Active downforce generation for a tilting vehicle
OwnerJohn Austin Muthinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An example can include a frame of a vehicle. An example can include at least two wheels coupled to the frame, wherein at least one of the wheels is configured to pivot around a steering axis. An example can include a cornering force sensor to measure a cornering force of the frame with respect to the surface and produce a cornering force signal. An example can include a thrust generation controller to receive the cornering force signal and to produce a desired downforce signal. An example can include and a thrust generator to receive the desired downforce signal and to pump air through at least one of the at least two wheels to produce lateral force on the wheel in association with the desired downforce signal.
Claims18
An apparatus for rolling on a surface, comprising:
- a frame of a vehicle;
- at least two wheels coupled to the frame, wherein at least one of the wheels is configured to pivot around a steering axis;
- a cornering force sensor configured to measure a cornering force of the frame with respect to the surface and produce a cornering force signal;
- a thrust generation controller configured to receive the cornering force signal and produce a desired downforce signal;
- and
- a thrust generator configured to receive the desired downforce signal and pump air through at least one of the at least two wheels so as to produce lateral force on the wheel in association with the desired downforce signal.
An apparatus for rolling on a surface, comprising:
- a frame of a motorcycle;
- a front wheel coupled to the frame configured to pivot around a steering axis;
- a rear wheel coupled to the frame configured to pivot around a steering axis;
- a tilt sensor configured to measure a tilt of the frame with respect to the surface and produce a tilt signal;
- a thrust generation controller configured to receive the tilt signal and produce a desired downforce signal;
- a first thrust generator configured to receive the desired downforce signal and pump air through the front wheel to produce lateral force on the front wheel in association with the desired downforce signal;
- and
- a second thrust generator configured to receive the desired downforce signal and pump air through the rear wheel to produce lateral force on the rear wheel in association with the desired downforce signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.