Abstract: A method of automatically applying damping force interventions for dynamic weight balancing in a suspension system of a vehicle may include receiving ride height information associated with respective individual wheels of the vehicle and vehicle attitude information from vehicle sensors, determining, based on the ride height information and the vehicle attitude information, whether a trigger event has occurred, and generating a first damping intervention signal to change a damping force applied by a first selected adjustable damper responsive to determining that the trigger event has occurred. The first selected damper may be one of a plurality of adjustable dampers associated with respective ones of the individual wheels of the vehicle. The first selected adjustable damper may be associated with only one of a pair of rear wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A subframe (100) includes a base member (110) and a first member (121). The base member (110) is a channel-shaped member that includes a base surface portion (111) and two wall portions (112) on both sides of the base surface portion (111) in a vehicle length direction and is open on its lower side in a vehicle height direction. The first member (121) includes a bottom wall portion (121g), a top wall portion (121t), and a side wall portion (121s). The bottom wall portion (121g) and the top wall portion (121t) are disposed in the same direction as the base surface portion (111). The top wall portion (121t) is overlapped on and joined to the base surface portion (111). The wall portions (112) and the bottom wall portion (121g) form the channel shape. The side wall portion (121s) is a wall that blocks a vehicle width direction between the bottom wall portion (121g) and the top wall portion (121t).

Abstract: An aerodynamics control system for a vehicle may include a dive plane assembly operably coupled to a front portion of a vehicle body, an actuator assembly operable to transition the dive plane assembly between a deployed state and a retracted state, and a controller operably coupled to the actuator to provide automatic control of the dive plane assembly via the actuator based on a selectable control mode. The selectable control mode defines a position of the dive plane assembly based on vehicle parameters measured while driving the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle corner modules (VCMs) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform, for regulating motion of a vehicle. When a wheel is mounted on a wheel-hub assembly of the VCM, a vehicle-connection interface of the VCM is disposed within a cylindrical footprint of the wheel. At least one of the at least one subsystem of the VCM is accommodated between the wheel-hub assembly and the vehicle-connection interface. Vehicle platforms are connectable to the VCMs. The connection of the vehicle platform to the VCM may include connection of subsystems of the VCM to electronic or flow subsystems mounted on the vehicle platform by connection of two portions of a multi-interface connection-element.

Abstract: A steering shock absorbing structure for an in-wheel motor includes: a steering input unit configured to detect a steering angle of a steering wheel; a steering unit fastened to the steering input unit, and configured to steer a wheel according to the steering angle of the steering input unit; a tilting unit having a first end connected to the steering unit and a second end connected to the wheel, and configured to be tilted with respect to the steering unit; and a controller configured to selectively drive the tilting unit.

Abstract: Provided is a turning function-equipped having a reduced size and having improved strength to an external shock force and improved reliability. The turning function-equipped hub unit includes: a hub unit main body; a unit support member; and a turning actuator. The unit support member is provided to a chassis frame component. The unit support member includes an abutment part with which a part of the hub unit main body is brought into abutment in a vertical direction during non-normal time, the abutment part being separated from the hub unit main body in the vertical direction during normal time, and the non-normal time in which the abutment is caused, is a time when an impact load equal to or greater than a predetermined value acts on the hub unit main body in the vertical direction due to an external force from the wheel.

Abstract: A suspension arm assembly for supporting at least a section of a recreational vehicle, such as a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle front end, above a support surface is described. The suspension arm assembly has at least one segmented suspension arm formed by an upper arm section, a lower arm section and an intermediate arm section. The intermediate arm section is interconnected between the upper and lower arm sections by detachable end connectors. The intermediate arm section when impacted by objects in its pathway, when the vehicle is in motion and when damaged by an impact force of a strength overcoming its resistance strength, will deform or break. The intermediate arm can then be easily detached from the detachable end connectors for replacement by a further intermediate arm section and thereby permitting on site repair of the suspension arm assembly.

Abstract: A system for sensing the angular position of a caster wheel includes a sensor mounted on a bearing which supports a shaft aligned with the rotational axis of the caster. A target on the shaft is detected by the sensor which generates signals indicative of the presence or absence of the target. The position of the target is coordinated with the position of the caster wheel such that the signals are indicative of the angular position of the caster wheel. The target may be a groove extending partially around the shaft and a remaining ungrooved portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A suspension arm includes a ball stud including a spherical ball; a bearing in which the ball is accommodated; a housing having an inner peripheral portion, an outer peripheral portion, and a lower end portion that connects a lower end of the inner peripheral portion and a lower end of the outer peripheral portion, and configured to accommodate the ball and the bearing in a state in which the ball and the bearing are spaced apart from the inner peripheral portion; an arm body coupled to a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the housing; and an insert molding part formed on an outer peripheral portion of the bearing, the inner peripheral portion of the housing, and the lower end portion of the housing to couple the bearing with the housing. A convex-concave portion is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the housing along a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A front fork includes a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber disposed respectively on both sides of a vehicle wheel. The first shock absorber includes a set of tubes configured to slide relative to each other; damping force generation parts configured to generate a damping force in accordance with the sliding of the tubes; and a spring configured to urge the set of tubes in a stretching direction. The second shock absorber includes a set of tubes configured to slide relative to each other; and a coil spring configured to urge the set of tubes in the stretching direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hybrid suspension arm for a vehicle, having excellent durability. A hybrid suspension arm for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a suspension arm body which is made of metal material and comprises a top plate part and two sidewall parts extending downward from the top plate part to be open downward; and an insert molding which is made of plastic material and is formed by being insert-molded in the suspension arm body, wherein a thickness of at least a portion in the portion of the insert molding that comes in contact with the top plate part and the sidewall parts is in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes independent suspension systems or members, as well as wheeled skid steer loaders or other power machines including the same, that couple each wheel to a machine frame using a four-bar linkage, with the four bars including the frame of the machine, an upper control arm, a lower control arm, and a wheel carrier link. Each control arm is pivotally attached to both the machine frame and one end of the wheel carrier link. The four pivots between the control arms and the wheel carrier link are configured to all be contained within cylinder defined by the outer diameter of the wheel rim, allowing for a compact structure with the wheel carrier link and at least part of the control arms being positioned within this volume when the loader is in a resting position.

Abstract: Provided is a tilting device and method for a vehicle and the vehicle. The tilting device for the vehicle includes a main frame, a steering mechanism disposed on the main frame, a detent mechanism that is disposed on the main frame and the steering mechanism and that is configured to control a tilt angle of the vehicle where the tilt angle is an angle between the vehicle and a first plane, and a control mechanism that is disposed on the vehicle and electrically connected to the detent mechanism and that is configured to control the tilt angle by controlling the detent mechanism.

Abstract: A control arm includes a pair of mounting portions provided separately from each other and a main body portion extending in a X-direction and connecting the pair of mounting portions. At a cross-section perpendicular to the X-direction at a position along the X-direction, the main body portion includes: a first V-shaped member having a first apex and opening from the first apex in a V-shape toward one side in a Y-direction, and a second V-shaped member having a second apex and opening from the second apex in a V-shape toward the other side in the Y-direction. At the cross-section, the first apex and the second apex are joined. At a cross-section perpendicular to the X-direction at the center position of the main body portion in the X-direction, an opening angle of the first V-shaped member and an opening angle of the second V-shaped member are each no more than 150°.

Abstract: A suspension interconnection assembly for a vehicle adapted to move along a surface of the ground includes an axle housing and a spring seat. The spring seat includes a pocket defined by a U-shaped saddle having a bottom wall that extends between a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs include claw portions that are adapted to engage an upper portion of the axle housing. Welds secure the first and second claw portions to the axle housing so that areas of the axle housing adjacent the welds are in a state of residual tensile stress based on forming. The position of the welds provides a stress cancelling effect upon application of the load to the axle housing in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A twist axle assembly (20) of a vehicle includes a pair of trailing arms (22) and a twist beam (24) having a base portion (46) extending along an axis (A) between first and second twist beam ends (42, 44). The twist beam (24) includes a pair of side walls (48) extending downwardly from the base portion (46) and each disposed in spaced relationship with the trailing arms (22). At least one mounting bracket (54) extends from a first mounting bracket end (56) disposed in abutting relationship with a respective trailing arm (22) to a second mounting bracket end (58) disposed in overlaying relationship the side walls (48) of the twist beam (24) for allowing the mounting bracket to axially slip or slide along the side walls (48) of the twist beam (24) and provide for lateral or axial adjustment of the twist axle assembly (20) during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Arrangements (e.g., method, apparatus, computer-readable non-transitory media embodying a program) for compensating for understeer or oversteer behavior in a vehicle having a fully active suspension, including: determining whether an understeer or oversteer condition exists; determining a compensation torque needed to correct the understeer or oversteer condition; and generating the compensation torque by using the fully active suspension to shift tire loads between tires.

Abstract: An active vehicle ground effect system having at least one guiding piece coupled to an undercarriage of a vehicle, where the at least one guiding piece has a configuration to guide an airflow between the undercarriage of the vehicle and a ground while the vehicle is moving. The active vehicle ground effect system has an actuator coupled to the at least one guiding piece. The system has a controller configured to activate the at least one guiding piece from a first position to a second position when an activating condition is met. When a deactivating condition is met, the controller deactivates the at least one guiding piece by moving the at least one guiding piece from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A system for suspending a cab frame relative to a base component of a work vehicle may generally include a sensor assembly coupled between the cab frame and the base component. The sensor assembly may include a sensor coupled to the cab frame and a sensor arm configured to pivot relative to the sensor. The sensor assembly may also include a sensor linkage extending lengthwise between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the sensor linkage may be coupled to the sensor arm. Additionally, the second end portion of the sensor linkage may be coupled to the base component such that the second end portion is rotatable relative to the base component about at least two different axes.

Abstract: A resisting force change mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion configured to change a resisting force against relative displacement. The first portion is supported on any one of a first side member, a second side member, a first cross member, and a second cross member of a link mechanism where at least a portion thereof is superposed on one member at all times. The first portion is aligned with the one member and a steering shaft at the front. The second portion is supported on any other one of the body frame, the first side member, the second side member, the first cross member, and the second cross member that is displaced relative to the one member on which the first portion is supported. The second portion is located at a position where at least a portion thereof is superposed on the other member at all times.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator includes an energy recuperation device which harvests the energy generated from the stroking of a shock absorber. The energy recuperation device can function in a passive energy recovery mode for the shock absorber to store recovered energy as fluid pressure or it can be converted to another form of energy such as electrical energy.

Abstract: A modular axle concept for a motor vehicle with electric drive includes a structure that supports the bodywork of the motor vehicle. The structure has an integration point or preferably a connection point, in each instance, for attachment of a coupling module, in each instance, for each wheel of the front axle and/or rear axle that can be driven electrically. The module can be connected with the electrically drivable wheel, particularly with its wheel mount.

Abstract: An Independent Front Suspension (IFS) assembly having a single lower control arm having an inboard end pivotally secured to a chassis support structure, an air spring supported by an air spring seat relative to the lower control arm, a strut having an upper end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure and a lower end coupled to the lower control arm outboard end, and a steering knuckle fixed to the strut lower end, the steering knuckle disposed below the lower air spring seat and whose rotative movement about the strut axis is unconfined by proximity between the steering knuckle and the lower air spring seat, whereby available wheel cut is maximized. Also an IFS module including right and left side IFS assemblies and adapted for installation into a vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting unit for a sub-frame for fastening the sub-frame to a side member of a vehicle body may include a pipe nut installed to be inserted into a through-hole above a mounting portion of the side member, a sub-frame bracket fixed under the side member to correspond to the pipe nut and including a fastening hole to which a lower end portion of the pipe nut may be fastened, and a reinforcing bracket fixed to an inner side of the side member and fixing an upper end portion of the pipe nut.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a stop element supported on a first support portion which is provided on any one of a link mechanism, a body frame, a right shock absorbing device, and a left shock absorbing device at a first end portion thereof so as to turn about a support axis of the first support portion, a lock caliper supported on a second support portion which is displaced relative to the first support portion and which is provided on any one of the link mechanism, the body frame, the right shock absorbing device, and the left shock absorbing device and which is configured to change a frictional force with the stop element, and a guide member which guides a middle portion or a second end portion of the extended member to the lock caliper.

Abstract: The invention relates to an axle fixation, an axle plate (5), and an axle link (2) for a sprung vehicle axle. The components of the axle fixation are a preferably tubular axle body (1), an axle link (2) which crosses the upper face and lower face of the axle body, the axle plate (5) which is arranged in the crossing region between the axle body (1) and the axle link (2), and traction elements for pulling the axle body (1) and the axle link (2) against each other, thereby deforming the axle plate (5).

Abstract: An automatic control shock absorber system for a bicycle is provided. The system includes one or more sensors. A controller outputs a control signal to a damping adjuster according to the one or more sensors, such that the damping adjuster controls level of damping force based on the sensors.

Abstract: A vehicle front suspension includes a suspension support structure, a transverse link, a front link breakaway structure and a rear link breakaway structure. The transverse link has an inboard side with a front connection structure connecting a front end of the transverse link to the suspension support at a first location and a rear connection structure pivotally connecting a rear end of the transverse link to the suspension support at a second location that is spaced rearwardly of the first location. The front link breakaway structure is configured to release the front end of the transverse link from the suspension support upon application of a prescribed rearward directed force on the vehicle front suspension outboard of the suspension support structure. The rear link breakaway structure is configured to release the rear connection structure of the transverse link from the suspension support upon rearward rotation of the transverse link about the rear connection structure.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface.

Abstract: A wheel 4 mounted on a vehicle body 2 by a suspension arm 6 can be retained in a raised position by a retaining mechanism 10. The retaining mechanism 10 comprises a latching element 12 which can be disposed in a deployed position by a control element 14. When the control element 14 is moved to a position corresponding to the deployed position of the latching element 12, the latching element 12 is resiliently displaceable towards the vehicle body 2, to allow the suspension arm 6 to rise, for example when the wheel 4 is driven over an obstacle. The latching element 12 can then move to the deployed position to prevent lowering of the arm 6, so retaining the wheel 4 in the raised position. All wheels of the vehicle may be moved to the raised position, so as to reduce the ride height of the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable wheel fairing device for decreasing the aerodynamic drag and/or increasing downforce of a vehicle is described. The device includes a fairing body with a suspension-mounted support system such that the fairing body, when deployed, reciprocates up and downwardly with the corresponding wheel of the vehicle. The suspension-mounted support system is adapted to functionally or physically disengage the wheel fairing device from the suspension of the vehicle upon lifting of the wheel fairing device with a separate retraction system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an axle mount for utility vehicles, comprising a carrier unit and a protective unit, wherein the carrier unit has a first fastening region for the fixing of a utility vehicle axle thereto and has, arranged adjacent to said fastening region, a receiving region for receiving chassis systems, and wherein the protective unit is arranged on the carrier unit such that the receiving region is enclosed transversely with respect to an axial direction by the carrier unit and by the protective unit, in such a way that the ingress of foreign bodies into the receiving region is prevented.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (10) includes a vehicle body frame (11), a drive shaft (23) in the form of a constant velocity ball joint, and a lower arm (33) extending laterally of the vehicle. The drive shaft extends substantially parallel with the lower arm and includes an intermediate shaft (101) and a bearing portion (102) mounted to a vehicle-body-side end of the intermediate shaft. The bearing portion (102) is disposed to be positioned substantially on a vertical line passing over a vehicle-body-side connection portion (33a) of the lower arm.

Abstract: A lightweight automobile suspension part having high strength is an aluminum alloy automobile suspension part having a through-hole, which has a yield strength of a normal section as a region where a crystal grain is not coarsened being 270 MPa or larger, and a minimum length between a rib end as a predetermined region on a side of the through-hole in a rib and a through-hole end as a predetermined region on a side of the through-hole in a web is 6 mm or larger.

Abstract: A vehicle and a suspension system, for stabilizing vehicle disposition by lowering the center of gravity, and improving stability control performance are provided. The vehicle includes a body, at least one arm, a bottom unit, which may be a wheel, coupled to one end of an arm of the at least one arm, and a suspension system having a spring disposed to generate a counter moment in a direction that offsets an impact moment applied to the arm that is subjected to an impact.

Abstract: A method of assembling a frame and suspension module includes determining locations of first and second suspension member supports on the frame. Target positions of first and second connections between the frame and third and fourth suspension members are defined based on the locations of the first and second suspension member supports. Target positions of third and fourth connections between a fifth suspension member and the first and second suspension members are defined based on the locations and the target positions of the first and second connections. The first and second suspension members are connected to the frame at the locations. The third and fourth suspension members are connected to the frame at the first and second target positions. The fifth suspension member is connected to the first and second suspension members at the third and fourth target positions.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for a vehicle having an onboard diagnostics connector and a connector interface connected to the onboard connector includes at least one external controller adapted for unfastenable connection to the connector interface; and at least one operator control connected to said at least one external controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring seat for a mechanical spring axle/suspension system that includes continuous window welds and facilitates the use of a thin-wall axle, thereby saving weight and cost. The seat secures at least one mechanical spring of the axle/suspension system to an axle of the axle/suspension system. The spring seat comprises at least one body configured to seat on the axle, and the body forms at least one window when disposed on the axle. The body is rigidly attached to the axle by a continuous weld formed in the window. The spring seat is free of a line weld between the body and the axle.

Abstract: A method of producing a modular independent suspension having portal wheel ends is disclosed herein. The method includes, but is not limited to, assembling a first flank component and a second flank component to opposite sides of a sub-frame configured to receive a carrier. The method further includes assembling a first upper control arm and a first lower control arm to the first flank component. The method further includes assembling a second upper control arm and a second lower control arm to the second flank component. The method further includes assembling a first portal wheel end to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm. The method still further includes assembling a second portal wheel end to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.

Abstract: A vehicle front suspension includes a lower suspension support structure, a transverse link, a steering knuckle and a lower knuckle breakaway structure. The transverse link has an inboard side and an outboard side, with the inboard side being attached to the lower suspension support structure. The steering knuckle is pivotally coupled to the outboard side of the transverse link. The lower knuckle breakaway structure is formed on one of the transverse link and the steering knuckle to release the steering knuckle from the transverse link upon application of a prescribed rearward directed force on the vehicle front suspension outboard of the lower suspension support structure.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a plurality of vehicle wheels that are or can be mounted on the vehicle body by means of wheel suspensions. A wheel has at least one suspension arm that connects a vehicle wheel to a vehicle body and is pivotable about an axis, and at least one rotation damper having at least one damper element for damping the relative movement between a first mass arranged on the wheel suspension and a second mass arranged on the vehicle body. The rotation damper is integrated directly into the mounting of the suspension arm, wherein pivoting movements of the suspension arm induced by the mass movement can be transferred to a rotatable damper part of the damper element which is motion-coupled to the connecting element.

Abstract: A golf cart includes a frame, an adjuster, and a pair of suspension assemblies that reduce changes in camber angles in a pair of wheels caused by an adjustment of a ground clearance. The adjuster includes a pair of first adjusting portions and a pair of second adjusting portions. Each of the first adjusting portions includes a first upper hole and a first lower hole. Each of the second adjusting portions includes a second upper hole and a second lower hole. Each suspension assembly includes a damper and an arm portion. When the golf cart is set to a high ground clearance, the first adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the dampers, and the second adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the arm portions.

Abstract: An axle/suspension system for heavy-duty vehicles having a frame and at least one suspension assembly operatively connected to the frame, the axle/suspension system including a mechanical stop having a plurality of links and a first end and a second end, the second end rigidly attached to the suspension assembly and the first end rigidly attached to the vehicle frame, wherein the first end and the second end control a distance between the first end and the second end, and control the plurality of links to attain a movement tolerance range of said mechanical stop from about 0.0 inches to about 2.0 inches.

Abstract: A torque rod assembly includes a pair of end joint assemblies with a thin wall connecting tube disposed between them. The end joint assemblies each include an eye which is friction welded to the thin wall connecting tube. The use of the thin wall connecting tube and the friction welding process allow the friction weld to be located immediately adjacent a bore extending through the eye. The eyes and the thin wall connecting tube can be cast, extruded or formed from steel, aluminum or cast iron.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.

Abstract: An in-the-wheel hub-less suspension system for use on a vehicle is disclosed. The suspension mechanism has at least two vertical guides; at least two mounting brackets to be affixed to diametrically opposing positions on the rim of the wheel to which the suspension system is to be attached; at least one shock absorber unit; and one spring for each vertical guide. Each of the vertical guides extends through one of the at least one shock absorber units, wherein the spring for each vertical guide is located underneath the at least one shock absorber unit and encloses the vertical guide; and wherein each end of each of the at least two vertical guides engages with the corresponding mounting bracket.

Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. In both such first and second modes, the frame of the tricycle is configured to rotatably support the rear wheels and configured to support the head tube at a distance from the rear wheels such that a distance between the head tube and rear wheels need not necessarily be changed even when the front wheel axis location is changed from one mode to another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include an axle support structure. The axle support structure has front and rear axle supports, an axle, and a bearing. The axle supports are provided on a vehicle body member of an industrial vehicle and have respectively a support hole. The axle is arranged between the front and rear axle supports, and has a pair of center pins. Each of the center pins is rotatably supported by the support hole. The bearing is inserted from an entrance of the support hole to be fit-engaged with the support hole. The bearing is provided between at least one of the center pins and a hole surface of the support hole corresponding to that center pin. At an end portion of the support hole opposite to the entrance, there is formed a stopper portion for preventing the bearing from passing through the support hole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include an axle support structure. The axle support structure has first and second axle supports, an axle and a bolt mechanism. The axle supports are provided on a vehicle body member of an industrial vehicle and have respectively a support hole. The axle is arranged between the first and second axle supports, and has a pair of center pins. Each of the center pins is rotatably supported by the support hole. The bolt mechanism configured to detachably attach each of the axle supports to the vehicle body member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear suspension system of a coupled torsion beam which comprises a torsion beam and trailing arms connected to ends of the torsion beam by welding, wherein a gap with a predetermined length is formed between the torsion beam and the trailing arm.