Abstract: The invention relates to a disc brake comprising a brake caliper (1), which engages over a brake disc that can rotate on an axis (A) and brake linings (2, 3) arranged on both sides thereof in a lining groove (6), comprising a hold-down arrangement (8) formed by a rigid hold-down piece (7) and a leaf spring (9) and leading transversely over the brake linings (2, 3), wherein the hold-down piece (7) has a central section (7b) forming the majority of its total length and leading over the lining groove (6), and two end sections (7a, 7c), wherein the hold-down piece is supported against the brake linings (2, 3) towards the disc brake axis (A), and wherein said hold-down piece extends at least partially into a slot (14) of the brake caliper (1) with the first end section (7a) thereof, and wherein the leaf spring (9) extends in the longitudinal direction of the hold-down piece (7) and is spring-elastically supported against the outer side of the hold-down piece (7) facing away from the brake linings (2, 3).

Abstract: An insulated hook for use with a rubber blanket having a plurality of apertures about its perimeter, the hook having a body formed with a pair of bends between a shank and a conical tip formed at each of a proximal end and a distal end of the hook body. Each conical tip has a flaring base with a width diameter greater than a width diameter of the hook body. The diameter of the hook body and conical tip are sized and shaped to be removably received by the plurality of apertures of the blanket. The hook body is made of durable material such as nylon 6.6 capable of withstanding high temperatures and is non-electrically conductive. A method of use for the hook with an optional strap is included.

Abstract: A spring leaf for a leaf spring (1) has an upper side (13), a lower side (14), two lateral sections extending between the upper side (13) and the lower side (14), a longitudinal axis (15), a section plane (III) extending perpendicularly to the upper side (13) and lower side (14) and through the longitudinal axis (15), two end sections (3a, 3b), and a middle section (4) extending between the end sections (3a, 3b). The middle section (4) has a clamping region (5). A main tension region (6a, 6b) is provided between at least one of the end sections (3a, 3b) and the clamping region (5), the thickness (S) of which decreases in the direction from the clamping region (5) to the end section (3a, 3b), in particular decreases parabolically.

Abstract: An embodiment composite material spring for a suspension device of a vehicle includes a leaf spring configured to be installed in a body of the vehicle and a wheel of the vehicle, a first fluid container installed at a left side of a center of the leaf spring and including a first magnetorheological fluid, and a second fluid container installed at a right side of the center of the leaf spring and including a second magnetorheological fluid.

Abstract: A leaf spring may include: an upper plate provided with arc-shaped portions which are integrally formed on both end portions thereof, respectively, for forming spring eyes; a lower plate disposed to overlap a lower side of the upper plate and provided with arc-shaped portions which are integrally formed on both end portions thereof, respectively, and face the arc-shaped portions of the upper plate to form the spring eyes; clamping units installed to restrain the both end portions of the overlapped upper and lower plates from being separated from each other; and a central fastening unit configured to fasten central portions of the overlapped upper and lower plates.

Abstract: An improved shock isolating mounting comprising at least three substantially U-shaped leaf spring members, each leaf spring member comprising at least two leafs arranged to define a space therebetween. In one arrangement, the respective at least three substantially U-shaped leaf spring members are arranged in an array having a substantially equal angular spacing between adjacent spring members.

Abstract: A vibration isolation system includes multiple isolators between an inner object and an outer housing that surrounds the object. In one example the inner object may be a rack or container that holds electronics, such as printed circuit boards, and the outer housing may be a housing for a missile, such as a supersonic or hypersonic missile. The isolators have flexures to attenuate vibrations, isolating the inner object at least in part from vibrations encountered by the outer housing. The flexures may be oriented in different directions for different isolators to change the resonant frequency of the system for a given axis. In addition the isolators are able to compensate for differences in expansion between the inner object and the outer housing. The isolators may also include multi-part isolators that have spring-loaded wedge elements used to expand the isolators in one or more radial directions.

Abstract: A vehicle spring for a spring system, includes a spring body (20) and is produced, in particular rolled, from a profiled bar (1) made of a flat steel bar, in particular spring steel, in a hot deformation process. The profiled bar (1) or the spring body (20) has at least one material recess (6) which is provided over the length of the profiled bar or the spring body at least in some regions. The cross-sectional shape of the profiled bar (1) can be the same over the entire length of the profiled bar, whereas the cross-sectional shape in the spring body (20) can vary over the length of the spring body.

Abstract: A multi-plate spring suspension of composite material for a vehicle includes: a first bracket unit mounted to a rubber spring; a second bracket unit mounted to a trunnion base; and a plurality of composite springs manufactured by impregnating reinforcing fibers with resin, coupled to the first bracket unit and the second bracket unit at opposite ends thereof, respectively, and being vertically spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced plastic leaf spring and a method for producing the fiber-reinforced plastic leaf spring are provided, which is suitable in particular for use in a motor vehicle. It has an elongate leaf spring main body which comprises a first eye bushing at a first end and a second eye bushing at a second end. The leaf spring main body and the first and second eye bushings are formed using at least a first layer and a second layer of a composite material. Each of the layers is guided along a centerline of the leaf spring main body to form the leaf spring main body and, to form the first and second eye bushings, is respectively wrapped around a bushing element having a first center axis and around a bushing element having a second center axis.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes: a composite leaf spring having a protective member which covers an outer surface of the composite leaf spring; and an abrasion-preventing pad coupled to the composite leaf spring and shielding. The protective member and the abrasion-preventing pad are disposed at a portion of the composite leaf spring to which a U-bolt is mounted.

Abstract: A spring, in particular a flat spring (5), for use in connection with a vehicle, has a middle region (6) which has a curve with a first curve direction, as well as two edge regions (7). In an unladen state, the edge regions (7) each have a curve with a second curve direction and vertices (10), with the second direction of curve being opposed to the first direction of curve. The flat spring (5) has a vertex axis (11) running through the vertices (10) of the curves of the edge regions (7). End regions (8) of the edge regions (7) are tilted away from the vertex axis (11) toward the side of the vertex axis (11) on which the middle region (6) lies.

Abstract: A terminal for mechanical support of a heating element, includes a base device, a mounting device, the mounting device adapted to support the heating element, and a support device connecting the base device to the mounting device, the support device allowing displacement of the heating element about a radial axis and less than about 10% displacement of the heating element about a tangential and/or axial axis.

Abstract: A cover is disclosed for a chassis control arm which includes at least one bearing mount for a control arm bearing. The cover is formed separately from the chassis control arm and covers in the installed state at least part of the underside of the chassis control arm. Arranged on the cover is an extension which is intended as buffer and extends from the cover in the direction of the control arm bearing.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension of a control blade design has three wheel-guiding control arms essentially oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle and one longitudinal control arm fastened rigidly to the wheel carrier and barely limiting its transverse movement with respect to the vehicle body. The longitudinal control arm is constructed of a fiber composite material and is also rigidly fastened to the vehicle body and thereby takes over the function of a main spring between the wheel carrier and the vehicle body. Other than stop springs integrated in a vibration damper, no further main spring element is provided between the wheel carrier and the vehicle body.

Abstract: Energy storing suspension components for use in suspension systems for wheeled vehicles and trailers are disclosed. The energy storing suspension components include an axle seat portion, an end, and a limb extending between the axle seat portion and the end. The limb includes a first taper wherein the limb decreases in width as the limb extends toward the end, a second taper wherein the limb decreases in thickness as the limb extends toward the end, wherein along the limb there is at least a portion where both the first taper and second taper are present, and a third taper that is further from the axle seat portion than the first taper and wherein the limb increases in width as the limb extends toward the end. Also disclosed are combinations of bushings and energy storing suspension components having an end configured to include an eye.

Abstract: A suspension sub-assembly includes a fiber reinforced polymeric (FRP) thermoplastic composite upper control arm/spring assembly having a control arm portion and a spring member portion. The suspension sub-assembly can tune roll stiffness of a vehicle during cornering. The FRP thermoplastic composite upper control arm/spring assembly comprises a thermoplastic matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded and aligned in the matrix of the assembly.

Abstract: A composite leaf spring comprising a thermoplastic matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded and aligned in the matrix of the composite leaf spring.

Abstract: An end-to-end tubular joint includes first locking pieces cut from the first tube and second locking pieces cut from the second tube, where the cuts have radial cut faces on the axially aligned cuts. The first and second locking pieces are interlocked with lateral extensions of the respective locking pieces bearing against one another and the radial cut surfaces distributed circumferentially around the joint so as to constrain relative movement between the parts. The first locking pieces are welded to the first tube and the second locking pieces are welded to the second tube to form a tube joint. An alternative forms cutouts in the first tube and fits locking pieces into the cutouts that are welded to a second member, such as a second tube or cylinder that fits into the first tube so as to form the tube joint.

Abstract: A leaf spring arrangement for a motor vehicle axle includes a leaf spring which is made of a fiber composite and has ends, each end having a flat underside to provide a joining surface. Bonded flatly by an adhesive against the underside of each end of the leaf spring in an area of the joining surface is a mount for attachment onto a further axle component. The mount has an opening for receiving a metallic bearing or screw bolt.

Abstract: When manufacturing a disk valve having a ring-shaped elastic seal member fixed to one side thereof for use in a cylinder type hydraulic shock absorber, a disk valve blanked from a plate material is set on a bottom of a lower mold member that is curved to be convex on one side. Mold clamping is performed to form a cavity by a cylindrical mold part and to press the disk valve with a press part to deform the disk valve into a shape that is convex on one side. In this state, the cavity is filled with a rubber material through a passage and vulcanized and cured to mold and fix an elastic seal member to the disk valve. At this time, the disk valve is deformed in a direction in which the curvature reduces by shrinkage of the rubber material.

Abstract: A panel assembly with a multi-layer patch may be used in any number of different applications in order to reduce noise or vibrations, provide thermal insulation, and/or improve the structural integrity of an underlying part. In an exemplary embodiment where the panel assembly is a vehicle part, the panel assembly includes a main panel, a primary adhesive layer, and a multi-layer patch that includes at least two individual patches and at least one auxiliary adhesive layer. The primary adhesive layer attaches the multi-layer patch to the main panel, and the auxiliary adhesive layer attaches the individual patches together. The size, shape, thickness and/or composition of the different layers of the multi-layer patch may be specifically chosen to exhibit certain sound and/or thermal damping properties.

Abstract: Suspension systems, leaf springs and methods of providing a leaf spring in a suspension system are disclosed. The suspension systems, leaf springs and methods of providing a leaf spring in a suspension system allow use of a lighter weight leaf spring while providing customized roll stiffness and vertical spring rate that are complemented by a bumper that engages the leaf spring assembly when compressed to at least a preselected position.

Abstract: In a curved spring configured to generate, based on a relative approaching displacement of the one-side bearing section and the other-side bearing section in an approach/separation direction, an urging force in a separation direction in which a one-side bearing section and an other-side bearing section are separated from each other, a linear elastic body is provided to extend on a closed curve, which includes a one-side portion arranged along a circumferential direction of the one-side bearing section and an other-side portion arranged along a circumferential direction of the other-side bearing section, and to constitute elastic sections of two lines between the one-side portion and the other-side portion.

Abstract: A curved spring includes one and another end parts configured to approach and separate relative to each other in an approaching/separating direction and plural beam parts that bend between the one end part and the other end part and extend in an extending direction. The plural beam parts are arranged in a width direction orthogonal to the approaching/separating direction. At least one combination of adjacent beam parts among combinations of the plural beam parts includes an outer side beam part having a width greater than a width of an inner side beam part in the width direction. The outer side beam part has a length less than a length of the inner side beam part in the approaching/separating direction. The one and the other end parts and at least one beam part of the plural beam parts are integrally molded on a shared plane by a synthetic resin.

Abstract: Leaf springs, and methods of manufacturing thereof, having first and second sections, spaced apart along the length of said leaf spring, said sections are through hardened and tempered to achieve, respectively different levels of finished through hardness, are disclosed.

Abstract: A leaf spring for a motor vehicle is made from a fiber composite component including individual fibers in form of at least two textile layers stacked on top of each other and a matrix made of a duroplastic or thermoplastic resin surrounding the fibers. The resin is hardened in a mold tool by applying pressure and heat. The stacked textile layers are formed inside a mold tool and fixed by a dry binder applied to at least one of the textile layers to form a dry preform. A fiber composite blank is stamped from the preform and subsequently infiltrated with the resin in a RTM cavity and hardened. The binder applied in dry form may only be arranged in certain areas of the textile layers.

Abstract: In a leaf spring arrangement for a chassis of a motor vehicle, a leaf spring includes multiple layers made of a glass fiber composite plastic, a reinforcement made of a carbon composite plastic and being disposed between an upper and a lower one of the layers, and a core made of a different material than the reinforcement and being disposed between the upper and lower layers, wherein the reinforcement is arranged along a longitudinal a side of the core. The leaf spring is coupled at its center region to an axle of the motor vehicle by a center connection and to the vehicle body by bodywork connections, wherein the leaf spring is tilted by an angle relative to the vertical axis of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic spring which enables prevention of breakage caused by compressive stress is provided, including a FRP spring that has a laminated structure having plural fibers which are different from each other in tensile modulus of elasticity and are laminated. An upper surface of the FRP spring is a surface to which a pulsating bending load is applied. An upper side region of each laminated structure is a compressive stress region at which compressive stress is generated. A lower side region of each laminated structure is a tensile stress region at which tensile stress is generated. Distribution of tensile modulus of elasticity of each laminated structure is asymmetric with respect to the neutral axis.

Abstract: A composite leaf spring comprising a thermoset matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded in the matrix of the composite leaf spring.

Abstract: A curved portion, with a curved cross section, is formed at the recess of the pad. The curved portion has a contact portion which contacts the leaf spring's tension surface, which faces the curved portion. The curved portion's thickness decreases from the contact portion to an end portion of the curved portion, thereby being spaced from the leaf spring's tension surface. In the pad, the height of the curved portion of the recess is set such that contact of the leaf spring's tension surface and the corner portion of the end portion of the curved portion can be avoided when the stroke length of the leaf spring's end portion is at maximum. Thus, the tension surface of the leaf spring is not worn by the corner portion of the end portion of the curved portion. As a result, breakage of the leaf spring caused by wear can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention provides a leaf spring system which supports a leaf spring assembly using attachment mechanisms which allows normal operation of the leaf spring assembly while providing support through a resilient deformable reinforcing spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring attachment for connecting a leaf spring to an axle or frame of a motor vehicle includes a clamp to maintain the leaf spring under tension between elastomer bodies. At least one of the elastomer bodies is connected to the leaf spring by a material joint. The clamp is split to define an upper clamp member and a lower clamp member in opposition to the upper clamp member. The upper clamp member has a U-shaped configuration to embrace a topside and opposite length sides of the leaf spring. The lower clamp member includes a plurality of retention plates in spaced-apart relationship for connection with the axle by material joint. Screw fasteners are provided to secure legs of the upper clamp member to the lower clamp member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a leaf spring (1) for motor vehicles, which is made of a fiber-reinforced synthetic material and can absorb potentially occurring lateral forces and transfer them to a leaf spring receiving device, comprises a first end (2) and a second end (3), which can each be fixed in a leaf spring receiving device in a torsion-proof and non-displaceable manner, and a bending joint section (11), which can compensate for a change in length of a resilient section (8) of the leaf spring (1) during a load-induced deformation of the resilient section (8). The leaf spring (1) comprises a first spring limb (5) and a second spring limb (6) which are connected to each other via a transition section (7). In a non-loaded state, both the first spring limb (5) and the second spring limb (6) are approximately planar and disposed at an angle relative to each other. The first spring limb (5) forms the resilient section (8). The bending joint section (11) contains the second spring limb (6).

Abstract: A die for producing pressed, fiber-reinforced plastic components, as well as a method for producing the plastic component, and the plastic component itself. The plastic components comprising at least two structural parts which overlap one another a pressing direction such that the die comprises at least one upper die portion formed with a pressing unit for applying a pressing force in the pressing direction, and at least one lower die portion which cooperates with the upper die portion to form a cavity in which the plastic component is formed. A die insert is fitted in the die and can move by and with the upper die portion and is designed to transmit the pressing force to the at least one structural part of the plastic component which is overlapped by the other structural part of the plastic component in the pressing direction.

Abstract: A suspension system suitable for a trailer incorporates a device for limiting rotation of an axle received in an eye of a leaf spring. The leaf spring has a wrapped end defining the eye extending transverse to the leaf spring with a gap left between the leaf spring and the wrapped end thereof. The rotation limiting device is fixed to the axle and features a sleeve having a peripheral wall extending circumferentially about the axle inside the eye of the leaf spring and a tab projecting outward from the peripheral wall of the sleeve and extending in a direction parallel to the axis. The tab projects into the gap left between the leaf spring and the wrapped end thereof to block rotation of the axle and sleeve relative to the wrapped end of the leaf spring. Friction fit, adhesive, welding or multi-piece hardware fixing of the spring is avoided.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly and a tandem suspension system of a vehicle includes a number of leaf springs secured together so as to form a central seat adapted to be mounted to a chassis of the vehicle. The leaf spring assembly also includes a first end portion adapted to be mounted to a first axle of the vehicle and a second end portion adapted to be mounted to a second axle of the vehicle. Each leaf spring features a central arcuate section and a pair of end sections, where a thickness of the leaf spring is at a maximum in the central arcuate section and tapers down in thickness towards the pair of end sections so that a constant stress results in the material of the leaf spring when the leaf spring assembly is used in the suspension system.

Abstract: A curved portion 123, which has a curved cross section, is formed at the recess 121 of the pad 110. The curved portion 123 has a contact portion 123A which contacts the tension surface of the leaf spring 12, which is disposed so as to face the curved portion 123, in an initial condition. The curved portion 123 has a thickness which is reduced from the contact portion 123A to an end portion of the curved portion 123, thereby being spaced from the tension surface of the leaf spring 12. In the pad 110, the height of the curved portion 123 of the recess 121 is set such that contact of the tension surface of the leaf spring 12 and the corner portion of the end portion of the curved portion 123 can be avoided when the stroke length of the end portion of the leaf spring 12 is at maximum. Thus, the tension surface of the leaf spring 12 is not worn by the corner portion of the end portion of the curved portion 123. As a result, breakage of the leaf spring, which may be caused by wear, can be prevented.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension includes a plurality of leaf springs fixedly secured together by a bolt in the form of a stack. A first leaf spring of the plurality of leaf springs has ends configured to be coupled to a vehicle frame. A pin extends through each leaf spring except for the first leaf spring to prevent splaying between the leaf springs during transverse loading of the suspension.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes at least one leaf spring with first and second spring ends that are adapted for mounting to forward and rearward vehicle frame portions, respectively. A center portion of the leaf spring is clamped to an axle beam with a clamp. The suspension assembly includes a brake torque reactor that has one end mounted to the center portion of the leaf spring at the axle beam and an opposite end that cooperates with only one of the first and second spring ends to provide resistance for the leaf spring from deforming due to wind up generated during braking applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a leaf spring (1) consisting of a fibre-composite material for use in a vehicle. To prevent cracking or the escape of leaf spring material on the longitudinal edges (10) of said leaf spring (1) when the latter is fixed to a vehicle, according to the invention at least the upper face (13) and/or the lower face (14) of the leaf spring (1) are convex transversally to the longitudinal extension of said spring.

Abstract: A spring assembly includes a spring seat clamped to a leaf spring at a center portion. The spring seat includes a cutout for distributing clamping stresses in a substantially uniform manner across the leaf spring. The cutout provides a relief for a central portion of the leaf spring to uniformly distribute clamping pressures across the leaf spring. Uniformly distributing stresses across the width of the spring increases leaf spring fatigue life.

Abstract: A dual rate leaf spring suspension supports a frame member over an axle of a small utility vehicle. The dual rate leaf spring suspension includes a full-length leaf spring and a half-length leaf spring. A spacer plate is the only connection point between the full-length leaf spring and the half-length leaf spring, which is positioned intermediate the full-length leaf spring and at one end of the half-length leaf spring.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring having an arcuate segment that is located between a retaining pin and a bumper. The retaining pin includes a shank surrounded by a resilient tube. The bumper is located adjacent a rear wall of the bracket opposite the retaining pin. The bumper includes an arcuate face to engage the outer arc of the arcuate segment while the pin is at least partially surrounded by the arcuate segment. The end of the composite leaf spring is thereby securely yet resiliently retained within the front leaf spring attachment system without penetrating fasteners.

Abstract: A spring assembly includes a spring seat clamped to a leaf spring at a center portion. The spring seat includes a cutout for distributing clamping stresses in a substantially uniform manner across the leaf spring. The cutout provides a relief for a central portion of the leaf spring to uniformly distribute clamping pressures across the leaf spring. Uniformly distributing stresses across the width of the spring increases leaf spring fatigue life.

Abstract: A leaf spring arrangement, especially for connecting a pressure plate to a housing, comprises a plurality of adjacent leaf spring elements, where each leaf spring element has a first attachment area for establishing the connection the pressure plate, a second attachment area for establishing the connection to the housing, and a connecting area extending between the first attachment area and the second attachment area. At least certain areas of at least two of the leaf spring elements are spaced apart between their first attachment area and their second attachment area.

Abstract: An integral transverse spring-axle combines the functions of both an axle and a suspension by locating the wheels laterally and longitudinally, in the manner of an axle, and allowing vertical displacements of the wheels, in the manner of a suspension. This is achieved with a leaf spring with a center portion, a pair of center leaves and at least one pair of side leaves both extending oppositely from the center portion. The outboard ends of the leaves attach to the wheel hub carriers/knuckles. The inboard center portion of the spring attaches to the chassis/body frame. The two opposite outboard ends of the spring-axle leaves can move independently of each other. The spring-axle can be of the steered or nonsteered type, and of the driven or non-driven type.

Abstract: A hybrid leaf spring includes an elongated primary leaf having a compression surface, an opposite tension surface, and a first modulus of elasticity. At least one composite material layer is provided having a second modulus of elasticity different from the first modulus of elasticity. An adhesive layer is interposed between and bonds the at least one composite material layer to and in substantially parallel relationship with a respective one of the tension and compression surfaces of the elongated primary leaf. A reinforcing layer of natural, synthetic or metallic sheet material extends within the adhesive layer, preferably in spaced relation to opposing surfaces of the primary leaf and the composite material layer to strengthen the bond formed by the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A suspension includes wheel supporting members for supporting wheels; a first leaf spring having both end portions each disposed on an upper side of one of the wheel supporting members; a second leaf spring extending along the first leaf spring; a pivot for supporting the second leaf spring on a vehicle body; a spacer provided between the first and second leaf springs; sliders fixed on the second leaf spring but being in slidable contact with the first leaf spring; and receiving pieces interposed between the both end portions and the wheel supporting members. Each of the receiving pieces includes an engaging portion for engaging with one of the both end portions. Each of the receiving pieces includes an elastic member capable of deforming to follow a relative displacement between the first leaf spring and the wheel supporting member in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A suspension spring arrangement for a vehicle having an upper elongated spring leaf (12) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) with an upper elongated spring leaf (12) is provided with a slot (22) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) is provided with a protuberance (24). When the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) are joined to one another, the protuberance (24) is accommodated within the slot (22) so as to prevent lateral displacement of the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) with respect to each other. Pounding and squeaking noises are prevented by the installation of a polymeric insert between the slot and the protuberance. The slot (22) and the protuberance (24) are configured in accordance with square, rectangular, and/or circular shapes, depending upon the particular application. A protuberance (24) and a slot (22) can be provided at each end of the suspension spring arrangement.