Abstract: A vehicle includes a first rail and a second rail elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis and spaced from each other along a vehicle-lateral axis. The vehicle includes an energy storage device between the first rail and the second rail. The vehicle includes a support structure between the first rail and the second rail. The vehicle includes a cable under tension and extending from the first rail to the second rail, the cable between the energy storage device and the support structure.

Abstract: Vehicle frames for battery powered electric vehicles are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a vehicle subframe including a first rail and a first rocker on a first side of the vehicle subframe, and a second rail and a second rocker on a second side of the vehicle subframe, the first side opposite the second side, a first diagonal member coupled between the first rail and the second side of the vehicle subframe, the first diagonal member to transfer a first longitudinal load from the first rail to the second side, and a second diagonal member coupled between the second rail and the first side of the vehicle subframe, the second diagonal member to transfer a second longitudinal load from the second rail to the first side.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system may include a first suspension assembly operably coupling a first wheel to a chassis of a vehicle, a second suspension assembly operably coupling a second wheel to the chassis where the first and second wheels form a pair of front wheels, a third suspension assembly operably coupling a third wheel to the chassis, a fourth suspension assembly operably coupling a fourth wheel to the chassis where the third and fourth wheels forming a first pair of rear wheels, and a payload extension kit that is attachable to the chassis non-permanently. The payload extension kit may include a fifth suspension assembly operably coupling a fifth wheel to a sub-frame extension of the payload extension kit, and a sixth suspension assembly operably coupling a sixth wheel to the sub-frame extension, where the fifth and sixth wheels form a second pair of rear wheels.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is provided that can include a frame, a steerable front wheel secured to a front end of the frame, a first trailing wheel arm having a first rear wheel secured thereto and a second trailing wheel arm having a second rear wheel secured thereto, and a central suspension joint secured to the frame on which the first and second trailing wheel arm is rotatably secured on either side of the frame. Further, the vehicle can include a horizontal linkage pivotably connected on the frame at the midsection beneath the first and second trailing wheel arms and linked to an underside of the first and second trailing wheel arm between the first wheel and the central suspension joint proximal to a first end of the horizontal linkage and between the second wheel and the central suspension joint proximal to a second end of the horizontal linkage, respectively.

Abstract: A vibration-damping device (10) of the present invention includes a first attachment member (11), a second attachment member (12), an elastic body (13), and a partition member (16). In the partition member, a restriction passage (24) through which the first liquid chamber (14) and the second liquid chamber (15) communicate with each other is formed. The restriction passage includes a first communicating portion (26) which opens to the first liquid chamber, a second communicating portion (27) which opens to the second liquid chamber, and a main body flow passage (25) through which the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion communicate with each other. At least one of the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion includes a plurality of fine holes (26a) which are disposed in a flow passage direction of the main body flow passage.

Abstract: A bush-type transmission mount, in which an orifice, operating as a fluid passage that connects a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber to each other, is directly formed to a desired length in a core that is coupled to a main rubber to improve vibration-damping characteristics. A membrane is fitted into an outlet portion of the orifice, which communicates with the first fluid chamber, in a sliding manner, thereby improving low-frequency idle vibration and high-frequency dynamic characteristics.

Abstract: An electric vehicle may include: a body comprising a compartment on a front side of a cabin; a component frame located in the compartment, and connected to the body; and a circuit case located on the component frame, comprising therein a control circuit configured to control a traction motor, and constituted of metal. The component frame may comprise: a plurality of crossmembers extending along a vehicle left-right direction; and a connection member connecting the plurality of crossmembers to each other. The plurality of crossmembers may comprise a rear crossmember which is a rearmost crossmember of the plurality of crossmembers. The circuit case may be on the front side of a rear end of the rear crossmember in a top view.

Abstract: A transmission mount of a rear wheel drive vehicle may increase both vibrational noise performance and collision performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a steering apparatus capable of improving a function of a bearing that supports a steering shaft. A steering apparatus includes a steering shaft, a first housing member, a second housing member, and a bearing. The steering shaft rotates according to a rotation of a steering wheel. The first housing member is located on one side in a rotational axial direction of the steering shaft, and includes a cylindrical portion and a flange portion. The cylindrical portion surrounds the steering shaft. The flange portion extends in a radial direction with respect to a rotational axis of the steering shaft to an outer side of the cylindrical portion in the radial direction. The second housing member is provided on the other side in the rotational axial direction, and forms a housing together with the first housing member. The second housing member includes a connection portion and a containing portion.

Abstract: An assembly includes a pair of frame rails, each of the frame rails elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis and having a front portion, a rear portion, and an elevated portion above and between the front portion and the rear portion. The assembly includes a cross-support fixed to at least one of the frame rails at the elevated portion and extending along a cross-vehicle axis from one of the frame rails toward the other of the frame rails. The assembly includes a bracket fixed to the frame rail at the elevated portion and fixed to the cross-support.

Abstract: A position of a center of gravity of a vehicle body is easily optimized. An ABS modulator is disposed in a vicinity of a pivot bracket, which is joined to a lower rear portion of a main frame, and to which a swing arm is swingably connected.

Abstract: A crossmember and a manufacturing method for a crossmember is disclosed. The crossmember is made of a metal sheet having a given sectional shape, configures a part of a vehicle body frame, extends along a vehicle width direction, and has an engine mount attaching portion provided in a part of an upper plate portion. The crossmember has an upper crossmember that is made of a single metal sheet extending along the vehicle width direction, the upper crossmember having a larger thickness in a region including the engine mount attaching portion of the upper plate portion and a surrounding area of the engine mount attaching portion compared to a thickness of a remaining region.

Abstract: A support frame assembly configured to strengthen an upper frame portion of a frame of a vehicle, comprising a first frame member having a first end and a second end, and a second frame member having a first end and a second end, wherein both the first ends of the first and second frame members are configured to couple to a front half of the frame and the second ends of the first and second frame members are configured to couple to the front half of the frame to strengthen the upper frame portion, at least one of the first and second ends of each of the first and second frame members including at least one mechanically coupled joint configured for coupling each of the first and second frame members to the front half of the frame.

Abstract: An intelligent safety frame capable of easily replacing and protecting battery includes a front beam, a battery mounting box, a rear beam, a cushion mounting seat and a rear tail box mounting seat, wherein a rear tail box is mounted on the rear tail box mounting seat, the cushion mounting seat is rotatably mounted on the rear beam, a battery mounting cavity is defined in the battery mounting box, a threading box is provided on a side of the battery mounting box, a first wire-in cavity is provided in the threading box, a first threading slot is provided on a side of the battery mounting cavity, a wire outlet is provided on a side of the threading box, a second intelligent lock mounting slot is provided at the upper end of the rear beam, and a lock catch is provided on a side of the cushion mounting seat.

Abstract: The invention is a liquid filled type vibration isolating device (10) which includes a partition member (16) that partitions a liquid chamber (19) within a first attachment member (11) filled with a liquid into a first liquid chamber (14) and a second liquid chamber (15), and in which a restricted passage (24), which is configured to allow the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber to communicate with each other, is formed in the partition member. The restricted passage includes a first communication part (26) opening to the first liquid chamber, a second communication part opening to the second liquid chamber, and a main flow passage (25) that allows the first communication part and the second communication part to communicate with each other. At least one of the first communication part and the second communication part includes a plurality of pores (26a) that penetrate a first barrier (38) facing the first liquid chamber or the second liquid chamber.

Abstract: A straddle-type electric vehicle, comprising a pair of left and right main frames, a seat rail extending rearward from a rear portion of each of the main frames, a pivot frame extending downward from a rear portion of each of the main frames, a swing arm supported by the pivot frame and by which a rear wheel is swingably supported, a battery arranged in a space between the main frames, a power unit arranged in the space and generates motive power based on electric power of the battery, and a wind guiding duct for guiding traveling wind to the space, the wind guiding duct provided relative to each of the main frames, the wind guiding duct being positioned more outward in a vehicle width direction than the main frames.

Abstract: A suspension mount comprising a carrier with a first portion and a second portion, an activatable material selectively disposed on the carrier, one or more bridges connecting the first portion and the second portion of the carrier, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the carrier each include one or more damper mounts, and wherein the first portion corresponds to a left side and the second portion corresponds to the right side so that the suspension mount is attachable to a vehicle in one direction.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a fender apron member, a shock absorber housing joined to the fender apron member, and a side reinforcement member configured to connect the fender apron member and the shock absorber housing to a lower side of a front pillar and reinforce a side surface of an engine room, wherein the shock absorber housing and the side reinforcement member comprise stepped joining portions corresponding to and joined to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rear subframe and suspension system. The subframe may be configured to accommodate one or two electric motors for propelling an automobile. The subframe may be configured such that the motor(s) is inserted through the front end of the subframe. The subframe may substantially surround the motor. Braces may be the coupled to the subframe to secure the motor within the subframe. The subframe may further include built-in motor mounts. An independent rear suspension system and rear steering system may also be coupled to the subframe.

Abstract: An electric drive axle having first and second axle shafts operatively connected by a differential apparatus, and an electric motor having a driving shaft coupled with a rotor of the electric motor is provided. A driving shaft may be coupled for rotation with a rotor of the electric motor, and disposed parallel with the first axle shaft. A first driving gear may be disposed on the driving shaft. A driven shaft having a first driven gear and a second driven gear, wherein the first driven gear meshes with the first driving gear. A layshaft disposed parallel with the first axle shaft may comprise a first layshaft gear coupled therewith and meshed with the second driven gear. A second layshaft gear disposed on the layshaft may be in meshed engagement with a first drive gear coupled with the differential apparatus case.

Abstract: An electric axle drivetrain assembly for use in a vehicle. The electric axle drivetrain assembly includes a motor that is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a differential assembly. Drivingly connected to ends of the differential assembly is a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft. At least a portion of a first and second wheel end assembly is connected to at least a portion of an end of the first and second axle half shafts opposite the differential assembly. A vehicle suspension system having a support member has a first hub carrier portion connected to a first end portion thereof and a second hub carrier portion connected to a second end portion thereof. Connected to at least a portion of a chassis is the motor and/or the differential assembly.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for housing and supporting a motor and a gearbox of an electric axle assembly. The cradle assembly has generally an “open air” design which provides a space for a motor and/or gearbox to be positioned within a pre-assembled cradle assembly and allows for easy access to the motor and gearbox for maintenance. The cradle assembly includes two end caps, a plurality of tube portions connecting the end caps and a plurality of motor mounts for supporting the motor and gearbox.

Abstract: A conversion kit for replacing a bottom-mounted differential with a top-mounted differential using pre-existing mounting features of a vehicle. The kit includes a pair of support members, a pair of mounting gussets, a support plate, and a skid plate. The support members are coupled along top side edges of the top-mounted differential. The support members are coupled to forward and rearward frame members within a differential cavity of a vehicle using the mounting gussets and tabs on the support members and using fasteners installed in pre-existing mounting holes in the vehicle. The top-mounted differential is positioned to maintain substantially the same location and orientation of couplings with a drive train of the vehicle as those used by the bottom-mounted differential. The support plate extends between the support members and optionally supports a winch. The skid plate encloses a clearance opening formed in a pre-existing armor plate of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of assembling at least two types of vehicles with different powertrain requirements on the same assembly line is provided. The method includes assembling a first structural body component for a first vehicle type including a first powertrain requirement. The first structural body component comprises a first structural core surrounded by a first fiber reinforced material having a first thickness. The first structural body component has a first external geometry. The method includes assembling a second structural body component for a second vehicle type that has a second powertrain requirement different from the first powertrain requirement. The second structural body component comprises a second structural core surrounded by a second fiber reinforced material having a second thickness different from the first thickness. The second structural body component has a second external geometry that is the same in shape and dimension as the first external geometry.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame including a left side frame member, a right side frame member, and a steering head member positioned along a longitudinal center plane of the frame between the left and right side frame members. The steering head member includes a steering head portion defining a steering axis. A plurality of fastener joints are established between the steering head member, the left side frame member, and the right side frame member, the plurality of fastener joints positioned rearward of the steering head portion. A fastener joint, separate from the plurality of fastener joints, is established rearward of the plurality of fastener joints between the steering head and the left side frame member. A fastener joint, separate from the plurality of fastener joints, is established rearward of the plurality of fastener joints between the steering head and the right side frame member.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise in at least one monitor position in a vehicle compartment by actively controlling the power of a primary noise (dm(t)) as sensed at two or more control positions in the vehicle compartment, the method comprising the updating of filter coefficient(s) of (an) adaptive filter(s) (w(n)) based on variable contribution of error sensors and actuator(s) for different noise source operating conditions.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle, the bumper assembly including: a side rail; a bumper beam assembly coupled to the side rail; and a crush can assembly adapted to couple the bumper beam assembly to the side rail, the crush can assembly including: a box structure including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion of the box structure is adapted to be coupled to the side rail; and a mounting bracket coupled to the front portion of the box structure, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to be coupled to the bumper beam assembly. The mounting bracket includes a planar structure that is coupled to the front portion of the box structure and one or more bracket members that protrude substantially perpendicularly from the planar structure, wherein each of the one or more bracket members is adapted to be coupled to the bumper beam assembly.

Abstract: The vehicle is provided with a connecting member configured to connect an onboard device, a suspension member and a body frame. The connecting member includes a first fixture fixed to the suspension member, a second fixture located closer to the power storage device than the first fixture and fixed to the body frame, and a third fixture located between the first fixture and the second fixture and fixed to the onboard device. A section of the connecting member located between the first fixture and the second fixture is configured to bend downward when an external force is applied to the connecting member.

Abstract: A vehicle drive unit is supported by a vehicle frame of a vehicle. The vehicle drive unit includes a housing including a first case and a second case integrally joined together along a coupling plane to form a sealed space therein, a drive member accommodated in the sealed space to generate a travel driving force of the vehicle, and a mount member interposed between the housing and the vehicle frame to support the housing from the vehicle frame. The first case and the second case respectively include a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion to which the mount member is attached, and the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion are installed in a single region intersecting with the coupling plane.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle can include a front door assembly and a rear door assembly. A rear portion of the front door assembly can terminate at a rear edge. At least a portion of the rear edge can be spaced away from a side frame member in the longitudinal direction toward the first side frame member. A front portion of the rear door assembly can terminate at a front edge. The front edge can be adjacent to the rear edge of the front door. At least a portion of the front edge can be spaced away from the side frame member in the longitudinal direction toward the first side frame member such that at least a portion of the front edge of the rear door assembly is located between the rear edge of the front door assembly and the second side frame member.

Abstract: An active road noise control system and method for a vehicle includes generating a microphone sense signal representative of road noise occurring in or at a wheel well of the vehicle, and iteratively and adaptively processing the microphone sense signal to provide a noise reducing signal. The system and method further include generating from the noise reducing signal with a headrest loudspeaker arrangement disposed in a headrest in an interior of the vehicle, noise reducing sound at a listening position in the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor control device configured to feedback-control state quantity of a motor or a load, the device including a first notch filter disposed inside a feedback control system and configured to change a frequency component to be removed, a first notch controller configured to change a first notch frequency as a center frequency of the first notch filter, and a change forecaster configured to calculate to output, in accordance with the first notch frequency at each of a plurality of past times, at least one of a forecast value of the notch frequency at a specific future time, a forecast value of elapsed time from current time until the notch frequency is to become out of a specific frequency range, and a forecast value of time when the notch frequency is to become out of the specific frequency range.

Abstract: A frame assembly includes a rail including a straight portion, the straight portion including a first portion, a second portion, and a deformation trigger between the first and second portions, and a bracket attached to the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A linking structure (1) is provided for linking a fiber-reinforced plastic component (2) to a support. The linking structure (1) has a main body (3) produced from a fiber-composite material and has a linking portion (4) configured so that a fastening screw can pass through the linking portion (4). The fastening screw is screw-fittable to the support. The linking portion (4) has two opposite end sides, and a fiber-reinforced cross-laid structure (7) extends between the two end sides of the linking portion (4).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transmission (TM) mount that is capable of reducing costs and a weight by removing a separate stopper (component). The transmission (TM) mount improves handling performance taking advantage of elastic properties of a rubber component in a left/right direction (lateral direction). The stopper for a transmission (TM) mount includes a housing bracket into which an insulator is press-fitted, a lower plate which is positioned at a lower end of the insulator and connected, together with the housing bracket, to a vehicle body through a curling structure, an inner core which is disposed at a central portion of the insulator, and a bridge which is installed at a lower side of the inner core so as to control a lateral displacement. The bridge is tightly fixed to a fixing piece formed in the lower plate.

Abstract: A vehicle includes left and right front wheels, a left shock absorber, a right shock absorber, a linkage mechanism including a right side member, a left side member, a plurality of cross members, and an air bag housing case having a bottom surface and side surfaces, and housing an undeployed air bag in a housing space defined by the bottom surface and the side surfaces. The air bag housing case is located behind the linkage mechanism in a front-rear direction and below an upper end of a handlebar in a top-bottom direction, and at least partially located above a lower end of a movable region of the right side member, the left side member, and the cross members of the linkage mechanism. The bottom surface is disposed along a surface including a rear portion of the movable region when seen from a side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air spring includes an outer cylindrical member, an inner cylindrical member combined with the outer cylindrical member, a diaphragm coupling the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member to each other, the diaphragm providing an internal space between the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member, a first element located on a side of the internal space in at least one of the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member and defining a part of the internal space, a second element adjacent to the first element, the second element defining a part of the internal space, and a cover layer covering a boundary portion between the first element and the second element.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly can include a lower frame member extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a pillar member extending upwardly away from the lower frame member, and a first frame member including a first end connected to the lower frame member and a second end connected to the pillar member. The pillar member can extend upwardly along a vertical direction of the vehicle. The first frame member can include an inward bend located between first end and the second end such that the first frame member can extend upwardly from the lower frame member along the vertical direction of the vehicle from the first end of the first frame member to the inward bend and the first frame member can extend from the inward bend rearwardly along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and outwardly along a transverse direction of the vehicle toward the pillar member.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include a vehicle floor that defines a transmission tunnel and a crossmember. The crossmember may include a pair of longitudinal beams disposed along and sandwiching sled runners to the floor. Crossbeams may extend from and span between the pair to define an inner periphery that extends below and surrounds an outer periphery of an oil pan. One or more of the crossbeams may cap a tunnel that is defined by the floor.

Abstract: A smart active mount apparatus configured for removing a complicated wiring for connecting a controller, a mount, and an engine ECU, a vacuum negative pressure hose, and a controller may include an insulator disposed in a case to define a liquid chamber; a lower orifice plate disposed in the case to partition the liquid chamber into upper and lower liquid chamber; an upper orifice plate disposed above the lower orifice plate; a membrane disposed between the lower and upper orifice plates; a diaphragm disposed under the lower orifice plate, an air chamber defined between the membrane and the lower orifice plate; a solenoid valve connected to the air chamber; and a generator disposed to the diaphragm, the generator generating electrical energy by movement or deformation of the diaphragm to supply the electrical energy as actuating power of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: An impact absorbing structure includes an impact absorbing member made of CFRP, and the impact absorbing member includes a pair of left and right side wall portions and upper and lower coupling wall portions each coupling the side wall portions. Each of the pair of side wall portions includes a plurality of curved portions. Each of the curved portions is formed such that a leftward/rightward direction depth thereof decreases toward a front side. Each of the pair of side wall portions includes: a plurality of first carbon fibers arranged to extend in a forward/rearward direction and constituting most of reinforced fibers contained in the side wall portion; and a plurality of second carbon fibers arranged to extend in a direction intersecting with the first carbon fibers. The plurality of second carbon fibers are arranged at both thickness direction end vicinity parts of each of the side wall portions.

Abstract: In an engine room, heat insulators are provided on the rear side in the forth and back direction of a vehicle with respect to an engine and on the front side in the forth and back direction of the vehicle with respect to a dash panel arranged on a back side of the vehicle with respect to the engine. A top flange portion is formed at a top of a first heat insulator. The top flange portion is extending in a direction obliquely upward and backward of the vehicle to guide air heated by an exhaust system from the engine in an upward direction of the vehicle. A top bent portion is formed at a top of a second heat insulator such that the top bent portion is arranged in the vicinity of the cowling panel in order to guide the heated air in an upward direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An engine compartment support arrangement for an agricultural machine includes first and second support rails disposed within an engine compartment, a horizontal platform disposed between the first and second support rails and coupled thereto, and a plurality of engine accessory mounts welded to at least one of the first support rail and the second support rail. The first support rail includes a horizontal portion and an angled portion, wherein a second end of the horizontal portion is aligned with a first end of the angled portion. The second support rail includes a horizontal portion and an angled portion, wherein a second end of the horizontal portion is aligned with a first end of the angled portion.

Abstract: A chassis and a method of forming the chassis comprising assembling a framework of interconnected tubular-section metallic members and a plurality of composite panels, each panel being adhesively bonded to a plurality of the metallic members, wherein at least one bond between a composite panel and a metallic member is formed by an arcuate formation integral with and extending from an edge of a planar section of the composite panel and fitting around an exterior of the metallic member, and providing a layer of adhesive along the gap there between extending substantially from the edge of the planar section across a part of but less than the complete angular extent of the arcuate section.

Abstract: An axle support for a vehicle has a left longitudinal member for fastening a left wheel suspension, a right longitudinal member for fastening a right wheel suspension, and at least one cross member connecting the longitudinal members. The cross member is formed by two shells placed on top of each other. The two shells are detachably interconnected in a non-destructive manner. At least one component of an axle steering system is installed in the hollow space between the two shells.

Abstract: A suspension member includes: a pair of left and right front body mounts, each of which has a front side rail part extending in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body, and a cross part extending inward in a vehicle width direction; a front cross member extending in the vehicle width direction, in which both end parts of the front cross member in the vehicle width direction are joined to the cross parts, respectively; and a protective member that extends in the vehicle width direction and covers an entire lower wall of the front cross member, has a jack-up part for a jack to be applied, and is joined to the lower wall of the front cross member, the jack-up part being provided integrally in the protective member.

Abstract: A skid plate for a powertrain component of a vehicle includes a base and first and second flanges at opposing edges of the base. The base includes a notch to form a tow point when attached to a V shaped tow frame member.

Abstract: A drive assembly is disclosed, with a variable speed transmission in a housing. A pair of clutch assemblies are engaged to a transmission output shaft, and engaged to and selectively driving a pair of axle shafts. A power take off includes a power take off output shaft and a clutch/brake mechanism. A first and a second output gears are driven by the transmission output shaft and disposed on a first and second jack shafts, respectively. A first intermediate gear is disposed on a third jack shaft and driven by the first output gear, and a second intermediate gear is disposed on a fourth jack shaft.

Abstract: A device for rear impact mitigation of a vehicle is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the device includes a Y-shaped frame having a first leg, a second leg, and a reaction member, the reaction member having a first end and a second end, the first leg and the second leg extending from the first end of the reaction member at a first area and defining an angle therebetween, the reaction member having a straight portion proximate the first end and a curved portion defining a second area proximate the second end, wherein the frame is configured to deform at one or more of the first area and the second area upon application of a force from a rear impact event to the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic body mount with a combined rubber cushion and a hydraulic module may include an inner shaft, a mounting plate, a mounting bracket, a main rubber element, an inner ring, a fluid track, an upper bellows, a washer, a lower bellows, an outer can, a rate plate, a lower bushing, a crash washer, a doubler plate, and a retainer bracket. The fluid track may be configured to receive a fluid via a fluid port. The upper and/or lower bellows may be configured to interact with the fluid. The rate plate may be configured to engage the lower bushing and may be deformed when receiving the at least a portion of the inner shaft.