Patent ID: 8292350
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: B62D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method of inflating and deflating an inflatable air dam assembly mounted under a front end of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: (a) detecting that a speed of the vehicle is greater than a first predetermined speed threshold; (b) controlling a first valve to direct compressed air from an air compressor to the inflatable air dam assembly and controlling a second valve to direct air from atmosphere into the air compressor, if the speed of the vehicle is greater than the first predetermined speed threshold; (c) activating the air compressor to pump air through the first valve and into the inflatable air dam assembly, if the speed of the vehicle is greater than the first predetermined speed threshold, to thereby inflate the inflatable air dam assembly to a deployed position; (d) after steps (b) and (c), deactivating the air compressor and controlling the first and second valves to prevent air from flowing out of the air dam assembly to thereby maintain the inflatable air dam assembly in the deployed position; (e) after step (d), detecting if the speed of the vehicle is less than a second predetermined speed threshold; (f) after step (e), controlling the first valve to direct air from the air compressor to atmosphere and controlling the second valve to direct air from the inflatable air dam assembly into the air compressor, if the speed of the vehicle is less than the second predetermined speed threshold; and (g) after step (e), activating the air compressor to pump air through the second valve from the inflatable air dam assembly and out to atmosphere through the first valve, if the speed of the vehicle is less than the second predetermined speed threshold, to thereby deflate the inflatable air dam assembly to a stowed position.