Vehicle including aerodynamic device control and system

Abstract

A vehicle includes a first aerodynamic device extending from a body of the vehicle and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and an aerodynamic control module. The aerodynamic control module is configured to determine a wind condition during forward movement of the vehicle and to move the first aerodynamic device between the extended position and the retracted position based on the determined wind condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this disclosure is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section and in aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle aerodynamics and, more particularly, to controlling vehicle aerodynamics based on wind conditions. Background Art

[0003] Vehicles are designed to minimize drag during operation in an effort to increase the overall efficiency of the vehicle. For example, vehicle bodies often employ rounded and sculpted surfaces to not only provide the vehicle with an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but more importantly, to provide the vehicle with the ability to push air out of the way during the vehicle's forward movement through the air. In doing so, the amount of energy required to move the vehicle through the air is reduced, which in turn increases the overall efficiency of the vehicle. In the context of vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE), improving the efficiency of the vehicle results in the vehicle consuming less fuel for a given distance. In the case of an electric vehicle (EV), improving the efficiency of the vehicle allows the vehicle to have a greater range on a given charge. In short, optimizing the aerodynamics of a vehicle allows the vehicle to operate efficiently by using less fuel in the case of an ICE vehicle and using less electricity in the case of an EV.

[0004] The aerodynamics of a vehicle body can be enhanced by providing it with aerodynamic devices such as spoilers. Spoilers can be mounted on or near the edge of a vehicle trunk, decklid or liftgate to "spoil" adverse airflow across the vehicle body when in motion. In this way, spoilers reduce the vehicle's drag and improve the vehicle's overall efficiency.

[0005] While the overall shape of the vehicle body affects the drag experienced by the vehicle during use, certain structures of the vehicle are difficult to optimize and inherently include substantially flat surfaces that engage the air during forward movement of the vehicle. Such surfaces increase the drag of the vehicle during forward movement of the vehicle, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the vehicle. For example, the ground engaging surface of a vehicle tire typically includes a series of grooves, channels, and ridges formed in the substantially flat surface of the tire. The grooves, channels, and ridges, as well as the substantially flat surface of the tire, oppose the air during forward movement of the vehicle and, therefore, increase the drag of the vehicle.

[0006] In order to minimize the effect of the tires on the overall drag of the vehicle, aerodynamic devices may be used to isolate a portion of the substantially flat surface of the tires from the air during forward movement of the vehicle. For example, a series of tire deflectors may be suspended from the vehicle body and cover a portion of the substantially flat portion of the ground engaging surface of each tire. While the tire deflectors also face the air during forward movement of the vehicle, the outer surfaces of the tire deflectors are typically curved to push or move air to the sides of the vehicle during forward movement of the vehicle. Thus, employing tire deflectors improves the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle.

[0007] While conventional aerodynamic devices such as spoilers and tire deflectors improve the aerodynamics of a vehicle and result in more efficient operation of the vehicle, such aerodynamic devices are generally static and designed and optimized for a single headwind condition. Thus, conventional aerodynamic devices are not optimized for side winds experienced by the vehicle during forward movement of the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0008] In one configuration, a vehicle is provided and includes a first aerodynamic device extending from a body of the vehicle and movable between an extended position and a retracted position and an aerodynamic control module configured to determine wind conditions (wind conditions) during forward movement of the vehicle and to move the first aerodynamic device between the extended position and the retracted position based on the determined wind conditions.

[0009] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first aerodynamic device may be a tire deflector. Alternatively, the first aerodynamic device may be a spoiler.

[0010] The second aerodynamic device may be extendable from the body of the vehicle and may be movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The second aerodynamic device may be operable between the extended position and the retracted position independently of the first aerodynamic device. Furthermore, the aerodynamic control module may be configured to move the second aerodynamic device between the extended position and the retracted position based on the determined wind conditions.

[0011] In one configuration, the first aerodynamic device may be movable into a plurality of positions relative to the body between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0012] In another configuration, a vehicle is provided that includes a first tire deflector extending from a body of the vehicle proximate a first tire located on a driver's side of the vehicle and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a second tire deflector extending from the body of the vehicle proximate a second tire located on a passenger side of the vehicle and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. An aerodynamic control module is configured to move the first tire deflector and the second tire deflector to the extended position in a headwind condition, and to move one of the first tire deflector and the second tire deflector to the extended position and the other of the first tire deflector and the second tire deflector to the retracted position in a crosswind condition.

[0013] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, at least one sensor may be operable to detect wind conditions near the vehicle during forward movement of the vehicle. In one configuration, the at least one sensor may be at least one of a radar sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one sensor may communicate with an aerodynamic control module, the aerodynamic control module being configured to distinguish between a headwind condition and a crosswind condition based on information received from the at least one sensor.

[0014] The spoiler can extend from the body of the vehicle and can include a first end and a second end. In this configuration, the aerodynamic control module can be configured to move the first end and the second end between a first position extending from a surface of the body and a second position adjacent to the surface of the body. The aerodynamic control module can be configured to move the first end and the second end independently of each other. Additionally or alternatively, the aerodynamic control module can be configured to move the first end and the second end between the first position and the second position based on the vehicle experiencing a headwind condition or a crosswind condition.

[0015] In yet another construction, a system is provided that includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations that include (i) determining wind conditions during forward movement of a vehicle and (ii) adjusting at least one aerodynamic device based on the determined wind conditions.

[0016] The system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, at least one aerodynamic device may include a tire deflector. Alternatively, at least one aerodynamic device may include a spoiler. The tire deflector and the spoiler may be moved between an extended position extending from the body of the vehicle and a retracted position based on the determined wind conditions.

[0017] A vehicle may include the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle including an example aerodynamic device according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 It is used to control Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system of an aerodynamic device;

[0021] Figure 3A It is in a headwind state Figure 1 A bottom view of the vehicle and the tire deflector of the aerodynamic device in an upwind responsive position;

[0022] Figure 3B It is in the first side wind state Figure 1 A bottom view of a vehicle and a tire deflector of the aerodynamic device in a first side wind response position;

[0023] Figure 3C It is in the second side wind state Figure 1 A bottom view of the vehicle and the tire deflector of the aerodynamic device in a second side wind response position;

[0024] Figure 4A It is in a headwind state Figure 1 A rear view of the vehicle and the spoiler of the aerodynamic device in the headwind responsive position;

[0025] Figure 4B It is in the first side wind state Figure 1 A rear view of the vehicle and the spoiler of the aerodynamic device in a first side wind response position;

[0026] Figure 4C It is in the second side wind state Figure 1 A rear view of the vehicle and the spoiler of the aerodynamic device in a second side wind responsive position; and

[0027] Figure 5 is used to control the wind conditions experienced by the vehicle Figure 1 A flow chart of a system of operation of an aerodynamic device.

[0028] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0031] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0032] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0033] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be a part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a memory; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0034] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that executes some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes a memory that stores some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium, and therefore can be considered to be tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-temporary memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0035] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0036] Software applications (i.e., software resources) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0037] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0038] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, memory, and / or device (e.g., disks, optical disks, processors, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable device, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0039] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to send data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0040] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special logic circuits (e.g., FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operably coupled to receive data from it or transmit data to it or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0041] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen) for displaying information to the user and optionally a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0042] Referring to the figures, a vehicle 10 is provided and includes a series of aerodynamic devices 12 and an aerodynamic control module 14. The aerodynamic devices 12 are located at various locations on the vehicle 10 to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 during forward movement of the vehicle 10. The aerodynamic control module 14 communicates with the aerodynamic devices 12 and selectively adjusts the position of one or more of the aerodynamic devices 12 based on current wind conditions around the vehicle 10 in an effort to optimize the effectiveness of the aerodynamic devices 12. In doing so, the aerodynamic control module 14 optimizes the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 and, therefore, improves the efficiency of the vehicle 10 during operation.

[0043] The vehicle 10 may be powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). Alternatively, the vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle (EV) powered by one or more electric motors. Finally, the vehicle 10 may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that includes an ICE and one or more electric motors that cooperate to power the vehicle 10, or may include a fuel cell that powers the vehicle 10. In the case of ICE and HEV vehicles, optimization of the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 improves the efficiency of the vehicle 10 by reducing the amount of fuel required to move the vehicle 10 a given distance. In the case of EV and HEV vehicles, optimization of the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 improves the efficiency of the vehicle 10 by reducing the amount of energy required to move the vehicle 10 a given distance.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 , the aerodynamic devices 12 are shown to include a spoiler 16, a front driver side (FDS) tire deflector 18, a front passenger side (FPS) tire deflector 20, a rear driver side (RDS) tire deflector 22, and a rear passenger side (RPS) tire deflector 24. The foregoing elements are examples of aerodynamic devices 12 that may be implemented on the vehicle 10 and controlled by the aerodynamic control module 14. Other aerodynamic devices 12 may include any active aerodynamic device that controls the separation of airflow around, through, or away from the body of the vehicle 10, such as body appliques located on one or more pillars of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, while the aerodynamic devices 12 are shown in conjunction with an automobile, the aerodynamic devices 12 may be used in conjunction with any vehicle, such as, for example, a pickup truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a van, and a cargo truck.

[0045] The spoiler 16 is located near the rear end of the vehicle 10 and is mounted to a trunk 26 of the vehicle 10. The spoiler 16 extends from a first end 28 located on the driver's side 30 of the vehicle 10 to a second end 32 located on the passenger side 34 of the vehicle 10. As shown, the spoiler 16 extends in a direction away from a top surface 36 of the trunk 26 to an edge 38. In one configuration, the spoiler 16 includes a substantially constant slope from a junction 40 of the spoiler with the top surface 36 of the trunk 26 to the edge 38.

[0046] Each of the FDS tire deflector 18, the FPS tire deflector 20, the RDS tire deflector 22, and the RPS tire deflector 24 extends from a body 42 of the vehicle 10 in a direction toward the ground, such as Figure 1 As shown, the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 extend from the body 42 of the vehicle 10 in front of the tires 44 of the vehicle 10 such that each tire deflector 18, 20, 22, 24 extends between the corresponding tire 44 and the front end of the vehicle 10. In this way, the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 are used to direct air passing over the area of ​​the tires 44 away from each tire 44 to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle 10. In one configuration, each tire deflector 18, 20, 22, 24 includes a rounded and / or sculpted front surface 46 ( Figure 1 ), the front surface 46 interacts with the air when the vehicle 10 moves in a forward direction.

[0047] Each of the spoiler 16 and the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 may be moved relative to the vehicle body 42 based on current wind conditions. That is, the spoiler and / or tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 may be moved by the aerodynamic control module 14 based on whether the vehicle 10 is experiencing a headwind ( Figure 3A , 4A ) or crosswind ( Figure 3B , 3C In addition, with respect to crosswinds, the spoilers and / or tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 may be adjusted by the aerodynamic control module 14 based on the direction of the crosswind in an attempt to optimize the aerodynamics of the vehicle 10, as will be described in more detail below.

[0048] The aerodynamic control module 14 may be executed by a body control module (BCM) 48 of the vehicle 10. Figure 2As shown, the BCM 48 may include a memory 50 and a processor 52 that cooperate to store and execute the aerodynamic control module 14. Specifically, the memory 50 may store instructions, rules, and algorithms for the aerodynamic control module 14, which may be executed by the processor 52. It should be noted that while the aerodynamic control module 14 is described and shown as being stored and executed by the BCM 48, the aerodynamic control module 14 may be a stand-alone controller or may be incorporated into another controller associated with the vehicle 10. For example, the aerodynamic control module 14 may be stored and executed by a chassis control module (not shown).

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the aerodynamic control module 14 communicates with various sensors to allow the aerodynamic control module 14 to determine current wind conditions (wind conditions). For example, the aerodynamic control module 14 can receive information from the radar sensor 54 and / or the ultrasonic sensor 56 for the aerodynamic control module 14 to use in determining the current wind conditions experienced by the vehicle 10. For example, the aerodynamic control module 14 can receive information from the radar sensor 54 and / or the ultrasonic sensor 56 to determine whether the vehicle 10 is experiencing a headwind or a crosswind, and if experiencing a crosswind, the direction of the crosswind. The radar sensor 54 and / or the ultrasonic sensor 56 can be a dual-purpose sensor that the aerodynamic control module 14 uses to determine the current wind experienced by the vehicle 10. For example, the ultrasonic sensor 56 can be located in the front dashboard 58 of the vehicle 10 for use as a proximity sensor by the BCM 48 or other vehicle controller. Thus, the ultrasonic sensor 56 may be used for dual purposes by not only providing proximity data to the BCM 48 or other vehicle controller (i.e., how close the vehicle 10 is located to an external structure or another vehicle), but also providing data to the BCM 48 for use by the aerodynamic control module 14 in determining current wind conditions experienced by the vehicle 10. In doing so, the cost associated with determining current wind conditions is negligible because the aerodynamic control module 14 is utilizing sensors that are already present.

[0050] The aerodynamic control module 14 may also receive satellite data 60 regarding current weather and / or wind conditions. The aerodynamic control module 14 may use the satellite data 60 to confirm current wind conditions determined based on information from the various sensors 54, 56. For example, the BCM 48 may use global positioning data (GPS) to determine the current location of the vehicle 10. The BCM 48 may then use the location of the vehicle 10 to retrieve current weather and / or wind conditions from the satellite 60. Although the BCM 48 is described and illustrated as receiving satellite data 60, the BCM 48 may additionally or alternatively communicate with a mobile device (such as a cellular phone or tablet) associated with a vehicle owner or occupant. Such a mobile device may also provide weather and / or wind data to the BCM 48 based on the current location of the vehicle 10.

[0051] In operation, when the vehicle 10 experiences a headwind ( Figure 3A , Figure 4A ), the aerodynamic control module 14 extends each of the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 from the vehicle body 42 and positions the first end 28 and the second end 32 of the spoiler 16 at the same distance from the surface 36 of the trunk 26. In this position, each aerodynamic device 12 is in a position to maximize the aerodynamics of the vehicle 10, thereby improving the efficiency of the vehicle 10. Specifically, and in the case of the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24, when the vehicle 10 experiences a headwind, the air is moved in a direction such as Figure 3A , 4A 4. The tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 are configured to flow in the direction shown and face the substantially flat surface of each tire 44, thereby increasing the drag of the vehicle 10. When the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 are extended from the vehicle body 42, each tire deflector 18, 20, 22, 24 covers the substantially flat surface of each tire 44 with the curved front surface 46 of each deflector 18, 20, 22, 24. In doing so, the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 serve to direct air from the headwind to the sides of the vehicle 10 and away from the tires 44. The tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 can be moved between a retracted position and a fully extended position. In addition, the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 can be moved to a plurality of partially extended positions between the retracted position and the fully extended position. The position of the tire deflectors 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 , and more specifically, the extent to which the tire deflectors 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 extend from the vehicle 10 between the retracted position and the fully extended position, is determined by the aerodynamic control module 14 based on the current wind direction and / or magnitude.

[0052] The spoiler 16 is not used to redirect wind from a headwind, but rather to "spoil" the headwind flow over the body 42. In a headwind condition, the airflow extends substantially equally over the body 42 from the driver's side 30 to the passenger side 34. Therefore, the aerodynamic control module 14 positions the spoiler 16 so that the first end 28 and the second end 32 are substantially equidistant from the surface 36 of the trunk 26 to allow the entire length of the spoiler 16 to interact with the headwind flowing over the body 42. The spoiler 16 can be moved to a plurality of positions or heights relative to the surface 36 of the trunk 26. As with the control of the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24, the aerodynamic control module 14 will control the height of the spoiler 16 based on the current wind direction and / or magnitude.

[0053] If the aerodynamic control module 14 detects a crosswind based on data from the radar sensor 54, the ultrasonic sensor 56, and / or the satellite data 60, the aerodynamic control module 14 will adjust the position of one or more of the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 and the spoiler 16. For example, if a crosswind is determined to be applied to the vehicle 10 at the driver's side 30 ( Figure 3B , Figure 4B ), the aerodynamic control module 14 will extend the tire deflectors 18, 22 located on the driver's side 30 and will retract the tire deflectors 20, 24 located on the passenger's side 34. In doing so, the tire deflectors 18, 22 on the driver's side 30 interact with the crosswind to optimize the aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 by redirecting the crosswind away from the tires 44. Additionally, by retracting the tire deflectors 22, 24 associated with the passenger's side 34, the drag associated with the unused tire deflectors 22, 24 is not realized, and the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 are improved. Specifically, if the tire deflectors 22, 24 associated with the passenger's side 34 are not receiving the current wind because the wind is a crosswind from the driver's side 30, retracting the tire deflectors 22, 24 associated with the passenger's side 34 will prevent the tire deflectors 22, 24 from increasing the drag of the vehicle 10 moving forward.

[0054] In addition to adjusting the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24, the aerodynamic control module 14 will also adjust the position of the spoiler 16. Specifically, when a crosswind is determined at the driver's side 30 ( Figure 3B , Figure 4B), the aerodynamic control module 14 will raise the first end 28 of the spoiler 16 away from the surface 36 of the trunk 26 and / or will lower the second end 32 so that the second end 32 is disposed closer to the surface 36 of the trunk 26 than the first end 28. In doing so, the first end 28 is able to interact with the crosswind to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 while the drag associated with the second end 32 caused by the forward movement of the vehicle 10 is minimized. It should be noted that in the case of a passenger side 34 crosswind ( Figure 3C , Figure 4C ), the aerodynamic control module 14 will move the aerodynamic device 12 in the opposite direction. Therefore, the side wind on the passenger side 34 has been described in detail above.

[0055] Although not specifically shown, the aerodynamic control module 14 can communicate with an electric motor associated with each aerodynamic device 12 to move the aerodynamic device 12 relative to the vehicle body 42 in the manner described above. The electric motor can be an electric motor and can be incrementally adjusted by the aerodynamic control module 14 based on the wind direction and the determined / detected wind speed. Specifically, the electric motor can allow the aerodynamic device 12 to move to multiple positions between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position.

[0056] Special References Figure 5 , a flow chart detailing the operation of the aerodynamic control module 14 is provided. At 62, the aerodynamic control module 14 determines the baseline condition of the vehicle 10. If the sensors 54, 56 detect a change in wind conditions at 64, the aerodynamic control module 14 determines whether the wind conditions persist for a predetermined period of time at 66. If the wind conditions do not persist, the aerodynamic control module 14 returns to 62 to continue monitoring the current wind conditions around the vehicle 10.

[0057] If the aerodynamic control module 14 determines at 66 that wind conditions are maintained, the aerodynamic control module 14 collects information from the sensors 54, 56 regarding the direction and severity of the current wind conditions at 68. The aerodynamic control module 14 uses the information from the sensors 54, 56 to determine the optimal position for each aerodynamic device 12. For example, if the air surrounding the vehicle 10 is determined to be a headwind and a slight crosswind from the passenger side 34, the aerodynamic control module 14 may maintain all of the tire deflectors 18, 20, 22, 24 at least partially extending from the vehicle body 42, but extend the tire deflectors 20, 24 associated with the passenger side 34 further than the tire deflectors 18, 22 associated with the driver side 30. Similarly, the aerodynamic control module 14 may extend the second end 32 of the spoiler 16 further away from the surface 36 of the trunk 26 than the first end 28, but may still maintain the first end 28 partially extending from the surface 36 due to the partial headwind experienced by the vehicle 10.

[0058] If the wind is holding at 66, the aerodynamic control module 14 periodically checks to ensure that the wind direction is holding at 72. If the wind direction is holding at 74, the aerodynamic control module 14 continues to monitor the wind direction. If the wind direction is not holding at 74, the aerodynamic control module 14 returns to 62 to start the process again.

[0059] As described, the aerodynamic control module 14 utilizes sensor data from the various sensors 54, 56 to determine wind direction and severity. Based at least on the wind direction, the aerodynamic control module 14 can adjust the position of one or more aerodynamic devices 12 in an effort to optimize the aerodynamics of the vehicle 10. In doing so, the aerodynamic control module 14 optimizes the efficiency of the vehicle 10 during operation and continuously adjusts the aerodynamic devices 12 based on current wind conditions to maximize vehicle efficiency.

[0060] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0061] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a first aerodynamic device extending from a body of the vehicle and movable between an extended position and a retracted position; as well as An aerodynamic control module is configured to determine wind conditions during forward movement of the vehicle and to move the first aerodynamic device between the extended position and the retracted position based on the determined wind conditions.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first aerodynamic device is a tire deflector.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first aerodynamic device is a spoiler.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a second aerodynamic device extending from the body of the vehicle and movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The second aerodynamic device is operable between the extended position and the retracted position independently of the first aerodynamic device.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The aerodynamic control module is configured to move the second aerodynamic device between the extended position and the retracted position based on the determined wind conditions.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first aerodynamic device is movable into a plurality of positions relative to the body between the extended position and the retracted position.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor operable to detect wind conditions proximate to the vehicle during forward movement of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one sensor is at least one of a radar sensor and an ultrasonic sensor.

10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one sensor is in communication with the aerodynamic control module, and the aerodynamic control module is configured to differentiate between a headwind condition and a crosswind condition based on information received from the at least one sensor.

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