Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Robert E Zeweke

Richard J Lannen

Andrew R Krenz

James B Borgerson

Alan William Hayman

Daryl A Wilton

James L Luttinen

William A Bear

Julian Broadbent

Thomas A Barth

A vehicle includes a vehicle structure that extends along a longitudinal axis. An engine includes a crankshaft that defines a crank axis disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A transmission includes an output shaft that defines a transmission output axis substantially parallel with the crank axis. The transmission output axis is disposed nearer the forward end of the vehicle structure than the crank axis. The crank axis is disposed vertically above the transmission output axis a distance of about 140 mm. The engine includes at least one cylinder bore that defines a bore axis disposed perpendicular to and may intersect the crank axis. The bore axis may be angled toward the forward end of the vehicle structure to define an angle between the bore axis and a vertical plane. The angle between the bore axis and the vertical plane may be about 18&#xb0;.

Integrated powertrain and chassis design for maximized passenger cabin volume of a vehicle

A method is disclosed for controlling a suspension corner connected to a road wheel in a vehicle's adjustable suspension system. The method includes monitoring operation of the vehicle, detecting an occurrence of a predetermined vehicle event, and detecting a road speed of the vehicle. The method also includes monitoring a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner. The vehicle ride height at the suspension corner is selected via a bladder arranged at the suspension corner. The bladder is characterized by a variable height and configured to pump a fluid in response to forces generated at the road wheel and hold a volume of the fluid. The method additionally includes selecting the ride height at the suspension corner in response to the detected occurrence of the predetermined vehicle event and the detected vehicle road speed by regulating the volume of the fluid being held by the bladder.

Control of adjustable ride height suspension

A suspension system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a road wheel includes a suspension corner connecting the road wheel to the vehicle body. The suspension corner maintains contact between the road wheel and a road surface. The suspension system includes a bladder arranged at the suspension corner for pumping a fluid in response to forces generated at the wheel and holding a volume of the fluid. The suspension system also includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the bladder for selectively accumulating the fluid pumped by and releasing the fluid to the bladder. The suspension system additionally includes a valve for selectively retaining the accumulated fluid in and releasing thereof from the accumulator. The height of the bladder varies in response to the volume of fluid being held by the bladder to set a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner.

Passively controlled adjustable ride height suspension

Growing community of inventors

Shelby Township, MI, United States of America

Robert E Zeweke