Including Vertically Extending Strut Patents (Class 280/124.145)
  • Patent number: 11932345
    Abstract: A leaning vehicle includes a vehicle body, a left wheel, a right wheel, left and right bearings, left and right axle, left arm, right arm, and lean mechanism. The left arm supports the left wheel from inside in a vehicle width direction. The right arm supports the right wheel from inside in the vehicle width direction. The lean mechanism causes the left wheel and the right wheel to lean about a front-rear direction as a rotation center when the vehicle body leans about the front-rear direction as a rotation center. The single bearing is inserted into a hub hole of the left wheel. The single bearing is inserted into a hub hole of the right wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakajima, Hiroshi Ishii, Taro Iwamoto, Kazuya Nagasaka, Taichi Inaba
  • Patent number: 11511581
    Abstract: Various suspension systems for vehicles are described that preferably comprise a multi-link suspension where one or more of the links can move independently of the other links. The multiple independent links are connected to an upright, vertical load reaction that is decoupled from horizontal load reaction, thus delivering a more comfortable ride and reduced feedback to the driver or operator of the vehicle. By eliminating that external feedback using the inventive subject matter discussed herein, vehicles can be safer and easier to control in all circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: XTRAVEL SUSPENSION, LLC
    Inventor: Nestor Alexander Berardi
  • Patent number: 11332005
    Abstract: A wheel drive assembly for transferring propelling torque from a source shaft to a wheel, the source shaft receiving torque from a motion actuator. The wheel drive assembly includes a wheel-hub, adapted to have the wheel mounted thereon, the wheel-hub being arranged about a longitudinal axis, which is adapted to coincide with a rotation axis of the wheel. The wheel drive assembly further includes a drive axle and a constant velocity (CV) joint mounted onto an outer end of the drive axle. The CV joint connects the drive axle to the wheel-hub. An outermost surface of the CV joint is disposed outwardly of an outermost surface of the wheel hub, along the longitudinal axis of the wheel-hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Amit Aknin
  • Patent number: 11312195
    Abstract: A front suspension device for a vehicle that, when a collision load acts on a suspension arm, reduces the detachment amount of a subframe mounting portion on the rear side from a vehicle body, absorbs collision load energy, and reduces an input to a rear axially supporting portion for a subframe. The front suspension device for a vehicle includes a subframe; a suspension arm having an outer end on which a front wheel is pivotally supported, and an inner end pivotally supported with respect to the subframe; a subframe mounting portion for mounting the subframe to a vehicle body through a fastener from below on the rear side relative to a front-wheel axially supporting portion of the suspension arm; and an upward bend inducing portion for bending the suspension arm upward when a suspension arm frontal collision load is input via the front wheel to the suspension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shohei Yoshida, Takashi Hamada, Yuuki Uchiba, Susumu Sano
  • Patent number: 11230150
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system is disclosed. The wheel suspension system may include a suspension assembly that may include a sub-frame adapted to be connected to a reference frame of a vehicle, a wheel interface adapted to rotatably support a wheel of the vehicle and to define a wheel rotation axis and a wheel rotation plane, and one or more linking units. Components of the linking unit(s) may be pivotally connected to each other, to sub-frame and to the wheel interface using pivoting connection that may cause components of the linking unit(s) to rotate about axes that are substantially perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis. The components of the linking unit(s) may be dimensioned, and positions of the pivoting connections may be set to cause a substantially linear motion of the wheel interface along a reference wheel interface motion axis that is perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: REE AUTOMOTIVE LTD
    Inventors: Amit Aknin, Ran Dekel, Ahishay Sardes
  • Patent number: 11090994
    Abstract: A front lower arm is tiltably supported, in a cantilever manner, by an outer surface of each of side-rails provided in right and left vehicle regions and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction. The front lower arm includes: a lower arm body; an inner pivot provided at an inner end of the lower arm body in a vehicle right-left direction and supported by the side-rail; and an attachment portion to which a lower end of a shock absorber is attached, and which is joined to an intermediate section of a front upper corner portion of the lower arm body. The intermediate section is an intermediate section of the front upper corner portion in the vehicle right-left direction. A ball joint to which a knuckle is connected is attached to an outer end of the front lower arm in the vehicle right-left direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinpei Matsumoto, Yukihiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 10661624
    Abstract: A suspension device for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a knuckle supporting a wheel, an upper arm vertically rotatably connected to a vehicle body and pivotally supporting an upper portion of the knuckle, a lower arm provided below the upper arm and vertically rotatably connected to the vehicle body, and a coupling rod coupling the upper arm and the lower arm, wherein the coupling rod is configured to slant in a vehicle longitudinal direction and be rotatably connected to the upper arm and the lower arm, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fumitaka Andou, Norio Asano, Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9964145
    Abstract: A suspension thrust bearing provides a bearing with annular upper part and annular lower part. The lower part provides an axial hub, an outwardly projected radial flange extending from the axial hub, and a curved connecting portion between the axial hub and radial flange. The lower part provides an exterior support surface that axially supports an upper end of a suspension spring by a damping device made from resilient material. The exterior support surface provides at least one longitudinal groove, the damping device including an interior surface contacting the exterior support surface and including a complementary shape to mate with the groove. The groove extends along the connecting portion, disposed in a recessed portion between two longitudinal side walls, a first groove end on or directed towards the hub, and a second groove end on or directed towards the flange, the second groove end being a transverse wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Thomas Lepine, Xavier Blanchard, Bruno Montboeuf, Desire Vidot
  • Patent number: 9561699
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chassis link including a single-shell sheet metal main body, on which a plurality of bearing regions are formed for attaching bearing elements by which the main body can be connected to the bodywork and to a movable part of a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The main body includes two arms which merge into one another and define a main-body plane and a concave edge region of the main body. The concave edge region extends from a wheel-side bearing region towards a bodywork-side bearing region and is at an angle relative to the main-body plane. For such a chassis link having a high inherent stiffness and a low weight the invention proposes that the angled, concave edge region includes, along at least one curve length portion, at least one oblique surface which, when viewed in cross section, encloses an angle in the range of from 25° to 75° with a surface, adjacent thereto, of the angled, concave edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Autotech Engineering Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Kai Haselhorst, Viktor Friesen, Denis Geβner
  • Patent number: 9533537
    Abstract: A suspension arm (1) for a vehicle including a bearing (4) and a journal (2). The bearing (4) has at least one elastic sub-element (4c) and the bearing (4) is arranged on the journal (2) of the suspension arm (1) and encloses the journal (2). The journal (2) and the bearing (4) are designed to co-operate with one another in such manner that the bearing (4), relative to the journal (2), has a transition fit. The bearing (4) is fixed on the journal (2) of the suspension arm (1) by a fastening element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Martin Fiechtner, Wolfgang Modinger, Hans-Juergen Wellensiek, Arnold Middelkampf
  • Patent number: 9358853
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting device includes a front fork and a rear suspension capable of changing a relative position between a vehicle body frame and wheels (front wheel, rear wheel) of a motorcycle, and a control device for controlling the front fork and the rear suspension. The control device includes a driving scene determination unit that determines a driving scene of the motorcycle on the basis of driving information, and a control unit that controls the front fork and the rear suspension in response to the determined driving scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fumiaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8985605
    Abstract: A rear shock absorber mounting structure for a vehicle includes a rear shock absorber upper cover which may be mounted on a wheel housing and on which a rear shock absorber may be engaged and supported, an inner dual rail member which may be mounted on an inner surface of the wheel housing, which may be oriented toward a vehicle interior along a width direction of a vehicle, and an outer dual rail member which may be mounted on an outer surface of the wheel housing, which may be oriented toward an outside of the vehicle interior along the width direction of the vehicle, and thereby, the rear shock absorber mounting structure may be configured by a simple structure, and mounting stiffness of the rear shock absorber may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Hoon Cho, Dae Seung Kim
  • Patent number: 8979104
    Abstract: A structure (10) for a front section of a vehicle body in a vehicle body (1) comprising a front chamber (3) disposed on the forward side of a vehicle interior (2) is provided with the following: a pair of front side members (11), located within the front chamber, that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body; a pair of strut towers (16) disposed on either side in the width direction of the front chamber and within which front wheel suspensions are disposed; and reinforcement members (20) that link the top of each strut tower with the front side members that face the strut towers, and that extend between the strut towers and the front side members. This configuration allows a structure for a front section of a vehicle body to be provided that can efficiently improve the rigidity of the vehicle body of an automobile against torsion and against lateral bending, and that can efficiently reduce the weight of the vehicle body by means of thickness reduction using a high-strength steel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Niwa, Masayoshi Suehiro, Atsushi Seto, Takeshi Kawachi, Masaaki Mizumura, Seiichi Daimaru, Kaoru Kawasaki, Hatsuhiko Oikawa, Yasunobu Miyazaki, Tatsuya Sakiyama, Nobutaka Shimizu, Naoki Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 8967630
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles that have coil spring suspensions. The invention may be added to existing vehicle suspensions without the need to remove and replace the existing vehicle suspension components. The invention includes cylinders, pistons, seals, dust shields, pressure pump(s) and storage tank(s). It also may optionally include electronic hardware, such as, an electronic controller and software, to control the functions of the system and sensor(s) which detect ground clearance and speed. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which may operate through the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated through an electronic control unit (ECU) to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Stealth Innovative Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Steven David Lee
  • Patent number: 8905416
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension system that achieves increased width in the passenger and/or luggage compartment is provided. The suspension system utilizes a (i) a wheel support member that is positioned between the inner and outer tire planes; (ii) a nonlinearly-shaped damper-spring support member that is attached to the wheel support member and includes a damper-spring mounting platform that is positioned above, and at least partially overlaps, the tire; and (iii) a damper-spring assembly mounted to the damper-spring mounting platform and coupled to a vehicle body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Dore Rawlinson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8851500
    Abstract: A trailer for a trailer truck, comprising a chassis provided with a central chassis element and at least one axle with independent wheel suspension, which is connected to the chassis, the wheel suspension comprising a first, lower wheel suspension arm that is pivotally connected to the chassis about a first pivot axis that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the chassis, a second, higher wheel suspension arm that is pivotally connected to the chassis about a second pivot axis, a steering knuckle connecting the first wheel suspension arm and the second wheel suspension arm, a wheel axle attached to the steering knuckle, on which a wheel is rotatably mounted. The second pivot axis extends substantially in the transverse direction of the chassis, with the second end of the second wheel suspension being spaced from the first end of the second wheel suspension arm, seen in the longitudinal direction of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Transport Industry Development Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Jos Robertus Leonardus Dobbelaar, Johannes Gijsbertus Geradus Van De Ven
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8833775
    Abstract: An electronic control suspension (ECS) system for vehicles is provided. The ECS system includes a strut assembly which is coupled to a vehicle body, and a lower portion of which is inserted through the housing so as to absorb the rocking from the wheel. A vehicle-height control module converts a rotating force of a motor to a linear motion of the strut assembly when the rotating force of the motor is provided to a screw section thereof surrounding the stmt assembly. This allows the strut assembly to be vertically moved relative to the housing, thereby controlling the height of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Min Kim, Sung Bae Jang, Bo Min Kim, Dae Sik Ko
  • Publication number: 20140203544
    Abstract: A golf cart includes a frame, an adjuster, and a pair of suspension assemblies that reduce changes in camber angles in a pair of wheels caused by an adjustment of a ground clearance. The adjuster includes a pair of first adjusting portions and a pair of second adjusting portions. Each of the first adjusting portions includes a first upper hole and a first lower hole. Each of the second adjusting portions includes a second upper hole and a second lower hole. Each suspension assembly includes a damper and an arm portion. When the golf cart is set to a high ground clearance, the first adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the dampers, and the second adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the arm portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryuta INOUE, Ken ITOU, Yuya SATO
  • Patent number: 8777244
    Abstract: A single-pivot suspension strut axle for a passenger car, includes a wheel carrier/pivot bearing carrying the wheel and a brake disk non-rotatably connected with the wheel relative to a rotational axis thereof. A suspension strut is fastened to the wheel carrier/pivot bearing and, at another end, is supported at the vehicle body. The wheel carrier/pivot bearing is guided by a supporting joint situated close to the wheel center plane by a lower control arm, representing an A-arm, and by a tie rod. A section of the control arm connected with the supporting joint projects through the ring-shaped brake disk. A leaf spring element oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle provides proportional support for the vehicle body on the wheel, and is supported, on one side, at the control arm and, on another side, directly or indirectly, at the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ludwig Seethaler, Roland Schmidt, Michael Glanzer
  • Publication number: 20140159333
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suspension element for maintaining a wheel on a frame of a vehicle. The suspension element can be attached to the frame via a fixed support. The wheel can be mounted to an arm that is pivotably connected to the fixed support. A hydraulic strut resists a pivoting movement of the arm in relation to the fixed support. A pressure accumulator comprises a gas chamber and a fluid chamber separated by a diaphragm. The fluid chamber is in fluid connection with the hydraulic strut. A movement of the arm relative to the fixed support causes a change of pressure in the pressure accumulator. An independent suspension comprising two such suspension elements is also disclosed. The two suspension elements comprise extensions of the fixed support mounted on the frame so that two wheels are coaxial when mounted on the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Mario Vitali, Mounsif Sarif, Denis Lagace
  • Patent number: 8708356
    Abstract: Pivot bearing for a wheel suspension, in particular for a front axle of a motor vehicle, containing a wheel bearing receiver, a steering arm, a spring strut receiver with a damper clamping and a carrier rib, wherein the damper clamping of the spring strut receiver faces the vehicle outside and the pivot bearing has an opening in the region between the wheel bearing receiver and the damper clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Georg Fischer GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Rohde, Stefan Hess, Dominik Mahnig
  • Patent number: 8690177
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joe L Buchwitz, John Spencer Rezkalla, David Burgess, Robert Borries
  • Patent number: 8678409
    Abstract: A suspension structure includes lower front and rear links arranged to connect a wheel support member to support a wheel and a vehicle body member swingably, and an upper link located above the lower front link and arranged to connect the wheel support member and the vehicle body swingably. There is further provided a connect bush arranged to connect the lower front link and the lower rear link with each other. The connect bush is located below a connection point between the lower front link and the wheel support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Reo Koide, Keiichi Nakajima, Yoshihiro Kawabe
  • Patent number: 8668213
    Abstract: A damper mounting structure is provided with a top buffer member and a bottom buffer member. The bottom buffer member has a protruding section that protrudes with an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom buffer member. The damper mounting structure mates with the protruding section and is anchored to a vehicle body panel, and is provided with a collar formed at substantially the same height as the height of the protruding section. The corner of an opening formed on the vehicle body panel, which comes into contact with the top buffer member, is chamfered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Takagi, Makoto Kihara, Masanori Hayashi, Noriaki Masuda
  • Publication number: 20140054872
    Abstract: A structure (10) for a front section of a vehicle body in a vehicle body (1) comprising a front chamber (3) disposed on the forward side of a vehicle interior (2) is provided with the following: a pair of front side members (11), located within the front chamber, that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body; a pair of strut towers (16) disposed on either side in the width direction of the front chamber and within which front wheel suspensions are disposed; and reinforcement members (20) that link the top of each strut tower with the front side members that face the strut towers, and that extend between the strut towers and the front side members. This configuration allows a structure for a front section of a vehicle body to be provided that can efficiently improve the rigidity of the vehicle body of an automobile against torsion and against lateral bending, and that can efficiently reduce the weight of the vehicle body by means of thickness reduction using a high-strength steel plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Niwa, Masayoshi Suehiro, Atsushi Seto, Takeshi Kawachi, Masaaki Mizumura, Seiichi Daimaru, Kaoru Kawasaki, Hatsuhiko Oikawa, Yasunobu Miyazaki, Tatsuya Sakiyama, Nobutaka Shimizu, Naoki Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 8646793
    Abstract: A vehicle front suspension includes a lower suspension support structure, an upper suspension support structure, a steering knuckle and a strut. The steering knuckle has a lower end pivotally coupled to the lower suspension support structure and an upper end. The strut has an upper end connected to the upper suspension support structure, and a lower end fixedly attached to the upper end of the steering knuckle by an upper knuckle breakaway structure. The upper knuckle breakaway structure has a predetermined frangible part that releases the upper end of the steering knuckle from the strut upon application of a prescribed rearward directed force on at least one of the lower suspension support structure and the steering knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joyce Lam, Ryan Corby, Jeffery Dix
  • Patent number: 8641053
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in an active suspension includes a drive assembly having a first portion and a second portion configured to translate relative to each other. The first portion is coupled to a sprung mass and the second portion is coupled to an unsprung mass. The actuator assembly includes an air spring assembly disposed about the drive assembly having a first portion disposed in proximity to the sprung mass and a second portion disposed in proximity to the unsprung mass, the air spring assembly defining an air volume pressurized at an air pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The actuator assembly includes a cooling assembly having a set of drive assembly channels disposed within the air volume and in thermal communication with the drive assembly and a pump disposed in fluid communication with the set of drive assembly channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Pare, Lawrence D. Knox
  • Patent number: 8616563
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles that have coil spring suspensions. The invention may be added to existing vehicle suspensions without the need to remove and replace the existing vehicle suspension components. The invention includes cylinders, pistons, seals, dust shields, pressure pump(s) and storage tank(s). It also may optionally include electronic hardware, such as, an electronic controller and software, to control the functions of the system and sensor(s) which detect ground clearance and speed. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which may operate through the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated through an electronic control unit (ECU) to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Stealth Innovative Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Steven David Lee
  • Patent number: 8579311
    Abstract: A damper mass damper assembly includes a rod, and a casing disposed annularly about the rod and defining a primary fluid chamber therebetween. The rod includes an annular wall that defines a first and a second expansion chamber disposed at a first and a second end of the rod respectively. The rod further defines a first and a second expansion port connecting the first and the second expansion chambers respectively with the primary fluid chamber in fluid communication. As fluid within the primary fluid chamber expands from heating, the fluid may weep into the first and/or second expansion chambers through the first and/or second expansion ports respectively to maintain the integrity of a first and second cap bearing seal, which seal the fluid within the primary fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Albert H. Butlin, Jr., Vincent A. Bommarito, James F. Collins
  • Patent number: 8573615
    Abstract: A suspension system suitable for a small-sized vehicle such as an all terrain vehicle. A strut damper is arranged wherein a downwardly extending line of an axis of the strut damper is located in front of a drive shaft extending to the depth of a drawing from the rotational center of a front wheel. As interference between the strut damper and the drive shaft is not a concern, a mounting position of the strut damper can be fully lowered. In addition, the length of the axis of the strut damper can be fully secured. Therefore, the height of the vehicle can be lowered. In addition, the design of a vehicle body is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Kuwabara, Bunzo Seki
  • Patent number: 8556047
    Abstract: An automobile hydraulic shock absorber includes a cylinder body, a piston, an upper support, a piston rod, a volume adjustment mechanism, first and second communicating passages, and a pressure-applying mechanism. The piston rod is attached to the upper support via a rubber cushion. The volume adjustment mechanism includes a free piston. The first and second communicating passages communicate the first oil chamber and second oil chamber with each other in the cylinder body via a diaphragm. The pressure-applying mechanism is disposed outside the cylinder body, movement thereof is restricted by the upper support, and the pressure-applying mechanism pushes the piston rod downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Kondou, Masashi Maeda, Yutaka Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8534686
    Abstract: A suspension system may be provided. The suspension system may comprise a wheel support idler and a strut. A top end of the strut may be attached to a bottom of the wheel support idler. The suspension system may further comprise a spring configured to absorb shock from the strut. A bottom of the spring may be attached to a top of the wheel support idler. The suspension system may further comprise a first tower and a second tower. The wheel support idler may be configured to slide up and down on the second tower and the wheel support idler may not contact the first tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: James Slawson
  • Patent number: 8511698
    Abstract: A suspension system of the present invention pivotally supports a wheel of a motor vehicle. An upper control arm and a lower control arm are cooperable with a spindle, which supports the wheel. A vibration damper is cooperable with the upper control arm. A link interconnects the lower control arm and one of the terminal ends of the vibration damper thereby defining a common axis bisecting the link. The vibration damper moves along the common axis to absorb vibration transferred from a road surface and through the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Radar Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kucinski, Mark Zmyslowski
  • Patent number: 8448966
    Abstract: A front structure for a vehicle is provided, the structure including a single piece shock tower and an upper control arm, where the front coupling of the upper control arm is attached to the shock tower at a location directly above a corresponding surface of the shock tower such that the front coupling is exposed from above, and where the rear coupling of the upper control arm is attached to the shock tower at a location directly below a corresponding surface of the shock tower such that the rear coupling is unexposed from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Dore Rawlinson, Hitendra Laxmidas Gadhiya, Alexi Charbonneau
  • Patent number: 8444160
    Abstract: A suspension device in which a knuckle for supporting a wheel is supported by arms and a damper is connected to the knuckle. A suspension device (10) is configured in such a manner that the intersection (73) between a line extended from an elastic kingpin axis (68) of a rear wheel (31) and a road surface (72) is located on the rear side, relative to the vehicle, of the ground contact center (74) of the rear wheel. The elastic kingpin axis is tilted forward relative to the vehicle and is disposed below the rotation center (32) of the rear wheel in the vertical direction. A lower connection section (81b) of a damper (18) is provided on a line (33) drawn in substantially the vertical direction from the rotation center of the rear wheel. A damper axis (84) is tilted inward in the width direction of the vehicle and tilted forward relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimio Okamoto, Hajime Kajiwara, Masanori Watanabe, Masatoshi Mori
  • Publication number: 20130113177
    Abstract: A single-pivot suspension strut axle for a passenger car, includes a wheel carrier/pivot bearing carrying the wheel and a brake disk non-rotatably connected with the wheel relative to a rotational axis thereof. A suspension strut is fastened to the wheel carrier/pivot bearing and, at another end, is supported at the vehicle body. The wheel carrier/pivot bearing is guided by a supporting joint situated close to the wheel center plane by a lower control arm, representing an A-arm, and by a tie rod. A section of the control arm connected with the supporting joint projects through the ring-shaped brake disk. A leaf spring element oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle provides proportional support for the vehicle body on the wheel, and is supported, on one side, at the control arm and, on another side, directly or indirectly, at the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
  • Patent number: 8434772
    Abstract: A strut assembly includes an upper mount assembly, a shock absorber and a knuckle. The upper mount assembly is attached to a piston rod which is a part of the shock absorber. The knuckle is attached to an outer tube of the shock absorber which can be a reserve tube of a dual-tube shock absorber or a pressure tube of a single tube shock absorber. A reinforcement member increases the strength of the outer tube in the area that interfaces with the knuckle and the area that is directly above the knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Keil, Ben Schaller, Christopher Conrad, Laxman Subramaniam, Michal Nowak
  • Patent number: 8408569
    Abstract: A strut assembly includes an upper mount assembly, a shock absorber and a knuckle. The upper mount assembly is attached to a piston rod which is a part of the shock absorber. The knuckle is attached to an outer tube of the shock absorber which can be a reserve tube of a dual-tube shock absorber or a pressure tube of a single tube shock absorber. A reinforcement member increases the strength of the outer tube in the area that interfaces with the knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Keil, Ben Schaller, Christopher Conrad, Laxman Subramaniam
  • Patent number: 8356826
    Abstract: A suspension system of the present invention pivotally supports a wheel of a motor vehicle. An upper control arm and a lower control arm are cooperable with a spindle, which supports the wheel. A vibration damper is cooperable with the upper control arm. A link interconnects the lower control arm and one of the terminal ends of the vibration damper thereby defining a common axis bisecting the link. The vibration damper moves along the common axis to absorb vibration transferred from a road surface and through the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Radar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Kucinski, Mark S. Zmyslowski
  • Publication number: 20120286493
    Abstract: A damper mass damper assembly includes a rod, and a casing disposed annularly about the rod and defining a primary fluid chamber therebetween. The rod includes an annular wall that defines a first and a second expansion chamber disposed at a first and a second end of the rod respectively. The rod further defines a first and a second expansion port connecting the first and the second expansion chambers respectively with the primary fluid chamber in fluid communication. As fluid within the primary fluid chamber expands from heating, the fluid may weep into the first and/or second expansion chambers through the first and/or second expansion ports respectively to maintain the integrity of a first and second cap bearing seal, which seal the fluid within the primary fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Albert H. Butlin, JR., Vincent A. Bommarito, James F. Collins
  • Publication number: 20120242055
    Abstract: A bearing is provided for a vehicle having a receptacle element, which has an oval external contour for a connection to a vehicle body section of the vehicle and a passage for the accommodation of a piston rod of a spring strut of the wheel mount of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard STARCK, Dietmar ALBERT
  • Patent number: 8272653
    Abstract: A suspension system for a land vehicle has at least one rear suspension device and at least one front suspension device. The rear suspension device includes a first biasing member disposed within a first housing and is configured for mounting on a rear axle housing of the land vehicle. The front suspension device includes a second biasing member disposed in a second housing and is configured to be at least partially received within a bump stop support of the land vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: TeraFlex, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Falkner, Curt Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 8256783
    Abstract: A suspension system of the present invention pivotally supports a wheel of a motor vehicle. An upper control arm and a lower control arm are cooperable with a spindle, which supports the wheel. A vibration damper is cooperable with the upper control arm. A link interconnects the lower control arm and one of the terminal ends of the vibration damper thereby defining a common axis bisecting the link. The vibration damper moves along the common axis to absorb vibration transferred from a road surface and through the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Radar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Kucinski, Mark S. Zmyslowski
  • Publication number: 20120217718
    Abstract: A mobile camera vehicle has a roll cage or similar structure attached to a chassis. Upper and lower horizontal bars are attached to the vehicle structure. Front and rear vertical bars are each attached to the upper and lower horizontal bars. A lift plate is attached to and vertically moveable on the front and rear vertical bars. A lift plate actuator may be attached to the lift plate and used to raise and lower the lift plate on the front and rear vertical bars. Alternatively, the lift plate may be moved manually. A camera platform is supported on the lift plate. A vertical shock isolator may optionally be supported on the lift plate, and with a camera on the camera platform on the vertical shock isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: CHAPMAN/LEONARD STUDIO EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8226301
    Abstract: The suspension thrust bearing device, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a rolling bearing forming an axial thrust bearing, a lower support cap of the rolling bearing that is provided with a body made of synthetic material, and a vibration-filtering element mounted on the body of the support cap. The filtering element includes at least one flange extending substantially radially and designed to form a flow deflector for reducing any ingress of water inside the rolling bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Thierry Poulle, Christophe Houdayer, Jean-Sylvain Migliore
  • Patent number: 8196942
    Abstract: A corner assembly includes a suspension module and a wheel assembly. In order to compensate for tolerance stack up in relation to a specified height of the corner assembly, the attachment between a damper of the suspension module and a knuckle of the wheel assembly is adjusted. The amount of adjustment is determined by measuring the assembled length of the suspension module, comparing the measured length to a standard length and determining an amount of adjustment necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: John Heeren, Herman Sanen, Maarten Maes
  • Patent number: 8196941
    Abstract: A strut assembly includes a top mount assembly, a shock absorber, a multi-piece lower spring seat and a spring extending between the top mount assembly and the multi-piece lower spring seat. The multi-piece lower spring seat includes a spring seat belt holding the spring and a plurality of seating supports that are attached to the shock absorber and which support the spring seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Michal Nowak
  • Patent number: 8146933
    Abstract: An attachment structure system is disclosed for attaching a damper to a vehicle. The attachment structure system can include a stiffener body that has a central portion connected to a damper. The stiffener body can be connected to both the vehicle's frame and a vehicle body portion, such as the wheel housing, to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness from being transmitted to the driver of the vehicle, and to provide other structural and ride characteristic benefits to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Croyle, Robert Zummallen, Anthony Ordonio, Edouard Stuart Sandoz, Michael Pugnale, Steven Hansen, Matthew Wolfe, Matthew Lux