Arm Having Plural Segments Or Dissimilar Materials Patents (Class 280/124.133)
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Patent number: 12017701Abstract: A cast structure configured to support a suspension arm and motor mount assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The cast structure comprises a first fixing point attachable to a first mounting feature of a first crossmember of a vehicle frame, a first feature configured to receive the suspension arm of the vehicle in an assembled configuration, and a first portion configured to support a motor of the vehicle in an assembled configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kristian Edward Smith, Matthew Jeremy Sykes, Daniel Charters, Tyler Powell
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Patent number: 11697320Abstract: A twist beam for a suspension of a motor vehicle comprises a body-side inner part having a bearing-receiving section for receiving a body-side bearing, and a wheel carrier-side outer part having a bearing-receiving section for receiving a wheel carrier-side bearing, the outer part and the inner part being separate components which are made of different materials and are firmly connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: THK RHYTHM AUTOMOTIVE GmbHInventors: Jan Dít{hacek over (e)}, Milo{hacek over (s)} K{hacek over (r)}ivan, Igor Schlender
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Patent number: 11267308Abstract: Independent wheel suspensions for a motor vehicle are described herein. An example independent wheel suspension includes a link to be pivotably coupled to a vehicle body of the motor vehicle via a first flexible pivot bearing and a second flexible pivot bearing. The first and second flexible pivot bearings form a pivoting axis. The link has a wheel attachment point to which a vehicle wheel is to be coupled. The example independent wheel suspension also includes a spring to be disposed between the link and the vehicle body. The spring is configured to produce a force component on the link that is directed outward along a transverse axis of the motor vehicle and that increases during compression.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Andreas Carlitz, Thomas Schmitz
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Patent number: 11192422Abstract: A suspension device (rear suspension (10)) for vehicles is provided which includes a damper (40), a shaft (50) pivotably supporting an end of the damper (40), and a bush (60) including a cylindrical elastic member fitted onto the outer circumference of the shaft (50). The axis (C2) of the bush (60) is disposed along a line of intersection between an imaginary first plane (S1) and an imaginary second plane (S2), or along a line parallel to the line of intersection. The first plane (S1) is orthogonal to the axis (C1) of the damper (40) when a stroke position of a wheel (24) is a first position relative to the vehicle body (80) in the vertical direction of a vehicle body (80). The second plane (S2) is orthogonal to the axis (C1) of the damper (40) when the stroke position of the wheel (24) is a second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Makoto Nishino
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Patent number: 10518839Abstract: A trailing link multi-bar suspension assembly for a cycle having improved stability includes a first arm having a first arm fixed pivot and a first arm shock pivot. A shock link has a shock link fixed pivot and a shock link floating pivot. A shock absorber has an inline configuration, a coil spring, a first shock mount and a second shock mount. A wheel carrier has a wheel carrier first pivot and a wheel carrier second pivot spaced apart from one another, and a wheel mount that is adapted to be connected to a wheel. A control link has a control link floating pivot and a control link fixed pivot, the control link floating pivot being pivotably connected to the wheel carrier second pivot, and the control link fixed pivot being pivotably connected to the first arm control pivot.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: TRVSTPER, INC.Inventor: David Weagle
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Patent number: 10308312Abstract: A trailing link multi-bar suspension assembly for a cycle having improved stability includes a first arm having a first arm fixed pivot and a first arm shock pivot. A shock link has a shock link fixed pivot and a shock link floating pivot. A shock absorber has a first shock mount and a second shock mount. A wheel carrier has a wheel carrier first pivot and a wheel carrier second pivot spaced apart from one another, and a wheel mount that is adapted to be connected to a wheel. A control link has a control link floating pivot and a control link fixed pivot, the control link floating pivot being pivotably connected to the wheel carrier second pivot, and the control link fixed pivot being pivotably connected to the first arm control pivot.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: TRVSTPER, INC.Inventor: David Weagle
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Patent number: 10300979Abstract: A trailing link multi-bar suspension assembly for a bicycle having improved stability includes a first arm having a first arm fixed pivot and a first arm shock pivot. A shock link has a shock link fixed pivot and a shock link floating pivot. A shock absorber has a first shock mount and a second shock mount. A wheel carrier has a wheel carrier first pivot and a wheel carrier second pivot spaced apart from one another, and a wheel mount that is adapted to be connected to a wheel. A control link has a control link floating pivot and a control link fixed pivot, the control link floating pivot being pivotably connected to the wheel carrier second pivot, and the control link fixed pivot being pivotably connected to the first arm control pivot.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: TRVSTPER, INC.Inventor: David Weagle
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Publication number: 20140070516Abstract: The invention broadly includes a suspension system for a vehicle that includes a vehicle frame, at least one pair of shock absorbers attached to the frame and having piston stems extending from the shock absorbers and attached to extension arms pivotally attached to the frame. The extension arms are attached to the tire axles optionally attached to support arms. The support arms are also attached to the pivot connection. The pivot connection is between the axle and the shock absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventor: Dennis J. Richards
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Patent number: 8585065Abstract: In a suspension structure, a suspension link has a hollow structure in which a pair of frame brackets are joined together, while opposing each other. Also provided is a stiffening bracket integrally connected to both the frame brackets for holding and sandwiching the frame brackets together. The stiffening bracket is configured to hold and sandwich both an end face of a first one of the frame brackets facing apart from the mating face with the second frame bracket and an end face of the second frame bracket facing apart from the mating face with the first frame bracket together. One end of a stabilizer, a height sensor, or the like is connected to the stiffening bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Reo Koide, Kenji Sagara, Jiro Inatomi, Kazuhiro Kiriyama, Toshiyuki Kondou
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Patent number: 8475075Abstract: A suspension component for a vehicle includes a cast iron body, a high strength steel tube and an adapter ring. The adapter ring includes a protrusion engaged with a face of the cast iron body. The protrusion is heated to a plasticized state as a capacitor is discharged through the protrusion and the face. The adapter ring is welded to the body upon cooling of the adapter ring. The high strength steel tube is fixed to the adapter ring.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventor: Dieter Toepker
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Patent number: 8393627Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary frame (1) for multi-link rear axles of motor vehicles, comprising two lateral auxiliary frame parts (B) which are embodied at least approximately in a V-shaped manner in such an arrangement that the vertexes (6, 7) thereof face each other and are joined to each other via a central auxiliary frame part (C) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The lateral auxiliary frame parts and the central auxiliary frame part are configured as hollow profiled members while the lateral auxiliary frame parts are provided with at least three of the following receptacles or recesses: the top transverse link; the bottom transverse link; the stabilizer; the longitudinal links; the fixture of the auxiliary frame to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heiko Kauert
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Publication number: 20120299262Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame, at least one drive assembly and at least one caster pivot arm. The at least one drive assembly and the at least one caster pivot arm are pivotally connected to the frame at a common pivot axis such that the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are pivotable relative to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Bekoscke, Damon Jurkiewicz
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Patent number: 8267415Abstract: A suspension arm may include first and second metal housings, a metal connecting portion including first and second panels, wherein the metal connecting portion connects the first and second metal housings at distal ends thereof respectively, and wherein a burred first panel connecting portion and a burred second panel connecting portion are formed respectively to the first and second panels, and a reinforcement member wrapping the first and second metal housings and the metal connecting portion, wherein the first panel and the second panel are connected by inserting the burred second panel connecting portion into the burred first panel connecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Pil Young Jeong
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Patent number: 8235405Abstract: A linkage for connecting a frame of a vehicle to an unsprung mass component of the vehicle, includes: a first portion connectable to the frame, the first portion includes a first toothed surface and a fourth rotatable connection; a second portion connectable to the unsprung mass component, the second portion includes a second toothed surface and a fifth rotatable connection; a third portion connectable to the first portion and the second portion, the third portion includes a sixth rotatable connection and a seventh rotatable connection, and where the first portion is rotatably connected to the second portion and configured to be rotatable between the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface, where the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface are configured to engage, where the fourth rotatable connection is connected to the seventh rotatable connection, where the fifth rotatable connection is connected to the sixth rotatable connection, and where the third portion is configured to conType: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: Douglas Pokupec
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Patent number: 8210551Abstract: In a vehicle wheel suspension, a first trailing arm is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a second trailing arm in the direction of an angle bisector between the longitudinal and transverse directions. The ends of the trailing arms determine a substantially horizontal instantaneous axis for the wheel carrier relative to the spring jounce and rebound motions of the vehicle chassis. The wheel carrier is slightly pivotable about a toe axis under the influence of braking forces. A support arm securely connects to the wheel carrier and extends over a defined distance substantially in parallel with and supported on the second trailing arm. The support is softer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. A suitable design of the second trailing arm and/or the support arm allows a slight pivot motion of the wheel carrier about the toe axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Benjamin Jakob
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Patent number: 8020882Abstract: A trailing arm for a rear independent suspension of a motor vehicle. The arm (10) includes a beam-like mounting structure (32) and a plurality of components including a first component (38, 40) for the mounting of a first bush (20) for articulated connection of the trailing arm (10) to the vehicle structure, a second component (42) for support of a wheel-carrying spindle; a third component (50, 56) for the mounting of a second bush (22) for articulated connection of the trailing arm (10) to a first rod (12), a fourth component (58) for the mounting of a third bush (24) for articulated connection of the trailing arm (10) to a second rod (12), a fifth component (28) for support of a spring, a sixth component (64) for connection of the trailing arm (10) to a shock absorber (16), and a seventh component (66) for connection of the trailing arm (10) to a torsion bar (18).Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Sistemi Sospensioni S.p.A.Inventors: Armando D'Aponte, Michele Spina
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Publication number: 20110140387Abstract: A suspension system wherein the pivots are aligned such that its anti-squat and anti-rise values are completely constant throughout suspension travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: Arnel Marcelo Andal, Pablito Tolentino, JR., Allan Jay Razo Soriano
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Patent number: 7954834Abstract: A linkage for connecting a frame of a vehicle to an unsprung mass component of the vehicle, includes: a first portion connectable to the frame, and includes a first toothed surface; a second portion connectable to an unsprung mass component, and includes a second toothed surface, where the first portion is rotatably connected to the second portion and configured to be rotatable between the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface, and where the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface are configured to mesh with each other and maintain engagement.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Inventor: Douglas Pokupec
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Patent number: 7934735Abstract: A suspension arm assembly for a vehicle includes a pivot pipe pivotally attached to a vehicle body frame, a pair of pipes extending in a lateral direction of a vehicle body, a joint member attached to distal end portions of the pipes, and a substantially U-shaped band. Proximal end portions of the pipes are connected to the pivot pipe and spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction, and distal end portions thereof are arranged close to each other, thereby forming a substantially triangular profile. The joint member includes a plate portion and a boss portion having a knuckle attached thereto. The distal end portions of the pipes are operatively connected to a convex surface of the U-shaped band, and the plate portion of the joint member is attached to the pipes for covering the U-shaped band.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoki Kuwabara
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Publication number: 20100270767Abstract: Metal plated organic polymer compositions are useful as vehicular suspension components. Such suspension components may have lighter weight than conventional suspension components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicants: MORPH TECHNOLOGIES, INC., E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANYInventors: Andri E. Elia, Michael R. Day, Robert Espey, Glenn Steed, Andrew Wang, Jonathan McCrea
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Patent number: 7703782Abstract: An assembly including a control arm and a steering knuckle, one of the control arm and the steering knuckle having a first end with a ball, the other of the control arm and the steering knuckle having a socket that includes a bearing structure formed so as to surround a portion of the ball to securely fasten the ball to the socket. The control arm has a bayonette configuration to receive a first node and a second node is cast directly onto the control arm.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Gregory P. Kiselis, Dalip K. Matharoo, Timothy W. Skszek
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Patent number: 7625000Abstract: The variable ratio floating suspension system (10) includes upper (30) and lower (40) leverage arms with a shock-absorbing component (50) connecting the leverage arms (30, 40). In the preferred embodiment, the leverage arms (30, 40) and shock-absorbing component (50) pivotally connect a vehicle chassis to a vehicle wheel spindle (26). As the vehicle moves over uneven terrain, the configuration of the variable ratio floating suspension system (10) isolates vibrations and other unwanted forces in the shock-absorbing component (50) so that these forces are not transferred to the associated vehicle chassis.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Zarach Industries, Inc.Inventor: Cyril G. Campbell
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Patent number: 7556273Abstract: In a method of making a control arm for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle a blank of steel material having a tensile strength of at least 800 MPa is shaped, using a sheet metal forming process, into a shell body having a center web and plural flank portions extending from the center web in a same direction. The flank portions are connected by a latticed reinforcement made of plastic, without application of a heat treatment process.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Streubel, Armin Zuber, Wolfram Linnig
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Publication number: 20090134593Abstract: A mounting system for securing a first vehicle component to a second vehicle component, where the first vehicle component is provided with first and second mounting bosses and the second vehicle component is provided with corresponding first and second mounting brackets, where the first vehicle component is secured to the second vehicle component by first and second threading members and mounting holes included in the first and second brackets and in the first and second bosses, wherein the bosses and the brackets are provided with mating contact surfaces that are tapered around the mounting holes. Besides absorbing impacts and relieving the stress on the threading members, the fastening member is easily mountable in the bosses on the axle casing by a mounting system according to the invention, since the tapered contact surfaces are self-centering and the two parts are thereby easily correctly positioned and secured by two threading members.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2004Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR ABInventors: Dan Angerfors, Odd Ranum
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Patent number: 7370552Abstract: A power transfer system is constituted under a simple construction (a worm gear, transfer rod integrally installed with a worm sector gear, and lower control arm), thereby improving the efficiency of the power transfer of the toe-angle controlling mechanism for vehicle wheels. The worm gear and worm sector gear are closed in a cover part of a housing, acquiring the durability and reliability of the toe-angle controlling mechanism for the vehicle wheels. The toe angle is prevented from being varied according to the exterior force transmitted from the vehicle wheel, by a unique characteristic (no inverse-transfer power) of the worm gear and worm sector gear, thus improving the vehicle stability.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seok-Chan Yun
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Patent number: 7243934Abstract: A knuckle is minimized in size to be located in an internal space of a rear wheel. An upper arm is disposed lower than a conventional double wishbone type and one end of the upper arm is secured to the knuckle. A shock absorber couples at a lower end thereof to the knuckle by passing through a space between a lower arm and assist arm. This configuration thus constructed greatly increases the space of the trunk room, reduces noise by minimizing the transmission of road impact and vibration, and improves ride comfort as well as braking stability and turn stability.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Un-Koo Lee, Sang-Ho Lee, Hyung-Bae Jang, Young-Wook Park
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Patent number: 7163219Abstract: A lower control arm for a motor vehicle suspension includes a first member in the form of an elongated hollow member and a second member attached to the first member. The second member has a solid cross section. The second member has a first end attached to the first member and a second end configured for connection to the motor vehicle body. The first member may have at least one opening extending transversely therethrough for connecting the first member to the motor vehicle suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Dinesh Seksaria, John W. Cobes
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Patent number: 7144023Abstract: A stabilizing strut, in particular for a chassis of a vehicle, in particular a Watt strut, is described, said strut having an elongate strut body which is designed as a profile. The strut body is formed as a profile which is open on one side at least in some sections along its longitudinal direction and the two longitudinal edges of which are connected integrally to each other at least in some sections axially to give a closed profile. Furthermore, a method for producing a stabilizing strut of this type is described.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Progress-Werk Oberkirch AGInventors: Konrad Huber, Hans Merkle, Hansjoerg Schmieder
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Publication number: 20060175786Abstract: In a method of making a control arm for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle a blank of steel material having a tensile strength of at least 800 MPa is shaped, using a sheet metal forming process, into a shell body having a center web and plural flank portions extending from the center web in a same direction. The flank portions are connected by a latticed reinforcement made of plastic, without application of a heat treatment process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2006Publication date: August 10, 2006Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Streubel, Armin Zuber, Wolfram Linnig
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Patent number: 6857647Abstract: An air spring suspension for a rear axle of truck is stabilized using a trailing link constructed from a hollow, rectangular tube. The air spring is positioned between a portion of the trailing link extending beyond the rear axle and turning inwardly on the vehicle and the frame rails of the truck's chassis. An auxiliary spring is provided by a half leaf mounting beneath the trailing link. The suspension can provide cornering stabilization by providing a connecting link between the ends of the trailing links.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Daniel W. Johnsman, James J. Korson
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Publication number: 20050023791Abstract: A stabilizing strut, in particular for a chassis of a vehicle, in particular a Watt strut, is described, said strut having an elongate strut body which is designed as a profile. The strut body is formed as a profile which is open on one side at least in some sections along its longitudinal direction and the two longitudinal edges of which are connected integrally to each other at least in some sections axially to give a closed profile. Furthermore, a method for producing a stabilizing strut of this type is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2004Publication date: February 3, 2005Inventors: Konrad Huber, Hans Merkle, Hansjoerg Schmieder
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Patent number: 6789811Abstract: A stabilizing strut, in particular for a chassis of a vehicle, in particular a Watt strut, is described, the strut having an elongate strut body which is designed as a profile. The strut body is formed as a profile which is open on one side at least in some sections along its longitudinal direction and the two longitudinal edges of which are connected integrally to each other at least in some sections axially to give a closed profile. Furthermore, a method for producing a stabilizing strut of this type is described.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Progress-Werk Oberkirch AGInventors: Konrad Huber, Hans Merkle, Hansjoerg Schmieder
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Patent number: 6766876Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system for a four-wheeled vehicle suitable for attaining vehicle weight reduction, setting weight distribution of the vehicle, improving vehicle design freedom, and decreasing the number of components as compared to conventional rear wheel suspension systems. The system includes a joint member mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle body with a pair of left and right front wheels secured thereto, the joint member including a roll shaft extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and connecting to a vertical swing shaft extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. In addition, a power unit for supporting the two rear wheels is connected to a rear portion of the joint member by means of the vertical swing shaft, thereby allowing the power unit to be secured to the vehicle body rollably and swingably.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Ozeki, Shinji Takayanagi, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi, Shinji Furuta, Takuya Tagami, Hirosi Takamoto
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Patent number: 6676143Abstract: A heavy-duty vehicle suspension assembly is provided that includes an axle assembly having opposing suspension arm mounting faces. A pair of modular suspension arm assemblies are secured to the axle assembly with the suspension arm assemblies extending outwardly from the axle assembly in opposite directions from one another. Each suspension arm assembly includes a first arm portion having a first end secured to the mounting face and extending to a second end. A second arm portion is secured to the second end and has a spring seat with a spring supported on each of the spring seats of the suspension arm assemblies for damping forces transmitted through the axle assembly. The first and second arm portions include mounting surfaces that overlap one another in a plurality of positions to permit the arm portions to be secured to one another in a plurality of configurations that accommodate numerous spring heights and pinion angles. The first and second arm portions may be constructed as separate castings.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventor: Srinivasa P. Rengasamy
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Patent number: 6547268Abstract: A swing arm of a suspension system for supporting the body of a motor vehicle comprises a main swing arm body on which a support portion for supporting a suspension damper is provided, a support member fixed to a rear portion of the main swing arm body and having supporting parts for supporting first to third suspension arms, and a support reinforcing member for reinforcing at least the supporting parts of the support member for supporting the second and third suspension arms. The main swing arm body, the support member and the support reinforcing member are produced by individually press-forming single steel plates and the swing arm is formed by joining the main swing arm body, the support member and the support reinforcing member.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Tadanobu Yamamoto, Susumu Sano, Tadashi Yoshimura
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Patent number: 6488299Abstract: A trailing arm mounting structure is provided, in which rear wheels follow a path approximating a straight line, which forms a predetermined acute angle with the road surface to the rear of the vehicle, during bump and rebound of the vehicle body such that shock in forward and rear directions transmitted from the road is reduced and space provided for the backseat and fuel tank is increased. In the trailing arm mounting structure, a first end of a trailing arm is connected to a rear wheel and a second end of the trailing arm is connected to a vehicle body with a concoid curve-forming assembly interposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Seon-Pyung Kim
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Publication number: 20020163154Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system for a four-wheeled vehicle suitable for attaining vehicle weight reduction, setting weight distribution of the vehicle, improving vehicle design freedom, and decreasing the number of components as compared to conventional rear wheel suspension systems. The system includes a joint member mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle body with a pair of left and right front wheels secured thereto, the joint member including a roll shaft extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and connecting to a vertical swing shaft extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. In addition, a power unit for supporting the two rear wheels is connected to a rear portion of the joint member by means of the vertical swing shaft, thereby allowing the power unit to be secured to the vehicle body rollably and swingably.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Takashi Ozeki, Shinji Takayanagi, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi, Shinji Furuta, Takuya Tagami, Hirosi Takamoto
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Patent number: 6305699Abstract: A locating link for wheel suspensions of motor vehicles, with an at least two-part link body, the link body comprising two elongate support profiles which are spaced apart and parallel to one another over at least two-thirds of their length and come into contact at least in the vicinity of a mounting hole of the link body. The support profiles are of mirror-symmetrical configuration relative to a center plane which lies centrally between the support profiles and normal to the center lines of at least two of the mounting holes present in the support profiles.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Werner König
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Patent number: 6206391Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided including a trailing arm which is adapted to be pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle. A wheel assembly is mounted to a first end of the trailing arm and a torsion element is integrally mounted within the trailing arm. A crank arm is provided having a first end mounted to the torsion element and a second end which is substantially fixed against movement in a vertical direction. As the trailing arm moves in a vertical direction, the crank arm provides torsion to the torsion element which acts as a spring for the vehicle suspension. By substantially mounting the entire suspension system directly below the vehicle frame rails, increased space is available between the wheels for luggage, fuel and spare tire storage. The rear suspension package is substantially reduced in both size and weight.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: David G Speth, Del C Schroeder, James C Rich