Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring having a mounting segment of a tapered width combined with an expanding depth. Any position along the longitudinal length of the mounting segment provides a singular cross-sectional shape taken parallel to an axle beam. An axle beam attachment system defines a cavity having a shape equivalent to the leaf spring at the predetermined location for mechanically interlocking the axle beam attachment system with the leaf spring at that predetermined location.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 5, 2003
Date of Patent:
September 2, 2008
Assignee:
ArvineMeritor Technology, LLC
Inventors:
David K. Platner, Ramin Rezakhanlou, James Trotter
Abstract: A suspension system includes a fluid strut, an accumulator and a reservoir. The accumulator and reservoir are in fluid communication with the fluid strut through an accumulator valve and a reservoir valve respectively. A fluid pump pressurizes the accumulator with an incompressible fluid stored in the reservoir. A piston valve is located within a piston to selectively permit fluid communication between a high pressure side and a low pressure side of the piston. A controller operates each valve and the fluid pump to control flow of the incompressible fluid within the fluid strut to obtain an infinitely variable self centering suspension system.