Kingpin, Steering Knuckle, Steering Arm, Or Wheel Carrier Construction Patents (Class 280/93.512)
  • Publication number: 20080042388
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Robert McDowell
  • Patent number: 7328908
    Abstract: A steer axle for a vehicle and a method of making the same involves forming portions of a steer axle to have a three sided design. Spring seats that wrap around two of the three sides are secured to the steer axle. Plates are secured to the spring seats. The plates extend over the third surface of the steer axle. Angled spring pads are located over the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Sean J. Barber, Dennis D. Dauber, David G. Moses, Gregory A. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20080018070
    Abstract: A self-steering axle suspension system utilizing a rotary damper coaxially aligned with and acting directly about the king pin centerline on one side of the vehicle is disclosed. When used as such, the rotary damper constitutes a rotary stabilizer. The rotary stabilizer is used to control the steerability of the self-steering axle suspension system and has a self-centering axle mechanism incorporated therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Michael J. Gottschalk
  • Publication number: 20070273119
    Abstract: A steering arm includes a curved center portion having a recessed area where the curved center portion is defined by a non-symmetrical cross-section. The non-symmetrical cross-section comprises an I-section having first and second portions interconnected by a third portion. The first portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Lucas Stoia
  • Patent number: 7296810
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for installing a sensor in connection with relatively movable members for sensing relative position thereof without adjustment, the sensor including a body mountable in a predetermined position on a first of the members, and a coupler being adjustably connectable to a second of the members and connectable in predetermined relation to an input of the sensor for coupling the input to the second member. The coupler is adjustably connectable to the second member in a predetermined relation to the first member such that when the input is connected to the coupler and the body is mounted in the predetermined position on the first member, the input and the body portion will be relatively positioned such that the sensor will provide a predetermined signal when the first and second members are in predetermined relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: James Thannikary, Edmund R. Henkel, Thomas M. Danca
  • Patent number: 7284764
    Abstract: A chassis suspension for agricultural equipment, the chassis suspension comprising: an axle having a substantially upright journal adapted for upright axial constraint of an inner journal therein; an inner journal extending into the upright journal, the inner journal having a lower end, wherein the inner journal is adapted to constrain axial movement of a strut rod therein; a strut rod extending into the inner journal and having a lower strut rod portion adapted for mounting a ground-engaging drive mechanism and wheel, wherein the lower strut rod portion has an upper end; and, a spring constrained between the lower end of the inner journal and the upper end of the lower strut rod portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Miller-St. Nazianz, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Prohaska
  • Patent number: 7281723
    Abstract: A chassis suspension for agricultural equipment, the chassis suspension comprising: an axle having a substantially upright journal adapted for upright axial constraint of an inner journal therein; an inner journal extending into the upright journal, the inner journal having a lower end, wherein the inner journal is adapted to constrain axial movement of a strut rod therein; a strut rod extending into the inner journal and having a lower strut rod portion adapted for mounting a ground-engaging drive mechanism and wheel, wherein the lower strut rod portion has an upper end; and, a spring constrained between the lower end of the inner journal and the upper end of the lower strut rod portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Miller-St. Nazianz, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Prohaska
  • Patent number: 7270340
    Abstract: In an independent wheel suspension including a wheel-guiding strut which is mounted on a vehicle body, a wheel carrier is so supported on the strut by several elastic pivoting bearings, that a high degree of driving comfort is provided by a controlled accommodation of lateral, longitudinal and vertical forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Daimler Chrysler AG
    Inventor: Christian Mosler
  • Patent number: 7258504
    Abstract: A link for connecting a pair of spaced members having a set of aligned holes, together, generally including a bolt having threaded end portions and a pair of upset portions based inwardly relative to the threaded end portions thereof, a pair of inner grommets each formed of a resilient material, mountable on the bolt and having a portion functional to snap-fit on one of the upset portions of the bolt when such grommet is mounted on the bolt, a pair of outer grommets each formed of a resilient material, mountable on the bolt and cooperable with one of the inner grommets to engage one of the members therebetween and a pair of nuts threadable on the threaded portions of the bolt, engageable with an exterior grommet mounted on the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Edwards Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary J. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20070187917
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a wheel support member and a linear support mechanism including members supported on the vehicle body, and supporting pivot point of the wheel support member. The steering apparatus further includes a first arm member, and a steering mechanism that includes a tie rod linked to the wheel support member, and rotates the wheel support member around the swinging pivot point in association with the movement of the tie rod during steering. The first arm member, via the linear support mechanism, causes the swinging pivot point to move, linked to the movement of the tie rod, linearly or approximately linearly, outward in the vehicle widthwise direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Hasegawa, Hiroshi Kawakami, Kenji Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20070170678
    Abstract: A king pin is mounted in a hollow axle. An insert is force fit into each end of the hollow axle. The insert includes an aperture that aligns with an aperture in a wall of the hollow axle to provide a mount structure for the king pin. This mount structure thus provides a solid and reliable mount in a very simplified manner. The hollow axle and insert are also provided with draw key holes such that bolts may lock the king pin within the insert and the hollow axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventor: David Platner
  • Patent number: 7234712
    Abstract: In a high-mounted double wishbone suspension device, an arm portion extending upward from a knuckle main body portion, through which an axle runs, is provided with a tie rod connection portion. A tie rod for turning a wheel is connected to the tie rod connection portion. The distance between the axle and the tie rod connection portion is increased to effectively suppress knuckle lateral vibration centered on the axle by the tie rod. Therefore, it is possible to reduce road noise without increasing the number of components or the weight. In particular, since the tie rod is connected to a joint provided on a lower face of the tie rod connection portion, it is possible to minimize vertical positional change of the tie rod, while suppressing lateral vibration of the knuckle by raising the position of the tie rod connection portion, whereby the arrangement can be easily applied to a conventional vehicle merely by replacing the knuckle alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yamazaki, Hirokazu Hirata, Yutaka Hozumi, Akihiro Maejima
  • Publication number: 20070138754
    Abstract: A heavy duty steer axle assembly with a live spindle is provided. The assembly includes an axle beam extending transversely across the vehicle, a kingpin disposed within a kingpin bore in the axle beam, a knuckle mounted on the kingpin and rotatable relative to the axle beam, and a spindle hub configured to mount a wheel of the vehicle. A bearing assembly is disposed between the knuckle and spindle hub to allow rotation of the spindle hub. The assembly enables use of a cast, rather than forged, knuckle, allows for removal and service of the vehicle's brake rotor without removal or readjustment of the vehicle's wheel bearings, and allows for an external wheel flange that can be easily replaced with flanges of varying offset, without requiring a new wheel hub assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey Moreau, Dave Moses
  • Patent number: 7232140
    Abstract: In a wheel support structure of a commercial vehicle including an axle with a jaw structure having two bearing bores and a stub protruding into the jaw structure with a pin extending into the stub and into the bearing bores, the bearing bores are closed adjustably by screw caps threaded into the bearing bores for adjusting the pin position and setting a predetermined moment of friction between the bearing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Johann Hamperl
  • Publication number: 20070126198
    Abstract: Provided is a slotted axle assembly for a vehicle suspension system. The slotted axle assembly includes an axle beam extending laterally between two axle connectors. Each axle connector is slotted for mating with an end of the axle beam. When assembled, each end of the axle beam surrounds or encapsulates an axle connector. A kingpin housing is inserted into each axle connector for receiving and retaining a king pin. Also, a bottom plate is attached to the axle beam and the two axle connectors. The slotted axle assembly may include a plurality of brackets, braces and channels, to include one or more damper brackets, air spring mating channels, and control arm brackets. Components of the slotted axle assembly may be welded together, or an alternate method of mechanical fastening may be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: David Kirkham
  • Publication number: 20070120339
    Abstract: A steer axle for a vehicle and a method of making the same involves forming portions of a steer axle to have a three sided design. Spring seats that wrap around two of the three sides are secured to the steer axle. Plates are secured to the spring seats. The plates extend over the third surface of the steer axle. Angled spring pads are located over the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Sean Barber, Dennis Dauber, David Moses, Gregory Richardson
  • Patent number: 7216879
    Abstract: A vehicle includes front and rear suspension systems. The vehicle includes front left and right strut assemblies respectively including front left and right knuckles. Rear left and right strut assemblies respectively include rear left and right knuckles. The knuckles are common with one another with each knuckle having a common lower attachment boss. The front left and right knuckles respectively receive front left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss. The lower attachment boss is respectively interconnected to the front left and right suspension components. The rear left and right knuckles respectively receive rear left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss respectively interconnected to rear left and right suspension components. The overall suspension for the vehicle is designed by determining the left knuckle position parameters such as suspension member, brake, and wheel assembly attachment points. Similarly, the right knuckle position parameters are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Dean
  • Publication number: 20070096419
    Abstract: A joint arrangement is provided for a wheel guide, especially for a driven, steerable axle of a motor vehicle. The joint arrangement includes a joint fork (1), which can be arranged at a vehicle axle or at a wheel carrier, and a steering knuckle (2), which carries the wheel bearing (3), wherein the joint fork (1) and the steering knuckle (2) are pivotably connected to one another via two mounting points (4), (5). At least one of the two mounting points (4), (5) of the joint arrangement has a toroidal roller bearing. Especially the wheel guiding and the axle geometry of driven, steered axles is improved with the present invention. While the mounting properties are improved, both the design effort for the wheel suspension and the space needed for the installation of the joint arrangement can thus be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Matthias Gercke, Michael Muhl
  • Patent number: 7204341
    Abstract: A vehicle, method and steering system for a vehicle in which the steering system includes a stub axle articulated on a king pin. The king pin is configured to be fixed to an element spring suspension-mounted in the vehicle. The steering system includes at least one power unit fixed to the stub axle, and the power unit transmits a torque to the king pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Andreas Lundmark
  • Publication number: 20070063472
    Abstract: A knuckle arm includes a body having a bearing hole and a first connection plate extends from a rear end of one of two sides thereof so as to be connected with a brake pump. Two protrusions extend from a front end of the body and two second connection plates are connected to the two protrusions such that a pull rod is removably connected either of the two second connection plates. Two connection boards extend from two ends of the front end of the body and each connection board having a hole for receiving joints of the upper and lower control arms. The knuckle arm can be used to right and left wheels and the length of the pull rod can be optionally connected thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Applicant: SHINE FAR METAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Shih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7188850
    Abstract: A steer axle and suspension assembly are provided that produce lateral stability in the vehicle without the use of a transverse rod and without generating undue loads on the steer axle beam. The assembly includes at least one suspension arm that is connected to the frame and to a component of the steer axle assembly such as the axle beam, kingpin, or steering knuckle. The suspension arm is connected to the steer axle assembly at a location outboard of the longitudinal frame rails of the vehicle and extends longitudinally at an angle to the frame rails. The suspension arm arrangement can be used with a variety of suspensions including leaf spring and multi-link suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Ziech, Michael L. Zebolsky
  • Publication number: 20070052191
    Abstract: A turning device for a wheel set includes a handle strut and an axle pipe. The handle strut comprises a connecting tube at the bottom. The connecting tube comprises swirl tubes at respective ends. Each swirl tube has restricting members. The axle pipe comprises a receiving base corresponding to the connecting tube. The receiving base comprises lids at respective sides. The lids comprise restricting members corresponding to the restricting members of the swirl tubes. The lids and the receiving base comprise through holes for insertion of fasteners to secure the lids to the receiving base. By means of the restricting members, the receiving base and the swirl tubes may be turned with respect to each other to a limited angle. The restricting members are lugs and troughs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 7185901
    Abstract: A golf cart spindle to allow mounting of a larger wheel and tire combination on a golf cart. The spindle having a spindle body which includes a top end and a bottom end, the spindle body including a bolt channel between the top end and bottom end of the spindle body, the spindle body sized to fit existing front spindle supports of the golf cart as a replacement to the production spindle. The spindle having a spindle leg extending from the spindle body, the spindle leg having a spindle end attached to the spindle body; the spindle leg having an axle end. The spindle having an axle extending from the axle end of the spindle leg. Whereby, the spindle leg extends from the spindle body such that the axle end and the axle is positioned forward and lower than the original position of the axle of the production spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Steven J. Stimely
  • Publication number: 20070013159
    Abstract: A knuckle-bearing assembly for a vehicle comprises a knuckle having an aperture, a bearing press-fit into the aperture of the knuckle, and a plurality of hard particles mechanically deployed on the aperture or the bearing or both to increase a coefficient of friction between the knuckle and the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Miquel Mestre
  • Patent number: 7163217
    Abstract: Arrangement for providing a steerable suspension to a vehicle wheel that includes a first bearing (1) and a second bearing (2) arranged at a supporting unit (3) in order to form a geometrical pivot axis (4) around which the vehicle wheel is journalled in bearings steerable in relation to the supporting unit. The supporting unit exhibits at least one supporting surface (8) and the first bearing exhibits an inner ring with an external. Radially directed surface (22) is arranged for abutting and resting against the supporting surface (8) in order to take up forces directed radially in relation to the geometrical pivot axis (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Jan-Olof Bodin
  • Publication number: 20070007740
    Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly for a vehicle is operable to travel across a ground surface. The wheel suspension assembly includes a first suspension member, a second suspension member, a wheel rotatably coupled to the first suspension member and a ball stud interconnecting the first and second suspension members. The ball stud includes a ball and a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft extends along a longitudinal axis. One of the first and second suspension members includes a ball socket in receipt of the ball. The other of the first and second suspension members includes a tapered bore in the receipt of the tapered shaft. The longitudinal axis of the tapered shaft is oriented substantially parallel to the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Inventors: James Downs, Herb Adams
  • Patent number: 7159316
    Abstract: A module corner assembly wherein a wheel hub is permanently attached to a knuckle and various surfaces on the wheel hub and knuckle are machined in a same fixture utilized in holding the knuckle to deform an end on the wheel hub against a cone of a bearing. When a rotor is thereafter attached to the wheel hub it is also machined in the same fixture such that a perpendicular relationship is established between the axis of the wheel bearing and braking surfaces on the rotor and as a result a desired lateral run out relationship is achieved between the axis of the bearing and rotor surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: David Thomas Sadanowicz, Larry William Brackmann, Don Paul Ward
  • Publication number: 20070001416
    Abstract: The invention discloses a utility vehicle, in particular an agricultural tractor, with a steering system having single-wheel-suspended steering wheels, which are mounted on a respective wheel carrier (11). Each wheel carrier (11) may be swivelled about the axis of at least one rigidly connected bolt (18) and is connected via a ball-and-socket joint (9) on the at least one bolt, to a transverse steering element (1) that is articulated to the vehicle body. Associated with the ball-and-socket joint (9) is a steering angle sensor (22) comprising a rotatable input member (23), which is located at least approximately in the extension of the axis of the swivel bolt (18). The rotatable input member (23) is connected to the bolt via an entrainment element (25) that transmits the swivel motion of the bolt in an angularly precise manner to detect the current swivel position of the wheel carrier (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: AGCO GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Freytag, Bernd Glaser
  • Publication number: 20060290088
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a steering and suspension system of a vehicle. The system may include a strut extension member having a strut clamp arm mounted to a strut assembly, an upper extension support arm extending from the strut clamp arm, an extension fork with first and second arms extending from the strut clamp arm, and a lower extension support arm extending from the extension fork. Also, a steering knuckle has an upper portion pivotally coupled to the upper extension support arm, and a lower portion pivotally coupled to the lower extension support arm. A lower control arm has an outboard portion with a control arm mounting bore therethrough, and a compliant hinge joint includes a first joint associated with the first arm, a second joint associated with the second arm, and a shaft extending through the first joint, the second joint and the mounting bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventors: James Luttinen, Juergen Siebeneick
  • Patent number: 7140625
    Abstract: A vehicle includes front and rear suspension systems. The vehicle includes front left and right strut assemblies respectively including front left and right knuckles. Rear left and right strut assemblies respectively include rear left and right knuckles. The knuckles are common with one another with each knuckle having a common lower suspension attachment boss. The front left and right knuckles respectively receive front left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss. The connection members are respectively interconnected to the front left and right suspension components. The rear left and right knuckles respectively receive rear left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss respectively interconnected to rear left and right suspension components. The overall suspension for the vehicle is designed by determining the knuckle position parameters for one of the knuckles including such features as suspension member, brake, and wheel assembly attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Simon Dean
  • Publication number: 20060237251
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle having a body supported on a set of wheels each provided with a rim and an axle generally consisting of a lower control arm pivotally connectable to a first portion of such body; an upper control arm pivotally connectable to a second portion of such body; a roller bearing having inner and outer races, disposed within such rim, coaxially relative to the rotational axis of the rim; a steering knuckle mounted on the outer race of the bearing, having a first portion pivotally connected to the lower control arm and a second portion pivotally connected to the upper control arm, defining a steering axis intersecting the rotational axis of the rim; and a hub member mounted on the inner race and connectable to an axle receivable through an opening provided in the steering knuckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: James LeBlanc Sr, Paul Bentley
  • Patent number: 7117599
    Abstract: A knuckle (16) for a corner assembly (10, 210, 310) wherein a cylindrical body (18) has an outboard race (39) and an inboard race (45) located therein for correspondingly receiving a first roller assembly (52) and a second roller assembly (94) carried by a wheel hub (56) such that brake engagement surfaces (12a) and (12b) on a rotor (12) are located in a parallel relationship with faces on a friction members (14a) and (14b) associated with caliper (14) and perpendicular with the axis of the wheel hub (56) to obtain a desired lateral run out relationship between the rotor (12) and the axis of the first (52) and second (94) roller assemblies retained in the wheel hub (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: David Thomas Sadanowicz, Larry William Brackmann
  • Patent number: 7104559
    Abstract: A knuckle 1 has a through hole 3 provided in a fitting hole 4 thereof. A cutting tool 9, which has a diameter being larger than that of the through hole 3 and also has a cutting part having a hemispherical leading end portion, is caused to go into the through hole 3 at an angle at which the tool 9 does not touch the remaining part of the knuckle 1. Then, a burr formed at a fitting-hole-side open end portion 7 of the through hole 3 is removed by rotating the cutting tool 9 while the leading end portion thereof is made to obliquely abut against the open end portion 7 of the through hole 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Shimosato, Tsutomu Suzuki, Kazuhiro Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20060192358
    Abstract: A steering knuckle structure is incorporated with an upright pipe and a shaft wherein the upright pipe is able to twist. The steering knuckle structure comprises a fastener, a sleeve and a pair of lids. A connector is provided at the bottom of the upright pipe. The sleeve has its two ends covered by the lids. The shaft is pivotally connected to the lids. The sleeve comprises a connecting seat transversely secured at the center portion thereon. The connecting seat comprises a pair of protruding plates at respective ends. Each protruding plate has a hole at the center. The connector is placed in the connecting seat between the two protruding plates. The two holes of the protruding plates are aligned with the connector, and the fastener is inserted into the holes to secure the upright pipe to the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 7097184
    Abstract: King-pin assembly with a sensor (24), the King-pin assembly (5) comprising a Kingpin (12), an axle frame (10), a spindle (14) and a bearing (15) for moveably mounting the spindle (14) to the axle frame (10) using the King-pin. The King-pin assembly further comprises a spacer (1) for holding the axle frame (I0) at a predetermined distance from a bearing inner ring (20). A housing (2) is attached to the spacer (1), the housing (2) comprising at least a first part (3) of the sensor (24), a second part (4) of the sensor (24) being fixedly attached to the spindle (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: AB SKF
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Johannes Adrianus Maria Duits, Jacobus Zwarts, Klemens Schmidt, Cornelius Petrus Antonius Vissers, Johannes Haaye Van Der Kamp, Rico Dittmar
  • Publication number: 20060186627
    Abstract: A sensor device 4 has a resolver comprising a stator 21 provided on a suspension member 1 and a rotor 31 provided on an axle member 2. The axle member 2 comprises a drive shaft 11 to be connected to a power transmission, and a hub shaft 12 having a wheel mount portion 13 and fixed to the drive shaft 11. The stator 21 is provided by a press fit on an axial end of knuckle 1a of the suspension member 1 toward a wheel, and the rotor 31 is provided by a press fit on the hub shaft 12 of the axle member 2. The stator 21 and the rotor 31 are opposed to each other radially thereof. An antifriction bearing 3 has rolling bodies 7 in left and right two rows, an outer ring 5 in the form of an integral ring having two raceways, and divided inner rings 6 each having a single raceway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Katsura Koyagi, Teruyuki Wakisaka, Masahiro Inoue
  • Publication number: 20060186628
    Abstract: The subject invention provides an independent wheel suspension system (20) for a vehicle. The suspension system (20) includes an lateral support (26) and a pair of lower lateral links (30, 32) spaced from the lateral support (26). A tall knuckle (36) extends between the lateral support (26) and the pair of lower lateral links (30, 32). The lateral support (26) and the pair of lateral links (30, 32) are pivotably connected to the knuckle (36). A rod (64) is pivotably connected to the knuckle (36) adjacent the pivotal connection between the lateral support (26) and the knuckle (36) and extends inward and downward toward the vehicle to a second end (68). A crank (70) is pivotable connected to the vehicle for rotation by the rod (64) in response to vertical movement of the knuckle (36) relative to the vehicle. The second end (68) of the rod (64) is connected the crank (70). A dampening device (72) is attached to the vehicle and the crank (70) for controlling movement of the crank (70).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: James McConville, Sunil Lall, Darren Somerset
  • Patent number: 7093843
    Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly provides a tapered roller bearing on the bottom and a needle bearing on the top of a king pin. A spring cap preloads the tapered roller bearing. The king pin includes a step on the upper portion to transfer the spring cap preload force to the top of an axle beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLC
    Inventors: Tomaz Dopico Varela, Duy T. Lam
  • Patent number: 7090233
    Abstract: A spindle bracket for rear suspensions includes a bracket body welded to a trailing arm and having a mounting hole into which a spindle is inserted, and a lateral strength reinforcing piece secured between the trailing arm and the bracket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoung-Hoon Shin
  • Patent number: 7090232
    Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly for vehicles includes a connector for connecting a tie rod to a knuckle body via a ball joint is freely attached to and detached from the knuckle body. In the case of changing a ball joint point at a terminal end of the tie rod, only the connector is separately developed and then mounted on the knuckle instead of developing a new knuckle structure, thereby reducing fabrication cost as well as improving workability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Geun-Bae Kim
  • Patent number: 7073802
    Abstract: The present invention is particularly useful for lowering the front end of an automobile. The devices, methods, and systems of the present invention can find use in any variety of automobiles, such as trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), passenger cars, and the like. The invention can be employed regardless of the type of suspension system in the automobile, and allows the vehicle to be lowered while retaining a maximum amount of travel. This is accomplished with a drop spindle having certain features such as a tap opening and a countersunk opening on the underside of the lower ball joint boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Mike McGaughy's Classic Chevy Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike McGaughy
  • Publication number: 20060145445
    Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly for a vehicle is operable to travel across a ground surface. The wheel suspension assembly includes a first suspension member, a second suspension member, a wheel rotatably coupled to the first suspension member and a ball stud interconnecting the first and second suspension members. The ball stud includes a ball and a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft extends along a longitudinal axis. One of the first and second suspension members includes a ball socket in receipt of the ball. The other of the first and second suspension members includes a tapered bore in the receipt of the tapered shaft. The longitudinal axis of the tapered shaft is oriented substantially parallel to the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: James Downs, Herb Adams
  • Patent number: 7066478
    Abstract: A front axle of a motor vehicle with steerable, driven or non-driven wheels on steering knuckles pivotably hinged at a wheel-guiding element with an upper and a lower bearing position, each of which accommodates a radial bearing for mounting a steering knuckle bolt with a pot-shaped sleeve with a sealed lubricant reservoir and forms a bearing bushing. A stop disk is arranged a bottom of the sleeve to absorb axial forces and roll bodies of the radial bearing are supported with the supporting surfaces at the stop disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignees: INA-Schaeffler KG, DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Tisch, Johann Hamperl
  • Publication number: 20060125216
    Abstract: An assembly of a steering wheel with static airbag module has a rotor portion and a stator portion. A first gear and a second gear are at least partially superimposed. An intermediate supporting element is located between first and second gears with the gears directly axially coupled. An intermediate element has a portion that defines a path for the means for axially coupling said first and second gear to temporarily disengage them from the gears when a relative rotation between the intermediate element and the first and second gears occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Inventors: Roberto Ridolfi, Valerio Poli, Adolfo Ridolfi
  • Patent number: 7052024
    Abstract: A vehicular suspension assembly is applicable to both manual and power steering systems. In the suspension assembly, when the manual steering system and the power steering system are exchanged with each other, a strut, a lower arm and a frame are commonly used. Three mounting bolts of an insulator are eccentrically disposed relative to the center of the strut. A connector has an insertion hole which is eccentrically drilled on a connector. A bracket of the frame is shared by two applications. Thus, it is possible to perform all functions of both manual and power steering systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dall-Hee Jung
  • Publication number: 20060082091
    Abstract: In an independent wheel suspension including a wheel-guiding strut which is mounted on a vehicle body, a wheel carrier is so supported on the strut by several elastic pivoting bearings, that a high degree of driving comfort is provided by a controlled accommodation of lateral, longitudinal and vertical forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventor: Christian Mosler
  • Publication number: 20060082092
    Abstract: A vehicle includes front and rear suspension systems. The vehicle includes front left and right strut assemblies respectively including front left and right knuckles. Rear left and right strut assemblies respectively include rear left and right knuckles. The knuckles are common with one another with each knuckle having a common lower attachment boss. The front left and right knuckles respectively receive front left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss. The lower attachment boss is respectively interconnected to the front left and right suspension components. The rear left and right knuckles respectively receive rear left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss respectively interconnected to rear left and right suspension components. The overall suspension for the vehicle is designed by determining the left knuckle position parameters such as suspension member, brake, and wheel assembly attachment points. Similarly, the right knuckle position parameters are determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventor: Simon Dean
  • Publication number: 20060061056
    Abstract: Strut for a vehicle which is interposed between a suspension and a semi-axis of the vehicle, and which is provided with a central body, and a passing housing which is obtained through the central body along a longitudinal axis (A) in order to house a rolling contact bearing which is interposed between the strut itself and the semi-axis; a coupling device being foreseen between the rolling contact bearing and the passing housing, and being defined by two connecting outlines which are obtained around the rolling contact bearing and, respectively, inside the passing housing with a shape which is complementary in relation to each other, and presenting a radius (R) of angularly variable dimensions with continuity on a plane which is transverse to the longitudinal axis (A), and at least one respective convex portion in relation to the longitudinal axis (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Applicants: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF, MINGANTI INTERNATIONAL LTD
    Inventors: Jean-Gerard Loustanau, Domenico Ducci, Marcus Caldana
  • Publication number: 20060055138
    Abstract: Apparatus for installing a sensor on a kingpin for a steering assembly, including a mount having a passage therethrough extending between opposite end portions thereof, one of the end portions being configured for mounting on one end of a kingpin in alignment with a passage therethrough such that the passage through the mount will serve as an extension of the passage through the kingpin and such that a steering axis of a wheel hub extending through the passage through the kingpin will extend through the passage through the mount, and the other of the end portions of the mount being configured for mounting a sensor thereon such that an input of the sensor will be located in a position for sensing a rotational position of an element extending through and rotatable within the passage through the kingpin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Randolph Pope, Edmund Henkel
  • Patent number: 6997468
    Abstract: A control rod suspension has at least one dampening structure having an outboard end and an inboard end. The inboard end is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame. The outboard end is pivotally mounted to a king pin. A king pin rotatably connects the knuckle with a steer axle beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Ziech, Paul Pollock