This automotive electronics case involves a patent dispute in Michigan regarding certain electrical control systems used by a major manufacturer of hybrid vehicles. The technology in question assists in the efficient allocation of electrical energy to the vehicle’s drivetrain, and prevents excess energy from being used under sub-optimal conditions. According to the plaintiff, the defendant firm employed an identical system in its line of hybrid electric cars, which were released 2 years after the plaintiff’s.

I am quite familiar with HEV controls. My research interests include: simulation of electric-drive vehicle powertrain and thermal management and CFD simulation of electric-drive vehicle battery pack thermal management. I have published and lectured on the HEV controls, and I have recently published SAE papers on the subject. I have knowledge of electric motor inverter/controllers and DC/DC converters, in their application within an HEV powertrain, with the electric powertrain energized by a ~340V Li-ion battery pack. I have more experience with the e-motor inverter, in the areas of testing (laboratory motor dyno), calibration, and fault diagnostics and mitigation.

1. Are you familiar with control systems for hybrid electric vehicles?

2. What is your engineering experience as it relates to power electronics?

3. Please explain why you are qualified to review this case.

BS, Mechanical Engineering, Tatung Institute of Technology

PhD, Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York

Former A******** P******** M********* E********** N** M***** S**** U*********

Current D******* E************* V****** E********** G******* P****** M**** U*********

Current D******* M********* E********** U************ P****** M**** U*********

Current D******* A********** E***** T********* G******* P****** M**** U*********

Midwest

Michigan

This highly qualified expert has years of experience in the study and development of HEV controls. He received his BS in mechanical engineering from Tatung Institute of Technology and his PhD degree in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York. He has published 32+ refereed journal articles and delivered presentations nationwide. He is a former associate professor of mechanical engineering at New Mexico State University and the current director of the undergraduate mechanical engineering program at a major university. He is also the current director of the Electric-drive Vehicle Engineering and the Alternative Energy Technology graduate programs at a major university in Michigan.

Electronics Experts Evaluate Hybrid Vehicle Patent Dispute

Question(s) For Expert Witness

Expert Witness Response E-024232

Find an expert witness near you

Subscribe to our newsletter