Downforce feedback systems and control logic for active aerodynamic devices of motor vehicles

US10604197B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Samantha J. Bray · Northville, US
• Timothy D. Demetrio · Cadillac, US
• Philip C. Lundberg · Keego Harbor, US
• Joshua R. Auden · Brighton, US
• Jason D. Fahland · Fenton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 25, 2017
• Grant date: Mar 31, 2020
• Expiry date: Sep 15, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/88
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Disclosed are downforce feedback systems for active aerodynamic devices, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with a closed-loop downforce feedback system to govern operation of the vehicle's active aero device(s). A feedback control system for operating an active aerodynamic device of a motor vehicle includes one or more pressure sensors for detecting fluid pressures in one or more pneumatic or hydraulic actuators for moving the active aero device. A vehicle controller receives fluid pressure signals from these sensor(s), and calculates an actual downforce value from these signal(s). The controller retrieves a calibrated downforce value from mapped vehicle downforce data stored in memory, and determines if the actual downforce value differs from the calibrated value. If so, the controller determines a target position for a target downforce value for a current vehicle operating condition, and commands the actuator(s) to move the active aero device to the target position.