Emergency braking system for a wheeled land vehicle that changes the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle

摘要

A braking system for a land vehicle with wheels 1 for reducing the stopping distance under emergency braking comprises one or more braking elements 4,5 which, when deployed, change the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle to enhance the frictional force between the wheels and the road and/or increases aerodynamic drag of the vehicle; an actuator for deploying the braking elements and a control system 8 actuating the actuators when at least one pre-set condition is met. The braking system may comprise two aerodynamic braking elements which, when deployed, increase downforce, increase drag and distribute the loads on the vehicle tyre contact patches more evenly. The first element may be deployed between the underside of the front of the vehicle and the road surface. The second element is a rear spoiler. The elements may be, deployed using an electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic actuating system or specially shaped airbags, 6,7 which react against the vehicle body. The braking elements may be airbags (fig 5).