Kingpin, Steering Knuckle, Steering Arm, Or Wheel Carrier Construction Patents (Class 280/93.512)
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Patent number: 8256980Abstract: An assembly comprises a carrier part and a ball joint housing. The housing is provided with an attachment projection which is formed integrally with the housing on an outer surface of the housing. The carrier part is formed as a double-layer structure, and the attachment projection is held between two layers of the carrier part.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Harald Walter, Steven P. Levesque
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Patent number: 8256780Abstract: A steering device includes left and right arm mechanisms each including a front arm and a rear arm whose one ends are rotatably connected to a wheel-mounting portion at wheel-side connecting points and whose other ends are rotatably connected at body-side connecting points. The front arm and rear arm of the arm mechanisms each include a plurality of links, and adjacent links are rotatably connected to each other at an intermediate connecting point. An arm driving device drives the arm mechanisms independently from each other such that the angles of individual links around the connecting points are uniquely determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Shibuya
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Patent number: 8251386Abstract: When a load facing to the rear of a vehicle body acts on a knuckle mounting portion of an arm main body of a suspension arm, if the line of action of the load deviates vertically relative to the cross-sectional center of the arm main body, a moment that vertically deforms the arm main body occurs.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hikaru Chiku, Taiji Akagawa, Tetsuya Habuka
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Patent number: 8240687Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a stud bracket having the shape of a rectangular block, a first ball joint connected to an upper surface of the stud bracket and a second ball joint connected to a lower surface of the stud bracket. The first and second ball joints extend from the stud bracket at an angular displacement of 180 degrees and with a relatively small distance defined therebetween as seen in plan view. The stud bracket comprises a bracket main body having a rectangular shape and integrally including a pair of ball studs extending from the upper and lower surfaces thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Norikazu Kurosu
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Patent number: 8220810Abstract: A countersteering vehicle rear axle induces a rotational motion of a wheel carrier about a virtual spread axis in the toe-in direction under the influence of a lateral force on the outside cornering wheel mounted on the wheel carrier. A support member exhibits a section, which extends essentially parallel to the plane of the wheel carrier, and a section, which is connected, when viewed in the direction of travel, to former section behind the wheel center point and extends essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In a lateral projection, the support member is inclined in relation to the vertical direction in essentially the same way as the virtual spread axis. This support member is supported at least on the free ends of a sheet metal support plate, which in a lateral projection is approximately U-shaped and which in turn is mounted on the axle body.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Benjamin Jakob
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Patent number: 8215653Abstract: A steering knuckle for a wheel of a vehicle is provided, particularly a motor vehicle, with a wheel bearing mounting section that serves for mounting the wheel bearing and with a control arm mounting section that serves for mounting control arms. The wheel bearing mounting section can be elastically pivoted relative to the control arm mounting section.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Jürgen Siebeneick
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Publication number: 20120161410Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a first joint disposed on a control rod that extends rotatably through a head tube, two second joints disposed respectively on two suspension units, and two connecting bars each connected between the first joint and a respective one of the second joints. The first joint includes a seat disposed fixedly on the control rod, at least one first rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the seat about the central axis of the first rotating member, and at least one second rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the first rotating member about the central axis of the second rotating member. The axes of the first and second rotating members of the first joint are perpendicular to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Hsin-Chih Ting, Yen-Hsiu Lee, Chun-Hao Huang
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Patent number: 8205896Abstract: An independent wheel suspension with a rotating steering knuckle which supports itself on a spring carrier is connected with the vehicle frame via a damper. The steering knuckle is connected with the spring carrier via a kingpin, and the wheel suspension has upper and lower transverse links which are positioned at the upper or lower ends of the kingpin. The steering knuckle and the transverse links are pivotally positioned relative to the kingpin and the spring carrier is connected with the kingpin in a rotationally fixed manner. The kingpin connects the spring carrier, the steering knuckle, and the upper end lower transverse links and is a two-piece part which comprises upper and lower parts. Axially, radially and rotationally fixing the upper and the lower parts and the spring carrier is achieved by a combination of the upper and the lower parts with the spring carrier.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Gell, Ulrich Solka, Hans Wimmer
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Patent number: 8152185Abstract: A wheel is described in which the axle carrier is pivoted to a forked McPherson strut support, which in turn is joined with a McPherson strut on the one hand and a control arm on the other, wherein a dual bearing is present between the control arm and the forked McPherson strut support. The advantage to this is that the two bearings of the dual bearing can vary in stiffness, so that the resultant degree of freedom makes it possible to more exactly influence steering behavior, thereby enabling an improvement in the overall steering behavior of the vehicle. Even given an unchanged bearing bush stiffness by comparison to prior art, the greater distance between the bearing bushes and steering axis reduces the angle by which the forked McPherson strut supports can turn in the event of lateral forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Jürgen Siebeneick
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Patent number: 8146930Abstract: A bearing cap for a wheel assembly includes a bearing cap seal for sealing against an annular bore of a knuckle. The bearing cap is coupled to an outer ring, which is disposed within an annular bore of a knuckle. The bearing cap includes a face and a collar extending along a longitudinal axis into the annular bore. The bearing cap seal is disposed annularly about the collar, within the annular bore. The bearing cap seal prevents contamination of an engagement interface between the knuckle and the outer ring.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Vincent R. Sicilia, Todd D. Albertson, Robert G. Sutherlin
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Patent number: 8146932Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Louis James Brady, Jeffrey David Bennett, Benjamin J. Dieter, Sean E. Sherrod, Ryan K. Lovold, Harry Pongo
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Patent number: 8146931Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a knuckle having an upper end and a lower end. A bracket is mounted to one of the upper end and the lower end of the knuckle by a plurality of fasteners. A ball joint is mounted to the bracket and configured for attaching the wheel assembly to the vehicle. One of the knuckle and the bracket defines a boss and the other defines a bore. The boss is slideably disposed within the bore in slip fit engagement. The boss transfers a load between the knuckle and the bracket in both a vertical direction along a king pin axis and a horizontal direction along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Axletech International IP Holdings, LLCInventor: Dan S. Ursu
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Patent number: 8132820Abstract: A lower arm mounting unit for a multi-link suspension system having a knuckle rotatably supporting a wheel, and first and second lower arms connecting the knuckle to a vehicle body, may include a pair of mounting protrusions formed to the knuckle, a first ball stud connecting an end portion of the first lower arm to the pair of the mounting protrusions, and a second ball stud connecting an end portion of the second lower arm to the pair of the mounting protrusions and the first ball stud by inserting the end portion of the second ball stud between the pair of the mounting protrusions, the end portion of the first ball stud, and the knuckle.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Byungkyu Lee
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Publication number: 20120048390Abstract: Aluminum-based alloys for casting or wrought processing having improved combinations of properties, including improved high temperature strength, are provided. The alloys generally comprise copper, magnesium, silver, and titanium, along with scandium and/or cobalt. Zirconium, zinc, and/or vanadium may also optionally be present in the alloy. When cobalt is present in the alloy, nickel may also optionally be present. Cast and wrought products, as well as methods of making the same using the alloys, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Rahbar Nasserrafi, LaVerne L. Waalkes, Gerald E. Hicks, Kevin Obrachta, David E. Jakstis
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Publication number: 20120049477Abstract: A steering knuckle for a vehicle includes a metal body having a first portion defining a bore therethrough and a second portion extending longitudinally from said first portion. The steering knuckle also includes a ceramic insert disposed with the first portion and the second portion and surrounding the bore. A method of forming the steering knuckle includes disposing the ceramic insert within a cavity of a mold, sufficiently filling the cavity with a molten metal to contact and envelop the ceramic insert with the molten metal, and solidifying the molten metal so as to surround the ceramic insert with the metal body to thereby form the steering knuckle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: James A. Webster, Tomasz Warzecha
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Patent number: 8123239Abstract: The invention provides a knuckle and a method of manufacturing the knuckle that do not cause an increase in the number of man-hours. A knuckle according to the invention is equipped with a knuckle part for fixing a shock absorber constituting a suspension unit, a bearing for rotatably supporting a wheel, and a knuckle part for supporting the bearing. The knuckle part is constructed by being extruded in an axial direction of the shock absorber and the knuckle part is constructed by being extruded in an axial direction of the bearing.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Murata
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Patent number: 8118515Abstract: The fastening element connects two parts in a chassis of a vehicle. The fastening element has a central axle on which two opposing paired support elements of damping material are arranged at an axial distance from one another. In order to achieve an improved performance at least one of the support elements is composed of two different components and/or of different material.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: MVS Europe GmbHInventor: Alexander Goerg
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Patent number: 8075007Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Louis James Brady, Jeffrey David Bennett, Benjamin J. Dieter, Sean E. Sherrod, Ryan K. Lovold, Harry Pongo
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Patent number: 8070177Abstract: An improved steer axle assembly for a trailer is provided in which a tapered roller thrust bearing extends between each lower kingpin yoke thrust face and each lower kingpin sleeve thrust face to transfer load between the lower yoke sleeve and the kingpin sleeve while allowing the yokes to swivel about the kingpins. Upper and lower needle bearing assemblies extend respectively between the upper and lower yoke sleeves and the kingpins to guide the swivelable movement of the yokes about the kingpins. Upper and lower kingpin caps are secured across the upper and lower yoke sleeves respectively above and below the kingpins to seal the opposite ends of the kingpins within the yoke sleeves.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Eveley AlignmentInventor: Nicholas Eveley
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Patent number: 8056911Abstract: In summary, there is provided a front axle mounting assembly (100) which is suitable for a tractor or a construction vehicle for example. The assembly comprises a steerable front axle (130), which is typically the front axle on a tractor, and a pair of support arms (120) which extend forwardly from the main body of the vehicle. The arms are pivotally mounted to the body of the vehicle, for example, at the front of the chassis, at transversely spaced mounting points (121). The other ends of the arms (120) are pivotally attached to, and maintained at a fixed spacing, by a crosslink member (124). The axle (130) is mounted to the crosslink member (124) so as to be parallel thereto when viewed from above. By mounting the axle (130) on two support arms (120) instead of one, the effective radius of pivot of the axle is significantly increased, thereby allowing the axle to move sideways to a greater extent for a given angular displacement.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: AGCO SAInventor: Geoffroy Husson
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Patent number: 8057314Abstract: A joint assembly has a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a connecting drive shaft. A cover unit protects the constant velocity universal joints and prevents hanging down of the joints under their own weight. The unit cover is arranged to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots. The unit cover is formed from elastomer material by injection molding. The cover unit inner circumferential surface has a configuration corresponding to the outline configurations of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boots.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Mitsuru Umekida, Shigeaki Fukushima, Kiyoshige Yamauchi, Masahiro Ozawa, Hiroshi Kawamura
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Patent number: 8051940Abstract: A steerable vehicle knuckle has an inboard portion defining upper and lower arms, with a kingpin between them, and has an outboard portion defining a spindle that cooperates with a fluid driven motor. The arms define a cavity where an axle end portion is pivotally received. Fluid supply ports, which supply fluid to energize the motor, are located on an upper surface of the knuckle's inboard portion. Fluid drain lines extend within the knuckle from the motor to the cavity and are utilized to drain fluid from the motor. The supply ports and drain lines are each connected to separate hoses formed in a small arc that follows closely the circular curvature of the kingpin. This arrangement of port, lines, and hoses is less expensive to produce, easier to package, more robust, allows for faster steering reaction, and is easier to assemble than conventional arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventor: James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 8042817Abstract: A self-propelled, dirigible agricultural vehicle includes a height-adjustable chassis with an axle and a driven wheel hub. The axle is shiftable between a normal clearance position above the wheel hub and a relatively higher elevated clearance position. The chassis further includes a kingpin and a spacer section that is removably connectable to the kingpin. The axle is in the normal clearance position when the spacer is removed from the kingpin and is in the elevated clearance position when the spacer is connected to the kingpin.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventors: Vijay W. Motebennur, James Slawson, John Buchena
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Publication number: 20110241304Abstract: A knuckle includes a spindle to support a wheel and upper and lower bosses extending inwardly of the spindle. The lower boss includes a tie rod arm mount interface. A tie rod arm is received within the tie rod arm mount interface and a steer arm is positioned on an opposite side of the knuckle from the tie rod arm. The steer arm is fixed to the tie rod arm and includes an input mount interface to receive steering input to turn a wheel. The steer arm and tie rod arm are attached to each other with at least one fastener, or can be integrally formed together as a single-piece component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Tomaz D. Varela, Malcolm Green, Xinyu Wen, Kou Yang
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Publication number: 20110227306Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a knuckle having an upper end and a lower end. A bracket is mounted to one of the upper end and the lower end of the knuckle by a plurality of fasteners. A ball joint is mounted to the bracket and configured for attaching the wheel assembly to the vehicle. One of the knuckle and the bracket defines a boss and the other defines a bore. The boss is slideably disposed within the bore in slip fit engagement. The boss transfers a load between the knuckle and the bracket in both a vertical direction along a king pin axis and a horizontal direction along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: AXLETECH INTERNATIONAL IP HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: Dan S. Ursu
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Publication number: 20110174567Abstract: A tie rod supporting part is provided in an area ?2 between a lateral line passing an inner side of a wheel and a king pin axis in a front view of the vehicle in a non-steering state. More specifically, the tie rod supporting part is arranged on the central side of the vehicle off the side of the wheel. The tie rod supporting part never interferes with the wheel and can be arranged near the central center of the wheel. As a result, a dimension in the height of the tie rod supporting part extending from the knuckle can be reduced and the knuckle can be miniaturized and lightened.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki KUWABARA, Bunzo SEKI
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Patent number: 7976036Abstract: A steering knuckle for adapting a unit bearing front axle of a vehicle using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spindle and wheel hub assembly parts to replace the unit-bearing wheel assembly, wherein the steering knuckle comprises a first side of the steering knuckle that is configured to receive one or more components of the OEM spindle and wheel hub assembly. The steering knuckle includes a boring for receiving a spindle hub on an OEM spindle, and one or more apertures circumferentially spaced around the boring and for alignment with holes on a spindle flange of the OEM spindle. Studs are inserted through the apertures of the steering knuckle for securing the OEM spindle to the steering knuckle. A second side of the steering knuckle is configured to be affixed in pivoting relationship to an axle housing of the vehicle wherein the axle housing is originally manufactured to be linked to a unit-bearing steering knuckle.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Inventor: Dennis Reid
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Patent number: 7967304Abstract: A steering stopper unit for vehicle includes a stopper that is disposed to a knuckle and a stopper bracket that corresponds to the stopper and is disposed to a lower arm that is rotatably connected with a lower portion of the knuckle, and includes a stopper plate, which is hingedly engaged with an end of the stopper bracket, selectively contacts a forward side or rearward side of the stopper bracket, and has a predetermined thickness.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyuck Jae Kwon
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Publication number: 20110148053Abstract: A self-propelled, dirigible agricultural vehicle includes a height-adjustable chassis with an axle and a driven wheel hub. The axle is shiftable between a normal clearance position above the wheel hub and a relatively higher elevated clearance position. The chassis further includes a kingpin and a spacer section that is removably connectable to the kingpin. The axle is in the normal clearance position when the spacer is removed from the kingpin and is in the elevated clearance position when the spacer is connected to the kingpin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: AGCO CORPORATIONInventors: Vijay Motebennur, James Slawson, John Buschena
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Patent number: 7963178Abstract: A fork lift truck has a rear-end axle provided with a measuring device to determine the axle load. To enable the axle load to be determined using simple means which are reliable in operation, at least one shearing force detector (2 or 3) or normal force detector (6) in the form of a structural component and arranged in the force flux is integrated into the axle.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbHInventors: Peter Adami, Mark Hanke, Hermann Hartmann
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Patent number: 7938210Abstract: An in-the-wheel suspension system including a drive mechanism for coupling the rotational motion of a wheel rim to the drive shaft of an electric motor and for supporting the wheel rim with respect to the vehicle chassis using one or more springs and dampers. In a hubless version, a spring member supports extend between a frame member attached to the chassis and a bearing member that engages with the rim. In a version used with a wheel hub, the hub is supported by an axle and the spring member supports the axle in movable relation to the frame member. A pivoting support arm that is attached to the axel and pivots about a pivot point attached to the frame member at a location spaced from the wheel axis may be used to support the hub. A Peaucellier linkage may be used to support the axle for movement along a straight line vertical path, the linkage being attached to the frame member at two fixed pivot points.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Patrik Alwin Künzler, Peter Schmitt, Raul-David V. Poblano, Brian Chan, Philip A. Liang, Franco H. Vairani, Axel Kilian, Ryan C Chin, William J. Mitchell
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Publication number: 20110101637Abstract: There are provided left and right arm mechanisms that connect an arm attachment portion as a part of a vehicle body to vehicle wheel attachment portions attached with front wheels via a front arm and a rear arm disposed in a front-rear direction of a vehicle and having plural links; and servo motors that independently drive the left and right arm mechanisms so that each link angle corresponding to a turning angle is determined. The setting position of the imaginary kingpin axis may be changed. Each link angle changes within a range of maintaining a correlation in which the turning angle increases in accordance with an increase in the steering operation amount when controlling the servo motors so as to obtain the turning angle corresponding to the steering operation amount of a steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Shibuya
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Patent number: 7934732Abstract: A knuckle for a vehicle suspension system interconnects portions of a vehicle steering system, a vehicle brake, and a vehicle suspension system, and includes a knuckle body having a hub and bearing opening formed through the body. The hub and bearing opening define a substantially cylindrical inner wall. A cap is disposed within the hub and bearing opening. A recess is formed in the inner wall of the hub and bearing opening, and the cap includes a radially outwardly extending anti-rotation member disposed within the recess.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes CompanyInventors: Michael J. Kinney, Karthik Radhakrishnan
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Publication number: 20110089657Abstract: A steering device includes left and right arm mechanisms each including a front arm and a rear arm whose one ends are rotatably connected to a wheel-mounting portion at wheel-side connecting points and whose other ends are rotatably connected at body-side connecting points. The front arm and rear arm of the arm mechanisms each include a plurality of links, and adjacent links are rotatably connected to each other at an intermediate connecting point. An arm driving device drives the arm mechanisms independently from each other such that the angles of individual links around the connecting points are uniquely determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2008Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi Shibuya
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Patent number: 7926826Abstract: A wheel-side end of a connection link is freely inclined relative to the wheel. A shaft-side end of the connection link is movable substantially in a width direction of the vehicle for steering the wheel. A steering shaft body is substantially in a rod shape extending substantially in the width direction. A steering shaft end is fixed to one end of the steering shaft body and freely inclined relative to the shaft-side end. The steering shaft body and the steering shaft end are movable substantially in the width direction according to an operation of a steering device. A load sensor is interposed between the steering shaft end and the steering shaft body for detecting load applied in an axial direction of the steering shaft to detect force applied to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Hayakawa, Kenji Morikawa
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Publication number: 20110079459Abstract: A tie rod for a vehicle axle assembly is constructed using substantially compliant, flexible, and/or resilient material. Such a resilient tie rod may be provided with a rectangular or otherwise non-circular cross-section. Such a resilient tie rod may be used in combination with an axle assembly of the type having an axle and a steering knuckle rotatably associated with each end of the axle. The tie rod may be rotatably or non-rotatably secured to the steering knuckles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: Michael J. Gottschalk, Mark W. Dankow, Scott A. Massa, Harold D. Johnson
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Patent number: 7914019Abstract: A countersteering rear vehicle axle, which under the effect of a lateral force upon the wheel that is outside during cornering and is fastened to a wheel carrier, causes a rotating movement of this wheel carrier about a virtual steering axle inclination in the toe-in direction. The wheel carrier is supported by supporting elements on an axle body extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Above and below the wheel center, in each case, two torsionally soft but bend-resistant supporting elements are provided which are essentially equally inclined with respect to the vertical direction. An upper linkage supporting element is supported, on the one side, on the wheel carrier and, on the other side, on an upper torsion supporting element which is supported on the axle body. A lower linkage supporting element is supported on the wheel carrier, on the one side, and on a lower torsion supporting element, on the other side.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Benjamin Jakob
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Patent number: 7866434Abstract: A steering apparatus includes an axle housing rotatably supporting a wheel hub on which a steered road wheel is installed, and a lower suspension-system control arm adapted to be oscillatingly supported at one end on a vehicle body and having a turning portion provided at the other end for pivotably supporting the axle housing by the turning portion. An electric motor is installed on the lower arm for turning the axle housing by a driving force produced by the motor. A rotation axis of the motor and a pivot of the axle housing are arranged to be offset from each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kohtaro Shiino, Akira Takahashi, Toshiro Yoda
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Patent number: 7862057Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension of a steerable wheel, which wheel suspension has at least one wheel carrier to which are connected at least one steering rod and at least one lower transverse link. The wheel carrier is designed in at least three parts with a first wheel carrier part, a second wheel carrier part and a third wheel carrier part, which wheel carrier parts can be connected to one another by means of connecting elements in such a way that the at least three wheel carrier parts are moveable relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joergen Hilmann, Mark Loeffelsender
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Patent number: 7862058Abstract: A fabricated vehicle axle is provided with a single piece main body having an inverted U-shaped configuration. The ends of the main body are curved upwardly to define a pair of gooseneck portions. A first king pin fixture having a king pin bore is secured to one of the gooseneck portions, while a second king pin fixture having a king pin bore is secured to the other gooseneck portion. A bottom plate is secured to the main body and has ends extending beyond the gooseneck portions to provide seats for the king pin fixtures.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Hendrickson USA L.L.C.Inventors: John Stephen Bubulka, Ashley Thomas Dudding, Jerome Lim Cortez
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Patent number: 7850179Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a knuckle having an upper end and a lower end. A bracket is mounted to one of the upper end and the lower end of the knuckle by a plurality of fasteners. A ball joint is mounted to the bracket and configured for attaching the wheel assembly to the vehicle. One of the knuckle and the bracket defines a boss and the other defines a bore. The boss is slideably disposed within the bore in slip fit engagement. The boss transfers a load between the knuckle and the bracket in both a vertical direction along a king pin axis and a horizontal direction along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Axletech International IP Holdings, LLCInventor: Dan S. Ursu
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Patent number: 7837230Abstract: A hybrid component for lightweight, structural uses, including a steel member formed of a high strength steel; and a cast coupling member cast on a portion of the steel member by casting-in-place a semi-solid aluminum about the portion of the steel member, thereby positively and rigidly securing the coupling member to the steel member. A method of forming a hybrid component for lightweight, structural uses, including: forming a steel member formed of a high strength steel into a predetermined configuration; and casting a coupling member on a portion of the steel member by casting-in-place a semi-solid aluminum about the portion of the steel member, thereby positively and rigidly securing the coupling member to the steel member.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Frank Gabbianelli, Erryn Leigh Langlois, Daniel Sulisz, Mark F. Werner, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Warren Young, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, P. Gregory Kiselis, Dewayne Dale Egle
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Publication number: 20100276901Abstract: An independent suspension and steering system that can be used with a large truck. The suspension system includes a transversely extending leaf spring assembly. The midpoint of the leaf spring assembly is secured at the centerline of the vehicle while the two opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly are shackled to vertically moveable carriers on which the steering knuckles are pivotally mounted. The steering unit includes a transversely extending relay rod which is attached to tie rods at its opposite ends. The tie rods are, in turn, attached to the steering knuckles. In some embodiments, at least one steering gear is coupled with the relay rod via a connecting rod that is secured at one end to the rotating output shaft of the steering gear and secured at its other end to the relay rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Gregory A. Richardson, John A. Hinz, Richard Lee Conaway
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Patent number: 7815203Abstract: A knuckle includes two steering bosses (i.e., upper and lower), each having a continuous channel, connecting, respectively, separate channel openings where the channels taper outward from an inner diameter to each of their respective openings. A hollow first adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the upper steering boss, and a hollow second adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the lower steering boss. As a result of this structure, the knuckle may be used on either side of a vehicle, allow for entry of a steering arm/tie rod arm from forward to rear (rearwardly directed) or vice versa in either of the steering bosses, and may be applied to various sizes of knuckle-steer axle assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Jacob C. Adleman, Steven T. Byrne
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Patent number: 7793953Abstract: A boot for covering a steering knuckle of an amphibious vehicle comprising a flexible tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a molded groove for seating a first clamp, and wherein the second end comprises a straight cuff for clamping with a second clamp onto a flange of the steering mechanism of the amphibious vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Ride the Ducks International, LLCInventor: Robert McDowell
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Patent number: 7793952Abstract: A ball joint integrated knuckle and an assembling method thereof is provided. The ball joint integrated knuckle includes: a knuckle integrating a housing formed with a first screw thread on its one side surface; and a ball joint having a thread seat formed with a second screw thread, wherein the ball joint is integrated into the knuckle by combining the first screw thread of the housing of the knuckle with the second screw thread of the thread seat of the ball joint. Thus, it is possible to easily attach/detach the ball joint with respect to the knuckle by combining/removing the ball joint using the first screw thread, formed in an inner circumferential surface of the housing integrally formed with the knuckle, and the second screw thread formed in an external circumferential surface of the thread seat. Also, according to the present invention, the ball joint is not manufactured as a finished product, but provided as kit.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Dong-A Automotive Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tae Sung Kwon
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Publication number: 20100219598Abstract: In one aspect, a vehicle steer axle has a horizontal axle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein a vehicle steering knuckle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature, is directly rotatably coupled to the vehicle steer axle. In another aspect, a vehicle steering knuckle has a horizontal steering knuckle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein the vehicle steering knuckle is directly rotatably coupled to a vehicle steer axle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature. Neither of these aspects utilize a separable kingpin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: James F. Ziech
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Publication number: 20100207341Abstract: The invention provides a knuckle and a method of manufacturing the knuckle that do not cause an increase in the number of man-hours. A knuckle according to the invention is equipped with a knuckle part for fixing a shock absorber constituting a suspension unit, a bearing for rotatably supporting a wheel, and a knuckle part for supporting the bearing. The knuckle part is constructed by being extruded in an axial direction of the shock absorber and the knuckle part is constructed by being extruded in an axial direction of the bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Satoshi Murata
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Patent number: 7770677Abstract: An in-wheel suspension including a wheel; a carrier that rotatably supports the wheel; an arm (90) that is coupled with a vehicle body, and that extends into the wheel; at least one link that is coupled with the carrier so as to be pivotable about a first shaft substantially parallel to a wheel rotation axis and coupled with the arm so as to be pivotable about a second shaft substantially parallel to the wheel rotation axis, the at least one link extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle; and at least one of an elastic element and an attenuation element that is arranged between the carrier and the link.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hidehiro Takenaka
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Patent number: 7740253Abstract: In one aspect, a vehicle steer axle has a horizontal axle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein a vehicle steering knuckle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature, is directly rotatably coupled to the vehicle steer axle. In another aspect, a vehicle steering knuckle has a horizontal steering knuckle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein the vehicle steering knuckle is directly rotatably coupled to a vehicle steer axle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature. Neither of these aspects utilize a separable kingpin.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group LLCInventor: James F. Ziech