Chrysler Corporation

Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Jean P Mallebay-Vacqueur

Christopher P Thomas

Gardiner A Noble

Mark Ciuffetelli

Mitchell M Puskarz

An aerodynamic noise measurement system for a vehicle uses sound reflectors to determine the sound wave propagation of aerodynamic noise of the vehicle. The vehicle is placed within a test section of a wind tunnel. The air flow of the wind tunnel generates the aerodynamic noise as it passes over the vehicle. An array of sound reflectors is placed outside of the air flow of the wind tunnel. Microphone arrays receive the aerodynamic noise directly from the source and from the sound reflectors. An analyzer system forms an acoustic image of the vehicle based on the aerodynamic noise. A viewing device displays an image of the vehicle with an overlay of aerodynamic noise data in real-time.

Aerodynamic noise source measurement system for a motor vehicle

A multi-function apparatus and a method for performing the functions of a starter, alternator and engine stabilization system for an engine of a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a rotor, a stator and a switching/detection system associated with the stator. The stator comprises three independent stator sectors which each comprise a plurality of independent stator coils. The rotor comprises a plurality of rotor poles about its periphery. The rotor is secured to the flex plate of the engine and the stator sectors are secured to the bell housing of the vehicle's power train. The stator coils each protrude through opening formed in the bell housing such that the rotor poles are closely adjacent the stator coils without contacting the stator coils as the rotor rotates. The switching/detection system is used to detect the positions of the rotor poles relative to the stator coils and selectively energizes various groups of stator coils for very brief, predetermined time intervals to cause movement of the rotor and therefore assist in starting of the engine. In the alternator mode energy generated in the stator coils is returned to the vehicle's battery. In the engine stabilization mode selected groups of stator coils are periodically energized to assist in smoothing out the idle of the engine of the vehicle at low idle speeds. The apparatus and method can also be used to propel the vehicle for distances determined by the energy stored in the vehicle battery, to act as a supplemental 'power booster' and as a brake for effecting powertrain braking.

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Bloomfield Hills, MI, United States of America

Jean P Mallebay-Vacqueur