Specific Spatial Location Patents (Class 280/124.138)
-
Patent number: 12151534Abstract: A link for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, and a corresponding wheel suspension for a wheel of a front axle of a motor vehicle. The link includes a link base with a bearing point on the vehicle body side. The bearing point on the vehicle body side is designed in the form of a bearing eye. The bearing eye is designed as a frangible member which breaks when a specified misuse load is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Sebastian Baier
-
Patent number: 11602965Abstract: A vehicle suspension device, including: a carrier; a lower arm and an upper arm each of which is pivotally supported at one end portion thereof by a vehicle body, the other end portion of each of the lower arm and the upper arm being connected to the carrier; a rocking lever supported at one end portion thereof by the vehicle body so as to be rockable; a link one end portion of which is connected to the rocking lever and the other end portion of which is connected to one of the lower arm and the upper arm at a position between the one end portion and the other end portion of the one of the lower arm and the upper arm; and a shock absorber pivotally supported at one end portion thereof by the vehicle body, the other end portion thereof being connected to the rocking lever.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takuya Kuribayashi
-
Patent number: 11260904Abstract: A steering linkage for a vehicle includes a cross-linked pivot assembly which includes a first connector configured for connection with the axle, first and second links, and a second connector configured for connection with a wheel. The first connector has a first end with which a first end of the first link is pivotally connected and a second end with which a first end of the second link is pivotally connected. The second connector has first and second ends and is arranged in spaced relation from and at an angle relative to the first connector. The first end of the second connector is arranged closer to the second end of the first connector than is the second end of the second connector. A second end of the first link is pivotally connected with the first end of the second connector and a second end of the second link is pivotally connected with the second end of the second connector.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Inventor: Thomas Towles Lawson, Jr.
-
Patent number: 11148493Abstract: A wheel suspension includes an axle limb which supports a wheel. The axle limb includes a first steering axle which provides a first steering angle in a specified range for the wheel, and components for connecting the axle limb to a support structure. At least one of the components includes a second steering axle which provides a second steering angle which is different than the first steering angle provided by the first steering axle. The second steering axle is selectively releasable. The components for connecting the axle limb to the support structure form a double transverse link axle which includes an upper traverse link and a lower traverse link. A support tube is arranged at a chassis-side end portion of each of the upper traverse link and the lower traverse link of the double transverse link axle. The support tube is pivotable about the second steering axle.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: EMM! SOLUTIONS GMBHInventor: Max Riedel
-
Patent number: 11135884Abstract: A suspension device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is equipped with: an upper arm; a lower arm; a leaf spring positioned so as to extend in the vehicle widthwise direction in a manner such that an end section thereof is provided on the lower arm; a first bracket configured in a manner such that a shock absorber connected to the lower arm is connected to the outside of a side member in the vehicle widthwise direction; an upper bushing capable of transmitting force between the leaf spring and a suspension cross member; and a second bracket which is independent from the first bracket and is positioned below the side member between the side member and the leaf spring so as to be capable of transmitting the elastic force of the leaf spring to the side member via the upper bushing.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITEDInventors: Daisuke Senoo, Atsushi Itou
-
Patent number: 10843516Abstract: A wheel suspension for the rear axle of a vehicle includes a wheel carrier for fastening a rear wheel. A link system, which includes at least two links for fastening to a body of the vehicle, is fastened to the wheel carrier. One of the at least two links is a combination link with a basic body and two link portions for fastening at two positions of the body of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Becker, Norbert Schote, Milos Vrba
-
Patent number: 10539484Abstract: A method for measuring a corner travel index for a vehicle. The method includes elevating a first tire on the vehicle and a second tire on the vehicle from a horizontal plane defining a ground level, where the first tire is opposite the second tire. The method further includes ceasing to raise the first tire and the second tire at the highest point at which any non-elevated tires remain on the ground level and measuring the vertical clearance between the ground level and the lowest point of the first tire. The method additionally includes measuring the vertical clearance between the ground level and the lowest point of the second tire and calculating a corner travel index.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Inventors: Douglas H. Powell, Aaron Colacchia, Blake Martin
-
Patent number: 10279838Abstract: A wheel mount, particularly for the front axle of a motor vehicle, has a basic body that has at least individual ones of the following accommodations or recesses: for accommodation of a kingpin for a wheel bearing, for connection of a brake caliper, for mounting of an upper wishbone fork, for mounting of an upper semi-trailing arm, for mounting of a tie rod, for mounting of a lower spring link, for mounting of a further lower wishbone, for positioning of a sensor, particularly an rpm sensor, for attachment of a sensor, particularly an rpm sensor, wherein the wheel mount is produced as a die-cast component made in one piece with these accommodations or recesses and connecting them with one another, preferably from light metal.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Stefan Geisler, Klaus Greven, Aribert Simmack, Heiko Kauert, Jan Roemhild
-
Patent number: 10046743Abstract: A vehicle, a method, a secondary steering system unit and a secondary steering system are provided. The secondary steering system unit comprises: a fault determination arrangement arranged to determine the presence of a fault in the main steering system and a path controller arranged to generate an upcoming path for the host vehicle. The secondary steering system unit is arranged to steer the host vehicle along the path by differential braking upon determination that a fault is present in the main steering system. Furthermore, the secondary steering system is arranged to control the differential braking in dependence of both a yaw torque acting on the host vehicle as a result of the differential braking and a steering angle resulting from a generated alignment torque on a braked steerable wheel caused by the associated wheel suspension scrub radius.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Mats Jonasson, Mikael Thor
-
Patent number: 9643647Abstract: A vehicle steering knuckle includes a body part to which an axle is attached, an arm portion including one end integrally connected with an outer periphery of the body part and spreading outwardly from the body part along an extending axis, and a connecting portion configured to be connected with a vehicle component. The arm portion includes a first portion, a second portion, and a hollow portion. The first portion including a peripheral wall configured to enclose around the extending axis. The second portion including a peripheral wall including an opening partially opened around the extending axis. At a cross-section intersecting the extending axis, an end portion of the peripheral wall of the second portion on a side of the opening includes an enlarged portion which is enlarged in width as compared with thickness of side portions adjacent to the end portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignees: HITACHI METALS AMERICA, LTD., HITACHI METALS, LTD.Inventors: Aaron Conner, Rick Bowen, Ronald Walker, Satoru Shiozawa
-
Patent number: 9643646Abstract: A vehicle steering knuckle includes a body part to which an axle is attached, an arm portion including one end integrally connected with an outer periphery of the body part and spreading outwardly from the body part along an extending axis, and a connecting portion configured to be connected with a vehicle component. The arm portion includes a first portion, a second portion, and a hollow portion. The first portion including a peripheral wall configured to enclose around the extending axis. The second portion including a peripheral wall including an opening partially opened around the extending axis. At a cross-section intersecting the extending axis, an end portion of the peripheral wall of the second portion on a side of the opening includes an enlarged portion which is enlarged in width as compared with side portions adjacent to the end portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignees: HITACHI METALS AMERICA, LTD., HITACHI METALS, LTD.Inventors: Aaron Conner, Rick Bowen, Ronald Walker, Satoru Shiozawa
-
Patent number: 9545827Abstract: A wheel suspension for a rear wheel of a two-track motor vehicle, includes a five-link assembly which has five individual links which are coupled to the vehicle body via body-side bearings and to the wheel carrier of the rear wheel via wheel-carrier-side bearings, which five-link assembly, as viewed in the direction of travel, has a front pair of links and a rear pair of links, wherein the front pair of links has a lower, front link, with respect to the axis of rotation of the wheel, and an upper, front link, and the rear pair of links has a lower, rear link, in particular track rod, and an upper, rear link. A lower spring link, on which a spring arrangement having a vibration damper and a supporting spring is supported, is arranged in the direction of travel between the front and rear pairs of links. The front pair of links with respect to the spring link is of softer design in the transverse direction of the vehicle than the rear pair of links.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Ruben Goldberg, Hans-Jürgen Langhoff, Dominik Mohrlock, Marco Isliker
-
Patent number: 9358852Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension for motor vehicles, with at least one upper transverse arm and two lower separated transverse arms per wheel, which are each arranged at a defined angle to one another and are articulated to the body of the vehicle and also to a wheel carrier, furthermore with a track rod which acts on the steering lever of the wheel carrier and with a McPherson strut unit which, aligned at a defined angle to the vertical, is coupled to the body of the vehicle and to the forward lower transverse arm via a rubber-metal sleeve bearing. To achieve improved driving comfort of the motor vehicle it is suggested that at least the forward lower transverse arm (12) is arranged such that the coupling point (12c) of the McPherson strut unit (20) on the transverse arm (12) when the wheel is deflected viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle (30) runs parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of the McPherson strut unit (20).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Frank Zuge, Achim Glas, Hans-Jurgen Langhoff, Christian Bschierl
-
Patent number: 9358851Abstract: An independent wheel suspension for the non-driven wheels of a vehicle comprises a wheel carrier for rotatably mounting a wheel of the vehicle, the wheel carrier being connected to a first transverse link and a second transverse link. The first transverse link is configured to be torsionally stiff and comprises a U-shaped opening in the link. The first transverse link is connected to the vehicle body via two link bearings on a body side and is connected to the wheel carrier via two link bearings on a wheel carrier side. The wheel suspension includes a bearing spring supported on the vehicle body and on the wheel carrier and positioned within the U-shaped opening of the first transverse link.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Paul Zandbergen, Daniel Mainz, Steve Scott Allen
-
Patent number: 9216624Abstract: A front suspension assembly and a front suspension system for a vehicle are disclosed. A tire includes an outer surface having a contact patch center point being a point on a tire center axis. A first handling link and a first ride link are coupled to a wheel carrier above a first plane. A second handling link and a second ride link are coupled to the wheel carrier below the first plane. A handling axis intersects both of a first and second distal end of the first and second handling links respectively. A ride axis intersects both of a third and fourth distal end of the first and second ride links respectively. At least one of the first and second ride links is disposed offset from respective first and second handling links to minimize a lateral distance between the handling and ride axes along the ground plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James L. Luttinen, Jeffry Pniewski, Steven A. Lamouria
-
Publication number: 20150061254Abstract: Suspension arms comprise five arms of a trailing arm, a leading arm, an upper arm, a lower arm, and a control arm. A lower-arm connection portion of a knuckle to the lower arm is positioned in front of a trailing-arm connection portion of the knuckle to the trailing arm as well as a wheel axis. Accordingly, the anti-swing rigidity of a wheel can be increased sufficiently.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhiro OKUYAMA, Fumitaka ANDOU
-
Patent number: 8794647Abstract: An independent wheel suspension system for a motor vehicle includes an upper strut plane and a lower strut plane. Each of the upper strut plane and lower strut planes includes one longitudinal strut and one transverse strut. Each of the struts has a wheel side end for connection of a wheel holder and a body side end for connection of a body. The wheel-side ends of the longitudinal struts and the wheel-side ends of the transverse struts of the two strut planes are articulatedly connected either directly or indirectly to the wheel holder. The body-side ends of first struts of the two strut planes are articulatedly connected directly to the body. The body-side ends of second struts of the two strut planes are articulatedly connected indirectly to the body via a common coupling element.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Oliver Moessinger
-
Patent number: 8764039Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes two trailing arms and three lateral links to maintain a wheel in or nearly in a vertical position throughout a relatively large travel distance. The trailing arms can be an upper and a lower trailing arm that form a linkage to limit the caster movement of the wheel throughout the travel distance. The three lateral links form two linkages that maintain proper orientation of the wheel: a first linkage to limit the camber movement of the wheel, and a second linkage to limit the tracking, or toe, movement of the wheel. The trailing arms and lateral links provide a relatively large travel distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Artic Cat Inc.Inventors: Dustin Keller, John Seal
-
Patent number: 8616568Abstract: A structure of a vehicle subframe mounted to a vehicle, in which a wheel hub may be connected to a vehicle body through a lower arm and an upper arm disposed below and above one another, and in which the lower arm may be coupled in a traverse direction of the vehicle may include a plate-shaped body mounted to a lower portion of the vehicle body, and having the lower arm mounted thereon in the traverse direction of the vehicle, and a mounting bracket protruding from the body upwards wherein the upper arm may be pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Hwashin Co. Ltd.Inventors: Bo-Min Kim, Dae-Sik Ko, Eui-Keun Jeong
-
Patent number: 8579310Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Shin Murata
-
Patent number: 8328212Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a suspension system for use on a vehicle that includes a knuckle, a first trailing arm structure, a second trailing arm structure, an upper arm structure, and a lower arm structure. The first trailing arm structure and second trailing arm structure can be configured to extend in a frontward direction from the knuckle to a connection at a forward portion of a vehicle frame. The upper and lower arm structures can be configured to extend substantially transversely with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis and connect to a rearward portion of the vehicle frame. The second trailing arm structure can cross underneath the lower arm structure as viewed from a direction normal to a plane defined by the central axis and horizontal axis of the knuckle, such that the second trailing arm structure is located closer to the travel surface of the vehicle than the lower arm structure at a location where the second trailing arm structure crosses underneath the lower arm structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Christopher Brian Dundon
-
Patent number: 8240687Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a stud bracket having the shape of a rectangular block, a first ball joint connected to an upper surface of the stud bracket and a second ball joint connected to a lower surface of the stud bracket. The first and second ball joints extend from the stud bracket at an angular displacement of 180 degrees and with a relatively small distance defined therebetween as seen in plan view. The stud bracket comprises a bracket main body having a rectangular shape and integrally including a pair of ball studs extending from the upper and lower surfaces thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Norikazu Kurosu
-
Patent number: 8205900Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle includes a knuckle, a spring-damper assembly laterally spaced from the knuckle, a first control arm having an inner end and an outer end, a second control arm having an inner end and an outer end, and a stability link having an inner end and an outer end. The inner end of the first control arm is connected to a vehicle body and the outer end of the first control arm is connected to the knuckle by a lower ball joint. The spring-damper assembly is rotatably connected to the first control arm at a lower arm pivot location between the inner and outer ends of the first control arm. The inner end of the second control arm is rotatably connected to the spring-damper assembly at a second control arm pivot location spaced apart from the first control arm pivot location and the outer end of the first control arm is connected to the knuckle by a upper ball joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lars D. Moravy, Dennis J. Plank
-
Patent number: 8075007Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Louis James Brady, Jeffrey David Bennett, Benjamin J. Dieter, Sean E. Sherrod, Ryan K. Lovold, Harry Pongo
-
Patent number: 8052160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideki Hirai
-
Publication number: 20110248463Abstract: A mechanically-controlled, tilting, preferably three-wheeled, vehicle is disclosed that has a tilting mechanism that allows the vehicle to have leaning characteristics substantially similar to those offered by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle, but that does not require complex linkages and/or control systems to operate effectively. A tilting linkage is operably secured to a frame to allow a pair of spaced apart wheels to remain substantially aligned with the plane of the vehicle throughout its range of movement while still allowing the steering axes of each wheel to intersect the substantially vertical centerline of each wheel. The linkage also allows the caster angle of each wheel's pivot axis can be optimized independently of the angle of the vehicle's handlebar steering shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventor: Robert Mighell
-
Patent number: 7967310Abstract: A wheel suspension for the rear wheels of a motor vehicle is created, with three links being provided in an upper link plane, and with a foremost link as viewed in the direction of travel being provided as a track rod and the two further links being provided as separate individual links at both sides of a vertical wheel central transverse plane. A triangular link is arranged in the lower link plane, which triangular link holds a spiral or air spring and a damper strut spaced apart from one another. By corresponding pole formations defined by the links, elastokinematic or imaginary pivot axes are formed, which permits an elastokinematic adjustment of the wheel in a toe-in sense under the influence of braking forces, side forces and load shift forces. The wheel suspension is also configured such that an elastokinematic adjustment of the wheel in a toe-out sense is obtained in the event of wheel loads and drive forces.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AGInventors: Wilhelm Frasch, Reinhard Kunert
-
Patent number: 7963538Abstract: A motor vehicle and wheel suspension assembly for a rear wheel of a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a wheel spindle housing supporting a wheel spindle carrying the rear wheel and defining a wheel center. A frame structure is adapted to be connected to a vehicle body or an engine-transmission assembly of the motor vehicle. A spring link extends between the frame structure and the wheel spindle housing and carries a vehicle spring. First and second control links extend between the frame structure and the wheel spindle housing to control the wheel spindle housing to maintain the rear wheel substantially in parallel with a longitudinal direction. A first and second camber link extends between the frame structure and the wheel spindle housing, and intersect each other. An instantaneous center of motion is located at a position far outside the wheel and then rearward the wheel, or far inside the wheel and then forward the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Swedish Advanced Automotive Business ABInventors: Magnus Roland, Gunnar Burénius
-
Patent number: 7766354Abstract: A wheel suspension is provided for a vehicle (7), with a carrier element (5), a wheel carrier (1) arranged at a spaced location from the carrier element (5) and a wheel (14) mounted rotatably on the wheel carrier (1). The wheel carrier (1) is connected to the carrier element (5) via a first guide (3; 17) and a first pivotable connection (10) and the wheel carrier (1) is connected to the carrier element (5) via a second guide (2; 4) and a second pivotable connection (8; 12). A first angle-measuring device (27, 28) is integrated in the first pivotable connection (10) and a second angle-measuring device (44, 45) is integrated in the second pivotable connection (8; 12).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Metin Ersoy, Andreas Gärtner, Thomas Rosemeier
-
Publication number: 20100176570Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. In some embodiments each wheel is suspended from the vehicle by a pair of pivotal support arms. Preferably, one arm is located above the other arm, and both arms pivot along pivot axes that are generally perpendicular to the rotational axis of the supported wheel. A spring urges one of the arms apart from the frame. In other embodiments, the spring is placed beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In some embodiments both of the pivoting support arms are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: ALOHA, LLCInventors: Earl Dallas Smith, Judson Smith
-
Patent number: 7694983Abstract: A suspension system having an upper link, a lower wishbone, a vertical hub carrier and an interlinking wishbone. The upper link is coupled, via a first spherical joint, to a vehicle sub-frame and, via a second spherical joint, to the hub carrier, the lower link is coupled, via bushings, to the sub-frame and, via a third spherical joint, to the hub carrier. The interlinking wishbone is coupled, via a hinge joint, to the lower wishbone and, via a fourth spherical joint, to the upper link. The hinge joint and the fourth spherical joint are substantially equidistant between the respective joints of the upper link and lower wishbone coupling the sub-frame and the hub carrier. The fourth spherical joint is offset from a line joining the first and the second spherical joints. The distance between the first and the second spherical joints is substantially equal to the distance between the bushings and the third spherical joint.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignees: Mira LimitedInventor: Adrian Michael Griffiths
-
Patent number: 7690661Abstract: A suspension structure is configured to ensure a large stroke of a shock absorber in a suspension device without moving an upper end supporting position of a damper upward relative to a conventional mounting position. The suspension structure includes a rear suspension for suspending left and right rear wheels. The rear suspension includes left and right lower arms for supporting the left and right rear wheels by way of knuckles, and left and right rear shock absorbers interposed between the respective lower arms and a sub-frame of a vehicle body frame. A lower end connecting portion of the rear shock absorber is cantilevered to a front side of the lower arm.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichiro Tsuruta, Takashi Shichinohe, Masahiro Yamaguchi
-
Publication number: 20100007109Abstract: A tilting, preferably three-wheeled, vehicle is disclosed that has a tilting mechanism that allows the vehicle to have leaning characteristics substantially similar to those offered by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle, but that does not require complex linkages and/or control systems to operate effectively. A tilting linkage is operably secured to a frame to allow a pair of spaced apart wheels to remain substantially aligned with the plane of the vehicle throughout its range of movement while still allowing the steering axes of each wheel to intersect the substantially vertical centerline of each wheel. The linkage also allows the caster angle of each wheel's pivot axis can be optimized independently of the angle of the vehicle's handlebar steering shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventor: Robert Mighell
-
Patent number: 7571918Abstract: A suspension arm is configured for pivotable attachment to a vehicle's frame and for at least partially supporting a wheel knuckle. The suspension arm includes first and second elongated support members which each have proximal and distal ends. The suspension arm also includes a bracket formed from sheet metal. The support arm is configured for pivotable attachment to a vehicle's frame adjacent to the proximal ends of the first and second elongated support members. The distal ends of the first and second elongated support members are attached to the bracket. The bracket defines an opening configured for receiving a wheel knuckle. A pair of suspension arms and a vehicle having first and second suspension arms are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
-
Publication number: 20090160153Abstract: As a result of a configuration and position of an upper transverse link and of a lower transverse link, a wheel pivot axis is created which has a point of intersection with an area region of a vertical wheel central transverse plane and a wheel central longitudinal plane. An adjustment of the wheel in a toe-out sense takes place under the influence of braking forces and an adjustment of the wheel in a toe-in sense takes place under the influence of drive forces. Furthermore, as a result of different mount characteristics at the lower transverse link and at the track rod, it is ensured that, in the event of side forces, the wheel which is at the outside of the corner is adjusted in a toe-out sense.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Reinhard Kunert, Wilhelm Frasch, Norbert Schote
-
Patent number: 7467800Abstract: The front wheel suspension assemblies of an ATV are configured with translation assemblies aligned along a translation axis generally parallel with the vehicle axis. These translation mechanisms are engaged by pivotal follower assemblies attached to a ball joint which are moveable along the translation axis either by the pivoting action of the suspension control arms or by a motor driven system.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Houser Products, LLCInventors: John Abbott Houser, Jeffrey David Houser
-
Publication number: 20080191441Abstract: A suspension system has an upper link mounted at an inner end to a vehicle body or subframe by an inner spherical joint and connected at an outer end to an upper end of a vertically extending hub carrier, by an outer spherical joint; a lower wishbone, the lower wishbone being mounted at an inner end to a vehicle body or subframe for pivotal movement about a horizontal, longitudinally extending axis, by means of a pair of spaced compliant bushes and connected at an outer end to a lower end of the hub carrier by a lower spherical joint; and an interlinking wishbone, the interlinking wishbone being pivotally connected at a lower end to the lower wishbone, intermediate of the inner and outer ends thereof, by a hinge or revolute joint, the interlinking wishbone being connected at an upper end to the upper link by an intermediate spherical joint, the centre of rotation of the intermediate spherical joint being offset from a line joining the centres of rotation of the inner and outer spherical joints, the intermediaType: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicants: MIRA LIMITEDInventor: Adrian Michael Griffiths
-
Patent number: 7410182Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including control arms and a spindle. The suspensions of the invention use control arms pivotably and rotatably coupled to a spindle to improve the structural and performance characteristics of the suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Tim Giese, Richard Harold Bates
-
Publication number: 20080174083Abstract: A wheel suspension is provided for a vehicle (7), with a carrier element (5), a wheel carrier (1) arranged at a spaced location from the carrier element (5) and a wheel (14) mounted rotatably on the wheel carrier (1). The wheel carrier (1) is connected to the carrier element (5) via a first guide (3; 17) and a first pivotable connection (10) and the wheel carrier (1) is connected to the carrier element (5) via a second guide (2; 4) and a second pivotable connection (8; 12). A first angle-measuring device (27, 28) is integrated in the first pivotable connection (10) and a second angle-measuring device (44, 45) is integrated in the second pivotable connection (8; 12).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2006Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Metin Ersoy, Andreas Gartner, Thomas Rosemeier
-
Publication number: 20080067774Abstract: A suspension system for a golf car includes a vehicle frame having at least first and second longitudinally configured frame elements and first and second channel members, the first channel member connected to the first frame element and the second channel member connected to the second frame element. First and second wishbone assemblies are also provided, the first wishbone assembly coupled to the first channel member and the second wishbone assembly coupled to the second channel member. Each of the first and second wishbone assemblies includes a first wishbone member rotatably connected to a first end of one of the first and second channel members; a second wishbone member rotatably connected to a second end opposite to the first end; and a wheel hub assembly rotatably connected to both the first and second wishbone members.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Sanville, Warren Clark
-
Publication number: 20080036168Abstract: A suspension for, and a method for suspending, a vehicle having a body is provided. The suspension includes a first suspension assembly and a second suspension assembly. The first suspension assembly extends between a first surface contact assembly and the body, and the second suspension assembly extends between a second surface contact assembly and the body. The first and second suspension assemblies each have a transverse instant center. The first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly are aligned so that a vertical centerline of each surface contact assembly lies within a transverse vertical plane that extends therebetween. The transverse instant center of each suspension assembly is located within the transverse vertical plane, below a roll center located within the transverse vertical plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: J. Wagner
-
Patent number: 7325820Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steve Allen, Tony Adamo, Peter Jargowsky, Chris Allard, Brian Miller
-
Patent number: 7281716Abstract: A method and apparatus for actively tuning a vehicle suspension, operatively connect a wheel of the vehicle to a chassis of the vehicle with a suspension apparatus including a control arm of fixed length, having an inboard end thereof adapted for articulating attachment to the chassis, an outboard end thereof adapted for articulating attachment to the wheel, and a selectively movable intermediate attachment point thereof disposed between the inboard and outboard ends of the control arm and adapted for attachment of a compressible suspension element. The intermediate attachment point is selectively movable, with respect to the inboard and outboard ends of the control arm, to vary a suspension linkage ratio for changing the stiffness and/or height of the suspension apparatus at one or more corners of the vehicle, to thereby allow active tuning of the suspension during operation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David J. Fanson
-
Patent number: 7255357Abstract: A suspension for, and a method for suspending, a vehicle having a body is provided. The suspension includes a first suspension assembly and a second suspension assembly. The first suspension assembly extends between a first surface contact assembly and the body, and the second suspension assembly extends between a second surface contact assembly and the body. The first and second suspension assemblies each have a transverse instant center. The first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly are aligned so that a vertical centerline of each surface contact assembly lies within a transverse vertical plane that extends therebetween. The transverse instant center of each suspension assembly is located within the transverse vertical plane, below a roll center located within the transverse vertical plane.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: NC-M Chassis Systems, LLCInventor: J. Todd Wagner
-
Patent number: 7168719Abstract: A suspension system is disclosed which controls the movement of a wheel carrier relative to the body of a vehicle. The suspension system includes one or more links (10, 20, 30, 40) connected at one end to the wheel carrier and at the other end to the vehicle body as to define a linkage. The linkage is so constructed and arranged that the stiffness or reaction of the suspension to longitudinal forces applied at the wheel contact patch is greater than the stiffness or reaction of the suspension to longitudinal forces applied substantially at the axis of rotation of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Randle Engineering Solutions LimitedInventor: Miles Barnaby Gerrard
-
Patent number: 7140624Abstract: In a motor-vehicle independent suspension system, an arm interposed between a respective wheel carrier and the vehicle body comprises at least two flexible beam-like elements in the form of blades which are articulated to the wheel carrier and to the body by means of bushes and are interconnected by at least one torsionally stiff longitudinal tubular element. The inertial characteristics of the cross-sections of the blades are such that the blades are compliant with respect to bending in a direction substantially perpendicular to their axis. By virtue of their inherent flexibility, the blades provide the arm with a third, structural degree of freedom with respect to a shear axis having a predetermined orientation.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Sistemi Sospensioni S.p.A.Inventor: Miles Barnaby Gerrard
-
Publication number: 20060174501Abstract: The present invention is a method with a 3-dimensional measuring apparatus for determining vehicle suspension parameters, which include roll center, scrub radius, etc. The apparatus measures the upper and lower control arm pivot locations, which include coordinate planes X, Y, and Z, where X is longitudinal distance from front axle centerline, Y is height above ground, and Z is distance from vehicle centerline. Suspension measurements are provided by at least one lower support (23a), at least one vertical member (24a), at least one horizontal arm (26a), and at least one indicator support (22) located at a ground plane in proximity to a tire's tread. Indicator (BC?) on indicator support (22) indicates at least one lower steering pivot location determined by horizontal arm (26a). Wheel pivot locator (21) connected to indicator support (22) locates kingpin trail (C?) and provides a way for measuring the scrub radius between kingpin trail (C?) and tire centerline (E).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2006Publication date: August 10, 2006Inventor: Mitchell Harrill
-
Patent number: 7000931Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to the suspension and steering of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are disclosed. An ATV having a frame and a wheel carrier for rotatably supporting a wheel is provided. A tie rod is coupled to the wheel carrier at an outer joint. An inner joint of the tie rod is preferably located in a desirable location. A method for identifying the desirable location may include the steps of defining a first reference plane associated with a full compression position of the suspension, defining a second reference plane associated with a full extension position of the suspension, identifying a reference line formed by an intersection of the first reference plane and the second reference plane, and selecting a location proximate the reference line as the desirable location for the inner joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventor: Mark Chevalier
-
Patent number: 6776426Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension device (1; 11) intended to connect a wheel carrier (3) to a body (5) of a vehicle, the device having means (4, 8, 9) conferring to the wheel carrier, with respect to the body, a degree of camber freedom and a degree of suspension deflection freedom substantially independent of one another. The said means comprises an intermediate support (4) linking the wheel carrier to the body, the intermediate support being, on the one hand, articulated with respect to the body along a substantially vertical first axis (ASI) and, on the other hand, articulated to the wheel carrier along a second axis (R1R2), so that a rotation of the intermediate support about the first axis permits the degree of camber freedom.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventor: Michel Deal
-
Patent number: 6752409Abstract: A wheel suspension is connected to a wheel carrier, which is connected to the vehicle body or an auxiliary frame via wheel guide members spaced vertically apart from each other. The wheel guide members are arranged above and below a horizontal plane. An elastokinematic axis and a kinematic trailing axis are formed, which results in an ideal swivel axis for the wheel. The wheel guide members comprise two open wishbones, which diverge in the direction of the body-sided bearings and are disposed in two planes, are spaced apart, and are hinged to the wheel carrier on both sides of a vertical wheel center transverse plane. The wheel guide members comprise an A-frame arm and a steering tie rod, the A-frame arm being hinged in front of the vertical wheel center transverse plane and located in an inclined plane, resulting in a pitching pole for antidive and antisquat.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventor: Reinhard Kunert