Antiroll Or Antisway Patents (Class 280/124.106)
  • Publication number: 20110031712
    Abstract: A twist beam axle is provided for a motor vehicle, with two rigid trailing arms for the mounting of wheel carriers, each of which can be articulated on a vehicle body through a bearing bush. The trailing arms are connected with each other through a flexurally rigid, but at least in sections, torsionally elastic, antiroll bar and through a Watt's linkage. In the twist beam axle, center axes of the bearing bushes are each arranged parallel to the vehicle vertical axis. In addition, the invention extends to a motor vehicle equipped with such a rear axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerd BITZ, Michael HARDER, Dirk EHRLICH, Jüergen SIEBENEICK
  • Publication number: 20110024999
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension friction control apparatus includes a first link having a first end and a second end, and a second link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first link is mounted to one of a steering knuckle or a lower control arm connected to a lower part of the steering knuckle. The first end of the second link is mounted to the other of the steering knuckle or the lower control arm. A friction control joint connects the second end of the first link and the second end of the second link for controlling friction between the steering knuckle and the lower control arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinghong Yu, James W. Post, II
  • Publication number: 20110018218
    Abstract: There is provided a torque rod bracket assembly for an axle assembly of a motor vehicle. The torque rod bracket assembly has a torque rod mounting bracket engaging plates with a plate connector. The torque rod mounting bracket has a base, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. A receiver wall located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a centrally located recess. Slots are located in the receiver wall between the recess and the sidewalls. Axle mounts mount the torque rod bracket assembly to the axle housing of the axle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Johnson, Jonathan D. Batdorff, Qiang Zhang, James J. Korson
  • Patent number: 7871082
    Abstract: Anti-roll system especially for a vehicle, comprising system control means, a tank (4) and a pump (3) for a hydraulic fluid, and two or more stabilizers, each stabilizer comprising an actuator (5, 6) which is arranged to control the relevant stabilizer's moment in dependency of the hydraulic pressure at the actuator's terminals. Each actuator has either one or both of its terminals (A, B) connected to a first terminal (I) of a pressure control module (8) which has a second terminal (II) connected to the tank's inlet side and a third terminal (III) to the pump's outlet side. The control means and each control module are arranged to supply a fluid pressure at its first terminal under control of said control means. The pressure control modules (8) may comprise a series connection of two pressure control valves (1, 2) e.g. pressure relief or limitation valves. As an alternative the pressure control modules (8) comprise a three-way pressure control valve (9), e.g. a three-way pressure reduction valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-natuurwetenschaffelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Jozef Zuurbier, Albertus Clemens Maria Van Der Knaap
  • Publication number: 20100327549
    Abstract: Coupling mechanism for a vehicle anti-roll bar comprising a first piece able to be fixed to a first half-bar, a second piece able to be fixed to a second half-bar, the second piece being so arranged as to be moveable in rotation about an axis of rotation A relative to the first piece. The mechanism includes at least one elastically deformable elongate element coupled to the first and second pieces so that relative rotation of the first and second pieces about the axis of rotation A causes elastic flexion deformation of the at least one elongate element, the mechanism including an actuator able to position the at least one elongate element in a first state in which the said at least one elongate element presents a first flexion stiffness for the said elastic flexion deformation, and a second state in which the said at least one elongate element presents a second flexion stiffness for the said elastic flexion deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Laurent Barth, Xavier Delayre
  • Patent number: 7845660
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-roll/pitch system for use in a vehicle, in which a first mass, for instance a cabin, is suspended to a second mass, for instance a chassis, by means of a bearing arm, which is pivotally connected to the second mass around a pivot axis, via spring means. The anti-roll/pitch system comprises means to adjust a point of application of a spring force acting on the bearing arm, so as to adjust a moment exerted by said spring force on said bearing arm to counteract a load exerted on the bearing arm by the first mass. The spring force is exerted on the bearing arm through a flexible, elongated member, such as a string or cable, which takes up little space when adjusting the point of application. The invention furthermore relates to a built-in unit and a vehicle, equipped with an anti-roll/pitch system according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Albertus Clemens Maria van der Knaap
  • Publication number: 20100301578
    Abstract: A piston coupled to a piston rod is inserted in a cylinder, and an outer cylinder is disposed around the cylinder so as to define a reservoir therebetween. A separator tube is disposed around the cylinder so as to define an annular passage therebetween. The piston rod is locked and unlocked so that a movement of the piston is prevented and allowed, by closing and opening an electromagnetic open/close valve so as to block and allow a flow of hydraulic fluid through a flow passage between the annular passage and the reservoir. The separator tube has a greater thickness. O-rings are disposed so as to provide seals between the separator tube and the cylinder. The separator tube extends to positions such that the ends of the separator tube overlap a base valve and a rod guide, thereby holding the respective ends of the cylinder. Due to this configuration, it is possible to prevent deformation of the cylinder and the separator tube due to an increase in the hydraulic pressure, and improve the pressure resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Kenji NODA, Yoshiaki Totani
  • Publication number: 20100301577
    Abstract: In a front wheel drive vehicle a traditional twist beam axle suffers from a short service life due to premature failures in intermediate areas between the end sections and the transitional section. A twist beam suspension is provided comprising a transverse strut (16) interconnecting longitudinal control arms (12). The transverse strut (16) may be formed from a tubular pipe. The tubular member may define a pair of tubular end sections (18), a deformed, U-shaped transitional section (20), and a pair of intermediate sections (22) between the end sections (18) and the transitional section (20). The intermediate section (22) may define a contour (28), known as a tongue. The tongue (28) enhances the flexibility in torsion and improves the stiffness in bending of the transverse strut (16). The tongue (28) may also include a concavity, to further aid in improving stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Dieter Toepker
  • Patent number: 7837202
    Abstract: A stabilizer control device for a vehicle includes a first and second stabilizer bars, a housing fixed to an end portion of the second stabilizer bar so as to arrange an end portion of the first stabilizer bar adjacent to the end portion of the second stabilizer bar, a rotational torque reducing mechanism having an input portion fixed to the first stabilizer bar and the housing and reducing a relative rotational torque between the housing and the first stabilizer bar and outputting, a hollow member including the first stabilizer bar so as to rotatably support the first stabilizer bar within the housing and fixed with an output portion of the rotational torque reducing mechanism so as to rotatably support the output portion within the housing, and a clutch mechanism arranged between the hollow member and the housing for engaging and disengaging therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akiya Taneda, Ken Ogue, Toshiyuki Sakai
  • Patent number: 7832739
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Publication number: 20100259024
    Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system includes a fixed housing having a canister and end caps forming an enclosure. A rod moves axially relative to the housing. Abutment members on the rod are separated by a spring and confront or telescope into end stops in the housing, depending upon a rotated position of the end stops relative to the abutment members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Bidlake, Dennis M. Mark
  • Publication number: 20100244394
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a swing frame and right and left suspension cylinders for front wheels. The swing frame is swingably supported by the front portion of a vehicle body about a support shaft extending in a lateral direction, and supports the front axle case, so as to allow the front axle case to swing about a center shaft extending in a front-rear direction. The right and left suspension cylinders are provided on the swing frame. A lateral oscillation regulation unit is provided between the swing frame and the front frame, and configured to regulate an oscillation of the swing frame by contact in the lateral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Matsuzaki, Atsushi Hayashi, Nobuyuki Okabe, Toshimitsu Yazaki
  • Publication number: 20100219599
    Abstract: A suspension system for providing a suspension between wheels and a frame of a vehicle is provided. The system includes an arm beam pivotally mounted to the frame at its proximate end and coupled at its distal end to a guiding assembly enabling the arm beam to pivot in a vertical direction and to be restrained in lateral directions perpendicular to the vertical direction. The arm beam includes: (a) a spring and damper assembly near its distal end for providing a dampened resilient mount for the suspension; (b) a wheel axle beam coupled to the arm beam for bearing a load borne by the wheels transmitted directly in-line with a central axis of the spring and damper assembly; and (c) a stabilizer coupled between the arm beam and the frame, the stabilizer resisting a lateral rolling motion of the vehicle. The stabilizer is included between the proximate end of the arm beams and their damper and spring assemblies for rendering the system more compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventor: Andreas Lundmark
  • Publication number: 20100207343
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle, including: a stabilizer apparatus configured to change a stabilizer force by an operation of an actuator; a pair of absorbers of a hydraulic type each configured to change a damping coefficient thereof: a control device which includes (a) a stabilizer-force control portion configured to control the stabilizer force in accordance with roll moment acting on a body of the vehicle and (b) a damping-coefficient control portion configured to control the damping coefficient of each of the absorbers, wherein the damping-coefficient control portion is configured to execute a damping-coefficient reduction control for reducing the damping coefficient of each of the absorbers when a prescribed condition is satisfied and wherein the stabilizer-force control portion is configured to increase the stabilizer force in an instance where the damping-coefficient reduction control is under execution, as compared with an instance where the damping-coefficient reduction control is not under execut
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Sano
  • Patent number: 7766344
    Abstract: An adjuster device includes (a) a shaft held by a vehicle body; (b) an arm extending from the shaft in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the shaft; (c) an actuator causing one of rotation of the shaft and axial movement of the shaft in the axial direction; and (d) a motion converter converting the one of the rotation of the shaft and the axial movement of the shaft, into the other of the rotation of the shaft and the axial movement of the shaft. The arm is connected at a distal end portion thereof to one of at least one suspension arm, so as to enable the rotation of the shaft to cause change in a vertical distance between a wheel and the vehicle body. The shaft is connected to one of the at least one suspension arm or to an axle carrier, so as to enable the axial movement of the shaft to cause change in an alignment of the wheel. Also disclosed is an adjusting system including the adjuster device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuuichi Buma
  • Patent number: 7766352
    Abstract: A highly roll stable suspension system for a truck, trailer, or semi-trailer. In at least one embodiment, the suspension includes at least three beam structures, one beam being located beneath each respective longitudinal side frame member of the vehicle, and a third beam being located midpoint between the side frame members and which occupies substantially less space than the space between these opposing longitudinal side frame members of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Keeler
  • Publication number: 20100187788
    Abstract: Provided is a tubular torsion beam for rear suspensions of vehicles, which is produced according to a more durable design capable of improving roll stiffness and roll strength of the tubular torsion beam. The tubular torsion beam is produced by pressure-forming a tubular steel member through hydroforming such that the tubular torsion beam has a cross-section varying along an entire length thereof, with opposite ends having a closed cross-section and mounted to respective trailing arms, a middle portion having a V-shaped open cross-section, and a transitional portion having a varying cross-section and connecting the middle portion to each of the opposite ends. During the process of manufacturing the tubular torsion beam, the opposite ends of the tubular steel member are fed using respective axial punches of a hydroforming machine, so that the opposite ends are thicker than the middle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: POSCO
    Inventors: Han Ho Choi, Yeon Sik Kang, Sung Ho Park, Jin Ho Oh, Keun Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7753385
    Abstract: A suspension system for an agricultural or construction industry vehicle is described. The suspension system comprises two hydraulic cylinders which support a frame in relation to an axle of the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinders being hydraulically connected to one another in a cross connection, so that a piston-side chamber of the one hydraulic cylinder is connected to the piston rod-side chamber of the other hydraulic cylinder and vice versa, in each case one hydraulic accumulator assigned to a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic source, a hydraulic tank, a control valve device, an electronic control unit, electrically switchable switch valves which are arranged in the cross connection between the hydraulic accumulators and the hydraulic cylinders, and a first and second supply line, which supply lines connect the control vale device to the cross connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Marcus Bitter
  • Publication number: 20100171250
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension comprising a pair of leaf springs (1) located or locatable on respective opposed side of a vehicle chassis (3) and extending longitudinally thereof, and an anti-roll device (12) which is arranged to extend transversely of the vehicle chassis (3), and means (41, 42, 46) mounting opposed ends (22, 23) of the anti roll device (12) rigidly to respective ones of the pair of opposed leaf springs (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: John Bolland Reast
  • Patent number: 7751959
    Abstract: A suspension system includes four electronically controlled actuators, one at each of the four wheels. The actuators are each controlled by an electronic control unit. The left front and right front actuators are mechanically connected with each other. The left rear and the right rear actuators are also mechanically connected with each other. The only connection between the front two actuators and the rear two actuators is an electronic communication through the electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Boon, Koen Reybrouck
  • Patent number: 7748720
    Abstract: A roll control system comprising a front torsion bar; a front first hydraulic actuator; a front second hydraulic actuator; a rear torsion bar; a rear first hydraulic actuator; a rear second hydraulic actuator; and control means connected to the hydraulic actuators and controlling the operation thereof on detection of a predetermined vehicle condition; wherein each hydraulic actuator comprises a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber; wherein the control means comprises a source of fluid pressure, a fluid reservoir, a pressure control valve fluidly connected between the pressure source and the reservoir, and at least three pressure relief valves each having two positions to fluidly connect the fluid chambers of the hydraulic actuators either to the pressure source or to the fluid reservoir; wherein the pressure relief valves are positioned on detection of the predetermined vehicle condition to apply a fluid pressure to the first fluid chamber of the first front hydraulic actuator and to the second flui
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Philippe Germain
  • Patent number: 7744708
    Abstract: A method for producing a tubular bar, more particularly a stabilizer bar, is provided. The method comprises providing a tubular bar of desired size having an outer and inner surface, heating the bar to an elevated temperature, quenching the bar by application of a cooling fluid to the surfaces of the bar, and forming the tube to a desired shape without annealing. The method further provides for the composition of a high-strength, high formability carbon steel alloy to be used in conjunction with the method. Advantageously, the bar is formable without thermal processing subsequent to quenching. In this fashion, metal tubular bars, such as stabilizer bars, may be formed at reduced cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Tenaris Connections Limited
    Inventors: Edgardo Oscar López, Lorenzo Vito Caserta, Hernán Juan Desimone, Cuauhtémoc Martinez Salazar
  • Patent number: 7735846
    Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit (100) comprises a source (180) of fluid pressure having a fluid inlet (201) and a fluid outlet (202); a fluid reservoir (181) fluidly connected to the fluid inlet of the pressure source; an attenuation means (111) having a fluid inlet (203) fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the pressure source, and a fluid outlet (204); a pressure control valve (199) fluidly connected to the fluid inlet of the attenuation means and to the fluid reservoir or the fluid inlet of the pressure source; and one or more valves (82-84) fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the attenuation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Philippe Germain
  • Patent number: 7717438
    Abstract: A chassis system for a motor vehicle has a device for roll stabilization and a device for wheel camber adjustment. The device for roll stabilization and the device for wheel camber adjustment have one or more hydraulic actuating devices. The device for roll stabilization and the device for wheel camber adjustment are coupled to one another by a common hydraulic system. Accordingly, a link is provided between the roll stabilization arrangement and the camber adjustment arrangement in the motor vehicle. An active camber adjustment arrangement is realized by using the hydraulic power supply and the valves of the roll stabilization arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Akteingesellschaft
    Inventors: Thorsten Koch, Thomas Hunn
  • Patent number: 7717437
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a plurality of engagement pins that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert L. Adams, III, Larry G. Haske
  • Publication number: 20100117323
    Abstract: A stabilizing device for a heavy vehicle, such as a truck or the like, includes a stabilizer bar which can be attached to a vehicle axle and pivotally mounted relative to a vehicle frame via stabilizer arms. The stabilizer bar and respective stabilizer arm are pivotally interconnected to each other. At least one said stabilizer arm is attached to a stabilizer anchor which is mountable in a vehicle frame, and the stabilizer anchor includes a stabilizer arm attachment point which is displaceable so as to enable the effective length of the stabilizer arm to be adjusted within a predetermined interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventor: Andreas Lundmark
  • Patent number: 7715963
    Abstract: In a stabilizer control apparatus for controlling a torsional rigidity of a stabilizer of a vehicle, an actual lateral acceleration and a calculated lateral acceleration are obtained. Then, influence amount caused by the calculated lateral acceleration is set to be greater than influence amount caused by the actual lateral acceleration, when the vehicle is moving straight, whereas the influence amount caused by the actual lateral acceleration is set to be increased, with the turning operation of the vehicle being increased, to actively control the rolling motion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Shingo Urababa, Shuuichi Buma
  • Publication number: 20100102532
    Abstract: An article dump truck has a front tractor unit connected to an associated rear trailer unit with a tipping container by an articulated coupling. The articulated coupling is operable to allow the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit to pivot about a vertical pivot axis, rams being provided to turn the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit about the pivot to steer the dump truck. The articulated coupling also allows the front tracter unit and rear trailer unit to rotate relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the dump truck. In addition, the front tractor unit has a front chassis mounted on a pair of wheels by an independent suspension system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Eanna Pronsias Timoney, Sean Timoney
  • Publication number: 20100090431
    Abstract: A wheel suspension of a motor vehicle with a two-part wheel carrier (2) that supports a vehicle wheel (1) is proposed, whose first part (3) is articulated to a second part (4), at least one compensation means (5, 6) being provided for connecting the first part (3) of the wheel carrier (2) to the second part (4) of the wheel carrier (2). According to the invention, the vehicle wheel (1) is actively connected by a stabilizer (7) to a vehicle wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle as viewed in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The stabilizer (7) is articulated to the compensation means (5, 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Simon Aramah, Knut Heidsieck, Felix Haeusler
  • Publication number: 20100072724
    Abstract: A twist beam axle assembly includes a twist tube and a tubular sleeve. The twist tube has a deformed portion with a non-circular cross-section positioned adjacent to an undeformed portion with a substantially circular cross-section. The tubular sleeve is positioned within and coupled to the twist beam to overlap the adjacent deformed and undeformed portions. An outer surface of the sleeve engages an inner surface of the twist tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Dieter Toepker
  • Publication number: 20100072723
    Abstract: An anti roll bar assembly is provided having opposing over tubes that are fixed to a torsional spring at both ends. The torsional spring is suspended within a main support tube which also rotatably receives each over tube. Torque arms are fabricated to be positioned along each over tube such that an inter torque arm width is less than a torsional spring length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Ciasulli
  • Publication number: 20100059958
    Abstract: A sway bar assembly has a tubular bar extending between two mounts. A pair of brackets mount the center section of the tubular bar to a vehicle. A first solid bar extends from the first mount to one of the brackets and a second solid bar extends from the second mount to the other bracket. The solid bars provide a redundancy of back-up features for the sway bar assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Brent Johnston, Ronald McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20100052281
    Abstract: A suspension is provided for non-steered wheels on a motor vehicle body. The suspension includes, but is not limited to a twist-beam rear axle with a Watt linkage. A top rocker arm of the Watt linkage is mounted on the motor vehicle body. The Watt linkage prevents the motor vehicle from oversteering during cornering. The damping bushes can be disconnected in part from wheel-guiding functions as the Watt linkage performs a major part of the wheel guiding functions, which leaves some freedom for designing the characteristics so as to significantly increase motoring comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerd Bitz, Werner Brinker, Dirk Ehrlich, Michael Harder, Matthew S. Purdy, Wolfgang Stoff
  • Publication number: 20100044987
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle having a front wheel positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel that is in-line with respect to the front wheel, and a stabilization apparatus including a front stabilizer assembly attached to the vehicle proximate to the front wheel, and a rear stabilizer assembly attached to the vehicle proximate to the rear wheel. The front stabilizer assembly includes a first pair of opposed wheels resiliently mounted to a first framework secured to the vehicle to resiliently interact with the ground on either side of the vehicle proximate to the front wheel over which the vehicle is ridden to stabilize the vehicle, and the rear stabilizer assembly includes a second pair of opposed wheels resiliently mounted to a second framework secured to the vehicle to resiliently interact with the ground on either side of the vehicle proximate to the rear wheel over which the vehicle is ridden to stabilize the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: WILLIAM G. TROUT
  • Patent number: 7665745
    Abstract: A device for the connection of a wheel axle housing with a chassis of a vehicle, comprising a stabilizer with a torsion element that is mounted in the chassis, to first arms, the rigidly attached to corresponding end portions of torsion element, to second arms, that are articulatedly connected with the first arms, and at least two spring/suspension elements with a first member, that is connected with the wheel axle housing, and a second member that is connected with the chassis. According to the invention, torsion element is mounted in the chassis, in the second arms is connected with the wheel axle housing and extend essentially vertically upwardly therefrom. The spring/suspension elements have third arms that are rigidly attached with the corresponding end portions of torsion element, and with the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AS
    Inventor: Sven Bjørkgård
  • Patent number: 7651106
    Abstract: A stabilizer device for an axle of a motor vehicle. The axle has a roll stabilizer (2) and for each wheel at least one wheel guide control arm (1). The chassis-side articulation of the wheel guide control arm (1) is connected to an end area of the roll stabilizer (2) such that a twisting actuation of the roll stabilizer (2) takes place due to an inward deflection motion of the wheel guide control arm (1). An end of the roll stabilizer (2) is received in a hollow shaft (6) connected to the wheel guide control arm (1). The hollow shaft (6) is mounted in a chassis-side bearing flange (3) and the bearing flange (3) can be elastically connected to the vehicle. The stabilizer device is used especially to eliminate the conflicts of design goals between the requirements of uncoupling structure-borne noise and comfort of the chassis, on the one hand, and immediate response characteristic of the stabilizer, on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jens Vortmeyer
  • Patent number: 7648149
    Abstract: A track bar for a rear suspension of a vehicle has a first tubular member, an energy dissipating member wrapped around the first tubular member, and a second tubular member encompassing the energy dissipating member. Together, the tubular members and energy dissipating member dampen vibration transmitted through the track bar to lessen the audible vibrations that rear the interior of a vehicle cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Ryberg, Hamid Mir
  • Patent number: 7641208
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling the roll of a motor vehicle. The system comprises a selective lock connected between an unsprung portion of the vehicle and a sprung portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Barron, Blaise Ganzel
  • Patent number: 7637513
    Abstract: A method of controlling the roll stiffness and roll moment distribution of a vehicle suspension system of a vehicle, the vehicle suspension system including front and rear vehicle support means for supporting the vehicle and any load carried by the vehicle, and at least one roll moment reaction means for providing a variable roll stiffness for the vehicle suspension system; The method including the step of adjusting the roll stiffness and the roll moment distribution of the vehicle suspension system in dependence on the load carried by at least a rear or front of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Kinetic Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Marcus Kotulla, Richard Monk
  • Patent number: 7628414
    Abstract: A damper system is connected between pivotal components of a vehicle suspension system to inhibit movement of the components during a condition of potential vehicle roll. The system can be actively or passively controlled. The damper system can have a single damper or multiple dampers and may be connected to work in conjunction with vehicle stabilizers including torsion bars, single compensator stabilizing systems and dual compensator stabilizing systems. In the compensator stabilizing systems, the damper can be separate from the compensators or integral with the compensators. The dampers also can be formed as integral structures with shock absorbers. The dampers can be of various types, including but not limited to linear dampers and rotary dampers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Dobson, Robert K. Dutzi, Jason K. Trotter
  • Patent number: 7618049
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes trailing arm assemblies that have one end pivotally mounted to a first suspension rail, an opposite end with an air spring support formed with the trailing arm, and an axle mount portion that is mounted to an axle beam. A Panhard arm provides lateral stiffness and includes a first pivotal connection to the trailing arm and a second pivotal connection to a second suspension rail laterally spaced from the first suspension rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Tomaz Dopico Varela, Xinyu Wen, Kou Yang, Ragnar H. Ledesma
  • Patent number: 7611152
    Abstract: An active chassis system of a motor vehicle having two axles with two wheels each. Each wheel is supported via a spring element and a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit acting as a damper and as a hydraulic actuator for introducing additional force between the wheel and the body. Each of the working chambers of the actuator is supplied with hydraulic pressure from a delivery pump. The working chambers of actuators of an axle having smaller cross-sectional area are connected directly to one another, and a directional valve is used for roll control. The directional valve is a pilot-operated directional valve whose control pressure is tapped in parallel with a controllable throttle. The throttle is connected between the working chambers having larger cross-sectional area of the axle's two actuators, and adjusts the pressure drop between the working chambers, depending on the direction of rotation and/or the output of the delivery pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Albertus Clemens Maria van der Knaap
  • Patent number: 7607669
    Abstract: A split electromechanical motor vehicle stabilizer having a locking device, and a method for roll stabilization are described. A split motor vehicle stabilizer is provided for roll stabilization, having a built-in electromechanical actuator for bracing two stabilizer parts against one another, including at least an electric motor, a gear unit, and a locking device which can lock a housing for the actuator to a rotor in the electric motor. The housing is connected to one of the stabilizer parts, and a gear unit output shaft is connected to the other stabilizer part for the purpose of transmitting torque. The housing and the rotor can be locked in only one position relative to one another after the locking device is activated, and that is the normal position for the two halves of the stabilizer in which they are not braced against one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Timo Anderten, Thomas Meitinger
  • Publication number: 20090256326
    Abstract: A combination of existing suspension designs is provided to suspend moving vehicles such as cars, trucks, planes, and snowmobiles and provide two degrees of freedom in the wheels or skis. The design combines a dive suspension with a roll suspension, including a locking linkage. The locking linkage locks out the roll suspension during dive, jounce, flight or two-wheel bump motion. Both the dive and roll suspensions are responsive during roll motion and one-wheel bump motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Sacli Suspension, LLC
    Inventor: Melih Sacli
  • Patent number: 7594670
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system can include a multi-mount bracket that includes connective structures configured to simultaneously connect a control arm, a stabilizer bar, and a vehicle frame together. The multi-mount bracket can be shaped such that there is a bearing opening for attachment to the control arm via a bushing, and three additional openings for attachment to the stabilizer bar and vehicle frame. The additional openings can include a tapped opening. A method for controlling the suspension of a vehicle can include simultaneously attaching a control arm, a stabilizer bar, and a vehicle frame together via a multi-mount bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Brian Dundon
  • Patent number: 7588259
    Abstract: A reduction gear includes a rotatable carrier, a ring gear rotatably fitted in an offset supporting hole in the carrier, and first and second sun gears having first and second outer teeth meshed with first and second inner teeth of the ring gear, respectively. The rotation of the carrier is reduced in speed and outputted as relative rotation of the first and second sun gears. Thus, it is possible to secure a large reduction ratio although in a small structure having a small number of components. Also, it is possible to change the reduction ratio by a slight design change of the number of teeth in one or both of the outer teeth of the first and second sun gears, thereby improving the versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Azekatsu, Takehiko Hakui, Atsushi Yuta
  • Patent number: 7566063
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system for suspending wheels rotatably supported by axle members for a vehicle is comprised of a pair of trailing arms which extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction and are connected to the axle members, respective; a pair of torsion bar cases which extend in a vehicle lateral direction and whose lateral outside portion is connected to the trailing arm; a pair of torsion bars which are connected to lateral inside portions of the torsion bar cases and whose lateral outside portions are connected to a vehicle body; and a connecting beam which extends in the vehicle lateral direction and connects the pair of torsion bar cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Oki, Takuya Murakami, Michihito Hirahara, Akira Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20090179397
    Abstract: An antiroll device for the suspension of a motor vehicle comprises a torsion bar and two lateral links articulated to this bar and to two lateral shock absorbers. At least one of the links (9) is telescopic and includes a piston (13) mounted so it can slide in a piston tube (14) via a rod (15) connected to the hinge connecting the link to the adjacent shock absorber, the piston being mobile due to the movement of this connection and cooperating in compression with return means (17) housed inside the said tube. The return means include two compressible stop components (18 and 19) which are designed to impart to the link a progressive stiffness which increases with the amplitude of the movements of the axis of the adjacent wheel (2a), so that this wheel is substantially uncoupled from the torsion bar or coupled to it for small or large-amplitude movements respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Cedric Lorenzon, Jerome Le Saint, Thierry Beauvilain, Christine Faure
  • Patent number: 7559562
    Abstract: A suspension apparatus for a vehicle includes a stabilizer bar and an oil-hydraulic cylinder for controlling the stiffness of the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is mounted to the vehicle body to be rotatable about a first axis via a laterally extending torsion bar portion thereof. A left arm portion of the stabilizer bar connected to the oil-hydraulic cylinder includes first and second arm sections. The first arm section extends forward from the left end of the torsion bar portion. The second arm section, which extends in the fore-aft direction, is connected to the distal end of the first arm section via a rubber bushing to be rotatable about a second axis. The second arm section includes a rubber bushing provided at a portion through which the first axis passes. The oil-hydraulic cylinder is connected to the rubber bushing via a bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Harumi Minoshima
  • Patent number: 7559563
    Abstract: A suspension apparatus for a vehicle includes a stabilizer bar, a hydraulic cylinder, a lever, and a link. The stabilizer bar has a torsion bar portion assembled to an axle. One arm portion of the stabilizer bar is assembled to the frame via the hydraulic cylinder and the lever. The hydraulic cylinder is assembled to the frame at a first connection point on the cylinder body. The lever is connected at a second connection point to the arm portion, is connected at a third connection point to the link, and connected at a fourth connection point to the piston rod. The link is connected at a fifth connection point to the cylinder body. The intersection between a straight line passing through the first and second connection points and a straight line passing through the third and fifth connection points is located near the axis of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Harumi Minoshima