APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A SUSPENSION SYSTEM DISPOSED BETWEEN A WHEEL AND THE BODY OF AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE

An apparatus for controlling a suspension system disposed between a wheel and a body of an automotive vehicle, has a device for adjusting a response of the suspension system to mechanical excitations transmitted by the body and/or the wheels. A first controller is sensitive to a vertical speed and a vertical acceleration of the vehicle body, for developing a first virtual control signal of the adjusting device which is suitable for optimizing a ride of the vehicle. A second controller is sensitive to a deflection of the wheel and a vertical speed of the wheel relative to the ground, for developing a second virtual control signal of the adjusting device which is suitable for optimizing contact between the wheel and the ground. A supervising device is sensitive to the first and second virtual control signals for developing a real control signal which is applied to the adjusting device for adjusting the response of the suspension system as a function of a predetermined behavior strategy.