System for enhanced vehicle performance and efficiency

• US 10,011,213 B1
• Filed: 06/21/2017
• Issued: 07/03/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brian Palmer
• Original Assignee: Brian Palmer
• Inventors: Palmer, Brian
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Hung T
• Application Number:
  US15/629,521
• Time in Patent Office: 377 Days
• Field of Search: 340438, 340439, 701 29, 701 32, 701 36, 701 49, 701102
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/65 Instruments specially adapted for specific vehicle types or users, e.g. for left- or right-hand drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/005 Front spoilers B62D35/001 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/007 Rear spoilers B62D35/001 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 37/02 by aerodynamic means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2205/02 using a vehicle scan tool
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005

Abstract

A system for monitoring operating parameters of a moving vehicle comprises an aftermarket device adapted to be in electrical communication with at least one vehicle protocol data bus. The aftermarket device is adapted to be connected to, in communication with, or in control of aftermarket components such as fins, flaps, or suspension and steering components. The aftermarket device communicates with, and monitors communications from, vehicle electronic control modules. The aftermarket device monitors vehicle operating parameters or conditions to detect when vehicle stiffness or aerodynamic performance or efficiency may be usefully altered, and then alters one or more of those aftermarket components, for example, to reduce or increase vehicle drag, stiffness, or to obtain other benefits. In some embodiments, the aftermarket device is adapted to detect certain conditions and locations, and usefully alter the aftermarket components. The aftermarket device may be removable, and may command a moving or stationary vehicle.

Claims

1. A system for real-time adjustable aerodynamics of a moving vehicle comprising:

an aftermarket device attached to, connected to, plugged into, or in electrical communication with a vehicle having at least one vehicle protocol data bus;

the aftermarket device being capable of communicating with or monitoring communications from the vehicle using the at least one vehicle protocol data bus, and the aftermarket device being capable of communicating with or monitoring communications from at least one built-in or factory-installed vehicle electronic control module, audible warning chime, gauge, visual warning light, or other display;

the aftermarket device being attached to, connected to, plugged into, in electrical communication with, or in control of an aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component;

the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component being mounted to the vehicle, and/or attached to an exterior or interior surface of the vehicle;

the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component being capable of dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement while the vehicle is in motion; and

the aftermarket device incorporating a predetermined set of at least one of (i) vehicle operating parameters or conditions, (ii) vehicle data messages, (iii) communications settings; and

(iv) commands;

wherein the aftermarket device monitors at least one vehicle data message, communication, operating parameter, or condition to detect when vehicle aerodynamic performance or efficiency or operation may be improved or altered in a useful way; and

wherein upon the aftermarket device detecting a situation where vehicle aerodynamic performance or efficiency or operation may be improved or altered, the aftermarket device communicates with the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component to cause the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component to perform a dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle aerodynamic component comprises at least one of a flap, fin, spoiler, cover, port, opening, shutter, skirt, motor, valve, actuator, or movable part.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component utilizes at least one of:

(a) a single attachment point or mounting point on the vehicle; and

(b) multiple attachment points or mounting points on the vehicle.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device is in electrical communication with the at least one vehicle protocol data bus by way of being removably attached to, connected to, or plugged into a vehicle diagnostic data port.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device is in electrical communication with the at least one vehicle protocol data bus by way of being hard-wired, spliced, soldered, or otherwise directly wired into the one or more vehicle protocol data buses.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the at least one vehicle protocol data bus is an isolated vehicle protocol data bus.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device is attached to, connected to, plugged into, in electrical communication with, or in control of a plurality of aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic components and wherein the aftermarket device sends communications, signals, or controls to the plurality of aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic components;

the communications, signals, or controls being unique or different between any of the plurality of aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic components based in part on the attachment points, mounting points, or location on, in, or relative to the vehicle of any of the plurality of aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic components.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component performs at least one of:

(a) decreasing vehicle aerodynamic drag;

(b) increasing vehicle aerodynamic drag;

(c) improving vehicle powertrain efficiency;

(d) improving vehicle powertrain fuel economy;

(e) improving vehicle cooling efficiency or thermal/temperature management;

(f) diverting, altering, or redirecting air around the vehicle or around or bypassing certain vehicle components;

(g) diverting, altering, or redirecting air into predetermined locations in or on the vehicle;

(h) covering or exposing, at least partially, another vehicle component, body panel, or surface having a special paint, pattern, or texture that alters air flow and/or aerodynamic drag across that vehicle component, body panel, or surface;

(i) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow during a vehicle cornering maneuver;

(j) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow during vehicle braking;

(k) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow near an inside corner, side, or end of the vehicle;

(l) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow near an outside corner, side, or end of the vehicle; and

(m) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow under, over, or through the vehicle.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component in a predetermined manner in response to at least one of an acceleration condition, a braking condition, a coasting condition, a towing condition, an engine idle condition, a cruise control condition, a cornering condition, a launching condition, a vehicle parking condition, a vehicle stopping condition, a vehicle shutoff condition, or due to a loss of traction or stability of the vehicle or failure of any vehicle component.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the predetermined manner of altering the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component involves putting the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component into a resting, folded, closed, or non-operational state or position.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device contains a data storage area and can be configured to data log vehicle operating parameters or other vehicle information, events, and conditions.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device has at least one peripheral input port or at least one peripheral output port to allow the aftermarket device to obtain data from external sources and act upon that data in a predetermined way or to allow the aftermarket device to send data or signals to external peripherals.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamics in a predetermined way upon receipt of an event initiated by the vehicle operator or other user.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the event initiated by the vehicle operator or other user is an action of pressing, actuating, moving, turning, or gesturing with respect to a built-in vehicle button, switch, knob, touch input display, or sensor.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein the event initiated by the vehicle operator or other user is the action of pressing, actuating, moving, turning, or gesturing with respect to a button, switch, knob, touch input display, or sensor on said aftermarket device or connected to said aftermarket device via a peripheral input port.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device provides feedback to the vehicle operator or other user by at least one of:

(a) sounding a built-in or factory-installed vehicle audible chime;

(b) illuminating a built-in or factory-installed vehicle warning light; and

(c) displaying text, data, or other information on a built-in or factory-installed vehicle gauge or other display.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device provides feedback to the vehicle operator or other user by at least one of:

(a) sounding a speaker inside of, attached to, connected to or on said aftermarket device;

(b) providing sound over an audio output connector on said aftermarket device;

(c) illuminating an indicator light inside of, attached to, connected to, or on said aftermarket device; and

(d) displaying text, data, or other information on a display inside of, attached to, connected to, or on said aftermarket device.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device is configurable by the vehicle operator or other user for the purposes of flashing, tweaking, tuning, calibrating, or making other adjustments, customizations, or modifications to the way the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component performs.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the aftermarket device supports multiple modes of operation or selectable operating profiles, any of which may be configurable by the vehicle operator or other user independently of the others, and that enable the vehicle operator or other user to choose which mode or profile to use;

and wherein the aftermarket device alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component in a predetermined way upon receipt of a mode or profile change by the vehicle operator or other user.

20. The system of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket device has access to or is able to read location data about the vehicle or other objects, and alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component in a predetermined manner in response to the vehicle'"'"'s location, or to the location of an object at a known or estimated distance from the vehicle.

23. The system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle suspension component comprises at least one of a damper, shock, strut, anti-roll or anti-sway bar or system, torsion bar, spring, pushrod, pullrod, control arm, opening, motor, valve, actuator, or movable part.

21. A system for real-time adjustable vehicle aerodynamic component of a moving vehicle comprising:

an aftermarket device attached to, connected to, plugged into, or in electrical communication with a vehicle having one or more vehicle protocol data buses;

the aftermarket device being capable of communicating with or monitoring communications from the vehicle on at least one vehicle protocol data bus, and the aftermarket device being capable of communicating with or monitoring communications from at least one built-in or factory-installed vehicle electronic control module, audible warning chime, gauge, visual warning light, or other display;

the aftermarket device being attached to, connected to, plugged into, in electrical communication with, or in control of at least one aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component, wherein the vehicle aerodynamic component comprises at least one of a flap, fin, spoiler, cover, port, opening, shutter, skirt, motor, valve, actuator, or movable part;

the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamics component being mounted to the vehicle, and/or attached to an exterior or interior surface of the vehicle;

the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component being capable of dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement while the vehicle is in motion; and

the aftermarket device incorporating a predetermined set of one or more of (i) vehicle operating parameters or conditions, (ii) vehicle data messages, (iii) communications settings and (iv) commands;

wherein the aftermarket device monitors at least one vehicle data message, communication, operating parameter, or condition to detect when vehicle aerodynamic performance or efficiency or operation may be improved or altered in a useful way;

wherein upon the aftermarket device detecting a situation where vehicle aerodynamic performance or efficiency or operation may be improved or altered, the aftermarket device communicates with, sends signals to, or directly controls the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component, the communications, signals, or controls then instructing the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component to perform a dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement;

wherein the aftermarket device alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component in a predetermined manner in response to at least one of an acceleration condition, a braking condition, a coasting condition, a towing condition, an engine idle condition, a cruise control condition, a cornering condition, a launching condition, a vehicle parking condition, a vehicle stopping condition, a vehicle shutoff condition, or due to a loss of traction or stability of the vehicle or failure of any vehicle component; and

wherein the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamic component performs at least one of;

(a) decreasing vehicle aerodynamic drag;

(b) increasing vehicle aerodynamic drag;

(c) improving vehicle powertrain efficiency;

(d) improving vehicle powertrain fuel economy;

(e) improving vehicle cooling efficiency or thermal/temperature management;

(f) diverting, altering, or redirecting air around the vehicle or around or bypassing certain vehicle components;

(g) diverting, altering, or redirecting air into predetermined locations in or on the vehicle;

(h) covering or exposing, at least partially, another vehicle component, body panel, or surface having a special paint, pattern, or texture which alters air flow and/or aerodynamic drag across that vehicle component, body panel, or surface;

(i) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow during a vehicle cornering maneuver;

(j) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow during vehicle braking;

(k) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow near an inside corner, side, or end of the vehicle;

(l) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow near an outside corner, side, or end of the vehicle; and

(m) diverting, altering, or redirecting air flow under, over, or through the vehicle.

22. A system for dynamic or real-time adjustable suspension components of a moving vehicle comprising:

an aftermarket device attached to, connected to, plugged into, or in electrical communication with a vehicle having at least one vehicle protocol data bus;

the aftermarket device being capable of communicating with or monitoring communications from the vehicle on at least one vehicle protocol data bus, and the aftermarket device being capable of communicating with or monitoring communications from at least one built-in or factory-installed vehicle electronic control module, audible warning chime, gauge, visual warning light, or other display;

the aftermarket device being attached to, connected to, plugged into, in electrical communication with, or in control of an aftermarket vehicle suspension component, the aftermarket vehicle suspension component being electric or electronic in nature or having some level of electronic means of control or communications;

the aftermarket vehicle suspension component being mounted to the vehicle, and/or attached to an exterior or interior surface of the vehicle;

the aftermarket vehicle suspension component being capable of dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement while the vehicle is in motion; and

the aftermarket device incorporating a predetermined set of one or more of (i) vehicle operating parameters or conditions, (ii) vehicle data messages, (iii) communications settings and (iv) commands;

wherein the aftermarket device monitors at least one vehicle data message, communication, operating parameter, or condition to detect when vehicle suspension performance or efficiency or operation may be improved or altered in a useful way; and

wherein upon the aftermarket device detecting a situation where vehicle suspension performance or efficiency or operation may be improved or altered, the aftermarket device communicates with, sends signals to, or directly controls the aftermarket vehicle suspension component, the communications, signals, or controls then instructing the aftermarket vehicle suspension component to perform a dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement.

24. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket vehicle suspension component utilizes at least one of:

(a) a single attachment point or mounting point on the vehicle; and

(b) multiple attachment points or mounting points on the vehicle.

25. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device is in electrical communication with the at least one vehicle protocol data bus by way of being removably attached to, connected to, or plugged into a vehicle diagnostic data port.

26. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device is in electrical communication with the at least one vehicle protocol data bus by way of being hard-wired, spliced, soldered, or otherwise directly wired into the at least one vehicle protocol data bus.

27. The system of claim 26 wherein the at least one vehicle protocol data bus is an isolated vehicle protocol data bus.

28. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device is attached to, connected to, plugged into, in electrical communication with, or in control of a plurality of aftermarket vehicle suspension components;

and wherein the aftermarket device sends communications, signals, or controls to the plurality of aftermarket vehicle suspension components;

the communications, signals, or controls being unique or different between any of the plurality of aftermarket vehicle suspension components based in part on the attachment points, mounting points, or location on, in, or relative to the vehicle of the plurality of aftermarket vehicle suspension components.

29. The system of claim 22 wherein the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle suspension component performs at least one of:

(a) increasing or decreasing vehicle ride height;

(b) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle suspension damping rates;

(c) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle anti-sway or anti-roll system stiffness levels;

(d) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle suspension torsion bar or spring rates;

(d) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle camber, caster, toe, or alignment positions;

(e) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle pushrod or pullrod tension, length, angle, or diameter;

(f) altering or modifying one or more vehicle suspension attachment points, geometry positions, or other suspension component attributes;

(g) altering or modifying one or more vehicle control arm pivot points, attachment points, or other adjustable control arm attributes;

(h) altering or modifying one or more vehicle suspension component fluid pressures, viscosity, or volume; and

(i) altering or modifying one or more vehicle steering rates, ratio, assist, damping, or other steering attributes.

30. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle suspension component in a predetermined manner in response to at least one of an acceleration condition, a braking condition, a coasting condition, a towing condition, an engine idle condition, a cruise control condition, a cornering condition, a launching condition, a vehicle parking condition, a vehicle stopping condition, a vehicle shutoff condition, or due to a loss of traction or stability of the vehicle or failure of any vehicle component.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein the predetermined manner of altering the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle suspension component involves putting the aftermarket vehicle suspension component into a resting, folded, closed, or non-operational state or position.

32. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device contains a data storage area and can be configured to data log vehicle operating parameters or other vehicle information, events, and conditions.

33. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device has at least one peripheral input port or at least one peripheral output port to allow the aftermarket device to obtain data from external sources and act upon that data in a predetermined way or to allow the aftermarket device to send data or signals to external peripherals.

34. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle suspension component in a predetermined way upon receipt of an event initiated by the vehicle operator or other user.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the event initiated by the vehicle operator or other user is an action of pressing, actuating, moving, turning, or gesturing with respect to a built-in vehicle button, switch, knob, touch input display, or sensor.

36. The system of claim 34 wherein the event initiated by the vehicle operator or other user is the action of pressing, actuating, moving, turning, or gesturing with respect to a button, switch, knob, touch input display, or sensor on said aftermarket device or connected to said aftermarket device via a peripheral input port.

37. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device provides feedback to the vehicle operator or other user by at least one of:

(a) sounding a built-in or factory-installed vehicle audible chime;

(b) illuminating a built-in or factory-installed vehicle warning light; and

(c) displaying text, data, or other information on a built-in or factory-installed vehicle gauge or other display.

38. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device provides feedback to the vehicle operator or other user by at least one of:

(a) sounding a speaker inside of, attached to, connected to or on said aftermarket device;

(b) providing sound over an audio output connector on said aftermarket device;

(c) illuminating an indicator light inside of, attached to, connected to, or on said aftermarket device; and

(d) displaying text, data, or other information on a display inside of, attached to, connected to, or on said aftermarket device.

39. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device is configurable by the vehicle operator or other user for the purposes of flashing, tweaking, tuning, calibrating, or making other adjustments, customizations, or modifications to the way the aftermarket vehicle suspension component performs.

40. The system of claim 39 wherein the aftermarket device supports multiple modes of operation or selectable operating profiles, any of which may be configurable by the vehicle operator or other user independently of the others, and that enable the vehicle operator or other user to choose which mode or profile to use;

and wherein the aftermarket device alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle suspension components in a predetermined way upon receipt of a mode or profile change by the vehicle operator or other user.

41. The system of claim 22 wherein the aftermarket device has access to or is able to read location data about the vehicle or other objects, and alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle suspension component in a predetermined manner in response to the vehicle'"'"'s location, or to the location of an object at a known or estimated distance from the vehicle.

42. A system for dynamic or real-time adjustable vehicle suspension components of a moving vehicle comprising:

an aftermarket device attached to, connected to, plugged into, or in electrical communication with a vehicle having at least one vehicle protocol data bus;

the aftermarket device being capable of communicating with or monitoring communications from the vehicle on at least one vehicle protocol data bus, and the aftermarket device being capable of communicating with or monitoring communications from at least one built-in or factory-installed vehicle electronic control module, audible warning chime, gauge, visual warning light, or other display;

the aftermarket device being attached to, connected to, plugged into, in electrical communication with, or in control of an aftermarket vehicle suspension component, the aftermarket vehicle suspension component, wherein the aftermarket vehicle suspension component comprises at least one of a damper, shock, strut, anti-roll or anti-sway bar or system, torsion bar, spring, pushrod, pullrod, control arm, opening, motor, valve, actuator, or movable part;

the aftermarket vehicle suspension component being mounted to the vehicle, and/or attached to an exterior or interior surface of the vehicle;

the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamics being capable of dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement while the vehicle is in motion; and

the aftermarket device incorporating a predetermined set of one or more of (i) vehicle operating parameters or conditions, (ii) vehicle data messages, (iii) communications settings and (iv) commands;

wherein the aftermarket device monitors at least one vehicle data message, communication, operating parameter, or condition to detect when vehicle suspension performance or efficiency or operation may be improved or altered in a useful way;

wherein upon the aftermarket device detecting a situation where vehicle suspension performance or efficiency or operation may be improved or altered, the aftermarket device communicates with, sends signals to, or directly controls the aftermarket vehicle suspension component, the communications, signals, or controls then instructing the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamics to perform a dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement;

wherein the aftermarket device alters the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle suspension component in a predetermined manner in response to at least one of an acceleration condition, a braking condition, a coasting condition, a towing condition, an engine idle condition, a cruise control condition, a cornering condition, a launching condition, a vehicle parking condition, a vehicle stopping condition, a vehicle shutoff condition, or due to a loss of traction or stability of the vehicle or failure of any vehicle component; and

wherein the dynamic or real-time adjustment, rotation, modification, alteration, or other movement of the aftermarket vehicle aerodynamics performs at least one of;

(a) increasing or decreasing vehicle ride height;

(b) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle suspension damping rates;

(c) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle anti-sway or anti-roll system stiffness levels;

(d) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle suspension torsion bar or spring rates;

(d) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle camber, caster, toe, or alignment positions;

(e) increasing, decreasing or altering one or more vehicle pushrod or pullrod tension, length, angle, or diameter;

(f) altering or modifying one or more vehicle suspension attachment points, geometry positions, or other suspension component attributes;

(g) altering or modifying one or more vehicle control arm pivot points, attachment points, or other adjustable control arm attributes;

(h) altering or modifying one or more vehicle suspension component fluid pressures, viscosity, or volume; and

(i) altering or modifying one or more vehicle steering rates, ratio, assist, damping, or other steering attributes.