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US6998727B2
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Methods of operating a parallel hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a secondary power source
Assignee: US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GOVERNMENT OF United States, Administrator of
•
Filing: 2003-03-10
•
Granted: 2006-02-14
•
Expires: 2023-03-10
Abstract
Abstract The invention is directed toward methods for operating a parallel hybrid vehicle in a manner that responds to the operator's demand for power output, while maximizing engine efficiency and minimizing disruptions in vehicle drivability. According to principles of the present invention, when the driver of a hybrid vehicle makes a demand for power output immediately after a braking event, the power provided to meet the initial demand is from either an ICE or a secondary power source. Which power source is used, and when it is engaged and disengaged, depends on various vehicle operating conditions. Also, the ICE is selectively turned off and on in response to various operating conditions.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles L. Gray, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 10:30
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60K; B60K6/00; B60K6/08; B60K6/10; B60W; B60W20/00; B60W20/10; B60K6/12; B60K6/20; B60K6/42; B60K6/48; B60L; B60L50/00; B60L50/10; B60L50/16; B60L58/00; B60L58/10; B60L7/00; B60L7/10; B60L7/16; B60T; B60T1/00; B60T1/02; B60T1/10; B60W10/00; B60W10/04; B60W10/06; B60W10/08; B60W10/24; B60W10/26; B60L2240/00; B60L2240/10; B60L2240/12; B60W2510/00; B60W2510/06; B60W2510/0604; B60W2510/24; B60W2510/242; B60W2510/244; B60W2520/00; B60W2520/10; B60W2720/00; B60W2720/10; B60W2720/106; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/62; Y02T10/70; Y02T10/7072
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 64
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle comprising: monitoring a braking event; monitoring an amount of available energy stored within an energy storage device to power a secondary power source; determining if the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; turning an ICE off when the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle and the available energy to power the secondary power source is above a second threshold; detecting a demand for power output following the braking event; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output if the available energy is above a first threshold; utilizing power provided by the ICE to continue meeting the demand for power output when the secondary power source is initially used and the amount of available energy is subsequently depleted; and utilizing power provided by the ICE, instead of the secondary power source, to propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the available energy is not above the first threshold.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle comprising: monitoring a braking event; monitoring an amount of available energy stored within an energy storage device to power a secondary power source; determining if the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; turning an ICE off when the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle and the available energy to power the secondary power source is above a second threshold; detecting a demand for power output following the braking event; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output if the available energy is above a first threshold; utilizing power provided by the ICE to continue meeting the demand for power output when the secondary power source is initially used and the amount of available energy is subsequently depleted; and utilizing power provided by the ICE, instead of the secondary power source, to propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the available energy is not above the first threshold.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising: restarting the ICE as soon as a command to brake the vehicle ceases to exist.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the second threshold is sufficient to provide a first specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 5 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a second specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising: turning the ICE off when the demand for power output terminates and the available energy to power the secondary power source is sufficient to provide a first specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 7 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a second specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 7 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising: monitoring the amount of available energy; and comparing the amount of available energy to a table of pre-established torque and pre-established acceleration values to determine whether the amount of available energy is sufficient to provide a specified level of vehicle torque, or sufficient to provide a specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 10 wherein the amount of available energy is a unit of electric energy.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 10 wherein the amount of available energy is a unit of hydraulic pressure.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle having primary and secondary power sources comprising: utilizing power provided by the primary power source to propel the vehicle; monitoring an amount of reserve energy stored within the energy storage device; determining when a demand for additional power output will result in a transmission downshift event; and utilizing the amount of reserve energy to power the secondary power source and provide supplemental power to the primary power source in order to reduce or eliminate momentary disruptions in power that would otherwise occur during the downshift event.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle having primary and secondary power sources comprising: utilizing power provided by the primary power source to propel the vehicle; monitoring an amount of reserve energy stored within the energy storage device; determining when a demand for additional power output will result in a transmission downshift event; and utilizing the amount of reserve energy to power the secondary power source and provide supplemental power to the primary power source in order to reduce or eliminate momentary disruptions in power that would otherwise occur during the downshift event.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method according to claim 13 further comprising powering the vehicle by both the primary and secondary power sources until the demand for additional ICE power output is terminated or the amount of reserve energy is depleted.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
158 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle comprising: monitoring a braking event; determining if the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; monitoring an amount of available energy stored within an energy storage device to power a secondary power source; detecting a demand for power output following the braking event; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output if the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; utilizing power provided by an ICE to continue meeting the demand for power output when the secondary power source is initially used and the amount of available energy is subsequently depleted; and utilizing power provided by the ICE, instead of the secondary power source, to propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the braking event does not indicate an intent to stop the vehicle.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
158 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle comprising: monitoring a braking event; determining if the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; monitoring an amount of available energy stored within an energy storage device to power a secondary power source; detecting a demand for power output following the braking event; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output if the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; utilizing power provided by an ICE to continue meeting the demand for power output when the secondary power source is initially used and the amount of available energy is subsequently depleted; and utilizing power provided by the ICE, instead of the secondary power source, to propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the braking event does not indicate an intent to stop the vehicle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 15 further comprising: turning the ICE off when the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle and the available energy to power the secondary power source is above a selected level.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 16 further comprising: restarting the ICE as soon as a command to brake the vehicle ceases to exist.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 16 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 16 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method according to claim 16 further comprising: turning the ICE off when the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle and the available energy to power the secondary power source is sufficient enough to provide a first specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 20 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a second specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 15 further comprising: turning the ICE off when the demand for power output terminates and the available energy to power the secondary power source is sufficient to provide a first specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 22 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a second specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 22 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 15 further comprising: turning the ICE off when a command for braking begins if the available energy to power the secondary power source is sufficient enough to provide a first specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 26 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a second specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 25 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 15 further comprising: turning the ICE off when the vehicle's speed falls below a first selected threshold and the available energy to power the secondary power source is above a second selected threshold.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 28 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 28 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method according to claim 15 further comprising: monitoring the amount of available energy; and comparing the amount of available energy to a table of pre-established torque and pre-established acceleration values to determine whether the amount of available energy is sufficient to provide a specified level of vehicle torque, or sufficient to provide a specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 31 wherein the amount of available energy is a unit of electric energy.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 31 wherein the amount of available energy is a unit of hydraulic pressure.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method according to claim 15 further comprising: monitoring an amount of reserve energy stored within the energy storage device; determining when a demand for additional ICE power output will result in a transmission downshift event; and utilizing the amount of reserve energy to power the secondary power source and provide supplemental power to the vehicle, the vehicle thereby being powered by both the ICE and the secondary power source until the demand for additional ICE power output is terminated or the amount of reserve energy is depleted.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
213 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle comprising: monitoring a braking event; monitoring an amount of available energy stored within an energy storage device to power a secondary power source; detecting a demand for power output following the braking event; determining if the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the amount of available energy is sufficient to provide a minimum desired level of vehicle torque; utilizing power provided by an ICE to continue meeting the demand for power output when the secondary power source is initially used and the amount of available energy is subsequently depleted; and utilizing power provided by the ICE to propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the braking event does not indicate an intent to stop the vehicle and the amount of available energy is not sufficient to provide the minimum desired level of vehicle torque.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
213 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle comprising: monitoring a braking event; monitoring an amount of available energy stored within an energy storage device to power a secondary power source; detecting a demand for power output following the braking event; determining if the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the amount of available energy is sufficient to provide a minimum desired level of vehicle torque; utilizing power provided by an ICE to continue meeting the demand for power output when the secondary power source is initially used and the amount of available energy is subsequently depleted; and utilizing power provided by the ICE to propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output when the braking event does not indicate an intent to stop the vehicle and the amount of available energy is not sufficient to provide the minimum desired level of vehicle torque.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 35 further comprising: turning the ICE off when the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle and the available energy to power the secondary power source is above a selected level.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 36 further comprising: restarting the ICE as soon as a command to brake the vehicle ceases to exist.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 36 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 36 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method according to claim 36 further comprising: turning the ICE off when the braking event indicates an intent to stop the vehicle and the available energy to power the secondary power source is sufficient to provide a first specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 40 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a second specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 35 further comprising: turning the ICE off when the demand for power output terminates and the available energy to power the secondary power source is sufficient to provide a first specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 42 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a second specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 42 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 35 further comprising: turning the ICE off when a command for braking begins if the available energy to power the secondary power source is sufficient to provide a first specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 45 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a second specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 45 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 35 further comprising: turning the ICE off when the vehicle's speed falls below a first selected threshold and the available energy to power the secondary power source is above a second selected threshold.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 48 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the available energy is just enough to provide a specified level of acceleration to the vehicle, through the secondary power source, for a specified amount of time.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 48 further comprising: restarting the ICE when the demand for power output corresponds to a command to accelerate the vehicle above a predetermined acceleration rate.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method according to claim 35 further comprising: monitoring the amount of available energy; and comparing the amount of available energy to a table of pre-established torque and pre-established acceleration values to determine whether the amount of available energy is sufficient to provide a specified level of vehicle torque, or sufficient to provide a specified level of vehicle acceleration for a specified amount of time.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 51 wherein the amount of available energy is a unit of electric energy.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 51 wherein the amount of available energy is a unit of hydraulic pressure.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method according to claim 35 further comprising: monitoring an amount of reserve energy stored within the energy storage device; determining when a demand for additional ICE power output will result in a transmission downshift event; and utilizing the amount of reserve energy to power the secondary power source and provide supplemental power to the vehicle, the vehicle thereby being powered by both the ICE and the secondary power source until the demand for additional ICE power is terminated or the amount of reserve energy is depleted.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle having, as a primary power source, an internal combustion engine, and having a secondary power source, the method comprising: operating the vehicle under power from the primary power source; and shutting off the primary power source during a braking event and operating the vehicle under power from the secondary power source, if an intent to stop is indicated.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle having, as a primary power source, an internal combustion engine, and having a secondary power source, the method comprising: operating the vehicle under power from the primary power source; and shutting off the primary power source during a braking event and operating the vehicle under power from the secondary power source, if an intent to stop is indicated.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 55 wherein an intent to stop is indicated if the vehicle speed drops below a speed threshold during the braking event.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 56 wherein the speed threshold is 5 mph.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle comprising: monitoring a braking event; monitoring an amount of available energy stored within an energy storage device to power a secondary power source; detecting a demand for power output following the braking event; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output if the available energy is above a first selected level; switching to the use of power provided by a primary power source to continue meeting the demand for power output when the secondary power source is initially used and the amount of available energy is subsequently depleted; and continuing, immediately following the switching step, to utilize power provided by the primary power source, instead of the secondary power source, to meet any additional demands for power output until another braking event is detected, regardless of the amount of available energy.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle comprising: monitoring a braking event; monitoring an amount of available energy stored within an energy storage device to power a secondary power source; detecting a demand for power output following the braking event; utilizing the amount of available energy to initially power the secondary power source and thereby propel the vehicle in response to the demand for power output if the available energy is above a first selected level; switching to the use of power provided by a primary power source to continue meeting the demand for power output when the secondary power source is initially used and the amount of available energy is subsequently depleted; and continuing, immediately following the switching step, to utilize power provided by the primary power source, instead of the secondary power source, to meet any additional demands for power output until another braking event is detected, regardless of the amount of available energy.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-02-13 | 2009-08-15 | 2010-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-02-13 | 2013-08-15 | 2014-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-02-13 | 2017-08-15 | 2018-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |