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AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsAlan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Kevin B. Rober, Mark A. Voss, Tadge J. Juechter, Edward D. Moss
Estimating the term…
A reversibly deployable spoiler for a vehicle comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow and downforce to better suit changes in driving conditions such as speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness. A method for controlling vehicle airflow selectively introduces an activation signal to initiate a change of at least one feature of the device that can be reversed upon discontinuation of the activation signal.
A spoiler adapted for use with a vehicle, such that the spoiler defines a surface of the vehicle that can increase or decrease airflow downforce during movement of the vehicle, the spoiler comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.