAKER FOR USE IN HIGH POWER SYSTEM AND THE POWER SYSTEM - A high power system provided with a circuit breaker is disclosed, in which the circuit breaker controls the electrical connection in the system. The circuit breaker has a switch device and a connecting device. Two conductive terminals provided in the connecting device are spaced apart from each other and connected to a power source. The connecting device is equipped with a safety latch for transmitting a signal demanding the establishment of electrical connection to an interrupting control circuit. A conductive element provided in the switch device is electrically connected to the conductive terminals of the connecting device, and then a latch releasing element provided in the switch device drives the safety latch to activate the interrupting control circuit, so as to permit power transmission in the high power system. | 06-23-2011 |
20100244778 | HIGH EFFICIENCY ADAPTIVE POWER CONVERSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A power conversion system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of power conversion modules and a controller that turns on/off each power conversion module separately based on changing load conditions, and manages to keep each power conversion module running at its peak efficient state. | 09-30-2010 |