Mechanical Spring And Nonresilient Retarder (e.g., Shock Absorber) Patents (Class 267/195)
- Including flexible strap connector (Class 267/197)
- Having lubricating feature (Class 267/200)
- Elastomeric spring or friction element (Class 267/201)
- Friction surface on helical spring (Class 267/204)
- Including cam or wedge friction element or actuator therefor (Class 267/205)
- Friction surface formed on or biased by additional spring (Class 267/214)
- Coil spring for biasing vehicle parts and friction surfaces (Class 267/216)
-
Patent number: 11772704Abstract: A front vehicle body structure includes a front mounting bracket and a front side upper member that is connected to the front mounting bracket. The front side upper member includes an upper member upper surface that is inclined upward and rearward of the vehicle body. A front flange is formed downward from the upper member upper surface and is connected to the front mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia CorporationInventor: Eonpyo Kim
-
Patent number: 11754139Abstract: In a vehicle suspension, a preload is adjusted by selective engagement of cam surfaces of different heights with a cam receiving part by rotation of an adjuster part, the adjuster part includes a vertical wall part erected in an axial direction of a spring from a spring receiving part and an engaging part with which a tool to rotate the adjuster part is to be engaged, and the engaging part includes a first engaging part formed by a gap between the plurality of vertical wall parts disposed separately from each other in a circumferential direction of the adjuster part and a second engaging part formed by a hole penetrating the vertical wall part.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Masayuki Hiramaru
-
Patent number: 11695315Abstract: Magnetic transmissions and related methods are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic screw comprising an elongate body, a nut selectively magnetically coupled to the magnetic screw, and a potential energy storage system and/or a resistive force component. The nut is configured to be displaced relative to the elongate body in a first direction in response to manipulation of a magnetic field between the magnetic screw and the nut when the nut is magnetically coupled to the magnetic screw. In embodiments including a potential energy storage system, the potential energy storage system may store potential energy when the nut is displaced in the first direction. In embodiments including a resistive force component, the resistive force component may resist motion of the nut in the first direction by applying a resistive force to the nut at least partially in an opposing second direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Martin Culpepper, Marcel Thomas
-
Patent number: 10801577Abstract: In some embodiments, a vibration isolator comprises a housing having a base portion and a wall portion. A plurality of bearings are disposed within the housing. The bearings are arranged in a configuration comprising a plurality of layers. A first layer comprises a bearing and a second layer comprises a plurality of bearings. Each bearing in the second layer contacts the wall portion of the housing. Each bearing comprises a plurality of contact points in contact with another portion of the vibration isolator, and no two contact points of a bearing are diametrically opposed.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Stillpoints LLCInventors: Paul J. Wakeen, Bruce Jacobs, Craig Shirley
-
Patent number: 10414231Abstract: A support of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, is provided with a recess for accommodating a container that is embodied as an air equalization container. The container has connecting points, which are located in a first plane of the container and are designed to connect to the support. The container is designed as a supporting component, and further includes other connecting points in a second plane that is spaced apart from the first plane, the other connecting points being formed for the connection to the support of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ingo Lauer, Gerhard Zeller, Marc Erdmann
-
Patent number: 10370058Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable insert system (R) for a telescopic fork leg (1) of a bicycle, said telescopic fork leg (1) comprising outer and inner legs (1b, a), wherein said removable insert system comprises a piston and piston rod arrangement (6, 8) comprising a piston rod (8) arranged at least partly within a first tube (7), said removable insert system (R)being removably arranged within at least one of said inner legs (1a) such that, when being mounted in said inner leg, the removable insert system is adapted to form a damping system (D) with said inner leg, and wherein said inner leg and said first tube are both acted upon by a flow of medium created by compression and expansion movements of the fork legs, said damping system further comprising medium flow passages (C1, C2) that are parallel in relation to each other, and that run between the upper and lower sides of said piston (6)The invention also relates to a damping cartridge kit (DC) for upgrading a telescopic fork leg of a bicycle,Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: OHLINS RACING ABInventors: Torkel Sintorn, Erik LadufjÀll
-
Patent number: 10155426Abstract: The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles. The vehicle is supported by a hollow cylinder and a piston having an undersized piston skirt is mounted on the suspension system's coil spring, and sealingly slidable within the cylinder bore. When a fluid is introduced into the expandable pressure space between the piston and the cylinder top, the piston and cylinder are forced apart, raising the vehicle. The undersized piston skirt can extend beyond the end of the cylinder, allowing the piston a greater travel length within the cylinder bore. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which can be the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated using a control unit to automatically adjust ground clearance to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: STEALTH INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: Steven David Lee
-
Patent number: 8967630Abstract: The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles that have coil spring suspensions. The invention may be added to existing vehicle suspensions without the need to remove and replace the existing vehicle suspension components. The invention includes cylinders, pistons, seals, dust shields, pressure pump(s) and storage tank(s). It also may optionally include electronic hardware, such as, an electronic controller and software, to control the functions of the system and sensor(s) which detect ground clearance and speed. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which may operate through the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated through an electronic control unit (ECU) to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Stealth Innovative Systems, LLCInventor: Steven David Lee
-
Publication number: 20140217663Abstract: Rotary damper (1) for a motor vehicle, with at least one damping element (2) for damping the relative movement between a first mass disposed on the wheel suspension side and a second mass disposed on the vehicle body side. The damping element (2) has at least one rotatable damper part, which can be set in rotation by a lever element (5) that moves as a result of the motion of the mass and is mechanically coupled to the damping element to permit motion, wherein at least one spring damping element (6) is integrated into the mechanical motion-coupling between the lever element (5) and the rotatable damper part.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Audi AGInventor: Marco Willems
-
Patent number: 8733744Abstract: A multipiece cushioning assembly adapted to be arranged in combination with a shock absorbing apparatus. The multipiece cushioning assembly is disposed between a pair of radial shoulders on first and second members telescoping members of the shock absorbing apparatus arranged in operable combination relative to each other. The radial shoulders on the first and second members limit travel of the shock absorbing apparatus, and with the multipiece cushioning assembly including a plurality of elastomeric bumpers arranged in a generally circular array for absorbing over-travel of the first and second members relative to each other and for readily permitting replacement of the multipiece cushioning assembly while maintaining the first and second members in operable combination relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Miner Elastomer Products CorporationInventors: Ronald W. Kerr, Helen Y. Chen, Richard J. Beranek
-
Patent number: 8701845Abstract: A suspension device (S) comprises: an actuator (A) including a motion conversion mechanism (T) for converting rotational motion of a screw nut (1) to linear motion of a threaded shaft (2), and a motor (M) connected to the screw nut (1); and a fluid pressure damper (D) connected to the threaded shaft (2), wherein the threaded shaft (2) is formed in a cylindrical shape, a connecting shaft (30) for connecting a rod (31) or a cylinder (32) of the fluid pressure damper (D) to the threaded shaft (2) is inserted into the threaded shaft (2), and the connecting shaft (30) is connected to an end, opposite to the fluid pressure damper, of the threaded shaft (2). Accordingly, the connection between the actuator and the hydraulic damper is facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takuhiro Kondo
-
Patent number: 8678361Abstract: A rebound stopper of a strut assembly for a suspension in a vehicle, may include a steel plate combined with a strut and being fitted over an upper end of the strut which has passed into a car body, a rubber plate fitted around an outer circumferential edge of the steel plate, and a mass damper combined with the rubber plate and functioning as a damper by resiliently moving relative to the rubber plate during a rebounding motion of the strut assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventors: Jae Hun Kim, Se Il Kim
-
Publication number: 20140015180Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for damping movement of a first mass relative to a second mass by magnetically generating induced current are provided. A magnet is coupled to one mass and a nonferrous metallic member is coupled to another mass that moves relative to the first mass. First and second springs are coupled to opposing ends of the magnet, the magnet being positioned between the springs. A guide member channels the magnet as it moves relative to the nonferrous member, the magnet being slidable along the guide member. The magnet is in close proximity to the nonferrous metallic member as the magnet moves. Upon causing movement of the magnet by either mass, the magnet generates an electrical current in the nonferrous metallic member that induces a counter magnetic field that opposes the magnetic field generated by the current to damp movement of the magnet as it moves.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Charles F. Pepka
-
Patent number: 8616563Abstract: The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles that have coil spring suspensions. The invention may be added to existing vehicle suspensions without the need to remove and replace the existing vehicle suspension components. The invention includes cylinders, pistons, seals, dust shields, pressure pump(s) and storage tank(s). It also may optionally include electronic hardware, such as, an electronic controller and software, to control the functions of the system and sensor(s) which detect ground clearance and speed. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which may operate through the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated through an electronic control unit (ECU) to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Stealth Innovative Systems, LLCInventor: Steven David Lee
-
Publication number: 20130313766Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a suspension bearing device, comprising at least one rolling bearing, a bottom cup and a top cup made of plastic, each in contact with the rolling bearing, and at least one seal suitable for protecting the rolling bearing from ingress of water or of polluting particles. The method is characterized in that it comprises at least one step of positioning a seal made of thermosetting elastomer on a supporting element made of plastic between the bottom cup and the top cup and, for the or each seal made of thermosetting elastomer, a step of curing this seal on its supporting element. The invention also relates to a suspension bearing device and a strut of a motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Sylvain Bussit, Richard Corbett, Christophe Houdayer, Bruno Montboeuf, Adrien Nerriere, Samuel Viault, Desire Vidot
-
Patent number: 8505942Abstract: A suspension device having a leaf spring and a piston-cylinder unit. The leaf spring has a first end that is movably attached to a frame and a second end pivotally attached to the piston-cylinder unit. In addition, the piston-cylinder unit is pivotally attached to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Todd Rupert Muck
-
Publication number: 20130020748Abstract: A spring damper unit configured for arrangement between a first vehicle part and a second vehicle part of a motor vehicle. The spring damper unit includes a first fastening device for fastening the spring damper unit to the first vehicle part and a second fastening device for fastening the spring damper unit to the second vehicle part. In addition, the spring damper unit includes an elastic element and a vibration damper having two damper parts that move relatively with respect to each other and are arranged between the fastening devices in order to damp relative movements between the vehicle parts and to control a spaced disposition between the vehicle parts. The pre-stressing of the elastic elements are variably adjusted via a first adjusting device and one of the damper parts is adjustable relative to one of the fastening devices via a second adjusting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KGInventors: Matthias Kohlhauser, Hansjörg Pöhler
-
Patent number: 8322500Abstract: A shock absorber housing for a shock absorber of a vehicle comprises a tube, which has a tubular wall, and an attaching element joined onto the tubular wall, the attaching element determining a critical force introduction area of an introduction of a force into the tubular wall, the tube in a longitudinal direction being built up from a first tube section having a first tubular wall and at least a second tube section having a second tubular wall, the first tube section and the second tube section being joined together by their ends facing one another. The first tube section and the second tube section are joined together with a tubular wall overlap of the first and second tubular wall, which overlap extends in a longitudinal direction, the tubular wall overlap being situated in the critical force introduction area of the attaching element.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Progress-Werk Oberkirch AGInventor: Johannes Obrecht
-
Publication number: 20120261868Abstract: A rebound stopper of a strut assembly for a suspension in a vehicle, may include a steel plate combined with a strut and being fitted over an upper end of the strut which has passed into a car body, a rubber plate fitted around an outer circumferential edge of the steel plate, and a mass damper combined with the rubber plate and functioning as a damper by resiliently moving relative to the rubber plate during a rebounding motion of the strut assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicants: Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jae Hun Kim, Se Il Kim
-
Publication number: 20120061893Abstract: A vehicle kinetic energy management system including a first main body having a passive magnetic component movable therewith and a second main body movably attached to the first main body for reciprocal movement there between. The second main body including an active magnetic component movable therewith and magnetically communicating with the passive magnetic component. One of the first and second main bodies being adapted for engagement with a vehicular component that experiences irregularities of a surface on which the vehicle travels, and the other main body engaging a load-bearing portion of the vehicle for which isolation from the vibrations is desired. Interaction of the active and passive magnetic components in response to the relative movement of the first and second main bodies translates between reciprocating kinetic energy associated with the vehicle motion over the surface irregularities and electrical energy associated with the active magnetic component.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: David J. Hochberg, Gregory E. Peterson
-
Patent number: 8044629Abstract: A self-tuning vibration absorber including a carrier rod assembly having operatively connected thereto a mounting mechanism for mounting the carrier rod assembly to a primary system and a hollow shafted motorized tuning mechanism for tuning a phase difference between vibration of the primary system and vibration of the carrier rod assembly to 90 degrees, the carrier rod assembly further including a detecting mechanism for detecting the vibration of the primary system and the vibration of the carrier rod assembly, and a controller in electrical connection with the detecting mechanism and the tuning means for controlling the tuning mechanism based on the vibration of the primary system and the vibration of the carrier rod assembly detected. A method of vibration dampening, a method of controlling a self-tuning vibration absorber, and a method of reducing hunting motion in railcars.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Northern Illinois UniversityInventor: Behrooz Fallahi
-
Patent number: 8041479Abstract: A suspension system including: (a) a suspension spring; (b) a shock absorber; and (c) a generator for generating a displacement force forcing sprung and unsprung members of a vehicle to be displaced toward or away from each other. The generator includes (c-1) an elastic body connected one of the sprung and unsprung members and (c-2) an actuator disposed between the elastic body and the other of the sprung and unsprung members. The actuator includes a motor, and is operable to generate an actuator force based on a motor force generated by the motor, such that the generated actuator force acts on the elastic body and such that the generated actuator force is transmitted to the sprung and unsprung members via the elastic body so as to act as the displacement force. The suspension system further includes (d) a controller for controlling operation of the motor so as to control the displacement force.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shuuichi Buma
-
Publication number: 20110148066Abstract: A vehicle suspension, steering, damping and anti-roll system for a wheeled vehicle. Unlike most previous vehicle suspension and steering systems, this invention uses a rod-in-sleeve design for the front and rear suspension assemblies to allow vertical linear wheel knuckle movement of the wheels. This invention is unusual by using a cable-operated steering system and also by using cables to transfer cable tension from upward wheel movement to remote spring/shock absorber assemblies. Also unique is the use of a spring/shock absorber assembly arrangement that provides both suspension and anti-roll effects for a pair of right and left wheels in the same unit. The rear suspension proposed shares some similarities to the front suspension and consists of a dual rod-in-sleeve design with cables that transfer forces from road bumps to a remote spring assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventor: William James Beaujon
-
Publication number: 20110057369Abstract: A plastic spring having a corrugated tubular body with connection surfaces at its ends for transmitting force between two structural component parts which are movable relative to one another. A connection surface of the plastic spring is constructed as a tubular body which engages in a cup element of one of the supporting structural component parts. The cup element can be filled with a displacement mass, and the tubular body accordingly carries out a displacing movement within the cup element for axially adjusting the preloading of the plastic spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicants: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Leichtbau-Zentrum Sachsen GmbHInventors: Hendrik MARQUAR, Manfred SCHULER, Josef RENN, Klaus STRETZ, Karin SUNDERMANN, Michael ZUTZMANN, Werner HUFENBACH, Martin LEPPER, Jens WERNER, Christian KÃHLER
-
Publication number: 20100230877Abstract: An impact bumper assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a first member, and a second member coupled to the first member and configured for relative motion therewith. The assembly also comprises a resilient bumper coupled to the first member and interposed between the first and second members, wherein the resilient bumper has an annular wall having a plurality of openings therethrough, and wherein the resilient bumper is configured to deform axially without substantial radial deformation when compressed between the first and second members.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: JOSEPH A. SCHUDT, DARYL R. POIRIER, RAVINDRA P. PATIL, ROBERT L. GEISLER
-
Publication number: 20100213655Abstract: A protective pipe for a piston-cylinder unit comprises a pipe body having at one end a bottleneck-shaped base which is axially and radially supported at least indirectly at a piston rod of the piston-cylinder unit. A surface region of the bottleneck-shaped base has an accumulation of material which increases radially inward starting from its outer edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: GÃŒnther Handke, Alexander Miller
-
Publication number: 20100207309Abstract: The present disclosure relates a regenerative damping apparatus for a vehicle utilizing an electric generator. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a separate regenerative damping apparatus for a vehicle in which a motion due to the vibration and/or the shock generated while the vehicle is driven is converted into a rotational motion, so as to provide a regenerative damping apparatus for the vehicle in which an electric generator is allowed to regenerate the energy which would be lost, thereby capable of reducing the noise to be generated and maintaining the driving comfort of the vehicle and/or the damping performance due to its shock absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Kyu Shik PARK
-
Patent number: 7731165Abstract: A hood support for a vehicle having a hood moveable between open and closed positions is provided. The hood support includes a spring assembly disposable between the vehicle hood and another portion of the vehicle. The spring assembly is moveable into an extended position to accommodate movement of the hood into the open position and moveable into a compressed position to accommodate movement of the hood into the closed position. The hood support further includes a lock tube surrounding a portion of the spring assembly and moveable relative to the spring assembly. The lock tube is selectively actuatable between a locked position, wherein the lock tube secures the spring assembly in the extended position, and an unlocked position, wherein the spring assembly is permitted to be displaced into the compressed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: PACCAR IncInventor: Leo M. Schmidt
-
Patent number: 7599779Abstract: In an acceleration estimation device for estimating acceleration of a vehicle, a Karman filter for constant speed estimates x-direction acceleration offset and z-direction acceleration offset when a motorcycle is stopped and is traveling at a constant speed. An offset corrector corrects an x-direction acceleration and a z-direction acceleration on the basis of an x-direction acceleration offset estimated value and a z-direction acceleration offset estimated value when the motorcycle is accelerated and decelerated. A Karman filter for acceleration/deceleration estimates the pitch angle of a vehicle body on the basis of a wheel speed and the corrected x-direction acceleration and z-direction acceleration when the motorcycle is accelerated and decelerated. An acceleration corrector obtains an X-direction acceleration and a Z-direction acceleration on the basis of the estimated pitch angle and the corrected x-direction acceleration and z-direction acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroto Watanabe, Yoshinobu Nishiike, Yoshitaka Nishiike, legal representative
-
Publication number: 20090230650Abstract: A modular suspension system for automobiles and trucks. The present invention relates to a suspension system which is both modular in design and specifically manufactured for high performance wheeled vehicles. This system has multiple modular parts which enable the system to function in various makes and models of vehicles. The modular aspects of this system also enable the cradle to be removable so that the engine and transmission of the vehicle can be easily reached. The modular aspects also allow this system to be set-up with a traditional shock configuration or with a rocker set-up shock system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: JULIO WERNER MAYEN, Terry Curtis Buch
-
Publication number: 20090200721Abstract: A band spring including fiber composite material and extending in an undulating way, wherein a spring band can be provided to meander in the form of one single wave train composed of reversal regions and intermediate portions around a longitudinal center line L which can substantially correspond to the direction of force introduction K, and wherein, there can be provided an increased resistance moment of the spring band in the reversal regions of the wave train.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Vladimir Kobelev, Karsten Westerhoff, Jorg Neubrand, Robert Brandt, Jorg Dieter Brecht
-
Publication number: 20090127759Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle includes a mounting base and a striking base spaced from each other and moveable relative to each other along an arced line of motion. An insulator is coupled to and extends from the mounting base. The insulator is formed of an elastomeric material for compression between the mounting base and the striking base when the striking base contacts the insulator during movement of the mounting base and the striking base relative to each other. The insulator is compressed along the arced line of motion between the mounting base and the striking base. The insulator includes an impact portion extending at an acute angle relative to the base plane for distributing compressive forces within the insulator as the insulator is compressed along the arced line of motion. The distribution of the compressive forces within the insulator increases the durability and reliability of the insulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventor: Daniel G. Dickson
-
Patent number: 7530588Abstract: Mounting assembly for a vibration damper, comprising at least one aligning surface on the vibration damper side, which is in working connection with an opposing surface on the vehicle side at least during the installation of the vibration damper in a receiving opening in the vehicle. The at least one aligning surface and the opposing surface rotationally align the mounting side with the vehicle side. The aligning surface is arranged on a mounting cap with torque-transmitting element, and with at least one axial support surface for cooperation with the opposing surface on the vehicle side. The mounting cap prevents the vibration damper from falling out of the mounting assembly through the use of a carrier on the mounting side, to which the vibration damper is attached, this carrier having a retaining element in the form of a tongue which engages an opening in the mounting cap.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Thomas Pflaum, Claudius Freisinger, Andreas Zietsch
-
Patent number: 7527849Abstract: A honeycomb shock absorbing unit or assembly formed from a honeycomb panel. In one embodiment, the shock absorber unit includes a cylindrical member formed of a folded or rolled honeycomb panel, and a flange formed by bonding the opposing ends of the honeycomb panel seamed together. In a shock absorbing system, the flange of the honeycomb shock absorbing unit can be connected to another structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Supracor, Inc.Inventor: Curtis L. Landi
-
Publication number: 20090085266Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a strut assembly of a strut suspension system, which includes a shock absorber fixed to a vehicle body panel by a fixing member, provides multiple functions to an integrated insulator that surrounds a cylinder rod of shock absorber. That is, the elastic damping mass serves as an elastic mounting bush, and serves as a spring pad and a spring seat that support a spring surrounding to shock absorber by using a damping mass. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a characteristic of strut assembly that does not include various parts such as a washer, a bush, a spring pad, and a spring seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: Sangrak Kim
-
Publication number: 20090014931Abstract: The invention relates to a strut for a motor vehicle with an axially adjustable spring plate comprising a vibration damper with a cylinder and a piston rod, a support spring which is dynamically connected to the spring plate, a ring electric motor with a rotor and a stator, a ball screw with a threaded spindle which is pivoted on the piston rod, and a threaded nut for translational motion of the spring plate, and a bearing arrangement for fixing the strut on the vehicle body, the bearing arrangement having spherical bearing surfaces which allow at least a pivoting motion of the strut to the vehicle body. The invention is characterized in that in the region of the bearing arrangement the vehicle body is dynamically connected to the strut by way of a radially-stiff and rotationally-stiff component which is axially and cardanically soft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventor: Wilfried MICHEL
-
Publication number: 20080224370Abstract: A latching rack damper assembly configured to dampen movement between two structures includes a rack and a damper housing. The rack includes a toothed track and an integrally formed first latching member. The damper housing is movably secured to the rack and includes a second latching member configured to securely latch to the first latching member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: CALVIN DERR
-
Publication number: 20080197552Abstract: A strut top mount is optimized to provide a resilient response to jounce and rebound load rates that is symmetrical and linear over a predetermined range of travel. An annular tower is formed of the body structure. A central bracket has adhered thereto an outer resilient element that abuts the tower, and has adhered oppositely thereto an inner resilient element. A bearing is supported by the central bracket, and a spring seat is supported by the bearing. A sleeve is received by a strut shaft and adhered to the inner resilient element A lower washer abuts a lower end of the inner resilient element. An upper washer abuts an upper end of the inner resilient element. A retention washer is mounted onto the strut shaft, wherein a periphery thereof has a retention washer resilient element. The components are collectively tuned to provide the optimization.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Paul A. Winocur
-
Publication number: 20080191400Abstract: A spring formed with an abnormal-shape cross section (a non-circular cross section) specially used as a vehicle shock absorber is a string whose cross section is shaped rectangular, trapezoidal, single-edge arced or oval. Compared with a spring formed with a circular-shape cross section, the spring formed with one of foresaid abnormal-shape cross sections has some or all of the following functions: The stroke can be increased under the condition of a same free height; it can be prevented from broken after its load area is enlarged; it can reduce weight under the condition of a same stroke; it can enhance resistance to huge outer stress and thus prolong its service life and it can be received and positioned in a very small space.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Ching-Liaug Liu
-
Patent number: 7387181Abstract: A strut assembly having first and second mounting members extending from opposite ends of the housing for mounting the strut assembly to a hood assembly. A locking member is connected to the housing and slides into locking engagement with the rod member. Restraining members are secured to the mounting members to prevent unwanted travel of the hood assembly beyond a fully opened position.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Associated Spring RaymondInventors: Jack W. Adoline, Mark R. Thomas, Phillip A. McConnell, Thomas J. Fischer
-
Publication number: 20080093786Abstract: The invention solves the problem of designing and manufacturing springs made of elastic materials, particularly steel springs, with prescribed characteristic (dependence of flex on external load) given by a smooth (i.e. differentiable) non-linear function. The method according to the invention consists in forming an elastic body with suitably shaped regions of diversified stiffness and (possibly) diversified initial internal stresses (this suitable shape of the regions lies at the hart of the invention and is covered by separate patent claims).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Wieslaw Julian Oledzki
-
Publication number: 20080054540Abstract: A suspension system including: (a) a suspension spring; (b) a shock absorber; and (c) a generator for generating a displacement force forcing sprung and unsprung members of a vehicle to be displaced toward or away from each other. The generator includes (c-1) an elastic body connected one of the sprung and unsprung members and (c-2) an actuator disposed between the elastic body and the other of the sprung and unsprung members. The actuator includes a motor, and is operable to generate an actuator force based on a motor force generated by the motor, such that the generated actuator force acts on the elastic body and such that the generated actuator force is transmitted to the sprung and unsprung members via the elastic body so as to act as the displacement force. The suspension system further includes (d) a controller for controlling operation of the motor so as to control the displacement force.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shuuichi BUMA
-
Publication number: 20080018034Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing rod for bicycle saddles, which essentially consists of an outer tube and an interior tube, wherein the interior tube is inserted into the outer tube. There is hydraulic oil poured on the outer and interior tubes. Furthermore, a resilient body is arranged in the interior tube to support the piston rod connected to a saddle. Accordingly, the user can feel comfortable, even when he/she rides on an uneven road surface, since the shock-absorbing rod can effectively absorb shocks and vibrations resulting from uneven road surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventor: Kuo-Hua Huang
-
Publication number: 20070278726Abstract: A strut type shock absorber (1) comprises an outer shell (2) and a knuckle bracket (3). A curved portion (4) of the knuckle bracket (3) positioned in close contact with the outer shell (2) comprises a reinforcing flange (7) formed by bending a part of an axial end of the curved portion (4) outward and a no-flange portion (6), both of which are welded onto the outer shell (2). By setting an axial distance (H) from an inflection start point to an inflection end point of the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing flange (7) to be equal to an axial distance from the inflection start point to the no-flange portion (6), and by forming an insulation portion (9) between the reinforcing flange (7) and the no-flange portion (6), an effectual welding operation and the prevention of molten metal from flowing over the reinforcing flange (7) during welding are realized.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Takao Nagasawa, Masaru Fukushima, Masahiro Miwa, Taku Sakashita
-
Patent number: 7270321Abstract: A fluid-elastomeric damper assembly operable for damping relative motion between a first structure and a second structure including a housing structure grounded to the first structure and a plurality of elastomer seals coupled to the housing structure, the housing structure and the plurality of elastomer seals defining a fluid-elastomeric chamber operable for containing a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly also including one or more piston structures disposed within the housing structure and the fluid-elastomeric chamber, the one or more piston structures grounded to the first structure and driven by the second structure, and the one or more piston structures each including a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber in communication via an orifice, the first substantially fluid-filled chamber and the second substantially fluid-filled chamber also in communication with the fluid-elastomeric chamber through a fluid backfiller.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Lord CorporationInventor: Donald D. Russell
-
Patent number: 7261286Abstract: A lift spring assembly has a compression spring rod with a housing having a longitudinal axis and axially opposite ends, and having a rod member coaxial with the axis and having an inner end in the housing and an outer end axially outwardly of one of the opposite ends. A guide member is provided on the inner end of the rod member for supporting the rod member during movement of the rod member. A first stage spring assembly extends between one of the opposite ends of the housing and the guide member. A second stage spring assembly extends between the other of the opposite ends of the housing and the guide member. A mounting member extending from one of the opposite ends of the housing for mounting the spring rod assembly to a hood assembly. A locking member is pivotally connected to the mounting member and pivots into locking engagement with one of the ends of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.Inventors: Phillip A. McConnell, Jack W. Adoline
-
Publication number: 20070194509Abstract: A shock absorbing device may include a first stem having an inner surface extending along a longitudinal axis, and a second stem configured to receive a portion of the first stem. The shock absorbing device may also include a guide member having an outer surface configured to prevent the first stem from rotating relative to the guide member. The shock absorbing device may further include a shock absorbing structure disposed between the first stem and the second stem. The shock absorbing device may further include a bearing device configured to rotatably guide movement of the first stem relative to the second stem along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first stem and prevent radial sway between the first and second stems.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Inventor: Johnson Yih
-
Patent number: 7234664Abstract: A draw spring linkage includes a hollow rod formed with a shoulder structure at the first end of the rod and with a slot that extends longitudinally of the rod and is located between the shoulder structure and the second end of the hollow rod. A tongue member includes an attachment portion and a stem that projects from the attachment portion. The stem fits slidingly in the interior space of the hollow rod and is formed with a slot that is aligned with the slot in the hollow rod. A key extends through the slot in the tongue member and the slot in the hollow rod and projects laterally from the hollow rod. A hollow cylindrical spring is threaded by the hollow rod. The first end of the spring engages the shoulder structure, the second end of the spring engages the key, and the spring is held under compression between the shoulder structure and the key.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventor: Brent W. Anderson
-
Patent number: 7175167Abstract: An elastomeric suspension spring (14) usable for bearing the load of a motor vehicle, which exhibits both reduced creep and improved endurance in torsion and a suspension joint comprising this spring consists of a cross-linked rubber composition based on (phr: parts by weight per hundred parts of diene elastomer(s)): natural rubber in a quantity equal to or greater than 60 phr, a filler, and a sulfur cross-linking system comprising at least one cross-linking accelerator, and is such that said filler comprises, in a mass fraction greater than 55%: a carbon black, whose grade varies from 600 to 900, said composition comprising in this case a total quantity of filler of from 10 to 60 phr, or an inert white filler, said composition comprising in this case a total quantity of filler of from 10 to 30 phr, the cross-linking system comprising 0.7 to 1.2 phr of sulfur and being such that the mass ratio of sulfur to cross-linking accelerator(s) varies from 0.15 to 2.70.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Patrick Pennequin, Yolanda Yague
-
Patent number: 6978985Abstract: A non-sectional locking buffer device. The device utilizes a screw ascending and descending principle as a buffering function, wherein ball bearings or outer screw grooves are configured on a central shaft of the buffer device to operate in coordination with inner screw grooves or ball bearings configured on an inner wall of a buffer chamber. The inner and outer screw mechanisms rely on slippage of the ball bearings in the screw grooves, to reduce a jolting force from repositioning or returning of an upright support, thereby reducing buffer malfunction.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Pro-Glory Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ching-Yung Lung, Yun-Chin Su