Active Downforce Control Aligned With Driver Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active downforce systems in vehicles often conflict with driver inputs, leading to 'out-of-phase' interactions due to differences in reaction time or opposing intentions, which can negatively impact vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for active downforce control that includes a controller to monitor driver inputs such as accelerator and brake pedal positions, steering wheel angle, and lateral acceleration, calculating an out-of-phase interaction index to adjust aerodynamic actuators accordingly, using a blended ride height formula to mitigate conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active downforce systems are used to increase traction and improve vehicle performance, then vehicle handling and grip are improved, but out-of-phase interaction with driver inputs occurs causing conflicts in vehicle control
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driver inputs (accelerator pedal position, brake pedal position, steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration) and uses this feedback to detect out-of-phase interactions. The controller compares driver intentions with active downforce system responses, adjusting the downforce application timing and magnitude to align with driver inputs, thereby resolving control conflicts while maintaining improved handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The active downforce system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time detection of out-of-phase interactions. When conflicts are detected, the system modifies the downforce application characteristics (timing, magnitude, duration) to synchronize with driver inputs, transforming the system from a static performance-enhancing device to a dynamic control-adaptive system that maintains both handling performance and driver control authority.
2Power
If active downforce systems apply aerodynamic forces to improve acceleration and braking, then vehicle performance is enhanced, but conflicts arise when system actions oppose driver intentions
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors driver inputs including accelerator and brake pedal positions to understand driver intentions. When out-of-phase interactions are detected (where active downforce actions conflict with driver inputs), the feedback mechanism adjusts the downforce application to align with driver intent, ensuring that performance enhancement occurs in harmony with driver commands rather than in opposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects potential out-of-phase interactions before they fully manifest by monitoring driver inputs and predicting conflicting downforce applications. By identifying these conflicts in advance, the system can preemptively adjust the downforce control strategy to prevent opposing actions, thereby maintaining both enhanced power delivery and adaptability to driver intent.
3Manufacturing precision
If aerodynamic actuators are precisely controlled to adjust downforce, then traction and cornering performance are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors driver inputs (accelerator, brake, steering), detects out-of-phase interactions, calculates interaction indices, and controls aerodynamic actuators. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system achieves precise aerodynamic element positioning without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the controller leverages existing sensor data and integrated processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for active downforce control for a vehicle may include determining an out-of-phase interaction index between a driver of the vehicle and a controller. The controller is configured to control one or more aerodynamic actuators. The method further may include determining one or more active downforce control inputs based at least in part on the out-of-phase interaction index. The method further may include controlling the one or more aerodynamic actuators based at least in part on the one or more active downforce control inputs.