The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 21, 2013
Filed:
Nov. 09, 2010
System and method for increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain by controlling an aero shutter
Scott P. Charnesky, Birmingham, MI (US);
Gregory J. Fadler, Commerce Township, MI (US);
Andreas Wilhelm, Seeheim-Jugenheim, DE;
Reiner Weidemann, Mainz, DE;
Terry C. Bishop, Chesaning, MI (US);
Scott P. Charnesky, Birmingham, MI (US);
Gregory J. Fadler, Commerce Township, MI (US);
Andreas Wilhelm, Seeheim-Jugenheim, DE;
Reiner Weidemann, Mainz, DE;
Terry C. Bishop, Chesaning, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method of increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain includes unrestricting a grille opening by fully opening a shutter at or below a first predetermined vehicle speed, and turning a fan off. The method also includes unrestricting the grille opening by fully opening the shutter above the first predetermined vehicle speed and at or below a second predetermined vehicle speed under a high powertrain cooling load, and turning the fan on. The method additionally includes partially restricting the grille opening above the second predetermined vehicle speed via an intermediate position of the shutter, and turning the fan off. A specific size of the fan together with the selected positions for the shutter at the respective vehicle speeds provides sufficient airflow through the grille opening to cool the powertrain, and provides increased powertrain operating efficiency. A system for increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain and a vehicle are also provided.