With Torsion Bar Patents (Class 280/124.137)
  • Patent number: 9499207
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a front structure arrangement of a vehicle including a side member and an outer side member arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a left-side portion or a right-side portion of a front portion of the vehicle, the outer side member being located laterally outward of and vertically above the side member. A spring tower is attached to the side member and to the outer side member, and the spring tower is adapted to support a suspension of the vehicle. The spring tower is attached to the side member by an attachment means, which is arranged such that the spring tower is adapted to detach progressively from the side member during bending of the side member when the front structure arrangement is subjected to a substantially longitudinal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hakan Persson, Tom Stoddart, Weijia Wu, Oscar Jesus Centeno Gil
  • Patent number: 9469174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, said wheel suspension having a multi-link assembly (21) of links that are hinged to the vehicle body, in particular to a subframe (1) of the vehicle body, and to a hub carrier (23), and having a rotary actuator (27) for active chassis control, said rotary actuator having a motor-gear unit (29) with which torques can be transmitted, via at least one torsion bar (31), as adjusting forces to said multi-link assembly (21). According to the invention, at least one of the links (14, 16) of the multi-link assembly (21) limits, in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle towards the front or towards the back, a free space (39) in which said motor-gear unit (29) of the rotary actuator (27) is at least partially arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Dominik Mohrlock, Ruben Goldberg, Andreas Schindler
  • Patent number: 8851493
    Abstract: An axle actuator for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes an output lever, a torsion bar spring acting on a wheel side upon the output lever, and a rotary actuator adapted to adjust a tension of the torsion bar spring. A coupler links the output lever to a wheel guide element of the wheel suspension and is configured as a spring with defined spring rate and connected by joints with the output lever and the wheel guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Wilfried Michel
  • Patent number: 8777245
    Abstract: A torque rod assembly includes a pair of end joint assemblies with a thin wall connecting tube disposed between them. The end joint assemblies each include an eye which is friction welded to the thin wall connecting tube. The use of the thin wall connecting tube and the friction welding process allow the friction weld to be located immediately adjacent a bore extending through the eye. The eyes and the thin wall connecting tube can be cast, extruded or formed from steel, aluminum or cast iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Christopher G. Rager
  • Patent number: 8764040
    Abstract: A quadricycle includes a four-wheel suspension system that is structured to maintain contact between the ground and the wheels when traversing uneven terrain, as well as to permit a rider to lean into a curve in order to facilitate steering the vehicle. The suspension assemblies are relatively wide to resist rollover accidents. Shock absorbers within the suspension assemblies are angled from vertical to provide both a vertical force component and a horizontal force component in order to permit leaning into a curve while resisting excessive leaning. The quadricycle's drivetrain is structured to increase clearance between the ground and many drivetrain components. Smaller components of the spindle and wheel hub assembly are protected by larger components of the suspension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis DeLauter
  • Patent number: 8616567
    Abstract: It is an object to effectively enhance rigidity of a subframe installed to couple a pair of right and left wheel suspension members, with a simple structure, and allow a stabilizer to be adequately installed. A subframe (3) installed to couple a pair of right and left wheel suspension members (2) together comprises a cross member (31) provided with a lateral-link support portion (14, 18) supporting an end of the lateral link (5, 6), a pair of right and left side members (33) each extending from a respective one of opposite vehicle-widthwise outer ends of the cross member (31), in a vehicle longitudinal direction; and a pair of right and left reinforcing members (35) each reinforcing a coupling section between the lateral-link support portion (14, 18) of the cross member (31) or a vicinity thereof, and a respective one of the side members (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Eguchi, Masaaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8579310
    Abstract: It is an object to obtain excellent suspension performance and effectively enhance steering stability during vehicle turning, with a simple configuration. A vehicle suspension apparatus comprises an upper lateral link (5) and a lower lateral link (6) each having one end (5a, 6a) swingably mounted to a wheel carrying member (1) and the other end (5b, 6b) swingably supported by a vehicle body, while being installed to extend in a vehicle widthwise direction, and a lower link (7) having one end mounted to a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at a position rearward of a rotary shaft of a wheel, and the other end swingably supported by the vehicle body. The one ends (5a, 6a) of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) are mounted, respectively, to an upper portion and a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at positions frontward of the rotary shaft of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Shin Murata
  • Patent number: 8562009
    Abstract: A suspension arrangement for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes an output lever hinged directly or indirectly to a wheel control element and configured as a flexible spring of defined spring rate. A transverse torsion-bar spring acts on the output lever, with an actuator adjusting a pretension of the torsion-bar spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Wilfried Michel
  • Patent number: 8511697
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a stabilizer (26), which is configured in two parts, on a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, comprising torsion bars (26b) which are separated from each other and are each articulated on wheel suspension elements (16) by means of an output lever (26a) and can be co-rotated in the same or opposite direction by means of associated actuating devices (30), wherein each torsion bar (26b) is extended with a hollow shaft (26e) which encompasses the torsion bar (26b) in order to increase the effective torsion length, the output lever (26a) being formed on the hollow shaft. According to the invention, the torsion bar (26b) is mounted in a fixed bearing (59) in the actuating device (30) and in an axial loose bearing (26d) in the hollow shaft (26e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Armin Ohletz, Walter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8454041
    Abstract: A suspension arm unit for vehicle includes: a pair of profile beams each having a U-shaped cross section with an opening oriented in a horizontal direction and including: a base end part formed on one end side of the profile beam and vertically swingably supported on a vehicle body side about an axis extending in a front-rear direction; and a distal end part formed on the other end side, to which a knuckle arm unit of a wheel is attached. The pair of the profile beams are arranged in the front-rear direction so that the openings face each other in the front-rear direction and a gap between the profile beams becomes larger from the distal end part to the base end part, and the pair of the profile beams are connected to each other at the distal end part and to the knuckle arm unit through a rotary joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Fujii, Shoichiro Kawamura, Yuhei Nishimura, Shinichiro Saji, Kyouhei Hamamura
  • Patent number: 8424889
    Abstract: In a vehicle-body stiffening device, a wind-receiving plate that receives traveling wind is fixed to a main bar portion of a lower bar that connects brackets formed at left and right lower sections of a suspension cross member to each other and supporting suspension lower arms. The wind-receiving plate receiving a traveling-wind pressure biases the main bar portion so as to generate bending stress. Due to this bending stress, a preload is generated between the left and right brackets. Since the preload is generated by the traveling-wind pressure, the preload is 0 (kg/mm) when the vehicle speed is 0 (km/h), but increases as the vehicle speed increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Fujinuki
  • Patent number: 8356825
    Abstract: A stabilizer device having high reliability and light weight is provided. The stabilizer device has a stabilizer consisting of a torsion part and arm parts each extending from both ends of the torsion part and having an overall shape of a square bracket, a “]” shape, a bushing for fixing the stabilizer to an automobile body arranged at both ends of the torsion part, and a resin misalignment preventing member which has a contacting part contacting with the bushing, which is arranged neighboring the bushing, and which is integrally formed with the torsion part and covering all therearound in a predetermined range of axial direction of the torsion part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
  • Patent number: 8342540
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle includes left and right suspensions connected to a frame. The left and right suspensions are moving in predetermined directions. A vehicle implement is pivotally connected to one of a front portion and a rear portion of the frame by at least one arm. The vehicle implement is pivotable between a first position and a second position. The second position is vertically higher than the first position. At least one suspension limiter is operatively connected to the at least one arm. When the vehicle implement is in the first and second positions, the left and right suspensions are free to move in the predetermined directions. When the vehicle implement is in a position intermediate the first and second positions, the at least one suspension limiter restricts movement of the left and right suspensions in at least one of the predetermined directions. A suspension limiter is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Benoit Marleau
  • Patent number: 8308175
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Posco
    Inventors: Han Ho Choi, Yeon Sik Kang, Sung Ho Park, Jin Ho Oh, Keun Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20120043152
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis in the form of a trough is ‘V shaped and encloses the vehicle driveline and is resistant to ballistic and blast damage. The chassis has a removable body attached by longitudinal pivot pins. A torsion bar suspension is pivoted on the axis of the torsion bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: RICARDO UK LTD.
    Inventor: Roland Jacob-Lloyd
  • Patent number: 8083245
    Abstract: A chassis system and a suspension module for vehicles having wheel subsystems incorporates a lateral torsion bar and a co-axial enveloping damper unit, featuring active-adaptive suspension characteristics. Pre-fabricated suspension modules are situated inside respective box-structures, connected via wheelbase and track members, allowing the storage of heavy elements (e.g., batteries or fuel-cells) at the chassis. The robust and self-carrying chassis is enhanced, using upper body members, in terms of structural rigidity, for a given wheelbase, achieving high impact-energy absorbtion. The suspension arms incorporate upper and lower members, articulation, connect internally or externally to the suspension module, and transmit drive and brake forces to the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Dimitrios A. Hatzikakidis
  • Patent number: 8052160
    Abstract: A suspension apparatus is disclosed for which vehicle handling stability can be obtained. An upper arm (14), a damper unit (16), and a stabilizer (17) are connected in this order to a knuckle (13) from outside of the vehicle body in a width direction of the vehicle body. The reaction force of the stabilizer is used as a moment in the camber direction, and causes interference in the camber direction. As a result, a camber change during a reverse phase stroke is increased over a camber change during a same-phase stroke, and turning performance of the vehicle is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Hirai
  • Patent number: 7819411
    Abstract: An independent suspension includes upper and lower control arms that are coupled to a knuckle that supports a wheel assembly. A spring bracket is pivotally connected to the lower control arm. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the spring bracket to drive the wheel assembly. The spring bracket includes first and second support plates that respectively support first and second springs on opposite sides of the drive shaft. A torque rod is pivotally connected to the spring bracket. The torque rod and the upper and lower control arms are also mounted to a vehicle frame member. The torque rod, knuckle, spring bracket, upper and lower control arms, and vehicle structure cooperate to provide a six link control that accommodates large wheel jounce travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Eshelman, Gregory D. Pavuk, Gordon Aaron Weeks
  • Patent number: 7762568
    Abstract: The stiffening device of the present invention is provided between left and right shock absorber support portions formed in a vehicle body, and includes a left side shaft and a right side shaft fixed to the left and right shock absorber support portions, respectively, and a rotation allowing portion that connects the left side shaft and right side shaft in a vehicle width direction central portion of the vehicle body, and allows the left side shaft and right side shaft to rotate. Fixing locations in which the left side shaft and right side shaft are fixed to the shock absorber support portions are disposed further toward a vehicle front side than the position of a rod axis of the shock absorber in the vicinity of the shock absorber support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideharu Tatsumi, Mitsuo Kimura, Yoshimitsu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7748727
    Abstract: A suspension structure is provided having a shock absorber for dampening the vibration from a wheel and a stabilizer for suppressing the up and down strokes in opposite phases generated from opposing wheels on a vehicle. The end portion of the stabilizer is connected to the lower end portion of the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Murayama, Takahiro Watanabe, Yoshihiro Konno, Hajime Katou, Hiroyuki Yuasa
  • Patent number: 7665752
    Abstract: There is provided a torsion beam of a vehicle suspension in which a upper portion and the lower portion of the torsion beam are bent in the front-to-rear direction alone of the vehicle along the longitudinal axis of the torsion beam, and a pair of tails is rounded at both front and rear ends of the torsion beam of the vehicle and formed different from each other in size, a rear tail of the pair of tails which is formed at the rear portion of the vehicle is larger than a front tail formed in the front portion of the torsion beam, the upper and lower portions of the torsion beam are gradually apart from each other with at least two predetermined slopes as they goes from the middle portion to both distal end of the torsion beam. Therefore, roll stiffness is increased and durability is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Youn Lee
  • Patent number: 7635139
    Abstract: A lateral displacement preventing device for a stabilizer, the device including a flat plate having a first end portion and a second end portion and having an upper surface which contacts the stabilizer and a lower surface at a side that is opposite from the upper surface, and cut-out step portions formed by recessing each of an upper surface of the first end portion and a lower surface of the second end portion. The flat plate is wrapped, along a surface of the plate, around an outer periphery of the stabilizer at a predetermined position thereon and clamped, the cut-out step portions are overlapped, and both of the end portions are fixed at overlapping portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Narishima, Masahiko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7600770
    Abstract: A suspension system includes first and second wheel carriers, a stabilizer having a first end and a second end, the stabilizer being coupled to the wheel carriers, a first cylinder/piston unit being arranged between the first end of the stabilizer and the first wheel carrier and a second cylinder/piston unit being arranged between the second end of the stabilizer and the second wheel carrier. Each cylinder/piston unit is a double-acting cylinder/piston unit and the two cylinder/piston units are cross-connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Walentowski
  • Patent number: 7591472
    Abstract: In rear wheel suspensions, which suspend left and right rear wheels independently, to downsize, reduce in weight and simplify a stabilizer without specifically strengthening the same. Upper and lower arms which form suspension arms in a double wishbone structure are swingably supported by a front arm supporting frame and a rear arm supporting frame provided on front and rear sides of a rear cushion. A cross portion of a stabilizer is swingably supported by the stabilizer brackets provided on a front surface of the rear arm supporting frame, and left and right arm portions extending toward the front are arranged upwardly of the left and right upper arms so as to be placed inside thereof in plan view respectively, and distal ends thereof are connected to the left and right upper arms respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Kinjyo, Takeshi Okaniwa, Takuya Tagami
  • Patent number: 7549658
    Abstract: To achieve a low wheel spring rate at low wheel loads and a higher wheel spring rate at higher wheel loads, each wheel of a rear-wheel suspension is equipped with a torsion bar spring which cooperates by way of a pressure rod connected with the wheel carrier. An adjusting device is connected with the torsion bar spring to act upon an additional spring element which can take up a controlled elastic position or a blocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhard Kunert, Swen Zschocke
  • Patent number: 7530586
    Abstract: A holding device for a wheel suspension stabilizer bar has a coupling element connected to a suspension fork of a suspension strut and a bracket of the suspension strut. The attachment is effected over a relatively large base to achieve a stable connection or link of the stabilizer bar to the suspension strut or suspension fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Tardy-Tuch, Achim Schulz
  • Patent number: 7325820
    Abstract: An independent rear suspension system is provided that has a trailing arm connected between a frame rail and a wheel support knuckle. A lower control arm is connected between a frame cross member and the knuckle. The suspension system also includes an upper link that extends between the frame rail and the knuckle. The toe link and upper link are generally vertically aligned. A stabilizer bar extends between the toe link and upper link and is connected to the lower control arm outboard of the shock and spring to reduce space requirements for the suspension system forward of the wheel support knuckle. The lower control arm is elongated and attached to the frame cross member inboard of the frame rails to improve the ratio of wheel travel to shock travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Allen, Tony Adamo, Peter Jargowsky, Chris Allard, Brian Miller
  • Patent number: 7322591
    Abstract: In a vehicle suspension system, suspension arms are attached to the right and left sides of a vehicle body frame, a knuckle is attached to the ends of the suspension arms, a front shock absorber is provided between the vehicle body frame and the suspension arm on each side of the frame, and a stabilizer bar is provided extending between the right and left suspension arms. The stabilizer bar extends between rigid right and left shock support members provided on the ends of the suspension arms. The rigid shock support members are coupled to the knuckle, and also support the lower ends of the front shock absorbers. Costs of the suspension system are reduced by providing the rigid support member in combination with the stabilizer bar, since the shape of a suspension arm can be simplified without requiring particular increase in rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bunzo Seki
  • Patent number: 7318593
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly for a vehicle suspension system is disclosed. The stabilizer bar assembly has a stabilizer bar that is provided with an annular ring. The annular ring is either formed as an upset or assembled to the stabilizer bar. A bushing having a groove on its inner diameter is assembled to the stabilizer bar at the annular ring that centers the stabilizer bar against transverse displacement. A second bushing is secured to the stabilizer bar at a location spaced from the annular ring. The first and second bushings secure the stabilizer bar to right and left frame rails. The annular ring may have a square, tapered or spherical cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Sterly, John Soronen, Brock Jones
  • Publication number: 20070176388
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a pair of left and right arms attached to the vehicle frame and extending from the left and right sides of the vehicle frame, a pair of left and right ground contacting parts respectively attached to the pair of left and right arms, and a stabilizer bar for correcting a torsion on the pair of left and right ground contacting parts. The stabilizer bar is provided with a support member capable of changing a position at which the stabilizer bar is supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Masanori Yoshihara, Kiyoteru Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20070052193
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension component includes a first suspension member having a connection portion for connection to a second suspension member. A retention member is formed on the first suspension member near the connection portion for resisting relative lateral movement between the first suspension member and the second suspension member. The retention member is formed in a band shape partially or completely around the first suspension member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Leo Medeiros
  • Patent number: 7178817
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a trailing arm, an air spring, and a shock absorber for providing a smooth ride in a vehicle. A bracket pivotally mounts one end of the trailing arm to the frame of the vehicle while the other end of the trailing arm is joined to the frame by a shock absorber and an air spring. The shock absorber and the air spring both extend from the trailing arm to the frame and mount to the trailing arm at a position rearward of the axle. The shock absorber is mounted to the trailing arm rearward of the air spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Monaco Coach Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Welles, Mahlon T Bontrager
  • Publication number: 20060290091
    Abstract: The suspension comprises a first, a second and a third rod-like connection member (10, 11, 12), each of which has a first (22, 13, 15) and a second point of articulation (23, 14, 16) to the wheel-carrier (1) and to the vehicle structure, respectively, and is arranged to control one degree of freedom of translation (t, t1, t2) along an axis (y, y1, y2) substantially passing through its own points of articulation. The first connection member (10) is arranged to control also a degree of freedom (r1) of rotation about its own axis (y) and a degree of freedom (r2) of rotation about a direction (z) substantially perpendicular to its own axis (y).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventor: Miles Gerrard
  • Publication number: 20060261570
    Abstract: An independent suspension includes upper and lower control arms that are coupled to a knuckle that supports a wheel assembly. A spring bracket is pivotally connected to the lower control arm. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the spring bracket to drive the wheel assembly. The spring bracket includes first and second support plates that respectively support first and second springs on opposite sides of the drive shaft. A torque rod is pivotally connected to the spring bracket. The torque rod and the upper and lower control arms are also mounted to a vehicle frame member. The torque rod, knuckle, spring bracket, upper and lower control arms, and vehicle structure cooperate to provide a six link control that accommodates large wheel jounce travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: Edward Eshelman, Gregory Pavuk, Gordon Weeks
  • Patent number: 7077407
    Abstract: An interconnected suspension for a vehicle having right and left control arms is disclosed. The suspension includes a buffer interconnected to the right and left control arms, and a mounting bracket for the buffer, being disposed at tip end portions of the right and left control arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Woo Shin
  • Patent number: 6942231
    Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system having first and second pivotal components with an anchor above one of the pivotal components and an anchor below the other of the pivotal components. The stabilizer includes a bending member connected to the first and second anchors. The bending member can be of a variety of shapes to fit within the suspension systems architecture on various vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Dutzi, Kenneth S. Dobson, Jason K. Trotter
  • Patent number: 6789812
    Abstract: An antisway bar assembly and kit for the same for use in a automobile or a bus or other vehicle, the antisway bar assembly including an antisway bar including first and second ends and a center portion therebetween. Antisway bar assembly further includes first and second mounting arrangement for rotatably securing first and second ends of antisway bar. In one example embodiment, first and second mounting arrangement are mounted on a vehicle chassis or frame between a kingpin and an airbag on each end of front wheel axle assembly. A method for replacing a stock A-frame antisway bar assembly on a vehicle chassis including removing the stock A-frame assembly and coupling first and second mounting arrangement to the vehicle chassis and rotatably securing a first end and a second end of a replacement antisway bar to the first and second mounting arrangement, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Featherlite, Inc.
    Inventor: David Peterson
  • Patent number: 6767021
    Abstract: An accessory for coupling the A-arm of a vehicle to its torsion bar through a rigid member that relocates the relative position of the two components by a predetermined offset distance that raises the torsion bar with respect to the ground. As a result, the position of the torsion bar is elevated and the ground clearance of the vehicle's undercarriage is increased. By rigidly positioning the coupling mechanism between the A-arm and the torsion bar so that the distance of the point of attachment from the A-arm's pivot point in the frame remains substantially the same, the torsional effect of the torsion bar is retained without material change. Therefore, the safety and driving characteristics of the vehicle are not noticeably altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Jeremiah L. Schnurpel
  • Patent number: 6764086
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, especially a convertible, includes a torsion stabilizer unit including a hydraulic actuator unit. The hydraulic actuator unit may be designed as a flexible hose actuator unit or tube actuator unit through which a hydraulic medium flows. The motor vehicle further includes a control unit to actively control the length of the hose actuator unit to counteract sensed torsion of the body of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: ERAS Entwicklung and Realisation adaptiver Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Gnauert, Heinrich Fehren, Daniel Kohlrautz, Hubertus Siebald, Roger Wimmel
  • Patent number: 6752408
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle suspension where bump stoppers are installed in an upper end of a strut and on an upper end of a lower arm respectively so that the bump stoppers can operate separately or simultaneously, depending on the size of a load, to absorb or reduce vibration or shocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: KIA Motors Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Hwan La
  • Patent number: 6722669
    Abstract: An adjustable suspension system includes a torsion spring, four Scott-Russell linkages for each wheel of the vehicle, and a worm gear for rotating the torsion spring. At least one of the Scott-Russell linkages for each wheel is responsive to the torsion spring to adjust the ride height of the vehicle while maintaining a substantially constant camber angle for the wheel. In one exemplary method for adjusting the ride height of a vehicle, a dynamic parameter of the vehicle is sensed and, based on the sensed dynamic parameter, the torsion spring is automatically rotated to change the orientation of the Scott-Russell linkages and thereby adjust the ride height of the vehicle. The dynamic parameter may be the speed of the vehicle, the pitch and body roll of the vehicle, or the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The operation of automatically rotating the torsion spring may be controlled by a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: John C. Stammreich
  • Patent number: 6685203
    Abstract: An individual wheel suspension for vehicles built on a longitudinal frame and comprises a steering knuckle attachment, which at its lower, outer end is connected to and journalled in a wheel spindle. Also included is a pair of upper and lower torsion rod placed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and journalled in the steering knuckle attachment and a transverse section of the frame, to form a parallelogram. A transverse stabilizer bar is connected to the ends of one pair of the above corresponding torsion rod, which ends are facing away from the steering knuckle attachment and positioned on either side of the vehicle. The arrangement is also provided with a first shock absorber, placed between the lower end of the steering spindle attachment and the vehicle frame, as well as an adjustable suspension device, which connects the lower end of the steering spindle attachment and the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagner AB
    Inventors: Jan-Olof Bodin, Stefan Petersen, Andreas Lundmark
  • Publication number: 20030111817
    Abstract: Bands fixedly attached to the outer surface of a stabilizer bar prevent lateral movement of the stabilizer bar during turning. As the stabilizer bar rotates in a pair of bushings during turning, the stabilizer bar tends to move laterally. One of the bands contacts the side of one of the bushings, preventing further lateral movement of the stabilizer bar. In one embodiment, the band includes an attachment portion on a first end and a notched portion on an opposing second end. The attachment portion expands after entry through the notched portion to secure the band to the stabilizer bar. Alternatively, the band includes an arm on a first end which engages a protrusion on a second end to secure the band to the stabilizer bar. In a third embodiment, a first inclined edge of a first portion of the band is slidingly engaged into a second inclined edge of a second portion of the band to secure the band to the stabilizer bar. A protrusion is deflected into a notch to secure the edges together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Fader, Mamo Oshida
  • Patent number: 6530586
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a damper assembly to provide an anti-roll capability to a vehicle torsion bar suspension system. The damper assembly is attached to each torsion bar. To selectively couple and decouple the rotational motion of the torsion bars. In one embodiment the damper assembly selectively links rotational motion of the torsion bar anchor arms to transfer an anti-roll force from one suspension link to the opposite suspension link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joe Fader, Steve Yollick, Mark Clements, Chris Keeney, Jim Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6499754
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes two laterally spaced front and rear wheel assemblies, each assembly including a wheel and a wheel mounting, permitting movement of the wheel in a generally vertical direction, bounce support devices supporting the vehicle body, and roll control devices controlling roll attitude. The roll control devices include respective second coupling devices interconnecting the longitudinally adjacent wheel assemblies, and further include transfer devices interconnecting the second coupling devices of each pair of longitudinally adjacent wheel assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Kinetic Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Heyring, Alexander John Robertson
  • Publication number: 20020130481
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a damper assembly to provide an anti-roll capability to a vehicle torsion bar suspension system. The damper assembly is attached to each torsion bar. To selectively couple and decouple the rotational motion of the torsion bars. In one embodiment the damper assembly selectively links rotational motion of the torsion bar anchor arms to transfer an anti-roll force form one suspension link to the opposite suspension link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Joe Fader, Steve Yollick, Mark Clements, Chris Keeney, Jim Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20020113396
    Abstract: A system for analyzing a suspension system is provided which includes: a frame assembly including a plurality of frame units, a base plate, a lower mounting unit, and an upper mounting unit; a wheel assembly including a wheel member and a wheel mounting assembly for enabling mounting of the wheel member to the upper and lower mounting units of the frame assembly through a suspension; a steering assembly provided to one side of the frame assembly and being connected to the wheel mounting assembly of the wheel assembly; a strut assembly including a shock absorber and a suspension spring and being provided between the wheel assembly and the frame assembly; and an arm assembly including a plurality of arms and links and being provided between the wheel assembly and the frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Un Koo Lee
  • Patent number: 6435530
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension movements are transmitted to an anti-roll mechanism which is pivotally mounted on the vehicle for movement about the pitch axis thereof to accommodate normal ride motion of the vehicle in which wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle move equally. Vehicle roll is controlled by an anti-roll mechanism includes a torsion bar which is loaded by the suspension movement. Roll stiffness is controlled by adjusting the lever arm through which suspension movement is transmitted to the torsion bar by a lever arrangement commonly referred to as a Watt's link to assure that the change in the length of the lever arm is directly proportional to the change in the control in the cockpit. Accordingly, linear control is assured, and the torsion bar and lever arms do not appreciable deflect during cornering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Ackley
  • Patent number: 6425594
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a torsion bar having at least one adjuster arm. The adjuster arms extend radially from the torsion bar to contact respective stop members when the torsion bar is subjected to a predetermined torsion. When an adjuster arm contacts a stop, a portion of the torsion bar is rotationally fixed and the effective length of the torsion bar is reduced. By reducing the effective length of the torsion bar, the effective spring, rate of the torsion bar is increased. The present invention therefore provides a suspension system for a vehicle which can enhance riding comfort and handling by modifying the effective length of the torsion bar to achieve multiple spring constants with a single constant diameter torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Fader, Mark Clements, Chris Keeney, Steve Yollick, Jim Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20020096853
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, especially a convertible, includes a torsion stabilizer unit including a hydraulic actuator unit. The hydraulic actuator unit may be designed as a flexible hose actuator unit or tube actuator unit through which a hydraulic medium flows. The motor vehicle further includes a control unit to actively control the length of the hose actuator unit to counteract sensed torsion of the body of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Uwe Gnauert, Heinrich Fehren, Dipl.-Ing. Daniel Kohlrautz, Dipl.-Phys. Hubertus Siebald, Dipl.-Phys. Roger Wimmel