The present invention provides a downforce system for a vehicle. The downforce system comprises a restrictor configured to restrict a flow of air into a region that is defined at least in part by the restrictor and a ground surface on which the vehicle is disposed, and a rim disposed on the restrictor and configured to form at least a partial seal with the ground surface. A dedicated pressure source is disposed outside the restrictor and connected to the restrictor via an air flow path, the pressure source being configured to generate a pressure differential across the restrictor. The downforce system further comprises a preload mechanism configured to apply a preload force to the rim to press the rim towards the ground surface, wherein the preload mechanism includes an actuator for varying the preload force applied by the preload mechanism. By generating a pressure differential across the restrictor (e.g. by generating a pressure in the region defined by the restrictor that is lower than an atmospheric pressure outside the region), a downforce which acts on the vehicle may be generated. The downforce may result in an improved grip or traction of the vehicle, which may improve handling and safety of the vehicle.
Downforce system for a vehicle
2022-01-12
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B62D MOTOR VEHICLES , Motorfahrzeuge |