WO2017091217A1

WO2017091217A1 - Temporary active-grille-shutter control system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2017091217A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/062498
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shawn WETHERHOLD; Zachary David NELSON; Sudesh WOODIGA
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Llc
Priority date: 2015-11-24
Filing date: 2015-11-24
Publication date: 2017-06-01
Also published as: MX2018004414A

Abstract

A system for controlling the operation of an active grille shutter. The system may include a vehicle comprising an engine control unit and an active grille shutter. An interface device may be removably plugged into a port connected to the engine control unit. A mobile computing device may be linked to the interface device via a communication pairing. The mobile computing device may be programmed to receive a command from a user to change a shutter position of the active grille shutter and communicate the command to the engine control unit via the communication pairing.

Description

TEMPORARY ACTIVE-GRILLE-SHUTTER

CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This invention relates to vehicular systems and more particularly to systems and methods for controlling the shutter position of an active grille shutter independent of stock programming of a powertrain control module, engine control unit, or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] An active grille shutter is a shutter located in the grille area of a vehicle. Opening and closing an active grille shutter may control how much air flows through the grille area of a vehicle and into a corresponding engine compartment. An active grille shutter in a closed position may reduce the overall aerodynamic drag of a vehicle. However, an active grille shutter in a closed position may also reduce the ability of a radiator to cool the engine of a vehicle. Accordingly, what is needed are systems and method that enable or support testing to quantify the effects of an active grille shutter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[003] In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[004] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[005] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the mobile computing device of Figure 1;

[006] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a method for testing the effects of an active grille shutter in accordance with the present invention; and

[007] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a user interface of the mobile computing device of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[008] It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of certain examples of presently contemplated embodiments in accordance with the invention. The presently described embodiments will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

[009] Referring to Figure 1, a system 10 in accordance with the present invention may include a vehicle 12, a mobile computing device 14, and an interface device 16. A vehicle 12 may include a control system 18 comprising various components or sub-systems whose functions or operations are controlled and/or coordinated by a main computer 20 (e.g., a powertrain control module (PCM), engine control unit (ECU), or the like). For example, in selected embodiments, a vehicle 12 may include a control system 18 comprising a main computer 20 and an active grille shutter 22 that is controlled by the main computer 20.

[0010] An active grille shutter 22 may be located in the grille area of a vehicle 12. An active grille shutter 22 may be opened and closed automatically (e.g., as directed by a main computer 20) to reduce aerodynamic drag. For example, in a shutter-closed configuration or position, an active grille shutter 22 may prevent air from entering the grille of a vehicle 12. This may force the air that would otherwise travel through an engine compartment to go around the vehicle 12. Since the outside of the vehicle 12 may have a better aerodynamic profile than the engine compartment, the aerodynamic drag associated with a shutter-closed position may be lower than the aerodynamic drag associated with a shutter-open position.

[0011] This aerodynamic benefit of a closed off grille area, however, may be tempered to allow for proper cooling of an engine of the corresponding vehicle 12.

Accordingly, a main computer 20 may monitor the temperature of a corresponding engine (e.g., the temperature of coolant circulating through a corresponding engine) and determine when the need for cooling outweighs the desire for lower aerodynamic drag and the better fuel economy associated therewith. For example, on a very hot day, the need for cooling may trump any desire for lower drag and a main computer 20 may keep an active grille shutter 22 in an open position. Conversely, on a very cold day, a main computer 20 may keep an active grille shutter 22 in a closed position in order to receive the associated aerodynamic benefit, as well as to keep a corresponding engine warm enough to operate most efficiently.

[0012] Various tests may be performed to better understand the effects of an active grille shutter 22, improve or optimize the control algorithms used by a main computer 20 in controlling an active grille shutter 22, or the like. Certain tests may be performed while a corresponding vehicle 12 is stationary (e.g., while the vehicle 12 is located within a wind tunnel or the like). Other tests may be performed while a corresponding vehicle 12 is traveling through a surrounding environment (e.g., driving down the road). To facilitate any such tests, a system 10 in accordance with the present invention may enable a user (e.g., technician, engineer, employee of a manufacturer of the vehicle 12, contractor hired by a manufacturer of the vehicle 12, or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof) to quickly and easily control the operation of an active grille shutter 22.

[0013] For example, in selected embodiments, a user may enter certain inputs or commands (e.g., inputs or commands indicating a desire to fully or partially open or close an active grille shutter 22) into a mobile computing device 14. Such inputs or commands may be passed from the mobile computing device 14 to a vehicle 12 for implementation. To support this passing, an interface device 16 may enable a mobile computing device 12 to communicate with a main computer 20 of the corresponding vehicle 12.

[0014] For example, in selected embodiments, a control system 18 of a vehicle 12 may include a port 24 into which an interface device 16 may be removably inserted. A port 24 may provide a point of access to a control system 18, a bus of a control system 18, a main computer 20, one or more controlled sub-systems (e.g., an active grille shutter 22) of a control system 18, or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof. In certain embodiments, a port 24 may be a standardized port (e.g., an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port such as an OBD-II port).

[0015] An interface device 16 may communicate with a mobile computing device 14 in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, an interface device 16 may include one or more wires extending to connect to a mobile computing device 14. Alternatively, an interface device 16 may include a transmitter and/or receiver supporting wireless communication with a mobile computing device 14. For example, in certain embodiments, an interface device 16 and corresponding mobile computing device 14 may communicate via a wireless pairing employing Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio waves.

[0016] In selected embodiments, an interface device 16 may translate between a mobile computing device 14 and a vehicle 12. For example, an interface device 16 may exchange signal with a mobile computing device 14 using a particular wireless pairing protocol (e.g., a BLUETOOTH protocol). However, the interface device 16 may exchange signal with a computerized control system 18 using a different protocol (e.g., a controller-area-network (CAN) data transmission protocol suitable for use on a CAN bus). Accordingly, an interface device 16 may translate from one to the other and vice versa.

[0017] For example, when an interface device 16 receives a wireless signal from a mobile computing device 14, the interface device 16 may interpret one or more inputs or commands contained within that signal and incorporate them into a signal that is compatible with (and passed to) a corresponding control system 18. On the other hand, when the interface device 16 receives a signal from the control system 18, the interface device 16 may interpret the information contained within that signal and incorporate it into a wireless signal that is compatible with (and sent to) the mobile computing device 14.

[0018] Referring to Figure 2, a mobile device 14 may be a mobile telephone (e.g., a "smart" phone), tablet computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant, or the like. In selected embodiments, a mobile computing device 14 may include computer hardware and computer software. The computer hardware of a mobile computing device 14 may include one or more processors 26, memory 28, a user interface 30, a transmitter 32, a receiver 34, other hardware 36, or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof. The memory 28 may be operably connected to the one or more processors 26 and store the computer software. This may enable the one or more processors 26 to execute the computer software.

[0019] A user interface 30 of a mobile computing device 14 may enable a user to interact with, run, customize, or control various aspects of a mobile computing device 14. In selected embodiments, a user interface 30 of a mobile computing device 14 may include one or more keypads, keyboards, touch screens, pointing devices, or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof. A transmitter 32 and receiver 34 may enable a corresponding mobile device 14 to send signals to, and receive signals from, an interface device 16. In selected embodiments, the memory 28 of a mobile computing device 14 may store a communication model 38, an access module 40, a command module 42, a feedback module 44, other data or software 46 (e.g., operating system software), or the like or combinations or sub-combinations thereof. [0020] A communication module 38 may enable or support communication between a mobile computing device 14 and an interface device 16. In selected embodiments, a communication module 38 may be or include a background application running on a mobile computing device 14 to provide wireless (e.g., BLUETOOTH or the like) communication between a mobile computing device 14 and an interface device 16.

[0021] An access module 40 may enable or support a communication handshake between a mobile computing device 14 and a control system 18 (e.g., a main computer 20 of a control system 18). For example, a main computer 20 may have or maintain certain security protocols to prevent unauthorized access or tampering with a control system 18 or selected sub-systems thereof. Accordingly, an access module 40 may interact with a control system 18 (e.g., a main computer 20) in order to gain the access necessary to control an active grille shutter 22.

[0022] In selected embodiments, a security handshake may include an access module 40 requesting that a main computer 20 go to security mode. A main computer 20 may respond to such a requested by entering security mode and providing a seed or token to the access module 40. An access module 40 may generate a key that is based at least in part on the seed or token. When the key is provided to the main computer 20, the main computer 20 may recognize the key as authentic. Accordingly, the main computer 20 may grant to the mobile computing device 14 access to the control system 18 or selected sub-systems thereof that would otherwise be unavailable.

[0023] A command module 42 may cooperate with a user interface 30 to receive inputs or commands from a user. Upon receiving such inputs or commands, a command module 42 may generate one or more messages that are appropriate for relay by a communication module 38 on to an interface device 16 and corresponding control system 18. For example, if a user were to input a command to change the shutter position of an active grille shutter 20 from a closed position to a 50% open position, a command module 42 may convert that percent-open value to a hexadecimal number. The hexadecimal number may then be passed by the command module 42 to a communication module 38 and from there on to an interface device 16 and corresponding control system 18.

[0024] In selected embodiments, a command module 42 may support or enable various types of shutter-position commands. For example, a command module 42 may support or enable: (1) a command to change the shutter position from a fully closed position to a fully open position; (2) a command to change the shutter position from a fully open position to a fully closed position; (3) a command to change the shutter position from one of a fully closed position, a fully open position, and a first partially open position to a second partially open position that is different (e.g., a different percentage open) than the first partially open position; and/or (4) a command to change the shutter position from a partially open position to one of a fully closed position and a fully open position.

[0025] In certain embodiments, a command module 42 may support the creation and/or execution of a command routine. A command routine may specify that specific changes in the shutter position of an active grille shutter 22 occur at certain specified times. Accordingly, once a command routine is started by or within a command module 42, the command module 42 may automatically feed one or more commands set forth in the command routine at the designated times without any additional input from the user. [0026] For example, a command routine may specify that an active grille shutter 22 be closed from time zero to a first point in time, at 25% open from the first point in time to a second point in time, at 50% open from the second point in time to the third point in time, and so forth. Accordingly, a command module 42 executing such a command routine may ensure that at time zero (e.g., when the command routine is initiated) the shutter potion of a corresponding active grille shutter 22 is fully closed, at the first point in time the command module 42 may automatically issue a command to transition the shutter position of the active grille shutter 22 to 25%) open, at the second point in time the command module 42 may automatically issue a command to transition the shutter position of the active grille shutter 22 to 50% open, and so forth.

[0027] A command routine may enable a command module 42 to precisely and predictably sweep through an array of shutter positions with sufficient dwell time at each position to make the desired measurements (e.g., temperature measurements, aerodynamic drag measurements, or the like). Accordingly, a command routine may facilitate, enable, or support a particular test or testing protocol.

[0028] A feedback module 44 may enable a user to verify or see how one or more commands issued by a command module 42 are being implemented by a vehicle 12 (e.g., by an active grille shutter 22 on a vehicle 12). For example, in selected embodiments, a feedback module 44 may monitor one or more CAN channels to see how an active grille shutter 22 is interpreting and/or implementing a command originating with a command module 42.

[0029] In certain embodiments, a feedback module 44 may log data corresponding to the position of an active grille shutter 22. For example, a feedback module 44 may log data characterizing the shutter position of an active grille shutter 22 versus time. Such data may be used to interpret test results, verify that a command routine was properly implemented, or the like.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, a system 10 may support, enable, or execute a process 48 in accordance with the present invention. In selected embodiments, such a process 48 may begin when an interface device 16 is inserted 50 into a port 24 (e.g., an OBD port) of a control system 18 of a vehicle 12. Electrical power obtained from the port 24 may be used to power the interface device 16. Accordingly, a communication link (e.g., a wireless pairing) between a mobile computing device 14 and the interface device 16 may be established 52.

[0031] To gain access to the control system 18 of the vehicle 12, the mobile computing device 14 may transmit 54 a request for access to the control system 18 via the communication link. In selected embodiments, this request may take the form of a request to enter a security mode. In response to such a request, the mobile computing device 14 may receive 56 a security seed or token from the control system 18 via the communication link. Accordingly, the mobile computing device 14 may send 58, to the control system 18 via the communication link, a key based at least in part on the seed or token. Upon authentication of the key by the control system 18, the mobile computing device 14 may receive 60 access to the control system 18.

[0032] Once a mobile computing device 14 has access to a control system 18, the mobile computing device 14 may communicate 62 to the control system 18 an intent to control an active grille shutter 22 that forms part of the control system 18. This may result in the control system 18 verifying a current status or position of the active grille shutter 22. The mobile computing device 18 may then issue 64, via the communication link, a command identifying a desired shutter position for the active grille shutter 22. Such a command may correspond to an input received from a user. Alternatively, the command may correspond to or be set forth in a command routine.

[0033] In selected embodiments, the mobile computing device 14 may monitor 66, via the communication link, one or more bus channels to see if the active grille shutter 22 responds appropriate to each command corresponding thereto. For example, a mobile computing device 14 may monitor 66 a CAN channel corresponding to the active grille shutter 22. A mobile computing device 14 may also log 68 data characterizing a shutter position corresponding the active grille shutter with respect to time.

[0034] Once a process 48 for a vehicle 12 has been completed, an interface device 16 may be removed. Accordingly, a system 10 may be a temporary construct. With the interface device 16 removed, control of an active grille shutter 22 of a vehicle 12 may be dictated by what is programmed into a main computer 20 or the like. When the interface device 16 is removed from one vehicle 12, a process 48 in accordance with the present invention may be repeated with another vehicle 12 using the same mobile computing device 14 and interface device 16.

[0035] The flowchart in Figure 3 illustrates the functionality and operation of a possible implementation of a system, method, and computer program product according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this regard, selected blocks or combinations of blocks in the flowchart may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It will also be noted that certain blocks of the flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustration, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0036] It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figure. In certain embodiments, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Alternatively, certain steps or functions may be omitted if not needed.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4, a mobile computing device 14 may present various options to a user for controlling an active grille shutter 22. In certain embodiments, a command module 42 may cooperate with a user interface 30 to present a screen view 70 comprising one or more input mechanisms 72 (e.g., virtual buttons, virtual sliders, or the like), one or more feedback mechanisms 74 (e.g., a plot 74a showing shutter position versus time), or the like or combinations thereof. For example, a screen view 70 may include an open button 72a, close button 72b, slider 72c, percentage adjuster 72d, start button 72e, stop button 72f, run button 72g, time adjuster 72h, record button 72i, plot 74 showing shutter position versus time, or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof.

[0038] A close button 72a may, when selected, fully close an active grille shutter 22. An open button 72b may fully open an active grille shutter 22. A slider 72 may enable a user to select a shutter position that is fully closed, fully open, or somewhere in between. A percentage adjuster 72d may enable a user to arrow up or down in order to adjust at percent open to a specific desired value.

[0039] A start button 72e may enable a user to start programming or creating a command routine. For example, after selecting a start button 72e, a user may select a first percent open (e.g., using a percent adjuster 72d) and a first corresponding time (e.g., using a time adjuster 72h), then select a record button 72i to a record a first waypoint that pairs the selected shutter position with the selected time. The user may then select a second percent open (e.g., using a percent adjuster 72d) and a second corresponding time (e.g., using a time adjuster 72h), then select a record button 72i to a record a second waypoint. This process may continue until a desired command routine has been defined. Once a desired command routine has been defined, a user may select a stop button 72f to save the routine. To run the command routine, the user may select the run button 72g.

[0040] A plot 74a showing shutter position versus time may help a user visualize what is happening with an active grille shutter 22. A plot 74a may be forward looking or rearward looking. For example, a plot 74a may be forward looking by displaying a command routine as it is being created or as it is set to run. A plot 74a may be rearward looking by displaying a recent history (e.g., the history for a particular test session or portion thereof) of where the shutter position has been.

[0041] A system 10 in accordance with the present invention may be configured to control sub-systems of a vehicle 12 other than (e.g., in addition or as an alternative to) an active grille shutter 22. For example, a system 10 may enable a user to control a differential cooler motor, various window motors, sun roof motors, convertible top motors, or the like or combinations or sub-combinations thereof. Such control may facilitate testing (e.g., testing in a wind tunnel).

[0042] For example, a differential cooler motor may be controlled in a similar fashion as an active grille shutter 22. A user may control a differential cooler motor to start and or stop a corresponding pump and prime the system. Similarly, controlling one or more windows, sun roof, convertible top, etc. using a mobile computing device 14 while testing in a wind tunnel may be more efficient than a user getting in and out of the vehicle 12 to do it manually. In certain embodiments, one or more sub-systems of a vehicle 12 may be wired to be controlled by a main computer 20 in order to enable control by a system 10 in accordance with the present invention.

[0043] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a vehicle comprising an engine control unit and an active grille shutter;

an interface device removably plugged into a port connected to the engine control unit; and

a mobile computing device programmed to receive a command from a user to change a shutter position of the active grille shutter and communicate the command to the engine control unit via a communication link connecting the mobile computing device to the interface device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the command is to change the shutter position from a fully closed position to a fully open position.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the command is to change the shutter position from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the command is to change the shutter position from one of a fully closed position, a fully open position, and a first partially open position to a second partially open position.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is further programmed to gain access to the engine control unit via a security handshake prior to communicating the command to the engine control unit via the communication link.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is further programmed to monitor over the communication link a channel of a controller area network (CAN) within the vehicle to determine whether the change in the shutter position is obtained.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is further programmed to log data correlating the shutter position to time.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is stationary and the system further comprises an air moving system passing a flow of air over the vehicle.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the command comprises a hexadecimal number corresponding to a percent open or closed desired by the user.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the port comprises an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port; and

the communication link comprises a wireless pairing.

11. A method comprising:

selecting a first vehicle having an active grille shutter;

inserting an interface device into a port connected to an engine control unit of the first vehicle;

establishing a first communication link between the interface device and a mobile computing device;

receiving, by the mobile computing device, a first command from a user to change a shutter position of the active grille shutter of the first vehicle; and

communicating, by the mobile computing device, the command to the engine control unit of the first vehicle via the communication link.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising evaluating, before and after the communicating, one or more effects of the active grille shutter on performance of the first vehicle.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

removing, after the evaluating, the interface device from the first vehicle; and inserting, after the removing, the interface device into a port connected to an engine control unit of a second vehicle.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

receiving, by the mobile computing device, a second command from the user to change a shutter position of an active grille shutter of the second vehicle; and

communicating, by the mobile computing device, the second command to the engine control unit of the second vehicle via a second communication link between the interface device and the mobile computing device.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the selecting comprises positioning the vehicle within a wind tunnel.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the user is an employee or contractor of a company that is the manufacturer of the vehicle.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the command is to change the shutter position from one of a fully closed position, a fully open position, and a first partially open position to a second partially open position.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising gaining, by the mobile computing device, access to the engine control unit via a security handshake prior to the communicating the command to the engine control unit.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising monitoring, by the mobile computing device over the communication link, a channel of a controller area network (CAN) within the vehicle to determine whether the change in the shutter position is obtained.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising logging, by the mobile computing device, data correlating the shutter position to time.