Fuel efficient dynamic air dam system
First Claim
1. A device for monitoring and dynamically adjusting an active, real-time, aerodynamic system for a motor vehicle, thereby improving fuel efficiency and stability, comprising:
- a. an active aerodynamic control unit with aerodynamic control algorithms;
b. vehicle performance and environment input system;
c. a plurality of moveable, active aerodynamic surfaces; and
d. a servo controller system for variable position control of said aerodynamic surfaces.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Active, aerodynamic controller that describes a method for dynamically controlling airflow using computer controlled movable air dams and airfoils on motor vehicles. It is well known that motor vehicles generally have a great deal of aerodynamic friction also known as drag. Fuel efficiency is greatly affected by a vehicle'"'"'s aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic drag is caused by both induced drag and parasitic drag. Parasite drag is somewhat fixed by the overall design and shape of a vehicle. Parasite drag is caused primarily by the laminar flow of air over the smooth surfaces of the vehicle'"'"'s hood, roof, windows, side mirrors and door panels. Induced drag is much more variable and is primarily created by the differential pressure effects of air flowing over, under and around a vehicle, as well as the relative airflow caused by both ground effect and atmospheric air density and wind. This invention serves to actively minimize the effects of induced drag thus reducing the amount of fuel used by vehicles fitted with this invention.
52 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A device for monitoring and dynamically adjusting an active, real-time, aerodynamic system for a motor vehicle, thereby improving fuel efficiency and stability, comprising:
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a. an active aerodynamic control unit with aerodynamic control algorithms;
b. vehicle performance and environment input system;
c. a plurality of moveable, active aerodynamic surfaces; and
d. a servo controller system for variable position control of said aerodynamic surfaces.
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2. A device for monitoring and dynamically adjusting an active, real-time, aerodynamic system for a motor vehicle, thereby improving fuel efficiency and stability, comprising:
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a. vehicle performance and environment input system for receiving performance and environmental signals and for generating appropriate analog signals as output;
b. a plurality of moveable, active aerodynamic surfaces capable of movement over a range of motion;
c. a servo controller system, coupled to said aerodynamic surfaces, comprising a plurality of servo control circuits that drive each of said active aerodynamic surfaces over a range of motion;
d. an active aerodynamic control unit with aerodynamic control algorithms, accepting input from said vehicle performance and environment input system, executing a plurality of aerodynamic control algorithms which collectively determine the best position for each of said moveable active aerodynamic surfaces of the vehicle through the direct control of said servo controller system. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification