Patent ID: 7887119
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: B62D,F15D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A plasma-induced drag reduction device mounted on an underside surface of a front portion of a vehicle, comprising: a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material; a first electrode mounted on the dielectric substrate so as to be exposed to atmosphere; a second electrode mounted on the dielectric substrate so as to be insulated from atmosphere; a power source connected to the first and second electrodes, the power source supplying a voltage to the electrodes; a switch disposed between at least one of a connection between the power source and the first electrode and the power source and the second electrode; and a controller connected to the switch, wherein the first and second electrodes are mounted with the first electrode disposed in a longitudinal position toward a front of the vehicle relative to the second electrode, wherein said switch is selectively actuated between an on position and an off position, wherein when said switch is in the on position, voltage passes from the power source to the electrodes, and when the switch is in the off position, voltage does not pass from the power source to the electrodes, and wherein the controller actuates the switch to the on position when the vehicle is traveling faster than a predetermined speed, and actuates the switch to the off position when the vehicle is traveling slower than the predetermined speed, said predetermined speed being greater than zero.