Patents by Inventor Alberto Girelli Consolaro
Alberto Girelli Consolaro has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11370259Abstract: A bearing eye for a leaf spring for sprung support of a vehicle component on a vehicle body of a vehicle may include a through opening and a torsion spring therein, and a first catch. The bearing eye may provide pivotable mounting of the leaf spring on the vehicle body. The torsion spring is twistable relative to the bearing eye and connectable non-rotatably to the vehicle body. The first catch may project radially inwardly into the through opening, and the torsion spring has a second catch that projects radially outwardly into the through opening. The first and second catches may form a locking engagement which, depending on a degree of relative twisting between the bearing eye and the torsion spring, stops the relative twisting.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jacopo Palandri, Rainer Souschek, Ralf Hintzen, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim, Bjoern Reff, Thomas Gerhards, Paul Zandbergen
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Publication number: 20210155064Abstract: A bearing eye for a leaf spring for sprung support of a vehicle component on a vehicle body of a vehicle may include a through opening and a torsion spring therein, and a first catch. The bearing eye may provide pivotable mounting of the leaf spring on the vehicle body. The torsion spring is twistable relative to the bearing eye and connectable non-rotatably to the vehicle body. The first catch may project radially inwardly into the through opening, and the torsion spring has a second catch that projects radially outwardly into the through opening. The first and second catches may form a locking engagement which, depending on a degree of relative twisting between the bearing eye and the torsion spring, stops the relative twisting.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2020Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Jacopo Palandri, Rainer Souschek, Ralf Hintzen, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim, Bjoern Reff, Thomas Gerhards, Paul Zandbergen
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Patent number: 11007835Abstract: The disclosure concerns a spring assembly with a leaf spring. The leaf spring extends in a vehicle longitudinal axis, supports a vehicle axle and is connected at least indirectly to a vehicle superstructure at a front end and at a rear end. In order to provide a wheel suspension with advantageous springing and damping behavior that is optimized with regard to weight and complexity, according to the disclosure it is provided that at least one damping region, which is at least partially fluid-filled, is integrated in the leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ralf Hintzen, Daniel Mainz, Rainer Souschek, Thomas Gerhards, Paul Zandbergen, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
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Patent number: 10940729Abstract: A motor vehicle multi-link axle having wheel suspension including a lower transverse link and an upper transverse link. A leaf spring extending transversely to a direction of travel of the vehicle and below the upper transverse link. A link element connects an end of the leaf spring to the upper transverse link. The link element having a first connection, connected to the upper transverse link, and a second connection, connected to the leaf spring. The link element adjustable to vary the distance between the first connection and the second connection. The multi-link axle may also include a connecting element that connects the second connection point of the link element to a connection point of the leaf spring, with the connecting adjustable to vary the distance between the second connection point of the link element and the connection point of the connecting element to the leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christoph Meier, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Paul Zandbergen, Ivica Papic
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Patent number: 10933707Abstract: A leaf spring assembly resiliently supporting a wheel carrier on a vehicle body of a motor vehicle. The leaf spring assembly including first and second spring leaves and a clamp having a clamping part exerting a clamping force whereby the first and second spring leaves are held together by the clamp. A bridging part arranged between the first spring leaf and the clamping part transmits at least part of the clamping force from the clamping part to the first spring leaf bridging the second spring leaf and reducing the clamping force exerted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Gerhards, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Ralf Hintzen, Daniel Mainz, Rainer Souschek, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim, Nicole Zandbergen
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Patent number: 10864791Abstract: A suspension for a wheeled vehicle include an axle with a mid-section and an end comprising an upper portion and a lower portion defining a space therebetween, a leaf spring having forward and rear ends attached to vehicle structure and a mid-section retained in the space and secured between the upper and lower portions, and a closure element attached to the axle end and at least partially closing an outboard end of the space. The upper and lower axle portions may be formed integrally with the axle mid-section or may be a separately-formed component secured to the axle. The space tapers from a greater vertical dimension at the outboard end thereof to a smaller vertical dimension at an inboard end thereof, and the leaf spring mid-section is wedged into the space. An intermediate element is disposed between the mid-section and at least one of the upper and lower axle portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Gerhards, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Ralf Hintzen, Daniel Mainz, Rainer Souschek
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Patent number: 10807426Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-link rear suspension for a motor vehicle, having at least one transverse leaf spring arranged on the motor vehicle to extend in the transverse vehicle direction and having ends which operatively act on left and right wheel carriers to cushion a vehicle structure of the motor vehicle with respect to the wheel-carriers. The transverse leaf spring also serves as a stabilizer, thereby replacing dedicated stabilizer. In order to provide a multi-link rear suspension which is optimized in terms of structural space and which is lightweight, the multi-link rear has exclusively transverse links for guiding the wheel-carriers.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Paul Zandbergen, Daniel Mainz, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim, Thomas Gerhards, Ralf Hintzen, Rainer Souschek, Brian Chen
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Patent number: 10744835Abstract: A suspension for a wheeled vehicle includes a leaf spring extending longitudinally relative to the vehicle and having first and second lugs protruding downward therefrom. The lugs are spaced from one another a length of the leaf spring to define a pocket therebetween. An axle passes perpendicularly beneath the leaf spring such that a portion of the axle is disposed in the pocket and is clamped between the lugs. The lugs may be fabricated integrally with the leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ralf Hintzen, Paul Zandbergen, Thomas Gerhards, Rainer Souschek, Daniel Mainz, Friedrich Wolf-Monheim, Alberto Girelli Consolaro
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Patent number: 10406879Abstract: A wheel suspension unit for a motor vehicle having a longitudinal link, having a first end for pivotable vehicle-side connection, a second end for connection to a wheel carrier, and a blade-like link portion resilient in the direction of the transverse axis (Y) and rigid transversely relative thereto. The wheel suspension reduces the number of components by providing a longitudinal link having a resilient portion resilient toward the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the longitudinal link is at least partially produced from a fiber-reinforced plastics material.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicole Zandbergen, Rainer Souschek, Thomas Gerhards, Ralf Hintzen, Daniel Mainz, Paul Zandbergen, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
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Publication number: 20190210420Abstract: A leaf spring assembly resiliently supporting a wheel carrier on a vehicle body of a motor vehicle. The leaf spring assembly including first and second spring leaves and a clamp having a clamping part exerting a clamping force whereby the first and second spring leaves are held together by the clamp. A bridging part arranged between the first spring leaf and the clamping part transmits at least part of the clamping force from the clamping part to the first spring leaf bridging the second spring leaf and reducing the clamping force exerted thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Gerhards, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Ralf Hintzen, Daniel Mainz, Rainer Souschek, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim, Nicole Zandbergen
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Publication number: 20190176554Abstract: A motor vehicle multi-link axle having wheel suspension including a lower transverse link and an upper transverse link. A leaf spring extending transversely to a direction of travel of the vehicle and below the upper transverse link. A link element connects an end of the leaf spring to the upper transverse link. The link element having a first connection, connected to the upper transverse link, and a second connection, connected to the leaf spring. The link element adjustable to vary the distance between the first connection and the second connection. The multi-link axle may also include a connecting element that connects the second connection point of the link element to a connection point of the leaf spring, with the connecting adjustable to vary the distance between the second connection point of the link element and the connection point of the connecting element to the leaf spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christoph Meier, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Paul Zandbergen, Ivica Papic
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Publication number: 20190160904Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension including a spring unit suspending a vehicle wheel on a vehicle body. The spring unit including a leaf spring portion extending along a Y-axis. The spring unit including a wheel carrier portion receiving a vehicle wheel. The wheel carrier portion at an end or outboard side of the leaf spring portion. The wheel carrier portion extending transversely to the leaf spring portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2018Publication date: May 30, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Gerhards, Ralf Hintzen, Daniel Mainz, Rainer Souschek, Paul Zandbergen, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
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Publication number: 20190118600Abstract: A suspension for a wheeled vehicle include an axle with a mid-section and an end comprising an upper portion and a lower portion defining a space therebetween, a leaf spring having forward and rear ends attached to vehicle structure and a mid-section retained in the space and secured between the upper and lower portions, and a closure element attached to the axle end and at least partially closing an outboard end of the space. The upper and lower axle portions may be formed integrally with the axle mid-section or may be a separately-formed component secured to the axle. The space tapers from a greater vertical dimension at the outboard end thereof to a smaller vertical dimension at an inboard end thereof, and the leaf spring mid-section is wedged into the space. An intermediate element is disposed between the mid-section and at least one of the upper and lower axle portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas GERHARDS, Alberto GIRELLI CONSOLARO, Ralf HINTZEN, Daniel MAINZ, Rainer SOUSCHEK
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Publication number: 20190118601Abstract: A suspension for a wheeled vehicle includes a leaf spring extending longitudinally relative to the vehicle and having first and second lugs protruding downward therefrom. The lugs are spaced from one another a length of the leaf spring to define a pocket therebetween. An axle passes perpendicularly beneath the leaf spring such that a portion of the axle is disposed in the pocket and is clamped between the lugs. The lugs may be fabricated integrally with the leaf spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ralf HINTZEN, Paul ZANDBERGEN, Thomas GERHARDS, Rainer SOUSCHEK, Daniel MAINZ, Friedrich WOLF-MONHEIM, Alberto GIRELLI CONSOLARO
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Publication number: 20190100067Abstract: The disclosure concerns a spring assembly with a leaf spring. The leaf spring extends in a vehicle longitudinal axis, supports a vehicle axle and is connected at least indirectly to a vehicle superstructure at a front end and at a rear end. In order to provide a wheel suspension with advantageous springing and damping behavior that is optimized with regard to weight and complexity, according to the disclosure it is provided that at least one damping region, which is at least partially fluid-filled, is integrated in the leaf spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ralf HINTZEN, Daniel MAINZ, Rainer SOUSCHEK, Thomas GERHARDS, Paul ZANDBERGEN, Alberto GIRELLI CONSOLARO, Friedrich Peter WOLF-MONHEIM
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Publication number: 20190092113Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-link rear suspension for a motor vehicle, having at least one transverse leaf spring arranged on the motor vehicle to extend in the transverse vehicle direction and having ends which operatively act on left and right wheel carriers to cushion a vehicle structure of the motor vehicle with respect to the wheel-carriers. The transverse leaf spring also serves as a stabilizer, thereby replacing dedicated stabilizer. In order to provide a multi-link rear suspension which is optimized in terms of structural space and which is lightweight, the multi-link rear has exclusively transverse links for guiding the wheel-carriers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Alberto GIRELLI CONSOLARO, Paul ZANDBERGEN, Daniel MAINZ, Friedrich Peter WOLF-MONHEIM, Thomas GERHARDS, Ralf HINTZEN, Rainer SOUSCHEK, Brian CHEN
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Patent number: 9849744Abstract: A leaf spring bearing for a vehicle with a transverse leaf spring. The leaf spring bearing includes an upper bearing block and a lower bearing block between which a portion of the transverse leaf spring can be interposed. Each bearing block is formed at least partially of elastic material and comprises an upper support surface and a lower support surface. At least one of the upper and lower bearing blocks has a bearing core and an insert positioned in the elastic material between the upper and lower support surfaces so as to define three layers of the elastic material within the at least one bearing block. At least one of the upper and lower bearing blocks has two support plates arranged either outside the elastic material or at least partially surrounded by the elastic material in the area of the upper and lower support surfaces of the bearing block.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Marc Simon, Paul Zandbergen
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Publication number: 20170355240Abstract: A wheel suspension unit for a motor vehicle having a longitudinal link, having a first end for pivotable vehicle-side connection, a second end for connection to a wheel carrier, and a blade-like link portion resilient in the direction of the transverse axis (Y) and rigid transversely relative thereto. The wheel suspension reduces the number of components by providing a longitudinal link having a resilient portion resilient toward the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the longitudinal link is at least partially produced from a fiber-reinforced plastics material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicole Zandbergen, Rainer Souschek, Thomas Gerhards, Ralf Hintzen, Daniel Mainz, Paul Zandbergen, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
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Publication number: 20170355239Abstract: A wheel suspension unit of a motor vehicle, for example a trailing arm, the trailing arm produced, at least in part, from a fiber-reinforced plastic. The trailing arm including a molded member or tube formed of braided and/or wound continuous fibers. The continuous fibers of the molded member or tube interlinked with a plastic matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rainer Souschek, Freidrich Peter Wolf-Monheim, Thomas Gerhards, Ralf Hintzen, Daniel Mainz, Paul Zandbergen, Nicole Zandbergen, Alberto Girelli Consolaro
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Patent number: 9162546Abstract: A multilink rear axle comprises a wheel carrier, a leaf spring, a first lower control arm, an upper control arm, and at least one member. The wheel carrier can rotatably support a wheel of the vehicle. The leaf spring can extend in a width direction of the vehicle that is transverse to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first lower control arm can extend in the width direction and is pivotably coupled to the wheel carrier at a rear half thereof. The upper control arm can extend in the width direction and can be pivotably coupled to the wheel carrier at an attachment point that is offset from the rotation axis of the supported wheel in the longitudinal direction by less than or equal to 100 mm. The at least one member can pivotably couple the leaf spring to the upper control arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Paul Zandbergen, Marc Simon, Christoph Meier