Lateral Control Arm (i.e., Suspension Arm) Patents (Class 280/124.134)
  • Patent number: 9421838
    Abstract: A suspension arm includes an upper member and a lower member, and the side plates of the upper member are joined to the side plates of the lower member by welding. A weld line formed by a weld part is bent and terminated near a lower ball joint. A side plate includes a substantially-linear edge and a bent edge, which is bent from an end of the substantially-linear edge and within which the weld line is terminated. The weld line along the bent edge is inclined at a given angle or greater to a stress direction near a weld end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasushi Morino
  • Patent number: 9168801
    Abstract: A transverse link made of fiber-reinforced plastics material for a wheel suspension, which transverse link is pivotable on its bearing elements about a common pivot axis or axes running substantially coaxially with respect to one another, these bearing elements being connected by a single-shell connecting element having connecting arms to a bearing element having a ball and socket joint bearing. The bearing elements and the connecting element are elements of an integral plastics material. In order to produce a transverse link of this type, disclosed is an integral plastics material moulded part produced by extrusion of plastics, the bearing elements having bearing bushes shells surrounded by extrusion of the plastics material. The ball and socket joint bearing have a bearing bush or a shell-shaped sliding capsule, produced from plastics material and connected to the connecting element, the connecting element comprising a centre or transverse web connecting the bearing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Gestamp Umformtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Dicke, Mathias Buchholz, Leslie Leimkuhler, Matthias Kroeger, Ulf Sudowe, Thomas Gross
  • Patent number: 9102205
    Abstract: An ATV is disclosed having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, front and rear wheels supporting the frame, a drivetrain supported by the frame, and an operator's compartment extending generally between the seat and a front enclosure. The ATV includes foot pedals to control the speed and acceleration of the vehicle. The ATV may include a floorboard including a footwell and a dead pedal for locating the operator's foot relative to the foot pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Kvien, Jeff S. Lovold, Timothy S. Wysocki, Russell L. Knochenmus
  • Patent number: 9096111
    Abstract: A coupled torsion beam axle type suspension system may include trailing arms respectively coupled to opposite ends of a torsion beam, a trailing arm bush coupled to a front end portion of the trailing arm, a link bracket mounted in front of the trailing arm bush and engaged therewith in a width direction of a vehicle, and a lower mounting bush mounted outside of the trailing arm bush in front thereof, installed in the link bracket, and engaged with a lower part of the vehicle body in a height direction of the vehicle, and an upper mounting bush offset, with respect to the lower mounting bush, by a predetermined width in the width direction of the vehicle, a predetermined height in a height direction thereof, and a predetermined length in a length direction of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jaekil Lee, Youn Hyung Cho, Seon Pyung Kim, Dong Min Lim
  • Publication number: 20150130159
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a highly rigid and curved suspension arm for a vehicle, which can be manufactured with high productivity without forging or casting. [Solution] A second plate 20 is sandwiched between a pair of first plates 10, and the plates 10 and the plate 20 are bonded to each other by weld bonding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Yorozu Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Nakasato
  • Patent number: 9022403
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joyce Lam, Ryan Corby, Jeffery Dix, Mark Snyder
  • Patent number: 9010783
    Abstract: A ball joint includes a base body, a ball socket formed in the base body, and a ball pivot having a joint ball which is received in the ball socket. The joint ball is held in the ball socket by a locking ring which has a flange portion bearing upon the base body. The flange portion has an outer periphery formed with a circumferential groove, with a groove flank of the groove providing a welding area. A welding seam running about the flange portion connects the locking ring to the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Meyer, Andreas Will
  • Publication number: 20150097350
    Abstract: A coupling structure includes a hollow rod section formed of a metal pipe and fastening sections formed by plastic deformation of the metal pipe so as to be connected with end sections of the hollow rod section. The fastening section includes a pair of base end sections which are each connected with a peripheral wall section forming a closed cross-section at the end section of the hollow rod section, and are separated from each other, and a bottom wall including a flat surface connected with the pair of the base end sections, and a pair of front end sections including a pair of side walls curving inwards from at least widthwise end sections of the bottom wall on a base end section side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Satoshi Shirakami, Masaaki Mizumura, Tohru Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8985604
    Abstract: A front lower control arm assembly includes a front lower control arm and a bushing attached to the arm. The bushing has a first central axis. A ball joint is also attached to the arm. The ball joint has a second central axis oriented substantially perpendicularly to a plane including the first central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven C Hopson, Steve S Allen, Kanak Soundrapandian
  • Publication number: 20150076783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heavy-duty trailer (10) in which at least one of the wheels (12) has a MacPherson independent wheel suspension (16). The wheel (12) can be a steered wheel, wherein the steering cylinders (94) of the steering device (40) enclose an angle (?) with the longitudinal direction (L) of the trailer. The transverse control arms (30l, 30r) can also be articulated onto the trailer frame at least in the longitudinal center plane (F) of the trailer (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GOLDHOFER AG
    Inventors: Herbert Swoboda, Georg Maier
  • Patent number: 8973931
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension wheel strut, includes a first bushing; a wheel carrier journaled onto the first bushing; a first bracket at a first end of the first bushing; a second bracket at a second end of the first bushing; and identical damping elements positioned between the first bracket and wheel carrier at the first end of the first bushing and the second bracket and the wheel carrier at the second end of the first bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Leonard Branger
  • Patent number: 8967638
    Abstract: A lift axle suspension system is provided with a frame bracket member connectable to a vehicle frame, an upper control arm, and a lower control arm. Each control arm has a first end and a second end, with the first end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the frame bracket member. The suspension system also includes an axle connecting member connectable to an axle, with the second end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the axle connecting member. A compression coil spring having a first end connected to the lower control arm and a second end connected to the upper control arm serves as a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the axle connected to the axle connecting member. The compression coil spring may encircle at least a portion of and be substantially coaxial with the lower control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gottschalk
  • Publication number: 20150054246
    Abstract: A suspension unit is disclosed having a hanger having a front face with an aperture and a control arm having a front face with an aperture. The control arm is pivotally attached to and depends from the hanger such that the front face of the hanger and the front face of the control arm are opposed one another with the aperture on the front face of the hanger being aligned with the aperture on the front face of the control arm. A jounce spring and a rebound spring are coaxially mounted to a shaft. The shaft is mounted through the apertures and springs. The rebound spring is positioned between the front faces of the hanger and the control arm and the jounce spring is positioned horizontally to one side of both the hanger and the control arm with the shaft in a horizontal orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Parto Rezania
  • Patent number: 8925945
    Abstract: A sheet-metal control arm for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes a base body, and two eyelets arranged in spaced-apart relationship at least at one end of the base body. Each eyelet has an opening, with the openings of the eyelets receiving a chassis bearing. At least one of the eyelets has a wall which is provided with a projection which is configured to at least partly bridge a gap to a wall of the other one of the eyelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Dominik Mohrlock, Wolfgang Seemüller
  • Patent number: 8925944
    Abstract: A control arm for a vehicle suspension is provided. The control arm includes a control arm body having a connector for attachment to a wheel assembly, a horizontal bushing for coupling the control arm with a vehicle frame and a vertical socket for also coupling the control arm with a vehicle frame. The vertical socket has a housing which is press fit into an opening of the control arm body and a stud which extends through the housing for engagement with the vehicle frame. A bearing is positioned within the housing between the housing and the stud. The stud has a rounded outer surface, and the bearing has a rounded inner surface for allowing rotational movement of the bearing and housing relative to the stud. A retainer member is in engagement with the housing and the bearing for retaining the bearing in the inner bore of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Byrnes
  • Publication number: 20150001826
    Abstract: An L-shape vehicular suspension arm includes a unitary body forged from an aluminum alloy. The unitary body includes a web and ribs. The web is substantially planar, and the ribs extend from surfaces of the web at peripheral edges of the web. In cross-section, at least one part of the unitary body has a U-shape, an H-shape, or an inverted U-shape, such that dimensions of the unitary body satisfy expression (1) or (2): 0.05?(H?Hr)/Hr?0.25??(1) 4?(H?Hr)/Hr?19??(2) where H is a total height of the unitary body, and Hr is a height from a center of the web to a lowermost point of the unitary body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KOBE SEIKO SHO (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventor: Hiroaki HOSOI
  • Patent number: 8910962
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension transverse link, including a bearing journal assembly having a pin-shaped portion and an anchor portion that attaches to a connecting point on the link. The anchor portion has an unrounded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Meier, Theo Kueppers
  • Publication number: 20140361507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lower arm for vehicle suspension system comprising a first bush mounting part and a second bush mounting part mounted to a front member mounting assembly of a vehicle chassis to be spaced apart therebetween at front and rear, a first arm having one end part connected to the first bush mounting part and the other end part extruding laterally from the vehicle chassis to be connected to a ball joint mounting part to support a wheel mounting assembly, and a second arm having one end part extending integrally from the first arm and the other end part connected to the second bush mounting part, wherein the first arm is formed by forming a metal plate, the one end part of the first arm connected to the first bush mounting part has a pair of ring members which are formed by forming the metal plate to be parallel therebetween in an axial direction and to contact and support through their inner round surfaces an outer round surface of the first bush mounting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Austem Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Ha PARK, Yui Youn YOO, Yong Sik KIM, Jae Gyu YOON
  • Publication number: 20140361508
    Abstract: A suspension arm mounting structure comprises: an arm body section (14) which is disposed between a wheel and a vehicle body and which is configured from a plate-shaped member; a rubber elastic body (46) which is provided between the arm body section (14) and the vehicle body; and a shaft section (16) which is extended from the arm body section (14) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, is press-fitted or fitted in the through-hole (48) of the rubber elastic body (46), and has a tube-like shape or a closed cross-sectional shape. The shaft section (16) has a pressing section (52) which causes both end surfaces of the plate-shaped member to face each other and press against each other so that the opposing end surfaces are in contact with each other so as to press against each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Yasutaka Ohta, Tetsu Ogawa, Takuya Yanagida, Yohei Kenmotsu, Junichi Midorikawa
  • Patent number: 8899602
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension support structure including a lower arm (17) formed by, for example, a lower arm 17 rotatably supporting a knuckle for a front wheel, and a shock absorber attenuating vibration of the lower arm (17), wherein a lower end of the shock absorber is rotatably supported by a support bracket 32 that is welded to an upper face of the lower arm (17) formed by, for example, the lower arm 17, and wherein in the upper face of the lower arm (17), a bulged portion 40 is formed where a weld target portion to which an end of the support bracket 32 is welded is formed to bulge upwards as compared to the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiruta Kogyo Co., Ltd., Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yoko Takanashi, Masashi Ando, Toshiyuki Yokota
  • Publication number: 20140339785
    Abstract: A ball joint includes a base body, a ball socket formed in the base body, and a ball pivot having a joint ball which is received in the ball socket. The joint ball is held in the ball socket by a locking ring which has a flange portion bearing upon the base body. The flange portion has an outer periphery formed with a circumferential groove, with a groove flank of the groove providing a welding area. A welding seam running about the flange portion connects the locking ring to the base body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Meyer, Andreas Will
  • Patent number: 8870205
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Corby, Joyce Lam, Kenneth Ameloot, Jeffery Dix
  • Patent number: 8870202
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stabilizer for vehicle suspension, comprising a longitudinal polymeric body with a metal frame having two ends (3) and a central sector (2), having a hole (4) at each end (3) wherein there is housed a ball joint (7), where the frame is formed from two metal parts (1) having an open section which are arranged opposite one another on their open sides, the central sector (2) of each part (1) comprising two tabs (6) located in opposition on each side and facing the open side, and the ends (3) comprising rims (3?) such that the two opposing parts (1) rest on the tabs (6) and on the rims (3?) and are embedded in an overmolded body (5) which externally coats them and fills the inner space defined by the two opposing metal parts (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Edai Technical Unit, A.I.E.
    Inventors: Rafael Teijeiro Castro, Jorge Varela, Joserra Mosteiro
  • Publication number: 20140291956
    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, the inboard side being attached to the lower suspension support structure. The steering knuckle has an upper end, a lower end, and a wheel supporting section between the upper end and the lower end. The lower end is pivotally coupled to the outboard side of the transverse link. The lower knuckle breakaway structure is formed on 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan CORBY, Joyce LAM, Kenneth AMELOOT, Jeffery DIX
  • Publication number: 20140265206
    Abstract: A number of variations of the invention may include a method including providing a front lower control arm attachment system including a sleeve locator stamping and at least one threaded sleeve extending there through, and attaching the front lower control arm attachment system to a vehicle engine cradle. A number of variations of the invention may include a front lower control arm attachment system including a sleeve locator stamping and at least one threaded sleeve extending through the sleeve locator stamping and secured thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • Publication number: 20140252741
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan CORBY, Joyce LAM, Kenneth AMELOOT, Jeffery DIX
  • Publication number: 20140252742
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Joyce LAM, Ryan CORBY, Jeffery DIX, Mark SNYDER
  • Patent number: 8814187
    Abstract: In a method of producing a transverse link for arrangement on a motor vehicle axle, a semifinished product is produced from an extrusion profile of light metal with at least three hollow chambers in side-by-side relationship. A top side and a bottom side of a middle one of the chambers is trimmed at ends thereof so that outer ones of the chambers form bearing arms which project beyond a base body. The middle chamber is formed with flanges which are bent and coupled with the base body. The bearing arms are bent and mounts for attachment are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Roald Pedersen, Stephan Meyer, Vitalis Rudi, Dirk Vogler, Odd Perry Sovik
  • Patent number: 8794641
    Abstract: A micro weight enclosure when fully loaded with gear and equipment is capable of being towed by vehicles with gross tow weight ratings of less than 1000 lbs. This enclosure does not utilize a traditional chassis, rather uses common manufacturing of panel assemblies mechanically attached together forming the basic structural elements required for strength at minimal weight and reduced wind drag. The enclosure, being ergonomically optimized, allows enough space to stand in one location, but sit, recline, or lay prone in a most comfortable fashion, and to attend to human hygiene and related activity in a secure protected environment. The independent suspension couples directly to the enclosure lowers the vehicle, reducing wind drag, allowing enclosure leveling, improves ingress, egress, and overall occupant comfort. The enclosure being acceptable for day travel; surfing or partying in urban and rural environments as example, or extended travel; road trips or camping as example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Muller
  • Publication number: 20140210177
    Abstract: A transverse link made of fibre-reinforced plastics material for a wheel suspension, which transverse link is pivotable on its bearing elements about a common pivot axis or axes running substantially coaxially with respect to one another, these bearing elements being connected by a single-shell connecting element having connecting arms to a bearing element having a ball and socket joint bearing. The bearing elements and the connecting element are elements of an integral plastics material. In order to produce a transverse link of this type, disclosed is an integral plastics material moulded part produced by extrusion of plastics, the bearing elements having bearing bushes shells surrounded by extrusion of the plastics material. The ball and socket joint bearing have a bearing bush or a shell-shaped sliding capsule, produced from plastics material and connected to the connecting element, the connecting element comprising a centre or transverse web connecting the bearing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Gestamp Umformtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Dicke, Mathias Buchholz, Leslie Leimkuhler, Matthias Kroeger, Ulf Sudowe, Thomas Gross
  • Patent number: 8789838
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle comprising at least one pair of axles with one axle of each pair disposed on each side of the vehicle, each axle having a shaft, an arm connected to the shaft's outer end projecting tangentially to a terminal end and located outside of the vehicle's frame, a spindle affixed to the terminal end of each arm and adapted to engage a wheel; a rotational attachment means for affixing each axle to the underside and for allowing it to rotate, at least one axle retainer adapted to prevent lateral movement of each axle; a torsion means for resisting rotation of each axle in response to a load supported by each axle; and at least one limiter to limit rotation of each axle relative to the frame, whereby, application of a load biases the axle against the torsion means supporting the frame and absorbing shocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Carl D Turnbow
  • Patent number: 8783702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-axis damping joint for connecting chassis components for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a single-axis damping joint for connecting chassis components for a vehicle, capable of improving performance of absorbing forward and backward vibration of a vehicle body and vibration due to distortion force while improving durability. To this end, the present invention provides the single-axis damping joint for connecting chassis components for the vehicle, including: a ball stud including a spherical portion on an axis; bearings disposed so as to induce rotation of the ball stud in an axis direction; a sheet member configured to support an external circumferential surface of the bearing; a buffer member disposed at an external circumferential surface of the sheet member; and an outer pipe configured to protect the sheet member from the outside while being in close contact with the external circumferential surface of the sheet member and coupled to one end of a lower arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Iljin.Co.Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Chun Lee, Tae-Sung Kwon
  • Patent number: 8770606
    Abstract: A component, especially a control arm for a vehicle, includes a base wall and a passage extending away from said base wall, and in particular, a control arm lug. A method for producing such a component includes shortening a deep-drawn contour which connects one side of the base wall to an inner contour of a passage in the longitudinal direction of the passage by means of upsetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Ernst Lindtner, Josef Schellnegger
  • Patent number: 8757648
    Abstract: A control arm assembly for an automotive wheel suspension, having: an elongate control arm having a transverse mounting socket with an internally threaded surface; and a ball joint having: a steel housing with an externally threaded surface and; a ball stud with a partially spherical ball head upwardly restrained within the housing and a shank extending upwardly through an upward opening in the housing; and a bearing having a partially spherical inner surface engaging the ball head and having an outer surface engaging the inner chamber; wherein the housing has a laterally extending collar with a lower contact surface that engages the upper mounting surface of the control arm when the threaded surfaces are fully torqued together; and wherein the upper portion of the outboard wall having a thickness greater than or equal to a thickness of a lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Mevotech LP
    Inventor: Simon Winter
  • Patent number: 8757649
    Abstract: A connecting strut for a chassis of a vehicle comprises an elongated carrier which has at least two carrier elements spaced apart from each other. The carrier elements are connected with each other at their ends by means of a respective connecting element. The carrier has a low torsional stiffness and a high bending stiffness with respect to its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Cengiz Erdogan
  • Patent number: 8762003
    Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame pivotally connected to the lower end of a shock tower, the pivotal connection defining a frame leaning axis wherein the frame is adapted to lean to a right side and to a left side relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis. The leaning vehicle includes an actuator operatively connected to the frame and to the shock tower which is adapted to impart a leaning motion to the frame relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Mercier
  • Patent number: 8746718
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively ensure the rigidity of supporting a front suspension with a simple configuration, without increasing the weight of a vehicle body. In a suspension mounting structure for a vehicle in which a front suspension is supported by sub frames 3, the sub frames 3 have a pair of right and left side sub frames 9 that extend in a front-rear direction of a vehicle in lower parts of front side frames 2; and a rear sub cross member 11 that couples rear end parts of the right and left side frames 9 to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Otani, Masanobu Fukushima, Hiroaki Takeshita
  • Publication number: 20140151974
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension transverse link, including a bearing journal assembly having a pin-shaped portion and an anchor portion that attaches to a connecting point on the link. The anchor portion has an unrounded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Christoph Meier, Theo Kueppers
  • Publication number: 20140138922
    Abstract: An axle suspension for a vehicle axle guided by a trailing arm and also, furthermore, an axle lift for a vehicle axle are proposed. The axle lift includes a force element (11), a pressure transmission means (18, 20) which is movable towards an axle link (5) of the vehicle axle by actuation of the force element, and a bracket (12). The bracket (12) is provided with a supporting means (10) for the force element (11) and the pressure reaction forces acting on the latter and, in addition, for the fastening to a support (2) is provided with a bracket part (31), on which a plug-in or hook connection (36A) for engagement in the support (2) is formed. With the aim of being able to fit the bracket (12) in a fixed basic setting on the support (2) with just a few actions, it is proposed that the bracket part (31), at a distance from the plug-in or hook connection (36A) thereof, is provided with at least one further connecting means (33), which is designed for engagement in the support (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: BPW BERGISCHE ACHSEN KG
    Inventors: Michael Schwarz, Arthur Neumann, Swen Gmeiner, Manfred Michels, Bianca Luckau
  • Patent number: 8727362
    Abstract: A wheel suspension element for a motor vehicle which comprises a supporting structure (1) for an axle of a motor vehicle and at least a rod for guiding, with the rod, at least an articulated wheel carrier (2) which can be connected to the supporting structure (1). The supporting structure (1) is formed from a fiber composite material. The rod of the wheel suspension element is designed as an elastic spring rod (3, 4) and is formed from a fiber composite material as one element with the supporting structure (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jens Heimann, Daniel Wolf, Thomas Eifflaender
  • Publication number: 20140125030
    Abstract: A vehicle body front part structure includes: a lower arm that supports a front wheel; a first transverse member that is connected to a supporting part on a rear side of the lower arm in a vehicle body; a second transverse member that connects between parts on a front end side of a rocker, the rocker is disposed in a rear of the wheel; and a connecting structure that integrally connects between the first transverse member and the second transverse member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiro HARA
  • Patent number: 8708359
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprises an assembly of a hub carrier and a support arm, the support arm being attached to the hub carrier at two points spaced from each other in the direction of travel and extending inwardly therefrom to a support arm attachment point for fixing to a chassis, and a trailing link extending from the assembly in a direction transverse to that of the support arm, toward a trailing link attachment point for fixing to the chassis. The trailing link preferably extends from the assembly in a forward direction, and is preferably connected directly to the hub carrier. A strut can extend upwardly toward an attachment point for fixing to a chassis, to provide a spring and damper. The support arm can comprise a pair of arms extending divergently from the attachment point to each of the two points. The hub carrier can include a pivot pin extending in a fore/aft alignment, passing through two pivot points on the support arm thereby to define the two points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Gordon Murray Design Limited
    Inventor: Ian Gordon Murray
  • Patent number: 8690176
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension component includes a first metal sheet having a center portion bounded by a first outer wall and a second outer wall. A second metal sheet includes a center portion in engagement with the center portion of the first sheet. The second sheet includes a first downturned wall engaging a surface of the first outer wall as well as a second downturned wall engaging a surface of the second outer wall. One of the first and second sheets includes a first hemmed flange portion wrapping around a first edge of the other of the first and second sheets and engaging another surface of the other first and second sheet. One of the first and second sheets includes a second hemmed flange portion wrapping around a second edge of the other of the first and second sheets and engaging another surface of the first and second sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Perry, Julie Schoenherr
  • Patent number: 8662510
    Abstract: Wheel suspension for a wheeled vehicle, with a lower rocking lever (12) with an inner end being movably connected to a vehicle frame (14) via a lower arm part (16) of a double armed rocker (18) which is pivotable about a substantially horizontal axle (20) in the vehicle frame, and with an outer end being articulately attached to a lower part of a wheel hub (24), and an upper support arm (28) with an outer end being articulately attached to an upper end of the wheel hub (24), and with an inner end, being articulately connected to the vehicle frame (14). The upper support arm (28) is connected to an upper arm part (34) of the double armed rocker (18) via a coupling link (36), which is articulately connected to the upper support arm (28) as well as the upper arm part (34) of the double armed rocker (18), wherein the lower rocking lever (12) has an inclination obliquely downwardly outwardly from the vehicle frame (14) in a neutral position of the wheel hub (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Assar Christensen
  • Publication number: 20140054871
    Abstract: A vehicular single wheel suspension of a double-track rear wheel being steerable by an actuator of a double-track vehicle has a wheel carrier guided by a longitudinal control arm and by two transverse control arms. The transverse control arms are connected to the wheel carrier by a bolt via a rubber bearing having a minimal degree of rotary freedom. The longitudinal control arm is mounted on the wheel carrier via one rubber bearing having a minimal degree of rotary freedom, such that the wheel carrier is swivelable relative to the longitudinal control arm about a substantially vertical swivel axis. The swivel axis is formed by the rubber bearing wherein the resulting degree of rotary freedom is bound by a tie rod element connected to the wheel carrier via an articulated joint. The tie rod element is movable in the transverse direction of the vehicle by an actuator adjuster element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Benjamin JAKOB
  • Patent number: 8657314
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizer link for a vehicle suspension and method for obtaining it, which allows reducing its cost, as a well as a faster and easier assembly, for which purpose it includes a longitudinal body having two ends with holes in which an articulation element is housed, and a central sector, having at each end a hole, wherein the longitudinal body is formed from two identical parts arranged such that they are facing one another and remain attached by means of a plastically deformable attachment element such that once it is deformed, it prevents the separation of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: EDAI Technical Unit, A.I.E.
    Inventor: José Ramón Mosteiro Goyoaga
  • Publication number: 20140049018
    Abstract: An independent suspension for a steerable wheel has a support member that is inclined so that the movement of the wheel as it travels over an obstacle includes a rearward vector. The steering spindle is positioned in such a way that it is not perpendicular to the support member, but is angled to provide the desired caster angle, which may vary between embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel KUNAU
  • Publication number: 20140049017
    Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle includes a carrier coupled to a portion of the vehicle, and a wheel bearing element mounted on the carrier so as to be rotatable about an axis, wherein a first portion of the carrier is rotatably coupled to the portion of the vehicle by a single link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Joe L Buchwitz, John Spencer Rezkalla, David Burgess, Robert Borries
  • Patent number: 8651504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transverse link (1) having a main body (2), which has at least one first fixing region (3) for pivotal attachment to a vehicle frame element and at least one further fixing region (6) for pivotal attachment to a hub carrier, the main body (2) having at least one wheel limb (8). In order largely to avoid destruction of the journal connection of the transverse link to a hub carrier if the wheel hits a curbstone, for example, the proposal is to provide a transitional region (19), which is arranged between the wheel limb (8) and the further fixing region (6), the transitional region (19) being embodied in such a way that a deformation zone (21) acting in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the wheel limb (8) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ford-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Gerhards, Michael Johannes Frantzen, Marc Simon, Wolfgang David, Martina Beyer, Karsten Sander, Frank Scheper, Karsten Klostermeier, Jens Wohlers
  • Patent number: 8646787
    Abstract: A wheel suspension for a rear wheel of a motor vehicle includes a wheel carrier, a lower control arm and a track rod connected to the wheel carrier at first and second points of articulation and supported on a vehicle body by first and second bearings. A rotation movement by the control arm and the track rod in response to longitudinal and/or lateral forces causes a toe-in change to thereby adjust the first point of articulation of the control arm by a first transverse offset in a vehicle transverse direction and adjust the second point of articulation of the track rod by a second transverse offset in the vehicle transverse direction. The first bearing is configured elastokinematically such that the first transverse offset of the first point of articulation is greater than the second transverse offset of the second point of articulation in response to the longitudinal and/or lateral forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Langhoff, Dominik Mohrlock, Florian Adlkofer, Stephan Lamers