Method and apparatus to dynamically increase tire traction in a vehicle by applying one or more controlled downward directed impulses between a body of the vehicle and a wheel of a vehicle

Abstract

Tire traction is dynamically increased in a vehicle by performing a sequence of steps. The vehicle includes a controllable suspension having a damper, a spring, and an active element, a suspension controller, and a controllable aerodynamic element. The body of the vehicle is positioned at a level which allows for a predetermined amount of upward suspension travel. The suspension controller receives a trigger after the body of the vehicle is positioned at a level which allows for a predetermined amount of upward suspension travel. The suspension controller generates a first control signal upon receipt of the trigger. The first control signal is sent to the active element to generate the positive impulse. The positive impulse causes application of force to the wheel of the vehicle in a downward direction, thereby dynamically increasing tire traction. Oscillation of the body of the vehicle is inhibited using the damper as the body of the vehicle oscillates as a result of the spring, thereby inhibiting oscillation of tire traction. The rise of the body of the vehicle is limited by modulating the variable downforce on the body of the vehicle generated by the controllable aerodynamic element.