Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Dale Cattell

Jason D Fahland

Kenneth C Tesner

Hoang Luu Vo

A system is configured to mitigate hydroplaning of a vehicle having an adjustable aerodynamic-aid element configured to generate a selectable downforce on the vehicle body in response to a movement of ambient airflow relative thereto. The system includes a mechanism for varying a position of the adjustable aerodynamic-aid element relative to the body to regulate the downforce and sensor(s) configured to detect a vehicle dynamic parameter indicative of hydroplaning of the vehicle. The system additionally includes an electronic controller in communication with the sensor(s) and programmed to regulate the mechanism. The controller is configured to determine a target position for the adjustable aerodynamic-aid element in response to signal(s) from the sensor(s). The controller is also configured to set the adjustable aerodynamic-aid element to the target position via the mechanism to regulate the downforce on the vehicle body and mitigate the hydroplaning of the vehicle.

Control of vehicle aerodynamic force for hydroplaning mitigation

A method for actively controlling the balance characteristics of a vehicle includes the following steps: (a) determining an aerodynamic balance, vehicle balance, or both of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a vehicle body, an aerodynamic element coupled to the vehicle body, a rear axle, a front axle, a pair of wheels coupled to the rear axle, a pair of rear wheels coupled to the rear axle, a pair of front wheels coupled to the front axle, an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) coupled to the rear axle, and the vehicle balance is based on an aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle; (b) determining that there is surplus downforce capacity available based on the vehicle balance; and (c) controlling, by a controller, the eLSD in response to determining that there is surplus downforce capacity available.

Actively controlling rear differential coupling with aero load information

A transmission breather assembly includes a vertically disposed stanchion or stem having a castellated end and an annular shoulder axially spaced therefrom. The stanchion defines an internal passageway which communicates with the interior of the transmission either directly or through a flexible tube. The stanchion may be secured to a surface such as the vehicle firewall or may be mounted directly to the transmission housing if space and packaging requirements permit. Disposed on and over the castellated, open end of the stanchion is a cap or cover. The cap or cover includes an internal cylindrical wall that cooperates with the castellated end of the stanchion to retain it thereon and creates an annular space adjacent the stanchion which functions as an air passageway. The lower open end of the cap or cover is generally radially aligned with the annular shoulder on the stanchion. The cap or cover is fabricated of a hydrophobic material.

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Royal Oak, MI, United States of America

Dale Cattell