Anti-roll thrust system for vehicles

• US 7,494,153 B2
• Filed: 02/02/2005
• Issued: 02/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: Wang, Jenne-Tai
• Primary Examiner(s): To; Toan C
• Application Number:
  US11/049,555
• Publication Number:
  US 20050230176A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,483 Days
• Field of Search: 280/755, 280/298, 280/299, 280/300, 180/209
• US Class Current: 280/755
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2202/45 Other types, e.g. external jets for stability with particular characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0018 Roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01327 Angular velocity or angular acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0132 responsive to vehicle motion parameters , e.g. to vehicle longitudinal or transversal deceleration or speed value
• CPC Class Codes: F02K 9/00 Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2240/94 on a movable wheeled structure
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2240/941 which is a land vehicle

Abstract

A thruster system is provided for a vehicle that can be used to reduce the roll propensity of a motor vehicle. The system utilizes a control system and multiple sets of thrusters which are strategically placed upon the vehicle. The control system is provided for detecting a potential roll condition and activates selected ones of the thrusters to produce a necessary thrust force for counteracting roll forces.

Claims

1. A roll stabilization system for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a first thruster mounted on a first side of said motor vehicle;

a second thruster mounted on a second side of said motor vehicle;

a controller system for detecting a potential roll condition of said motor vehicle and activating at least one of said first and second thrusters for generating a counteracting force for resisting the detected potential rollover condition, wherein said first and second thrusters are each mounted in side pillars of said motor vehicle.

2. The roll stabilization system according to claim 1, wherein said first and second thrusters are rocket motors.