Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Jonathan Edward Gunger

Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy

Ahmed Awadi

Hussam Makkiya

Kirt Eschtruth

Timothy Gerard Offerle

Jerry Zhiqi Wang

Christopher Michael Paiva

Pierre Joseph Gosselin

The present disclosure is directed to a cooling system for a system, such as an electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system and the components of such system, such as a motor. The cooling system includes a temperature sensor coupled to an electric motor of the EPAS system, one or more fluid reservoirs, and a fluid transfer device coupled to the motor and to the first fluid reservoirs. The fluid transfer device extends along a length of the motor. The cooling system further includes a pump coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid transfer device, a control unit coupled to the sensor and the pump. The control unit is configured to activate the pump in response to temperature detected by the sensor being greater than or equal to a first threshold motor temperature. The pump transfers the fluid in the fluid reservoirs to the fluid transfer device for absorbing the heat of the motor. The fluid transfer device is configured to contain the transferred fluid.

Electric motor and control unit cooling system

Methods and apparatus for controlling the ramp in of current to an electronic power assisted steering motor associated with an auto stop-start engine are described. A controller is to determine a moving average voltage of a vehicle battery. The controller is also to determine a voltage rate of change based on the moving average voltage. The controller is also to determine a moving average engine speed of an auto stop-start engine of the vehicle. The controller is also to ramp in current to an electronic power assisted steering motor of the vehicle based on the moving average voltage, the voltage rate of change, and the moving average engine speed.

Methods and apparatus for controlling the ramp in of current to an electronic power assisted steering motor associated with an auto stop-start engine

A hybrid electric vehicle includes a combustion engine, and an electric machine and storage battery coupled to one or more controller(s) configured to respond to various signals from a driver and vehicle components. In response, such controller(s) enable an automatic or auto ICE start stop capability that is managed for optimal HEV lifecycle operation, and fuel economy and efficiency. The controller(s) automatically start and stop the ICE in response to one or more of a torque demand signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering torque power signal, and a brake signal. The controller(s) inhibit automatic stop of ICE responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a stop threshold, and in contrast initiate or enable automatic start responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a start threshold. The start threshold is calibrated and adjusted to exceed the stop threshold by a stability factor that is predetermined and/or adjusted by the controller(s).

Hybrid vehicle with auto stop start controllers

A quick installing axial deformation transducer has diametrically opposite strain gages to measure the axial deformation or load on a uniform or tapered cross-section member. The strain gages are four in number with two on each diametrically side of the member. Adjacent strain gages are orientated and electrically connected on adjacent arms of a bridge to measure axial deformation and to cancel outputs caused by bending or torsional moments as a result of the axial force applied.

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Canton, MI, United States of America

Jonathan Edward Gunger