公开(公告)号：US20190305285A1

公开(公告)日：2019-10-03

申请号：US15943065

申请日：2018-04-02

Applicant: GM Global technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Wu Tao ,  Li Sun ,  Xiaochao Que ,  Haijing Liu ,  Teresa J. Rinker ,  Jeffrey A. Abell

IPC: H01M2/26 ,  B23K26/00 ,  B23K26/22 ,  B23K26/32

Abstract: A method for laser welding a plurality of battery foils to a battery tab that does not include ultrasonic welding and includes clamping the plurality of battery foils and the battery tab together. Each of the plurality of battery foils has a thickness that is between 0.004 millimeters and 0.03 millimeters. The battery tab has a thickness that is between 0.1 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters. The method further includes laser welding the plurality of battery foils to the battery tab.

公开(公告)号：US20170205815A1

公开(公告)日：2017-07-20

申请号：US14997854

申请日：2016-01-18

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Diana M. Wegner ,  Jeffrey A. Abell ,  Michael A. Wincek

IPC: G05B19/425 ,  G05B13/02 ,  G05B19/39 ,  G05B11/42 ,  G05B19/21 ,  G05B19/33

CPC classification number: G05B19/425 ,  G05B11/42 ,  G05B13/0255 ,  G05B19/21 ,  G05B19/33 ,  G05B19/39 ,  G05B19/41875 ,  G05B2219/32194 ,  G05B2219/36219 ,  Y02P90/22

Abstract: An automated method for discovering features in a repeatable process includes measuring raw time series data during the process using sensors. The time series data describes multiple parameters of the process. The method includes receiving, via a first controller, the time series data from the sensors, and stochastically generating candidate features from the raw time series data using a logic block or blocks of the first controller. The candidate features are predictive of a quality of a work piece manufactured via the repeatable process. The method also includes determining, via a genetic or evolutionary programming module, which generated candidate features are most predictive of the quality of the work piece, and executing a control action with respect to the repeatable process via a second controller using the most predictive candidate features. A system includes the controllers, the programming module, and the sensors.

公开(公告)号：US20170157714A1

公开(公告)日：2017-06-08

申请号：US15433274

申请日：2017-02-15

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： John Patrick Spicer ,  Jeffrey A. Abell ,  Michael Anthony Wincek ,  Debejyo Chakraborty ,  Jennifer Bracey ,  Hui Wang ,  Peter W. Tavora ,  Jeffrey S. Davis ,  Daniel C. Hutchinson ,  Ronald L. Reardon ,  Shawn Utz

IPC: B23K31/12 ,  H01M2/26 ,  B23K20/10

CPC classification number: B23K31/125 ,  B23K20/10 ,  H01M2/26

Abstract: A method includes receiving, during a vibration welding process, a set of sensory signals from a collection of sensors positioned with respect to a work piece during formation of a weld on or within the work piece. The method also includes receiving control signals from a welding controller during the process, with the control signals causing the welding horn to vibrate at a calibrated frequency, and processing the received sensory and control signals using a host machine. Additionally, the method includes displaying a predicted weld quality status on a surface of the work piece using a status projector. The method may include identifying and display a quality status of a suspect weld. The laser projector may project a laser beam directly onto or immediately adjacent to the suspect welds, e.g., as a red, green, blue laser or a gas laser having a switched color filter.

公开(公告)号：US09604305B2

公开(公告)日：2017-03-28

申请号：US13624233

申请日：2012-09-21

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： John Patrick Spicer ,  Jeffrey A. Abell ,  Michael Anthony Wincek ,  Debejyo Chakraborty ,  Jennifer Bracey ,  Hui Wang ,  Peter W. Tavora ,  Jeffrey S. Davis ,  Daniel C. Hutchinson ,  Ronald L. Reardon ,  Shawn Utz

IPC: B23K31/00 ,  B23K31/02 ,  B23K20/10 ,  B23K31/12

CPC classification number: B23K31/125 ,  B23K20/10 ,  H01M2/26

Abstract: A system includes a host machine and a status projector. The host machine is in electrical communication with a collection of sensors and with a welding controller that generates control signals for controlling the welding horn. The host machine is configured to execute a method to thereby process the sensory and control signals, as well as predict a quality status of a weld that is formed using the welding horn, including identifying any suspect welds. The host machine then activates the status projector to illuminate the suspect welds. This may occur directly on the welds using a laser projector, or on a surface of the work piece in proximity to the welds. The system and method may be used in the ultrasonic welding of battery tabs of a multi-cell battery pack in a particular embodiment. The welding horn and welding controller may also be part of the system.

公开(公告)号：US09586320B2

公开(公告)日：2017-03-07

申请号：US14493942

申请日：2014-09-23

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Yhu-Tin Lin ,  Timothy Daro ,  Jeffrey A. Abell ,  Raymond D. Turner, III ,  Daniel J. Casoli

IPC: G05B15/00 ,  G05B19/00 ,  B25J9/16 ,  B25J9/00

CPC classification number: B25J9/1697 ,  B25J9/0093 ,  Y10S901/09

Abstract: A method includes the following steps: actuating a robotic arm to perform an action at a start position; moving the robotic arm from the start position toward a first position; determining from a vision process method if a first part from the first position will be ready to be subjected to a first action by the robotic arm once the robotic arm reaches the first position; commencing the execution of the visual processing method for determining the position deviation of the second part from the second position and the readiness of the second part to be subjected to a second action by the robotic arm once the robotic arm reaches the second position; and performing a first action on the first part using the robotic arm with the position deviation of the first part from the first position predetermined by the vision process method.

Abstract translation: 一种方法包括以下步骤：致动机器臂以在起始位置执行动作; 将机器人臂从起始位置移动到第一位置; 从视觉处理方法确定一旦机器人手臂到达第一位置，来自第一位置的第一部分将准备好被机器手臂进行第一动作; 一旦机器人手臂到达第二位置，开始执行用于确定第二部分与第二位置的位置偏差的可视处理方法以及由机器手臂进行第二动作的第二部分的准备状态; 并且使用具有第一部分的位置偏离与通过视觉处理方法预定的第一位置的机器人臂对第一部分执行第一动作。

公开(公告)号：US20160288280A1

公开(公告)日：2016-10-06

申请号：US14674687

申请日：2015-03-31

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Yhu-Tin Lin ,  Jeffrey A. Abell ,  John Patrick Spicer

IPC: B23P21/00

CPC classification number: B23P21/00 ,  B23P21/002 ,  B23P21/004 ,  B25J5/007 ,  B25J9/0018 ,  B25J9/0093 ,  B25J9/0096 ,  B25J15/04 ,  B25J19/023 ,  G05B19/41815 ,  G05B19/4182 ,  Y10T29/49829 ,  Y10T29/49904 ,  Y10T29/53048 ,  Y10T29/53052 ,  Y10T29/53091 ,  Y10T29/53365 ,  Y10T29/53539

Abstract: A reconfigurable autonomous workstation includes a multi-faced superstructure including a horizontally-arranged frame section supported on a plurality of posts. The posts form a plurality of vertical faces arranged between adjacent pairs of the posts, the faces including first and second faces and a power distribution and position reference face. A controllable robotic arm suspends from the rectangular frame section, and a work table fixedly couples to the power distribution and position reference face. A plurality of conveyor tables are fixedly coupled to the work table including a first conveyor table through the first face and a second conveyor table through the second face. A vision system monitors the work table and each of the conveyor tables. A programmable controller monitors signal inputs from the vision system to identify and determine orientation of the component on the first conveyor table and control the robotic arm to execute an assembly task.

Abstract translation: 可重构自主工作站包括多面上层结构，包括支撑在多个柱上的水平布置的框架段。 支柱形成布置在相邻的立柱对之间的多个垂直面，所述表面包括第一和第二面以及功率分布和位置参考面。 可控机械手臂从矩形框架部分悬挂，工作台固定地连接到配电和位置参考面。 多个输送台固定地联接到工作台上，该工作台包括通过第一面的第一输送台和通过第二面的第二输送台。 视觉系统监视工作台和每个传送台。 可编程控制器监视来自视觉系统的信号输入，以识别和确定部件在第一传送器台上的方向，并控制机器人臂执行装配任务。

公开(公告)号：US10031499B2

公开(公告)日：2018-07-24

申请号：US15017106

申请日：2016-02-05

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Teresa J. Rinker ,  Debejyo Chakraborty ,  Ryan C. Sekol ,  Jeffrey A. Abell

IPC: G05D11/00 ,  G05D11/02 ,  G05B15/02 ,  B82Y30/00 ,  F28F13/00

Abstract: A thermal-management system, for use in controlling temperature of a first workpiece of workpieces being joined by welding. The system includes a micro heat exchanger including a heat-transfer fluid tube extending between an inlet and an outlet. The system in some implementations has a body and the inlet and outlet are connected to the body. The heat-transfer fluid tube is configured to channel heat-transfer fluid, such as a nanofluid, to heat or cool the workpiece(s). The heat-transfer fluid is configured to cool or heat at least the first workpiece when the heat-transfer fluid is channeled through the heat-transfer fluid-tube section in operation of the thermal-management system. The technology further includes methods and hardware-based controlling apparatus for using the micro heat exchanger to cool or heat the workpieces.

公开(公告)号：US09827634B2

公开(公告)日：2017-11-28

申请号：US15433274

申请日：2017-02-15

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： John Patrick Spicer ,  Jeffrey A. Abell ,  Michael Anthony Wincek ,  Debejyo Chakraborty ,  Jennifer Bracey ,  Hui Wang ,  Peter W. Tavora ,  Jeffrey S. Davis ,  Daniel C. Hutchinson ,  Ronald L. Reardon ,  Shawn Utz

IPC: B23K1/06 ,  B23K20/00 ,  B23K31/12 ,  B23K20/10 ,  H01M2/26

CPC classification number: B23K31/125 ,  B23K20/10 ,  H01M2/26

Abstract: A method includes receiving, during a vibration welding process, a set of sensory signals from a collection of sensors positioned with respect to a work piece during formation of a weld on or within the work piece. The method also includes receiving control signals from a welding controller during the process, with the control signals causing the welding horn to vibrate at a calibrated frequency, and processing the received sensory and control signals using a host machine. Additionally, the method includes displaying a predicted weld quality status on a surface of the work piece using a status projector. The method may include identifying and display a quality status of a suspect weld. The laser projector may project a laser beam directly onto or immediately adjacent to the suspect welds, e.g., as a red, green, blue laser or a gas laser having a switched color filter.

公开(公告)号：US20160137886A1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-19

申请号：US14937775

申请日：2015-11-10

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Ryan C. Sekol ,  Jeffrey A. Abell

IPC: C09J9/02 ,  B32B37/12 ,  B32B37/14 ,  B32B7/14

CPC classification number: C09J9/02 ,  B32B5/024 ,  B32B5/22 ,  B32B5/26 ,  B32B7/06 ,  B32B7/14 ,  B32B37/12 ,  B32B38/10 ,  B32B2262/02 ,  B32B2262/101 ,  B32B2262/106 ,  B32B2264/02 ,  B32B2264/105 ,  B32B2307/202 ,  B32B2307/302 ,  B32B2307/51 ,  B32B2307/748 ,  B32B2405/00 ,  B32B2437/02 ,  B32B2590/00 ,  B32B2605/00 ,  C08K3/04 ,  C08K2003/0806 ,  C08K2003/0831 ,  C08K2003/085 ,  C08K2201/001 ,  C09J7/00 ,  C09J2201/626 ,  C09J2205/102 ,  C09J2483/006

Abstract: Provided is a releasable adhesive system, for joining a first conductive surface and a second conductive surface. The releasable adhesive includes primary material and an embedded material. The primary material includes at least one molecule that is configured to be positioned parallel with at least one molecule of the first conductive surface or the second conductive surface. The embedded material is infused within or affixed to the primary material to form an adhesive structure. The releasable adhesive structure has a conductivity greater than a conductivity of the primary material alone. Also provided is a method for joining the first conductive surface to the second conductive surface using the adhesive structure.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于连接第一导电表面和第二导电表面的可释放粘合剂系统。 可释放粘合剂包括主要材料和嵌入材料。 主要材料包括至少一个被配置为与第一导电表面或第二导电表面的至少一个分子平行定位的分子。 将嵌入材料注入或固定到初级材料上以形成粘合剂结构。 可释放粘合剂结构的导电率大于单独的主要材料的导电率。 还提供了使用粘合剂结构将第一导电表面连接到第二导电表面的方法。

公开(公告)号：US20140080036A1

公开(公告)日：2014-03-20

申请号：US14086018

申请日：2013-11-21

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Mark A. Smith ,  Xiang Zhao ,  Ronald Charles Daul ,  David A. Okonski ,  Lane G. Lindstrom ,  Elmer B. Santos ,  Jeffrey A. Abell

IPC: H01M2/10

CPC classification number: H01M2/1083 ,  B60K1/04 ,  H01M2/1077 ,  H01M2/1094 ,  H01M8/2475 ,  Y10T29/49622

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a first member including a plurality of elastically deformable locating protrusions extending outward, and a second member defining a cavity extending inward and including a plurality of elastically deformable compression features disposed within the cavity. The locating protrusions of the first member are disposed within the cavity of the second member in press fit engagement with the compression features of the second member to secure the first member relative to the second member. The average of the elastic deformation between all of the locating protrusions of the first member and all of the compression features of the second member precisely aligns the first member relative to the second member. The assembly may include but is not limited to a multiple unit battery pack, a multiple unit fuel cell pack, a dashboard assembly or adjoining body panels.

Abstract translation: 一种用于车辆的组件包括：第一构件，包括向外延伸的多个可弹性变形的定位突起;以及第二构件，其限定向内延伸的空腔，并且包括设置在空腔内的多个可弹性变形的压缩特征。 第一构件的定位突起设置在第二构件的空腔内，与第二构件的压缩特征压配合，以相对于第二构件固定第一构件。 第一构件的所有定位突起和第二构件的所有压缩特征之间的弹性变形的平均值使第一构件相对于第二构件精确对准。 组件可以包括但不限于多单元电池组，多单元燃料电池组，仪表板组件或相邻的主体面板。