A system for generating downforce on wheeled vehicles.

Abstract

The vehicle includes a frame configured to pivot with respect to a support surface over both positive and negative roll angles, and wheel supports coupled to the frame. The wheel supports include axle mounting portions. An axle defining the axis of rotation is mounted to the wheel supports at the axle mounting portions. A downforce generating system is mounted to the wheel supports between the frame and the axle mounting portions. The downforce generating system includes a wing support mounted to the wheel supports and a downforce generating wing pivotably mounted to the wing support. The downforce generating wing includes an aerodynamic surface with a leading edge. The downforce generating system is configured to maintain a substantially horizontal attitude of the leading edge with respect to the support surface when the frame pivots between positive and negative roll angles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 755,177, filed on June 26, 2024, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 523,739, filed on June 28, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to the technology of wheeled vehicles, and more particularly, to a system for applying a downforce to a wheeled vehicle.

Background Art

[0003] When exposed to acceleration forces, a motorcycle or two-wheeled vehicle tends to rotate upward about the rear axle (also known as wheelies). The acceleration force transmitted through the rear wheel tends to cause the front wheel to lift when the torque generated by the power unit exceeds the weight of the front part of the vehicle. The downforce (downward force) that can be applied to suppress this lift is generated by the shape of the vehicle body and the forces created by wings or spoilers attached to the vehicle. A vehicle transitions between multiple forces when moving. For example, a vehicle experiences different forces during acceleration, braking, and turning or cornering. Downforce can improve traction, grip, and road adhesion in any of these situations.

[0004] Motorcycles include multiple surfaces that contribute to generating downward force and improving aerodynamics. For example, the gas tank is shaped to reduce resistance, the engine is covered or shielded by a fairing that reduces resistance and increases downward force, and winglets can be added to further improve downward force. Additionally, the rider's posture contributes to the motorcycle's aerodynamic characteristics and downward force generation.

[0005] A downward force increases the contact patch and grip of the front and / or rear tires with the road surface during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Maintaining favorable contact and grip between the vehicle wheels and tires and the road surface increases driving performance and rider safety. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system for increasing the downward force on the vehicle, especially a motorcycle, during each stage of driving (acceleration, braking, and cornering). [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure and does not constitute a complete disclosure of the entire scope or all of the features of the disclosure.

[0007] The vehicle according to this disclosure includes a frame configured to pivot with respect to a support surface over both positive and negative roll angles, and a wheel support coupled to the frame. The wheel support includes an axle mounting portion. An axle defining the axis of rotation is mounted to the wheel support at the axle mounting portion. A downforce generating system is mounted to the wheel support between the frame and the axle mounting portion. The downforce generating system includes a wing support mounted to the wheel support, and a downforce generating wing pivotably mounted to the wing support. The downforce generating wing includes an aerodynamic surface having a leading edge. The downforce generating system is configured to maintain a substantially horizontal attitude of the leading edge with respect to the support surface when the frame pivots between positive and negative roll angles.

[0008] In other features, the wing support is attached to the wheel support at the axle mounting point.

[0009] Other features include a rotary motor mounted on the wing support and connected to the downforce generating wing. The rotary motor defines the axis of rotation for the downforce generating wing.

[0010] In other features, the rotating motor is coupled to a motor support connected to the wing support via a hinge, which defines the pivot axis for the downforce-generating wing.

[0011] In other features, the wing controller is operably connected to a rotary motor, and the wing controller is operable to selectively rotate the downforce generating wing to maintain a substantially constant horizontal attitude of the downforce generating wing relative to the support surface.

[0012] Other features include at least one of a lean angle sensor, a throttle sensor, and a brake pressure sensor. The wing controller is operable to selectively operate a rotary motor to maintain a substantially constant horizontal attitude of the downforce-generating wing relative to the support surface, based on inputs from one of the lean angle sensor, throttle sensor, and brake pressure sensor.

[0013] Other features include a motor support connected to a wing support, a hinge connecting the motor support to the wing support, the hinge defining a pivot axis for the downforce generating wing, and a rotating motor coupled to the motor support.

[0014] Other features include a linear actuator mounted on either the motor support or the wing support, and the linear actuator being connected to the wing controller.

[0015] In other features, the wing controller can be selectively operated to control a linear actuator to selectively deflect the downforce-generating wing around a pivot axis.

[0016] In other features, the downforce generating wing is positioned between the support surface and the axle mounting area.

[0017] In other features, the suspension components are positioned between the frame and the wheel support.

[0018] Other features include the wheel support system, which comprises either a front fork component or a swingarm.

[0019] A downforce generating system, attachable to a wheel support between the frame and axle mounting portion of a two-wheeled vehicle, according to this disclosure, includes a wing support and a downforce generating wing pivotably attached to the wing support, wherein the downforce generating wing includes an aerodynamic surface having a leading edge. The downforce generating system maintains a substantially horizontal position of the leading edge with respect to the support surface when the frame pivots between a positive roll angle and a negative roll angle.

[0020] Other features include the suspension components, which comprise both the front fork components and the swingarm.

[0021] A method for generating downforce on the wheels of a vehicle according to this disclosure includes detecting vehicle attitude parameters, activating a rotary motor connected to a downforce generating wing mounted on a wheel support, rotating the downforce generating wing about a pivot axis defined by the rotary motor, and maintaining a substantially horizontal attitude of the downforce generating wing with respect to a support surface by the rotary motor through a change in roll angle.

[0022] Other features include detecting changes in attitude, which includes detecting changes in vehicle roll angle, and maintaining a substantially horizontal attitude of the downforce generating wing throughout the changes in vehicle roll angle.

[0023] Other features include maintaining the downforce-generating wing's substantially horizontal attitude by providing signals from one of the following sensors—a lean angle sensor, a throttle sensor, and a brake sensor—to the downforce-generating wing controller.

[0024] In another feature, the downforce generating wing is pivoted about a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the above pivot axis.

[0025] In another feature, maintaining a substantially horizontal attitude of the downforce generating wing includes generating a substantially constant downward force on the wheel support portion, and the substantially constant downward force is directed along a downward force axis that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

[0026] In another feature, generating a substantially constant downward force on the wheel support portion includes applying to generate a substantially constant downward force on the non-sprung portion of the wheel support portion.

[0027] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description given herein. The description and specific examples in the summary of the invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] The drawings described herein are for the purpose of illustrating selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] A left side view of a motorcycle including an active system for providing a downforce including a first downforce generating wing attached to a front wheel support portion and a second downforce generating wing attached to a rear wheel support portion by non-limiting examples. <00??097>A view showing the motorcycle of FIG. 1 in a lean configuration showing that the first and second downforce generating wings maintain a substantially horizontal attitude with respect to the road surface by non-limiting examples. [Figure 3] A front view of the motorcycle of FIG. 2 by non-limiting examples. [Figure 4]A block diagram showing a system for manipulating first and second downforce generating wings to increase downforce on a motorcycle, using a non-restrictive example. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows a non-limiting example of a method for detecting vehicle attitude and manipulating first and second downforce generating wings. [Figure 6] This is a left front view of a wheeled vehicle in the form of a motorcycle in an upright position, including a passive downward force generation system with a downforce-generating front wing, as an unrestricted example. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a downforce-generating front wing, based on a non-restrictive example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Throughout several figures in the drawing, the corresponding reference numbers indicate the corresponding parts.

[0031] Next, exemplary embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] A non-limiting example of a vehicle is schematically shown in Figures 1 and 2, where 10 is located. Vehicle 10 is shown in the form of a motorcycle 12 having a frame 14, a front wheel support 16, a rear wheel support 18, and a motor 20. The motor 20 can take various forms, including an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a hybrid motor that includes both internal combustion engine and electric motor components. In this regard, it should be understood that the term "frame" may encompass a tubular frame, chassis, or other forms of support structure.

[0033] In one non-limiting example, the front wheel support 16 takes the form of a front fork 22, and the rear wheel support 18 takes the form of a rear swingarm 24. The front fork 22 includes a front axle support member 26 having a front axle mounting portion 28, and the rear swingarm 24 includes a rear axle support member 30 having a rear axle mounting portion 32. The front axle mounting portion 28 receives the front axle 34, and the rear axle mounting portion 32 receives the rear axle 36. The front wheel and tire 38 are rotatably coupled to the front axle support member 26 through the front axle 34. Similarly, the rear wheel and tire 40 are coupled to the rear axle support member 30 through the rear axle 36. The front wheel and tire 38 and the rear wheel and tire 40 are on and / or run on the road surface or support surface 44.

[0034] In a non-limiting example, the motorcycle 12 includes a downforce generating system 60 attached to the front axle support member 26 and the rear axle support member 30. The downforce generating system 60 increases the contact between the front wheel and tire 38 / rear wheel and tire 40 and the support surface 42, particularly during vehicle acceleration and cornering. During cornering, the motorcycle 12 may experience a roll angle between approximately +28° and approximately -28° from the support surface 44, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0035] To enhance traction, the downforce generating system 60 acts on the non-spring components of the motorcycle 12. That is, none of the forces generated by the downforce generating system 60 are absorbed by vehicle suspension components located in the front fork 22 or which may be connected to the rear swingarm 24. The downforce is transmitted directly to the support surface 44 through the front wheel and tire 38 and the rear wheel and tire 40. As detailed herein, the (one or more) forces generated by the downforce generating system 60 are maintained along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface 44, regardless of the attitude (roll angle) of the motorcycle 12.

[0036] When describing the downforce generating system 60 associated with the front wheel support section 16 (two front fork suspension units), it is understood that the rear wheel support section 18 may include a similar structure, and we will continue to refer to Figure 1. The downforce generating system 60 includes a wing support section 65 connected to the front wheel support section 16. The wing support section 65 includes a first end 67 attached to the front axle mounting section 28, a second end 69, and an intermediate section 72. A support strut 75 connects the intermediate section 72 to the front axle support member 26. The second end 69 of the wing support section 65 is cantilevered and extends over the front wheel and tire 38 and slightly forward.

[0037] In non-limiting examples, the motor support 80 is connected to the wing support 65 at a second end 69. A rotary motor 88 is mounted on the motor support 80. The rotary motor 88 includes an output shaft (not otherwise indicated) that defines the axis of rotation. In one non-limiting example, the axis of rotation may extend up to 70°. In another non-limiting example, the axis of rotation may be less than 70°. A downforce generating wing 90 is connected to the output shaft of the rotary motor 88. As will be described more fully herein, the rotary motor 88 pivots the downforce generating wing 90 about the axis of rotation to maintain a substantially vertical downward force vector regardless of the motorcycle's attitude.

[0038] In a non-limiting example, the downforce generating wing 90 includes a leading edge 92, a trailing edge 94, and an aerodynamic surface 96 defined between the leading edge 92 and the trailing edge 94. The aerodynamic surface 96 includes an upper side portion 98 and a lower side portion 100. In a non-limiting example, a wing angle sensor 104 may be mounted on the lower side portion 100. However, it should be noted that the specific mounting location of the wing angle sensor 104 may vary.

[0039] In a non-limiting example, the motor support 80 is connected to the second end 69 of the wing support 65 via a hinge 122. The hinge 122 defines a pivot axis for the rotating motor 88 and, consequently, for the downforce generating wing 90. This arrangement allows the downforce generating wing to pivot not only around the rotation axis but also around the pivot axis, ensuring that the downward force vector remains substantially perpendicular to the support surface 42 regardless of the motorcycle's attitude.

[0040] In a non-limiting example, the linear actuator 128 may be mounted at the second end 69 to the intermediate portion 72 of the wing support 65 and operably connected to the motor support 80. Alternatively, the linear actuator 128 may be mounted to the motor support 80 and operably connected to the wing support 65, as will be more fully described herein. The linear actuator 128 is selectively actuated to adjust the longitudinal angle of the downforce generating wing 90 to ensure that the downward force vector remains substantially perpendicular to the support surface 42, regardless of the motorcycle's attitude.

[0041] In a non-limiting example, the rotary motor 88 and linear actuator 128 are connected to a wing controller 140, as shown in Figure 4. The wing controller 140 includes a central processor unit (CPU) 142, non-volatile memory 144, a rotary motor controller 146, and a linear actuator controller 148. In this regard, although shown as separate components mounted together on a single element, the components can be combined with each other and / or with other vehicle systems.

[0042] The wing controller 140 may receive inputs from one or more of the wing angle sensor 104, lean angle sensor 152, throttle sensor 154, front brake sensor 156, rear brake sensor 158, and gyroscope 160. The wing controller 140 may also receive inputs from front speed wheel sensors and rear speed sensors (not separately indicated) mounted on the corresponding front axle 34 and rear axle 36. The wing controller 140 may further be connected to a rear rotary motor 170 and a rear linear actuator 172, which form part of a downward force generation system associated with a rear downforce generating wing 177 located on the rear wheel support 18.

[0043] Next, when describing the method 190 for applying downforce to the non-sprung portion of the vehicle, we will refer to Figure 5. The wing controller 140 begins receiving signals, for example, from the throttle sensor 154 in block 192, from the lean angle sensor 152 in block 194, and from the front brake sensor 156 and rear brake sensor 158 in block 196. In this regard, it should be understood that the specific order in which data is received from the throttle sensor 154, lean angle sensor 152, front brake sensor 156, and rear brake sensor 158 may vary. Based on the received data, the rotary motor controller 146 will signal the rotary motor 88 in block 198 to adjust the rotation angle of the downforce generating wing 90, relying on instructions stored in the non-volatile memory 144. Similarly, the rear rotary motor 170 may be signaled to adjust the rear downforce generating wing 177.

[0044] In block 200, data from the gyroscope 160 can be sent to the wing controller 140. The data from the gyroscope 160 is passed to the linear actuator controller 148, which processes it based on instructions stored in the non-volatile memory 144 to generate a pivot position signal, which is then passed to the linear actuator 128. The linear actuator can then act on the wing support 65 in block 204 to pivot the downforce generating wing 90 around the pivot axis. Similar control can be applied to the rear downforce generating wing 177 through the rear linear actuator 172.

[0045] In this regard, it should be understood that the wing controller 140 adjusts the position of the downforce generating wing 90 and, if provided, the rear downforce generating wing 177 in real time to apply force to the front axle support member 26 and the rear axle support member 30, thereby increasing the traction component for the front wheels and tires 38 and the rear wheels and tires 40. By directing energy through the non-spring components of the vehicle, a downward force is applied with minimal loss. Furthermore, by maintaining a downward force along a vector substantially perpendicular to the support surface, vehicle traction and, consequently, vehicle performance can be enhanced.

[0046] Next, when describing another non-limiting example of a downforce generating system 212, we will subsequently refer to Figures 6 and 7, where similar reference numbers represent the corresponding parts in each figure. In contrast to the downforce generating system 60, which is an active system, the downforce generating system 212 is a passive system and, for example, does not include any external drive components for adjusting the downforce.

[0047] The downforce generating system 212 includes a wing support 214 having a first member 216 and a second member 218 extending forward and downward from the front axle support member 26. Similar components (not separately indicated) are arranged on the rear axle support member 30. The first member 216 and the second member 218 are joined by a connector 228. The downforce generating wing 235 is pivotably and rotatably mounted to the connector 228. The downforce generating wing 234 includes a leading edge 236, a trailing edge 238, and an aerodynamic surface 240.

[0048] The wing support 214 positions the downforce generating wing 235 outside and below the front axle mounting portion 28. In this way, the forces acting on the aerodynamic surface 240 ensure that the leading edge 236 remains substantially horizontal with respect to the support surface 42. When the motorcycle 12 moves, for example, accelerating, braking, rolling to the right, and rolling to the left, the downforce generating wing maintains the horizontal positioning of the leading edge 236 with respect to the support surface, ensuring that the downward force is directed along a vector that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface 42.

[0049] In this regard, it should be understood that maintaining the leading edge horizontal to the support causes the downforce generating wing (front and / or rear) to exert force on the front axle support member 26 and / or rear axle support member 30, thereby increasing the traction component for the front wheels and tires 38 and the rear wheels and tires 40. By directing the energy through the vehicle's non-spring components, the downward force is applied with minimal loss. Furthermore, maintaining the downward force along a vector substantially perpendicular to the support surface can enhance vehicle traction and, consequently, vehicle performance.

[0050] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limit on quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the items referred to. The term "or" means "and / or" unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context. Any reference throughout this specification to "an aspect" means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in relation to that aspect may be included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it should be understood that the elements described may be combined in any preferred manner in various aspects.

[0051] The terms “approximately” and / or “substantially” shall include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing this application. For example, “approximately” and / or “substantially” may include a range of ±8% of a given value.

[0052] The above description of the examples is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. The above description is neither exhaustive nor limiting to the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular example are generally interchangeable and may be used in selected examples where applicable, even if not explicitly illustrated or described, and are not limited to that particular example. Furthermore, individual elements or features of a particular example can be modified in many ways. Such modifications should not be considered departures from the disclosure, and all such modifications are included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments are provided to ensure thoroughness of the disclosure and to fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are described, including examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the exemplary embodiments may be carried out in many different forms, and that none should be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and not limited to specific exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein may also be intended to include the plural unless the context otherwise explicitly indicates. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and thus indicate the existence of the described features, completes, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, completes, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and actions described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their implementation in a specific order described or shown unless specifically identified as the order of implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0055] When an element or layer is referred to as "on top of," "engaged to," "connected to," or "joined to" another element or layer, that element or layer may be directly on top of, directly engaged to, directly connected to, or directly joined to, or an intervening element or layer may exist. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "on top of," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly joined to," an intervening element or layer may not exist. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent"). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the enumerated items relating to each other.

[0056] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless explicitly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teaching of the exemplary embodiments.

[0057] Spatial relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as shown in the figures. Spatial relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, an element described as being “below” or “below” another element or feature will be oriented “above” the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both the up and down orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or to other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A frame configured to pivot relative to a support surface over both positive and negative roll angles, A wheel support portion coupled to the frame, wherein the wheel support portion includes an axle mounting portion, In the axle mounting portion, the axle defines the rotating shaft attached to the wheel support portion, A downforce generating system attached to the wheel support portion between the frame and the axle mounting portion, wherein the downforce generating system is The wing support attached to the wheel support, A downforce generating wing pivotably attached to the wing support, wherein the downforce generating wing includes an aerodynamic surface having a leading edge, and the downforce generating system is configured to maintain a substantially horizontal position of the leading edge relative to the support surface when the frame pivots between the positive roll angle and the negative roll angle. A downforce generation system, including A vehicle equipped with the following features.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the wing support portion is attached to the wheel support portion at the axle mounting portion.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising a rotary motor attached to the wing support and connected to the downforce generating wing, wherein the rotary motor defines the axis of rotation for the downforce generating wing.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the rotary motor is coupled to a motor support connected to the wing support via a hinge, and the hinge defines a pivot axis for the downforce generating wing.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising a wing controller operably connected to the rotary motor, wherein the wing controller is operable to selectively rotate the downforce generating wing to maintain a substantially constant horizontal posture of the downforce generating wing with respect to the support surface.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising at least one of a lean angle sensor, a throttle sensor, and a brake pressure sensor, wherein the wing controller is operable to selectively operate the rotary motor to maintain the substantially constant horizontal posture of the downforce generating wing relative to the support surface based on inputs from one of the lean angle sensor, the throttle sensor, and the brake pressure sensor.

7. A motor support connected to the wing support, A hinge connecting the motor support to the wing support, wherein the hinge defines a pivot axis for the downforce generating wing, and the rotating motor is coupled to the motor support. The vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising:

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising a linear actuator attached to one of the motor support portion and the wing support portion, wherein the linear actuator is connected to the wing controller.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the wing controller is selectively operable to control the linear actuator so as to selectively deviate the downforce generating wing about the pivot axis.

10. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the downforce generating wing is positioned between the support surface and the axle mounting portion.

11. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a suspension component disposed between the frame and the wheel support portion.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the wheel support portion comprises one of the front fork components and the swing arm.

13. A downforce generating system that can be attached to the wheel support portion between the frame and the axle mounting portion of a two-wheeled vehicle, Wing support section and A downforce generating wing pivotably attached to the wing support, wherein the downforce generating wing includes an aerodynamic surface having a leading edge, and the downforce generating system is configured to maintain a substantially horizontal position of the leading edge relative to the support surface when the frame pivots between a positive roll angle and a negative roll angle. A downforce generation system equipped with this system.

14. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the suspension components each comprise a front fork component and a swingarm.

15. A method for generating downforce on the wheels of a vehicle, To detect the attitude parameters of the vehicle, This involves operating a rotary motor connected to a downforce generating wing mounted on the wheel support, The rotation of the downforce generating wing around a pivot axis defined by the aforementioned rotary motor, Through changes in the roll angle, the rotating motor maintains a substantially horizontal posture of the downforce generating wing relative to the support surface. Methods that include...

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein detecting a change in attitude includes detecting a change in vehicle roll angle, and the substantially horizontal attitude of the downforce generating wing is maintained through the change in vehicle roll angle.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein maintaining the substantially horizontal attitude of the downforce generating wing includes providing a signal from one of a lean angle sensor, a throttle sensor, and a brake sensor to the downforce generating wing controller.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising pivoting the downforce generating wing about a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein maintaining the substantially horizontal posture of the downforce generating wing includes generating a substantially constant downward force on the wheel support, the substantially constant downward force being directed along a downward force axis that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

20. The method according to claim 19, comprising applying the principle that generating a substantially constant downward force on the wheel support portion generates a substantially constant downward force on the non-spring portion of the wheel support portion.

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