Abstract: Techniques for using ball joint sensor data to determine conditions relevant to a vehicle are described in this disclosure. For example, in one example, the ball joint sensor data may be used to determine a ride height at a portion of the vehicle, which may be used to determine roll data and/or pitch data. The ride height, roll data, and/or pitch data may be directly used to navigate through an environment, such as by the vehicle relying on the data when interpreting sensor data or planning driving operations. Also, the ride height, roll data, and/or pitch data may be used to verify the reliability of other sensor data used to navigate through the environment.

Abstract: Wheel suspension has a steering knuckle support with two hole openings opposed to one another in an axial direction and form openings of a mounting hole, two axle pins spaced apart axially, extend in axial direction and engage in the mounting hole through the hole openings, and a chassis component supported at axial end portions of the axle pins to be swivelable relative to the steering knuckle. A first contact area at the hole openings has a conical inner circumferential surface. The conical inner circumferential surfaces of the first contact areas narrow in diameter toward one another in axial direction. The axle pins have a second contact area with a conical outer circumferential surface that narrow in diameter toward one another in axial direction and contact the conical inner circumferential surfaces of the first contact areas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shaft adapted to be at least partially inserted into an opening of a shaft receiver. The shaft comprises a nominal shaft portion adapted to be at least partially inserted into the opening of the shaft receiver, followed by an intermediate shaft portion that in turn is followed by a guide shaft portion terminating the shaft. The shaft comprises a cross-section with a cross-sectional contour in a plane including the central axis, the cross-sectional contour comprising a nominal shaft portion contour of the nominal shaft portion, an intermediate shaft portion contour of the intermediate shaft portion and a guide shaft portion contour of the guide shaft portion. The cross-sectional contour comprises a radial direction being perpendicular to the central axis, wherein, as seen in the radial direction, the nominal shaft portion contour is located at a nominal radial distance from the central axis.

Abstract: A vehicle corner module (VCM) is provided for regulating motion of a host vehicle which comprises a vehicle-onboard vehicle-controller. The VCM comprises a sub-frame mountable to a reference frame of the host vehicle; a wheel-hub assembly comprising a wheel-hub; VCM-sub-systems mediating between the sub-frame and the wheel-hub assembly, e.g.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle wheel support unit includes a first base body provided with attachments for connection to arms of a motor-vehicle suspension, and a second body for rotatably supporting a wheel hub, which is separate with respect to the first base body and is secured to the first base body in one of two different selectable mounting positions, which correspond to two different vertical positions, with reference to a condition of use, of an axis of the wheel hub with respect to the first base body. In this manner, a height of the vehicle from the ground can be modified by simply mounting said second body on the first body in one or the other of the two mounting positions. In each of the two mounting positions, the second body is rotated by 180° around an axis parallel to the wheel hub axis with respect to the other mounting position.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly for a vehicle may have a steering knuckle with a first blind hole formed in a surface of the steering knuckle and a first king pin defining a rotation axis and non-rotatably mounted in the first blind hole.

Abstract: A wheel support for a motor vehicle, including a main part and a track lever extending from the main part for attaching a track rod via a track rod joint, wherein the track rod joint is fixed or can be fixed to the track lever at an attachment point by a pin on one side of the track lever. A holding protrusion which covers the attachment point forms a securing means for the track rod on the wheel support. The disclosure additionally relates to a method for mounting a wheel support for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A steering knuckle, including a rod part, a disc part, an ear part including a first ear and a second ear. The rod part and the ear part are disposed on two sides of the disc part, respectively. The first ear is longer than the second ear. The first ear and the second ear each include a pin hole; the connection line of two pin holes of the first ear and the second ear is perpendicular to the axis of the rod part. The first ear extends parallel to the axis of the rod part in the direction away from the disc part to form a pulling arm configured to connect to a steering drag link. The second ear extends perpendicularly to the axis of the rod part and perpendicularly to the connection line of the two pin holes to form a steering arm configured to connect to a steering tie rod.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a cycle linkage suspension is provided that includes first and second members and a pivot. The first and second members include lateral openings extending therethrough and the pivot includes a rod portion that is configured to be disposed within the lateral openings to pivotably couple the first and second members together. The rod portion further includes an opening that extends through an intermediate portion thereof. The pivot assembly can further include a pin configured to be removably inserted at least partially into the opening in the rod portion to thereby restrict lateral movement of the rod portion within the first and second members.

Abstract: A support structure for a vehicle molded by a casting mold, provided between a vehicle body and a vehicle component, and including a support portion which supports the vehicle component and a rib which is continuously formed on the support portion. The support structure for a vehicle includes a core portion recessed in a direction different from a mold split direction of the casting mold on a side surface portion of the rib.

Abstract: The present invention provides embodiments of modified upper and lower control arms for attachment to the steering knuckle that came with the vehicle, or for attachment to a modified steering knuckle of an embodiment of the invention, such that the steering knuckle, and in particular the wheel hub opening of the steering knuckle, are located at positions that are closer to the front of the vehicle than the positions provided by the control arms that came with the vehicle. The forward position of the wheel hub relative to the position provided by the factory or stock control arms moves the wheel and tire forward by the same distance, thereby allowing much larger wheels and tires to be mounted on the vehicle which do not rub against or interfere with the wheel well, fender or body mount, thereby increasing the approach angle of the vehicle for use in off-road climbing.

Abstract: Fabricated axles with a removable king pin are disclosed. The fabricated axles incorporate U-shaped channel construction. Extensions of front and rear channel walls wrap partially around and separately join axle head plates which support a removable king pin. King pin fastener bores are partially defined by the head plate and by front and rear channel walls. The bottom surface of the head plate is received within an opening of, and secured to, the bottom plate which overlays the channel.

Abstract: A steerable knuckle, and an axle and track drive assembly including the knuckle, is disclosed. A driveshaft rotatable about a rotational axis extends through the knuckle. The knuckle pivots about a steering axis generally perpendicular to the rotational axis. The driveshaft extends through an axle housing, and a hub is coupled to the driveshaft. The track drive includes a drive wheel, a drive frame, rollers, and a track. Rotation of the driveshaft about the rotational axis rotates the hub and drive wheel which rotates the track about the drive wheel and rollers. Rotation of the knuckle about the steering axis turns the track drive. The knuckle can include a hollow spindle, one or more undercarriage support arm(s) for connecting the track drive frame, steering stops, and king pin, steering cylinder, and tie rod connections. The knuckle can be a single integrated piece.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a steering angle of a wheel of a steering assembly of a vehicle may include a sensor cap configured to be coupled to a steering knuckle of the steering assembly at an open end of a bore defined by the steering knuckle such that the sensor cap is mounted for rotation with the steering knuckle about a kingpin. In addition, the system may include a kingpin sensor configured to be coupled between the sensor cap and the kingpin. The kingpin sensor may be configured to detect relative rotation between the steering knuckle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A capacitive detection device and capacitive detection system for use in a vehicle interior includes at least one electrically conductive wire, at least partially attached to a component of the vehicle interior, and at least one electrically conductive layer that is arranged in close proximity to the at least one electrically conductive wire, compared to a potential minimum distance to a vehicle occupant, wherein a galvanic connection between the at least one electrically conductive layer and the at least one electrically conductive wire is avoided.

Abstract: A steered wheel support structure of a vehicle, includes a knuckle member which supports an axle of a steered wheel and a support member which is coupled to a vehicle body and supports the knuckle member from a first side in a vehicle width direction in such a manner that the knuckle member is angularly displaceable around a steering axis line, the knuckle member includes: an axle support section which supports the axle; and two supported sections disposed on both sides in the upward and downward direction, of at least a portion of the axle support section, the two supported sections facing each other and being apart from each other in the upward and downward direction, and the two supported sections are supported by the support member in such a manner that the two supported sections are angularly displaceable around the steering axis line relative to the support member.

Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle beam and a kingpin. The axle beam may have a kingpin receiving hole that may have a tapered portion that extends between a lower surface of the axle beam and an upper surface of the axle beam. The kingpin may be disposed in the kingpin receiving hole and may have a kingpin taper that mates with the tapered portion.

Abstract: A front suspension lift kit for a golf cart includes a kingpin sleeve and a kingpin. The kingpin is configured to extend through both the kingpin sleeve and a steering knuckle of the golf cart. A frame spacer is mountable to a frame of the golf cart, and a leaf spring is mountable to the frame spacer. The frame spacer is configured for positioning the leaf spring such that the leaf spring is spaced from the frame of the golf cart when the frame spacer is mounted to the frame of the golf cart and when the leaf spring is mounted to the frame spacer.

Abstract: A steering assembly for supporting a track system on a vehicle includes a steering knuckle, a first member being secured to a top side of the steering knuckle, a second member being secured to a bottom side of the steering knuckle, and a support frame. The support frame has a top portion being secured to the first member, a bottom portion being secured to the second member and being configured to be secured to the track system to support the track system on the vehicle, and a central portion extending between the top portion and the bottom portion of the support frame and being positioned solely on one of the front side and the rear side of the steering knuckle when the steering assembly is in use.

Abstract: A self-lubricating king pin joint system has a bushing within a knuckle, with a hollow king pin positioned through a center of the bushing, thereby forming a king pin joint between the bushing and the king pin. A controllable spring is positioned in and near the center of the hollow interior of the king pin, where upper and lower pistons are positioned on opposite ends of the spring. An upper volume of lubricant is placed on the upper side of the upper piston and a lower volume of lubricant is placed on the lower side of the lower piston. A drive mechanism separately controls an extension of the spring in both upper and lower axial directions, so as to individually extend each piston to self-meter lubricant over time/miles and at prescribed intervals. Thereby, each piston separately lubricates respective portions of the king pin joint.

Abstract: A front axle of a vehicle, configured for reducing vibration, which is connected to a knuckle having a front wheel disposed thereon through a king pin, in which a gap may be formed between the knuckle and the king pin passing through the front axle and the knuckle, and filled with lubricant oil, and at least one of the king pin and the knuckle may include a plurality of rollers disposed therein, the rollers having an axis parallel to an axial direction of the king pin while circumferences of the rollers are partially buried in at least one of the king pin and the knuckle.

Abstract: A steering knuckle (18) is provided for use in association with a vehicle steering assembly (10). The steering knuckle (10) includes a knuckle body (20) having a generally vertical face (26) and an upper yolk arm (22) having a generally vertical face (54). The generally vertical faces (26, 54) of the steering knuckle body (20) and the upper yolk arm (22) are connected to each other. The generally vertical face (54) of the upper yolk arm (22) includes a camshaft bore (62) extending therethrough and configured to receive a camshaft (64). The generally vertical face of the knuckle body may be welded to a spindle (24), with a portion of the spindle being cut away to allow for a complete circular weld between the knuckle body and the spindle.

Abstract: A steering system includes a fixing part connected to a frame, a wheel part into which a part of the fixing part is inserted to perform a relative motion and on which a wheel is provided, and a sensor provided between the wheel part and the fixing part and measuring an error angle of the wheel part with respect to a preset initial position of the wheel part.

Abstract: A coupling structure for vehicle chassis members couples a ball joint member and an axle housing used for a vehicle to each other. The structure includes a socket that has a substantially columnar external shape, is provided in the ball joint member, and has a socket bolt groove throughout a circumference in an outer circumferential surface of the socket. The structure also includes a collar that has a substantially cylindrical shape and is disposed so as to surround an outer circumferential surface of the socket. The axle housing has a coupling hole having a substantially columnar internal shape into which the socket is inserted. The ball joint member and the axle housing are coupled to each other by disposing the socket in the coupling hole while the socket is surrounded by the collar.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a recess portion is formed at an outer end portion of the upper surface of the arm member connecting portion, one end of the recess portion communicates with the counterbored portion, and the other end of the recess portion is opened to an exterior of the arm connecting member.

Abstract: A transverse link has an inboard side and an outboard side. A steering knuckle has an upper end, a wheel supporting section and a lower end. The lower end is pivotally coupled to the outboard side of the transverse link. A strut has an upper end and a lower end. An upper knuckle breakaway structure attaches the upper end of the steering knuckle to the lower end of the strut. The upper knuckle breakaway structure has a frangible part that releases the upper end of the steering knuckle from the lower end of the strut upon application of a prescribed rearward directed force. A transverse link breakaway structure couples the inboard side of the transverse link to a lower suspension support structure such that upon application of the prescribed rearward directed force the inboard side of the transverse link is released from the lower suspension support structure.

Abstract: A bearing device includes at least one kingpin, a carrier unit, a first bearing unit, and a second bearing unit. The first and second bearing units rotatably support the carrier unit relative to the kingpin. The first bearing unit includes an angular contact sliding bearing that includes a first bearing element, a second bearing element and a third bearing element, the first and second bearing elements being movable relative to each other during at least one operating process, and the third bearing element being disposed between the first bearing element and the second bearing element. During the operating process the third bearing element slides on the first and/or second bearing element, and the third bearing element is formed at least partially from a polymer.

Abstract: An Assembly (1) of a fixed caliper and hub bracket (101), comprises a fixed caliper (2) having a first vehicle-side elongated portion (7) that comprises a first disc entry-side tangential end (8) and a second disc exit-side tangential end (9); said portion (7) being suitable for facing an axial inner surface (10) thereof towards a first braking surface (4) of the disc (3); said first portion (7) housing at least one cylinder (11) suitable for receiving a piston; said caliper body (6) also comprises a second wheel-side elongated portion (12) that comprises a first disc entry-side tangential end (14) and a second disc exit-side end (15); said second portion (12) houses at least one cylinder (16); said first and second elongated portions (7, 12) being connected together by at least one bridge (17); said caliper body (6) also comprises at least one first seat (18) arranged in said first vehicle-side elongated portion (7) to receive a first connection element (19) to connect said fixed caliper to a hub bracket (10

Abstract: A steering device basically includes an in-wheel motor drive wheel, a dedicated in-wheel motor drive unit, an upper side fixing seat, a lower side fixing seat and a steering mechanism. The dedicated in-wheel motor drive unit includes an electric motor as a power source. The dedicated in-wheel motor drive unit is integrated with the in-wheel motor drive wheel. The upper side fixing seat is disposed at an upper part of the dedicated in-wheel motor drive unit. The lower side fixing seat is disposed at a lower part of the dedicated in-wheel motor drive unit. The steering mechanism converts a steering force to a steering torque around a king pin axis and applies a torque to the in-wheel motor drive wheel. The steering mechanism is disposed in a location that is on the king pin axis and that is above the in-wheel motor drive wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle front suspension includes a lower suspension support structure, a transverse link, a steering knuckle and a lower knuckle breakaway structure. The transverse link has an inboard side and an outboard side, the inboard side being attached to the lower suspension support structure. The steering knuckle has an upper end, a lower end, and a wheel supporting section between the upper end and the lower end. The lower end is pivotally coupled to the outboard side of the transverse link. The lower knuckle breakaway structure is formed on the steering knuckle to release the steering knuckle from the transverse link upon application of a prescribed rearward directed force on the vehicle front suspension outboard of the lower suspension support structure.

Abstract: A wheel carrier of a vehicle is provided with at least one spur to selectively deflect a wheel mounted on the wheel carrier in a predefined deflection direction in the event of an accident-generated application of force on the wheel.

Abstract: A steering spindle arrangement includes a spindle bolt (2), an axle beam (1) that is secured to a central part (2b) of the spindle bolt (2), a stub axle (5) that has a first arm (6) that is rotatable around a first part (2a) of the spindle bolt (2) via a first bearing (11) and a second arm (8) that is rotatably arranged around a second part (2c) of the spindle bolt (2) via a second bearing (22). An adjusting mechanism (4, 18) makes it possible to adjust a variable rotation resistance for the stub axle (5) when it is rotated around the spindle bolt (2).

Abstract: A steering knuckle to be used with the steering assembly of a vehicle such as a farming tractor is disclosed. The steering knuckle comprises preconfigured attachment areas where attachment element(s) or bracket(s) can be releasably yet rigidly secured. The attachment areas may be further reinforced with additional knuckle material (e.g. metal, metallic alloy). The steering knuckle therefore provides predetermined and preconfigured attachment location(s) where a wheel-replacing track system can be secured, thereby allowing the track system to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient or weak locations.

Abstract: An independent suspension (10) of a vehicle includes a knuckle (22) intended to carry a wheel (W), a damper (12) connected at a bottom end thereof to the knuckle (22), and a plurality of arms (14, 24) connected to a body (B) of the vehicle and the knuckle (22). A hinge device (30; 34) is interposed between the damper (12) and knuckle (22) to allow the damper (12) and knuckle (22) to rotate relative to each other about an axis of articulation (H) that is oriented to form an acute angle with a horizontal. A torsional stiffness control device (32; 34; 34, 70) is interposed between the damper (12) and knuckle (22) to control torsional stiffness of an articulated connection between the damper (12) and knuckle (22) about the axis of articulation (H).

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly having a steering knuckle and a steering arm. The steering knuckle may have a first arm and a second arm. The steering arm may be coupled to the first arm.

Abstract: A torsion beam axle for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The torsion beam axle has a torsionally compliant transverse section. A trailing arm is fixed at each opposed end of the transverse section. Each trailing arm supports a wheel carrier that pivots about a respective steering axis. The wheel carriers are connected to one another via ball joints and a tie rod, and couple an actuating mechanism for producing steering movement of the wheel carriers about their respective steering axes. A kinematic coupling system is connected to the tie rod and designed to regulate the degree of freedom of rotational movement of the tie rod. A torsion beam axle in which —to minimizing track angle differences or unsymmetrical bouncing behavior—the tie rod and actuating mechanism maintain optimum kinematic conditions in all operating situations.

Abstract: An axle beam having a beam portion and a kingpin mounting portion. The kingpin mounting portion may have a cavity that may be disposed adjacent to a kingpin hole and an end hole.

Abstract: A riding yard maintenance vehicle may include a frame, a steering assembly, a cable and at least one set of guide pulleys. Wheels of the riding yard maintenance vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a steering apparatus operably coupled to front wheels of the riding yard maintenance vehicle via a cable system. The cable system may include the cable, which may be wrapped around at least a portion of the steering shaft. The cable may terminate at respective ends thereof at corresponding ones of a first shaped cam and a second shaped cam each of which is operably coupled to respective ones of a first axle rod and a second axle rod. The first and second axle rods may be rotatably connected to respective ones of the front wheels. The first and second shaped cams may cause movement of the front wheels based on movement of the cable responsive to rotation of the steering shaft.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having a vehicle body arranged along a first axis includes a steering knuckle configured to rotatably support the vehicle's road wheel. The system also includes a torsion bar that is configured to generate a spring rate and arranged along a second axis that forms an acute angle relative to the first axis. The system also includes a tensile drop link fixed relative to the steering knuckle. The system additionally includes a semi-trailing arm having a first end and a distal second end, wherein the semi-trailing arm is operatively connected to a first end of the torsion bar at the first end of the arm and to the tensile drop link at the second end of the arm. Furthermore, the system includes an actuator fixed relative to the body and configured to rotate a second end of the torsion bar about the second axis.

Abstract: A steering knuckle to be used with the steering assembly of a vehicle such as a farming tractor is disclosed. The steering knuckle comprises several preconfigured attachment areas where attachment element(s) or bracket(s) can be releasably yet rigidly secured. The attachment areas may be further reinforced with additional knuckle material (e.g. metal, metallic alloy). The steering knuckle therefore provides predetermined and preconfigured attachment locations where a wheel-replacing track system can be secured, thereby allowing the track system to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient or weak locations.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement having a rotational axis, about which the coupling arrangement can rotate, having: a first coupling element with an axially-extending flat-side spur toothing system having radially extending first teeth, a second coupling element with an axially-extending flat-side corresponding toothing system which engages axially into the spur toothing system and has radially-extending second teeth, and at least one means for bracing the first coupling element axially with the second coupling element, which coupling elements are fixedly connected fixedly to one another to rotate together about the rotational axis via the toothing systems to transmit torque. The teeth of at least one of the toothing systems have tooth tip lines that are curved convexly in the axial direction away from a tooth root.

Abstract: A strut suspension is disposed on a vehicle front side of a rotation center of a front wheel. A rack and pinion mechanism is disposed on a vehicle front side of the strut suspension. Since the strut suspension and the rack and pinion mechanism are disposed on the vehicle front side of the rotation center of the front wheel, a foot space can be moved forward to a position where the foot space overlaps the front wheel. A vehicle cabin space can be thereby increased.

Abstract: One exemplary vehicle chassis module may include a knuckle, a sub-frame and a camber control link coupled to at least one of the knuckle and the sub-frame via a slot and a surface surrounding the slot. The vehicle chassis module may also include a bolt fastener having a head corresponding with the surface, such that the bolt fastener remains at a fixed position along the slot when torque is applied to the bolt fastener and the head rotatably slides across the surface.

Abstract: An axle beam having a beam portion and a kingpin mounting portion. The kingpin mounting portion may have a cavity that may be disposed adjacent to a kingpin hole and an end hole.

Abstract: A riding yard maintenance vehicle may include a frame, a steering assembly, and a cable. Wheels of the riding yard maintenance vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a steering apparatus operably coupled to front wheels of the riding yard maintenance vehicle via a cable system. The cable system may include the cable, which may be wrapped around at least a portion of the steering shaft. The cable may terminate at respective ends thereof at corresponding portions of a turn magnification assembly that indirectly couples the cable to the front wheels. The turn magnification assembly may be configured to approximate Ackermann geometry steering of respective ones of the front wheels based on movement of the cable responsive to rotation of the steering shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a steering shaft part that forms a section of a steering shaft, the steering shaft part including a reinforcement section at least in an end area, over which reinforcement section the steering shaft part has a wall thickness that is enlarged relative to an adjacent section of the steering shaft part extending toward the longitudinal center of the steering shaft part. The steering shaft part includes a pipe and a sleeve that is arranged in the reinforcement section of the steering shaft part and that form the enlarged wall thickness.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly for pivotally supporting a steering knuckle of a steering linkage assembly is disclosed herein. The kingpin assembly includes a pin and a bearing mount assembly. The pin includes a shoulder disposed between a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion. The first tapered portion is structured and arranged for load bearing and is in engagement with the steering knuckle. The second tapered portion is in reverse taper configuration relative to the first tapered portion, measured axially along the pin. The bearing mount assembly has a first bearing half and a second bearing half. The first and second bearing halves sandwiches the second tapered portion for retention thereof. Each of the first and second bearing halves is in engagement with the steering knuckle.

Abstract: A spindle has first, second and third portions, each portion having interior and exterior surfaces, the third portion having an interiorly facing interior spindle face. A cylindrical sleeve bearing has an exterior surface in the first portion and an interior surface rotatably receiving an axle. A knuckle has an exteriorly facing exterior knuckle face positioned in contact with the interior spindle face. The knuckle has an interior knuckle face and an aperture for the passage of the axle. A lubrication assembly is formed of a channel extending through the knuckle and the spindle and the bearing sleeve and includes a lubrication fitting. The invention also includes a lubrication method.

Abstract: A vehicle front suspension includes a lower suspension support structure, a transverse link, a steering knuckle and a lower knuckle breakaway structure. The transverse link has an inboard side and an outboard side, with the inboard side being attached to the lower suspension support structure. The steering knuckle is pivotally coupled to the outboard side of the transverse link. The lower knuckle breakaway structure is formed on one of the transverse link and the steering knuckle to release the steering knuckle from the transverse link upon application of a prescribed rearward directed force on the vehicle front suspension outboard of the lower suspension support structure.

Abstract: An automotive rear-suspension subassembly includes a rear-suspension frame, a first and second independent suspension, and a steering actuator coupled with each independent suspension through a bellcrank. The frame includes a front cross-member, a first side-rail, and a second side-rail, and defines a first side and a second side. The actuator is disposed on the first side of the frame, and the bellcrank extends across the frame from the first side to the second side. Each independent suspension is respectively configured to support a vehicle wheel, and includes a respective knuckle. Actuation of the steering actuator urges each respective knuckle to rotate.