Abstract: A non-torque reactive trailing arm air suspension system for vehicle driven axle uses a spherical joint between trailing arm and axle as one of four nodes of four bar mechanism which is disposed on both sides of vehicle that maintains substantially constant pinion shaft angle during vehicle operation. The trailing arm is a rolled and formed beam of spring steel and utilizes a vertically resilient length between hanger bracket joint and axle joint to absorb road shocks.

Abstract: A non-torque reactive trailing arm air suspension system for vehicle driven axle using a spherical joint means between trailing arm and axle as one of four nodes of four bar mechanism disposed on both sides of vehicle that maintains substantially constant pinion shaft angle during vehicle operation. Four bars L1, L2, L3, L4 are formed by 1) hanger bracket, 2) link rod, 3) driven axle with its attachments and 4) trailing arm respectively. In one of the preferred embodiments as disposed on one vehicle side, first end (42) of trailing arm (10) is pivotally connected to top of hanger bracket (06) which is attached to frame rail (04). Mid-portion (44) of trailing arm is “spherically” connected to axle top. Air spring (24) and shock absorber (26) are disposed between second end (46) of trailing arm and frame rail (04). One end of link rod (14) is pivotally connected to hanger bracket bottom and other end is pivotally connected to axle bottom.

Abstract: The invention is an air suspension system on vehicle driven axle to maintain substantially constant pinion shaft angle in response to traction force reaction on axle and brake torque induced reaction on axle and in response to position of axle in jounce and rebound. The invention is based on four bar mechanism geometrically arranged to achieve substantially constant pinion shaft angle. The four bars are represented by 1) hanger bracket, 2) trailing arm, 3) link rod and 4) driven axle housing with its attachments. In one of the preferred embodiments, the trailing arm is pivotally connected to top portion of hanger bracket attached to frame rail. The middle portion of trailing arm is “spherically” connected to axle top. Rear portion of trailing arm is connected to frame rail by air spring and shock absorber. One end of said link rod is pivotally connected to lower portion of hanger bracket and other end is pivotally connected to lower portion of axle.