Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Kevin Irwin

Edward T Heil

Hualin Tan

Joshua R Auden

Jason D Fahland

David Dominguez

Steven A Opiteck

Braden J Swantick

Jeffrey A Mosher

Chris Morgan

Jason S Rhee

An aerodynamic control system of a vehicle includes a utilization module that, based on a longitudinal force on a tire in a longitudinal direction and a latitudinal force on the tire in a latitudinal direction, determines a utilization force on the tire of the vehicle and a direction of the utilization force. A maximum module, based on the direction of the utilization force, determines a maximum force of the tire for maintaining traction between the tire and a road surface contacting the tire. A difference module determines a difference between the utilization force on the tire of the vehicle and the maximum force on the tire. An aerodynamic actuator control module selectively adjusts a position of an aerodynamic actuator of the vehicle based on the difference.

Aerodynamic actuator control systems and methods

A vehicle includes a motor for propelling the vehicle and at least one active aerodynamic element configured to generate a variable amount of aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle also includes at least one driver input sensor configured to detect a driver input and generate a feedforward signal indicative of a desired behavior of the vehicle. The vehicle additionally includes a controller in communication with the at least one driver input sensor and the at least one active aerodynamic element and configured to regulate the at least one active aerodynamic element at least partially in response to the feedforward signal. A method for controlling such an active aerodynamic element and a system for controlling an aerodynamic downforce on a vehicle are also disclosed.

Vehicle, system, and method for controlling active aerodynamic elements

A system is configured to control aerodynamics of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a front end facing an ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The system includes an adjustable aerodynamic-aid element mounted to the vehicle body. The system also includes a mechanism configured to vary a position of the adjustable aerodynamic-aid element relative to the vehicle body and thereby control movement of the airflow. The system additionally includes a sensor configured to detect a height of the vehicle body relative to a predetermined reference frame and a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicative of the detected vehicle body height. The controller is also configured to determine a ride-height of the vehicle using the detected vehicle body height and to regulate the mechanism in response to the determined ride-height to control aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Vehicle ride-height determination for control of vehicle aerodynamics

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Royal Oak, MI, United States of America

Kevin Irwin