US 12,467,487 B2
Active ionic propulsion system for motor vehicles
Keith Weston, Canton, MI (US); Alex Allmandinger, Ferndale, MI (US); Matthew Arthur Titus, Livonia, MI (US); and Lorne Forsythe, Novi, MI (US)
Assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed by Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed on Jul. 26, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/873,711.
Prior Publication US 2024/0035497 A1, Feb. 1, 2024
Int. Cl. F15D 1/00 (2006.01); B62D 35/00 (2006.01)
CPC F15D 1/0075 (2013.01) [B62D 35/005 (2013.01); B62D 35/007 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An ionic airflow management system for a motor vehicle, the ionic airflow management system comprising:
a controller;
a power supply in communication with the controller;
at least one exterior component of a motor vehicle having an integral electrode in electrical communication with the power supply, the integral electrode comprising a cathodic terminal portion and an anodic terminal portion oriented relative to a managed airflow vector; and
at least one sensor in communication with the controller, the at least one sensor including a speed sensor,
wherein the power supply receives signals from the controller to:
supply a predetermined amount of electrical power to the integral electrode based on a threshold speed detected by the speed sensor in an active mode, thereby controlling a speed and direction of airflow between the cathodic terminal portion and the anodic terminal portion; and
switch off electrical power to the integral electrode below the threshold speed in an inactive mode.