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

A method of dynamically increasing tire traction in a vehicle, the vehicle including (i) a controllable suspension having (A) a damper, (B) a spring, and (C) an active element, the active element being configured to generate a positive impulse between a body of the vehicle and a wheel of the vehicle to apply force to the wheel of the vehicle in a downward direction, (ii) a suspension controller, and (iii) a controllable aerodynamic element configured to generate a variable downforce on the body of the vehicle, the method comprising:

• (a) positioning the body of the vehicle at a level which allows for a predetermined amount of upward suspension travel;
• (b) receiving, by the suspension controller, a trigger after the body of the vehicle is positioned at a level which allows for a predetermined amount of upward suspension travel;
• (c) the suspension controller generating a first control signal upon receipt of the trigger;
• (d) the suspension controller sending the first control signal to the active element to generate the positive impulse, the positive impulse causing application of force to the wheel of the vehicle in a downward direction, thereby dynamically increasing tire traction;
• (e) inhibiting oscillation of the body of the vehicle using the damper as the body of the vehicle oscillates as a result of the spring, thereby inhibiting oscillation of tire traction;
• and
• (f) limiting the rise of the body of the vehicle resulting from the positive impulse between the body of the vehicle and the wheel of the vehicle by modulating the variable downforce on the body of the vehicle generated by the controllable aerodynamic element.