Abstract: A finite element analysis (FEA) based coil spring design method that utilizes a reverse engineering based concept. The method involves first designing a desired jounce profile, which is typically an output in the conventional FEA based design, and then reversely determining the corresponding free profile necessary for manufacturing a spring having desired performance specifications.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar is intended for use in a vehicle, and a torsion part of the stabilizer bar is fixed to the vehicle body by a fixing member. A resin sheathing is provided integrally on an outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar. The fixing member is composed of the sheathing, a rubber bush disposed on the outer periphery of the sheathing, and a mounting fixture for mounting the rubber bush on the vehicle body side so as to cover the outer periphery of the rubber bush. The sheathing and the rubber bush are immovably assembled to each other. Thus, there may be provided a vehicle stabilizer, highly durable, easily mountable and replaceable, low-cost, and highly operable.

Abstract: A method for determining coil spring force line range corresponding to specific damper friction values using a universal spring mechanism and using the determined force line range in coil spring design. The method includes securing the mechanism to a suspension system including a damper, providing a controller for controlling actuator legs thereof for exerting force between upper and lower seats of the mechanism, and performing a capability study of the mechanism. The method further includes determining a desired coil spring force line position based upon the capability study, activating the mechanism to generate a desired coil spring force line based upon the desired coil spring force line position, performing damper friction measurements for determining a coil sp ring force line position for minimizing damper friction, determining the coil spring force line range based upon the damper friction measurements, and designing a coil spring based upon the coil spring force line range.

Abstract: A method for determining coil spring force line range corresponding to specific damper friction values using a universal spring mechanism and using the determined force line range in coil spring design. The method includes securing the mechanism to a suspension system including a damper, providing a controller for controlling actuator legs thereof for exerting force between upper and lower seats of the mechanism, and performing a capability study of the mechanism. The method further includes determining a desired coil spring force line position based upon the capability study, activating the mechanism to generate a desired coil spring force line based upon the desired coil spring force line position, performing damper friction measurements for determining a coil spring force line position for minimizing damper friction, determining the coil spring force line range based upon the damper friction measurements, and designing a coil spring based upon the coil spring force line range.

Abstract: A fatigue test system includes a frame having top, intermediate and bottom supports each operatively interconnected by at least one extension, and the intermediate support being disposed between the top and bottom supports. The fatigue test system further includes a driving mechanism connectable to one of the supports to drive the support substantially along a longitudinal axis of the extension for fatigue testing at least one spring disposed between the top and intermediate supports, and at least one further spring disposed between the intermediate and bottom supports. In an alternative embodiment, the fatigue test system includes a frame including top and bottom supports each interconnected by an extension, and a driving mechanism disposed between the top and bottom supports for driving springs against the top and bottom supports, each spring being fatigue tested by being driven along a longitudinal axis of the extension or a central axis of the spring.