Abstract: A leaf spring for a vehicle suspension is formed from a composite material and includes first and second ends that are longitudinally spaced apart from each other. A resilient element is attached to at least one of the first and second ends. The resilient element includes at least one hole that receives a connecting element. The resilient element and the connecting element cooperate to attach the leaf spring to a vehicle structure. In one example, the resilient element comprises a rubber block that is bonded to the leaf spring. In another example, the resilient element comprises a longitudinally orientated bushing that is inserted through a thickness of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring for a vehicle suspension is formed from a composite material and includes a central portion to be supported by an axle and at least one free end that extends from the central portion in a longitudinal direction. The free end is coupled to a vehicle structure via a slider bracket. A contact element is mounted to the slider bracket to contact an upper surface of the free end to accommodate vertical forces. The free end is slidably movable relative to the contact element along a longitudinal axis and is pivotable relative to the contact element about a lateral axis.

Abstract: A leaf spring for a vehicle suspension is formed from a composite material and includes first and second ends that are longitudinally spaced apart from each other. A resilient element is attached to at least one of the first and second ends. The resilient element includes at least one hole that receives a connecting element. The resilient element and the connecting element cooperate to attach the leaf spring to a vehicle structure. In one example, the resilient element comprises a rubber block that is bonded to the leaf spring. In another example, the resilient element comprises a longitudinally orientated bushing that is inserted through a thickness of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring for a vehicle suspension is formed from a composite material and includes at least one spring end with a curved recess. A bushing assembly is attached to the curved recess. The bushing assembly includes a mounting component and a bushing that is attached to the mounting component such that the leaf spring can be pivotally attached to a vehicle frame. The mounting component is formed around an outer periphery of the curved recess to secure the mounting component to the leaf spring such that the bushing is received within the curved recess.

Abstract: A spring assembly includes a spring seat clamped to a leaf spring at a center portion. The spring seat includes a cutout for distributing clamping stresses in a substantially uniform manner across the leaf spring. The cutout provides a relief for a central portion of the leaf spring to uniformly distribute clamping pressures across the leaf spring. Uniformly distributing stresses across the width of the spring increases leaf spring fatigue life.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A door actuation system conducts or assists movement of sliding vehicle doors by connecting the door to a bi-directional motor via one or more helical cables that engage with gearing on the bi-directional motor. Rotation of the motor in either direction pushes or pulls the helical cables, causing the door to move toward the open or closed position. The motor can be stopped when the door reaches selected positions other than the open or closed position, holding the door in a partially open position.

Abstract: A drive system drives a pulley along a curved track to open and close a sliding vehicle door. The pulley is pivotally mounted to the sliding door to permit the pulley to pivot when the pulley traverses the curved portion of the track. An electric motor drives the pulley through a drive belt. In operation, as the pulley pivots when it traverses the curved portion of the track, the drive belt twists. Torque transfer between the pulleys and the motor is maintained during twisting of the drive belt which thereby permits an uncomplicated yet effective system for driving the sliding door along the curved portion of track. Another drive system transmits torque through a drive shaft arrangement which rotates as the drive system traverses the curved portion of track.

Abstract: A common drive system drives multiple systems within a sliding vehicle closure member with a single drive motor. A controller selectively connects the drive motor to either a door drive assembly, a window drive assembly, or a lock module drive assembly through a selector assembly in response to actuation of a particular input. The selector assembly includes a transmission which shifts the drive motor between multiple gear trains to drive the particular drive assembly.

Abstract: A door actuation system conducts or assists movement of sliding vehicle doors by connecting the door to a bi-directional motor via one or more helical cables that engage with gearing on the bi-directional motor. Rotation of the motor in either direction pushes or pulls the helical cables, causing the door to move toward the open or closed position. The motor can be stopped when the door reaches selected positions other than the open or closed position, holding the door in a partially open position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an automated drive device for powered sliding movement of the door into open or closed positions. The drive device includes a belt that cooperates with a track. A biasing member urges the belt into engagement with a corresponding portion of the track to ensure adequate engagement to achieve the desired movement of the door responsive to rotary movement of the belt. In one example, the belt and track include teeth that cooperate such that rotary movement of the belt results in linear movement of the door relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A spring assembly includes a spring seat clamped to a leaf spring at a center portion. The spring seat includes a cutout for distributing clamping stresses in a substantially uniform manner across the leaf spring. The cutout provides a relief for a central portion of the leaf spring to uniformly distribute clamping pressures across the leaf spring. Uniformly distributing stresses across the width of the spring increases leaf spring fatigue life.

Abstract: A trailer slider pin control system is provided including a vehicle body and a rail supported along the body. The rails are moveable between a plurality of positions defined by a plurality of holes in the rail. A pin assembly is supported on the vehicle body and includes a pin moveable between unlocked and locked positions. The pin is disposed in the hole locking the rail to the vehicle body in the locked position. Conversely, the rail is free to move along the vehicle body in the unlock position. A sensor senses a location of a portion of the pin assembly, which corresponds to the unlock position. A vehicle speed control device, such as an engine, transmission, or braking system, is actuatable to limit the speed of the vehicle. A controller is connected to the sensor and the vehicle speed control device to actuate the vehicle speed control device to limit the speed of the vehicle in response to the sensors sensing the unlocked position.

Abstract: A vehicle sliding door includes an automated drive device for powered sliding movement of the door into open or closed positions. The drive device includes a belt that cooperates with a track. A biasing member urges the belt into engagement with a corresponding portion of the track to ensure adequate engagement to achieve the desired movement of the door responsive to rotary movement of the belt. In one example, the belt and track include teeth that cooperate such that rotary movement of the belt results in linear movement of the door relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A drive system drives a pulley along a curved track to open and close a sliding vehicle door. The pulley is pivotally mounted to the sliding door to permit the pulley to pivot during traverse of the curved portion of the track. An electric motor driven pulley remotely drives the pulley through a drive belt. In operation, as the pulley pivots during traverse of the curved portion of the track, the drive belt twists. Torque transfer between pulleys is maintained during twisting of the drive belt which thereby permits an uncomplicated yet effective system for driving the sliding door along the curved portion of track. Another drive system transmits torque to pulley through a drive shaft which rotates during traverse of the curved portion of track.

Abstract: A common drive system drives a multiple of drive systems within a sliding vehicle closure member with a single drive motor. A controller selectively connects the selector assembly to either a door drive assembly, a window drive assembly, or a lock module drive assembly through a selector assembly in response to actuation of a particular input. The selector assembly includes a transmission which shifts the drive motor between a multiple of gear trains to drive the particular drive system.

Abstract: A vehicle door lock system comprises a sliding vehicle door, having a door path of travel generally translational to a vehicle frame. A drive unit moves the vehicle door along a door path. A drive component communicates the movement from the drive unit to the vehicle door by moving along a drive component path of travel. A latch is selectively actuated to arrest movement of the drive component and the vehicle door by blocking the drive component path of travel.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A trailer suspension slider is provided that includes a suspension bogey. A trailer is supported on the suspension bogey and is longitudinally movable between a plurality of position relative to the suspension bogey. The trailer includes a stop bar to prevent the bogey from sliding out from underneath the trailer during braking if the pins are disengaged. A locking pin mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the locking mechanism couples the suspension bogey and the trailer in one of the plurality of positions and an unlocked position in which the trailer can move relative to the suspension bogey. The suspension bogey may collide violently with the stop bar when braking from a relatively low speed when the pins are unlocked. To this end, an energy absorption device is supported on either the trailer or the suspension bogey. The energy absorption device collapses in response to the stop bar engaging either the energy absorption device or the suspension bogey.

Abstract: A system for connecting a slider to a trailer frame includes a rotatable locking member having a plurality of teeth that engage with a plurality of openings in the trailer from. The locking member is biased by a rotary biasing in a locked position.