| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080272259 | Active material adaptive object holders - In an embodiment, a device comprises an active material. Activation of the active material causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain an object without engaging the object below a surface of the object. In another embodiment, contact with an object causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain the object. In yet another embodiment, an object holder can comprise: a recess, a cover disposed over the recess, and a switch configured to cause the active material to retain a deformed shape in the recess. The cover comprises an active material. The active material is configured to deform into the recess when contacted with an object. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080281488 | Vehicle Roll Control Method Using Controllable Friction Force of MR Dampers - A system for providing vehicle roll control that controls the friction-force of dampers provided at the wheels of the vehicle. The system includes a lateral acceleration sensor for determining the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, a steering angle sensor for determining the steering angle of the vehicle and a speed sensor for determining the speed of the vehicle. The system calculates a current control signal for one or more of the dampers based on the lateral acceleration and/or the steering angle, and uses one or both of the current control signals to control the friction-force of the inside, outside or both of the dampers. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080284385 | HIGH EFFICIENCY GENERATOR - A generator system that includes a three-phase AC machine and an active rectifier bridge employing low on-resistance MOSFET switches for converting the AC current from the machine to a DC current. The system also includes a switch control circuit to switch the MOSFET switches in synchronization with the three-phase current flow. The system determines the phase-to-ground voltages of the machine as inputs to the switch control circuit. The control circuit calculates the phase-to-phase voltages from the phase-to-ground voltages. The control circuit then determines if each of the phase-to-phase voltages is above or below first and second predetermined threshold voltages, where if the phase-to-phase voltage is above the first threshold voltage, the control circuit closes the switch, and if the phase-to-phase voltage is below the second threshold voltage, the control circuit opens the switch. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090026994 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL - A method for improving a failure mode diagnostic of an electric power steering system by overcoming a motor electric lock condition due to position sensor signal corruption or other motor faults. If certain conditions are met, the method determines that the motor is in an electric lock condition, and then reduces a torque current command to the motor so that it is able to be rotated by a vehicle hand-wheel. Once the motor is able to be rotated, then the method determines whether certain conditions have been met to determine whether the position sensor is malfunctioning. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090084646 | BI-FOLD VALVE-TYPE MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL FLUID ENERGY ABSORBING DEVICE - An energy absorbing device is provided that includes a damper assembly having inner and outer concentric tubes and a piston movable within the inner tube. The damper assembly is configured to form bi-fold valve-type cavities to operatively connect an inner chamber of the inner tube with an outer chamber formed between the inner and outer tubes. A magnetorheological fluid fills the chambers and the bi-fold valve-type cavities. The magnetorheological fluid preferably contains coated magnetic particles at about 10 to 60 percent by volume. Electrical coils adjacent the bi-fold valves are selectively energizable to such that the energy absorbing device provides a tunable damping force, preferably over the entire range of velocities of the piston, especially in automotive applications. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090099719 | Method for vehicle suspension wear prediction and indication - A vehicle suspension wear prediction and indication method includes processing data inputs from a suspension system and converting the data inputs into a cumulative wear estimate. The data inputs are selected to model a magnitude factor and a duration factor related to the operation of the suspension system. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090184717 | METHODS FOR COMMON MODE VOLTAGE-BASED AC FAULT DETECTION, VERIFICATION AND/OR IDENTIFICATION - Methods for AC fault (ACF) detection are provided. In addition, methods for AC fault (ACF) detection and verification are provided. In addition, methods for identification of a module which is the cause of an AC fault (ACF) are provided. In one implementation, one or more of these methods can be combined to provide a fast, simple, low cost and reliable ACF detection, verification and/or identification. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090184718 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMMON MODE VOLTAGE-BASED AC FAULT DETECTION, VERIFICATION AND/OR IDENTIFICATION - Apparatus for AC fault (ACF) detection are provided. In addition, apparatus for AC fault (ACF) detection and verification are provided. In addition, apparatus for identification of a module which is the cause of an AC fault (ACF) are provided. In one implementation, one or more of these apparatus can be combined to provide a fast, simple, low cost and reliable ACF detection, verification and/or identification circuit. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090269043 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROL OF AN ACTIVE FRONT STEERING (AFS) SYSTEM - A motor control strategy for a motor in a front steering system for a vehicle that reduces vibrations from the motor being transferred to a vehicle hand-wheel. The control strategy also includes operating the electric motor in a commutation freeze mode if a position error signal is less than a first predetermined threshold by sending signals to coils of the motor to prevent to the motor from rotating, operating the electric motor in a commutation normal mode if the position error signal is greater than a second predetermined threshold that is greater than the first predetermined threshold, and operating the electric motor in an angle step mode if the position error signal is between an intermediate threshold and the second threshold where the angle step mode provides a signal to the motor to move the motor forward or backward a predetermined number of motor steps, one step at a time. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20100042293 | Suspension System with Optimized Damper Response for Wide Range of Events - An analytical methodology for the specification of progressive optimal compression damping of a damper of a suspension system to negotiate a multiplicity of severe events, yet provides very acceptable ride quality and handling during routine events. The damping response of the damper is optimized based upon a progressive optimal constrained events damping function derived from a low envelope curve incorporated with a predetermined damper force acting on the wheel center below a predetermined wheel center velocity, u | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100060245 | RECTIFYING CIRCUIT FOR A MULTIPHASE ELECTRIC MACHINE - Cathode-anode voltage across free-wheeling diodes in an active rectifier is used in the determination of switching points when the free-wheeling diode is forward biased. Hysteretic switching is accomplished through the selection of conductive and non-conductive switching threshold. The switching thresholds are further selected to prevent voltage oscillations at zero current crossings and reduce delays during deactivation to prevent cross-conduction. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100072685 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH PROGRESSIVE RESISTANCE - A suspension component achieves progressive resistance via a secondary bleed valve, which functions as a support for the primary compression valve at higher displacements, in conjunction with a secondary nonlinear spring element configured to alter the force on the piston at high displacements. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100094503 | VEHICULAR ACTUATOR SYSTEM - An actuator system for determining a relative height differential between a housing of an actuator assembly and a body of the actuator assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a suspension wherein the housing is coupled to a first portion of the suspension, and the body is coupled to a second portion of the suspension. The system comprises a sensor coupled to the inside of the housing, and a target coupled to the outside of the body, the sensor and the target cooperating to form a magnetic field that varies in a manner indicative of the distance therebetween. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100123568 | SUSPENSION HEIGHT SENSOR - A system is provided for determining a distance between a first portion of a vehicular suspension assembly and a second portion of the suspension assembly. The system comprises a transceiver coupled to the first portion for emitting a first signal toward the second portion, and for receiving a reflection of the first signal from the second portion, and a processor coupled to the transceiver for determining the distance between the first portion and the second portion. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100125389 | HEIGHT SENSING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICULAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY - A system is provided for determining a distance between a vehicular suspension assembly and the ground, wherein the suspension assembly has a first member. The system comprises a first transceiver coupled to the first member for emitting a first interrogation signal toward the ground, and for receiving a first reflection of the first interrogation signal from the ground, and a processor coupled to the first transceiver for determining the distance of the first transceiver from the ground. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100219641 | HARVESTING ENERGY FROM VEHICULAR VIBRATIONS - An energy harvesting apparatus is deployed on a vehicle and comprises a vehicular shock absorber capable of reciprocating translational movement in response to roadway perturbations. A coil is mounted within the shock absorber. An engine is also mounted within the shock absorber for converting the translational movement into rotational movement. A magnet is coupled to the engine and is configured to be rotated in the vicinity of the coil to produce electrical energy in the coil. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219720 | HARVESTING ENERGY FROM VEHICULAR VIBRATIONS USING PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICES - An energy harvesting apparatus for deployment on a vehicle having a frame includes a spring assembly coupled to the frame and configured for compressions and extensions during vehicle travel. A piezoelectric device is mounted on the spring assembly for generating electrical energy in response to the strain imposed thereon. A rectifier is coupled to the piezoelectric device for converting AC electrical energy to DC. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219721 | HARVESTING ENERGY FROM VEHICULAR VIBRATIONS USING PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICES - An energy harvesting apparatus, for deployment on a vehicle, comprises a shock absorber, including a dust tube assembly, a jounce bumper assembly mounted within the dust tube assembly at a first end thereof, and a damper tube mounted for telescopic movement through a second end of the dust tube, the jounce bumper assembly configured for impact with the damper tube. A piezoelectric device is coupled to the jounce bumper assembly. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219798 | HARVESTING ENERGY FROM VEHICULAR VIBRATIONS - An energy harvesting apparatus, for deployment on a vehicle, comprises a vehicle shock absorber including a dust tube, and a damper tube telescopically mounted within the dust tube and configured for oscillating translational movement with respect thereto. A magnet is fixedly coupled to one of the dust tube or the damper tube, and a coil is fixedly coupled to the other of the dust tube or the damper tube to achieve relative translational movement between the magnet and the coil to induce a current in the coil. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100222937 | HEATER CONTROL SYSTEM - A heater control system is provided that comprises a plurality of n banks of heating elements H | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100225258 | CONTROL OF AN ALTERNATOR-STARTER FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE HAVING A DISCONNECTED HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY - A hybrid powertrain system includes an electric motor/generator unit having a multiphase asynchronous AC machine electrically connected to a multiphase bridge inverter. A high-voltage capacitor is electrically connected between positive and negative sides of a high-voltage DC power bus. High-voltage DC bus pre-charge circuits are electrically connected between gate drive bias power supplies and the multiphase bridge inverter. A low-voltage battery electrically charges the high-voltage DC link capacitor via the gate drive bias power supplies and the high-voltage DC bus pre-charge circuits when the high-voltage energy storage system is disconnected from the high-voltage DC power bus. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100225527 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A RELATIVE DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLE COMPONENTS USING ULTRA-WIDEBAND TECHNIQUES - A system for measuring relative distance between a first component on a vehicle and a second component on the vehicle is provided. The system includes a wireless ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver attached to the first component. The wireless UWB transceiver transmits a UWB measurement pulse toward the second component, and receives a reflected UWB pulse from a reflective surface of the second component. The reflected UWB pulse represents a reflected version of the UWB measurement pulse. The system also includes a processor coupled to the wireless UWB transceiver. The processor derives a relative distance between the first component and the second component, based upon characteristics of the UWB measurement pulse and the reflected UWB pulse. The system further includes a power generating system for the wireless UWB transceiver. The power generating system generates operating voltage for the wireless UWB transceiver from kinetic energy associated with motion of the first component relative to the second component. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100236851 | CONTROL OF A STARTER-ALTERNATOR DURING A HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY FAULT CONDITION - A method sustains auxiliary power generation aboard a mild hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in response to a high-voltage (HV) electrical fault condition and executes one of a pair of default limp-home modes depending on the state of the engine at the time of the fault. Each limp-home mode sustains auxiliary power generation during the fault, and at least one mode charges capacitors in the HV bus circuit to provide magnetizing current to a motor generator unit (MGU). An HEV includes a controller and algorithm for sustaining auxiliary power generation during the above fault condition, with the algorithm adapted to control output of an auxiliary power module (APM) and execute one of a pair of default limp-home modes, including a mode in which the APM charges the capacitors to enable a power inverter module (PIM) to provide an initial excitation current to the MGU after the starter motor restarts the engine. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100244610 | Optimized Electric Machine for Smart Actuators - A single stator electric machine includes a plurality of magnets for generating a first magnetic field. Each respective magnet represents a respective rotor pole. A magnet holder retains the plurality of magnets. A stator is disposed radially outward from the plurality of magnets for generating a second magnetic field. The stator includes a plurality of stator poles separated by slots with each of the stator poles having a concentrated winding with a respective number of turns formed around each respective stator pole. Each respective concentrated winding within the stator comprises non-overlapping phases which increase an active length of the windings of the stator and reduce an overhang of each respective winding with respect to each stator pole for improving torque efficiency. A number of rotor poles is at least eight and the number of rotor poles and a number of stator slots have a least common multiple of at least 36. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100244613 | OPTIMIZED ELECTRIC MACHINE FOR SMART ACTUATORS - An electric machine includes a plurality of magnets for generating a first magnetic field. A magnet holder retains the plurality of magnets. A first stator is disposed radially outward from the magnet holder for generating a second magnetic field. The first stator includes a plurality of stator poles separated by slots with each of the stator poles having a concentrated winding with a respective number of turns formed around each respective stator pole. A second stator is disposed radially inward from the magnet for generating a third magnetic field. The second stator has a plurality of stator poles separated by slots with each of the stator poles having a concentrated winding with a respective number of turns formed around each respective stator pole. The magnet holder and magnets retained therein are rotatable between the first stator and second stator. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100250069 | PUMP SPEED COMMAND GENERATION ALGORITHM FOR MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL POWER STEERING COUPLING - A method for determining a speed of a power steering pump used in a power steering assembly of a vehicle that has particular application in a vehicle using a magneto-rheological hydraulic power steering (MRHPS) system for improving the fuel efficiency and ride comfort of the vehicle, and for reliable functioning of the power steering system. The method includes determining an angle of rotation of the steering wheel and a rate of change of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel based on the angle of rotation of the steering wheel of the vehicle. The method further includes determining the speed of the vehicle and the speed of the power steering pump based on the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, the rate of change of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel and the speed of the vehicle. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100259208 | ELECTRIC MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD - A method for controlling an electric machine includes measuring a motor control parameter or parameters and selectively positioning an adjustable member within the electric machine in response the motor control parameters. Selective positioning of the adjustable member varies the geometry of a flux path within the electric machine, thereby inducing a predetermined voltage output in the electric machine. An electric machine includes a rotor, a shaft operatively connected to the rotor to rotate in conjunction therewith, and a stator. An adjustable member is positioned between the rotor and the stator, and has a variable offset position that can be selected by an electronic control unit (ECU) and applied by an actuator to thereby vary the geometry of a flux path within the electric machine. The adjustable member can include a non-magnetic annular hub and magnetic radial arms and axial extensions. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100326070 | ACTUATOR SYSTEM INCLUDING AN ACTIVE MATERIAL - A linear actuator associated with an actuator system for a device includes a wire cable fabricated from an active material. The linear actuator couples to the device and to the moveable element. The active material induces strain in the linear actuator in response to an activation signal. The linear actuator translates the moveable element relative to the device in response to the induced strain. An activation controller electrically connects to the linear actuator and generates the activation signal. A position feedback sensor monitors a position of the moveable element. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100330894 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTIVE HATCH VENT - A vent assembly is disposed within an interior space of a vehicle for opening and closing fluid communication between the interior space and an exterior of the vehicle. The vent assembly includes a housing defining a plurality of openings and a plurality of vanes disposed in the openings. An actuator mechanism moves the vanes between an open position and a closed position, and includes a shaped memory alloy (SMA) member for actuating the vanes between the open and closed positions. The SMA member is activated when a hatch of the vehicle is open to move the vanes into the open position and thereby open fluid communication between the interior space and the exterior to alleviate excessive air pressure buildup during closure of the hatch. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110084503 | SELF-POWERED VEHICLE SENSOR SYSTEMS - A vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system includes a vehicle suspension apparatus configured for movement during vehicle travel; an energy harvesting device mounted on the vehicle suspension apparatus and configured to generate electrical energy in response to the movement of the vehicle suspension apparatus; and a sensor mounted on the vehicle suspension apparatus and coupled to the energy harvesting device for receiving the electrical energy. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110101817 | VARIABLE GEOMETRY ELECTRIC MACHINE - A variable geometry electric machine that includes a moveable magnetic member that varies the flux path between a rotor and a stator of the machine depending on the machine speed to control the flux between the rotor and the stator. As the speed of the machine increases, the magnetic member is selectively withdrawn in an axial direction from between the rotor and the stator so that at higher machine speeds, the back EMF of the machine is reduced so that the speed of the machine can be increased. The magnetic member includes spaced apart magnetic strips mounted to a non-magnetic hub. In one embodiment, the magnetic strips are positioned within an air gap between the rotor and the stator and against ends of teeth of the stator, where stator coils are positioned between the teeth. In another embodiment, the magnetic strips are positioned within the teeth of the stator. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110116291 | HIGH EFFICIENCY MULTI-PHASE GENERATOR - A generator system that includes a six-phase AC machine and an active rectifier bridge employing low on-resistance switches, such as MOSFET switches, for converting the AC current from the machine to a DC current. The system also includes a switch control circuit to switch the MOSFET switches in synchronization with the six-phase current flow. The system determines the phase-to-ground voltages of the machine for inputs to the switch control circuit. The control circuit calculates the phase-to-phase voltages from the phase-to-ground voltages. The control circuit uses a specific control scheme to determine if each of the phase-to-phase voltages is above or below first and second predetermined threshold voltages, where if the phase-to-phase voltage is above the first threshold voltage, the control circuit closes the switch, and if the phase-to-phase voltage is below the second threshold voltage, the control circuit opens the switch. | 05-19-2011 |
