Including Vertically Extending Strut Patents (Class 280/124.145)
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Patent number: 8141891Abstract: A vehicle suspension friction control apparatus includes a first link having a first end and a second end, and a second link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first link is mounted to one of a steering knuckle or a lower control arm connected to a lower part of the steering knuckle. The first end of the second link is mounted to the other of the steering knuckle or the lower control arm. A friction control joint connects the second end of the first link and the second end of the second link for controlling friction between the steering knuckle and the lower control arm.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jinghong Yu, James W. Post, II
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Patent number: 8136824Abstract: A suspension assembly for an agricultural machine, adapted to reduce bump steering. The suspension assembly includes a strut shaft, a hollow tube, a cushioning mechanism, and a force control pad. The strut shaft can have an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, the middle portion defining a cutout. A wheel support can extend from the strut shaft and can be adapted to carry a wheel. The hollow tube can be at least partially disposed around the strut shaft and can be adapted to allow longitudinal motion of the strut shaft. The cushioning mechanism can cushion the longitudinal motion of the strut shaft. The force control pad, which can be connected to the hollow tube, can be engageable to the flat area of the strut shaft. The force control pad can impart or resist rotational force when engaged to the strut shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventors: Casey Steffensen, Eric Michels, James E. Kleven
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Patent number: 8079608Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension system for a motor vehicle, having a lower link for the fastening of a wheel which is coupled to a chassis underframe and is supported on the body via a spring. The chassis underframe is mounted on the body via elastic bearings and has an annular mounting on which the spring plate of the spring is supported before the wheel suspension system is installed. In the fitted state, the spring plate is pressed out of the mounting by the body and is therefore decoupled from the chassis underframe.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Joerg Weshendorff
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Patent number: 8061726Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Reinhard Kunert, Wilhelm Frasch, Norbert Schote
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Publication number: 20110227310Abstract: A semi-trailing arm axle for a motor vehicle is proposed, which for each wheel (4) of the axle comprises a semi-trailing arm (1) which is flexible about the vertical axis, which is mounted on the body or on a support frame by at least one mounting (2, 3) whereas each wheel (4) of the axle is connected to its respective flexible semi-trailing arm (1) by means of at least one wheel bearing (5), whereby the flexible semi-trailing arm (1) is the sole wheel-guiding element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2009Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Stephan Pollmeyer, Volker Wagner, Gabriele Fruhmann
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Patent number: 7997599Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Radar Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Zmyslowski, Robert D. Kucinski
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Patent number: 7988166Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: John Heeren, Herman Sanen, Maarten Maes
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Patent number: 7980576Abstract: A vehicular suspension arm is provided in which an arm main body (1) includes a main plate (2) press-formed as a main part of the arm main body and having a short cylindrical part (EB) provided integrally with one end by flanging, and a reinforcing plate (H) superimposed on one of upper and lower faces of the main plate (2) and reinforcing the main plate (2). The reinforcing plate (H) has an eye-shaped head part (Ha) formed in an annular shape and arranged coaxially with the short cylindrical part (EB), and a tail part (Hb) extending integrally from the eye-shaped head part (Ha) along the longitudinal direction of the main plate (2), is formed from a single plate material that is thicker than the main plate (2), and has at least the tail part (Hb) welded to the main plate (2). A bush press-fit portion (P1) is formed from an inner peripheral face of the eye-shaped head part (Ha) and an inner peripheral face of the short cylindrical part (EB).Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Inoue, Fumio Kikuchi, Yutaka Hozumi, Jun Matsuike
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Patent number: 7976039Abstract: An upper support apparatus for use in a suspension system of a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes an upper support plate defining at least one aperture, the upper support plate coupled to a body of the vehicle. The upper support apparatus further includes a resilient member coupled to an underside of the upper support plate, wherein at least one portion of the resilient member is adapted to protrude through the at least one aperture and wherein the at least one portion of the resilient member prevents direct contact between the upper support plate and the body of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Ajay M. Hirve, Mikhal el Arculli
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Patent number: 7959170Abstract: A vehicle independent suspension for a double-wishbone high link axle has on each wheel side, a wheel carrier which is mounted by at least one lower link and at least one upper link in the form of a transverse or diagonal link, on an assembly frame that is fastened to the vehicle frame. The assembly frame comprises two longitudinal members and two cross members that are fixedly connected in a force-fitting or materially joined fashion to the longitudinal members. The rear cross member is extended upward forming a link carrier for the upper link or mounting the link carrier in a dimensionally rigid manner by a support element. For each longitudinal member, a further link carrier for the upper link is arranged between the cross members; and said further link carrier engages in each case around the closest longitudinal member in a form-fitting or force-fitting or materially joined fashion.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Uwe Mauz
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Patent number: 7896371Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a front wheel, a body frame and a double wishbone type suspension for suspending the front wheel. The body frame has a triangular frame part formed into the shape of a triangle in side view of the vehicle. The triangular frame part includes a first frame extending downward to the front side of the vehicle, a second frame extending downward to the rear side of the vehicle from an upper end of the first frame and a third frame connected to a lower end of the first frame and a lower end of the second frame. The double wishbone type suspension includes an upper arm, which is pivotably supported on the first frame and the second frame so as to be swingable, and a lower arm, which is pivotably supported on the third frame so as to be swingable.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tatsuya Matsuura
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Patent number: 7857335Abstract: The invention relates to a body-side suspension strut bearing for wheel suspensions of motor vehicles, with a suspension strut which consists at least of a telescoping shock absorber and a bearing spring, and which is supported by way of a shock absorber bearing on the body and by way of another bearing on the wheel suspension elements of the motor vehicle, there being a joint between the body and the suspension strut. A suspension strut bearing which is favorable in terms of construction, production engineering and function, is achieved by the joint being formed by a universal joint with two crossing axes of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Audi AGInventor: Michel Wilfried
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Patent number: 7845660Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-roll/pitch system for use in a vehicle, in which a first mass, for instance a cabin, is suspended to a second mass, for instance a chassis, by means of a bearing arm, which is pivotally connected to the second mass around a pivot axis, via spring means. The anti-roll/pitch system comprises means to adjust a point of application of a spring force acting on the bearing arm, so as to adjust a moment exerted by said spring force on said bearing arm to counteract a load exerted on the bearing arm by the first mass. The spring force is exerted on the bearing arm through a flexible, elongated member, such as a string or cable, which takes up little space when adjusting the point of application. The invention furthermore relates to a built-in unit and a vehicle, equipped with an anti-roll/pitch system according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventor: Albertus Clemens Maria van der Knaap
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Patent number: 7832747Abstract: A pressure chamber of a gas spring damping unit is arranged within the cross section of a longitudinal beam in a motor vehicle body. For this purpose, a tubular connecting piece that is closed by a cover is welded into the longitudinal beam. A piston of the gas spring damping unit is arranged in longitudinally displaceable manner in the connecting piece. The space occupied by the gas spring damping unit is thereby kept particularly small.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Jürgen Siebeneick
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Patent number: 7819411Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Edward J. Eshelman, Gregory D. Pavuk, Gordon Aaron Weeks
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Patent number: 7810835Abstract: A sport trailer including a center load supporting rail, wheels, mounting assemblies for the wheels, and a stowable towing tongue, the wheel mounting assemblies include a shock absorber connected to each wheel and to a bifurcated strut that extends outward from the center rail. Upper and lower dual swing arms pivot and extend from the center rail to a mounting bracket attached to the wheels. The upper swing arms are shorter than the lower swing arms to achieve negative camber. The towing tongue is removably received within an inner channel of the center rail and telescopes relative to the center rail to achieve different length configurations of the trailer. A rear tongue is removably received within the center rail inner channel at the back end of the trailer. The rear tongue telescopes relative to the center rail and includes a taillight assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventor: John C. Koch
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Patent number: 7802816Abstract: A vehicular frame assembly is provided and includes a pair of control arm support brackets. Each of the control arm support brackets define a pair of recesses. The first control arm support bracket and the second control arm support bracket are substantially identical and are configured to be positioned along a vehicular frame such that one of the pairs of recesses defined by a control arm support bracket receives forward legs of right and left suspension support members and the other of the pairs of recesses defined by the other of the control arm support bracket receives rearward legs of right and left suspension support members. A vehicle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Company Ltd.Inventor: Jeremy T. McGuire
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Patent number: 7798506Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle having a body supported on a set of wheels each provided with a rim and an axle generally consisting of a lower control arm pivotally connectable to a first portion of such body; an upper control arm pivotally connectable to a second portion of such body; a roller bearing having inner and outer races, disposed within such rim, coaxially relative to the rotational axis of the rim; a steering plate mounted on the outer race of the bearing, having a first portion universally connected to the lower control arm and a second portion universally connected to the upper control arm, defining a steering axis intersecting the rotational axis of the rim; and a hub member mounted on the inner race and connectable to an axle receivable through an opening provided in the steering plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: GPV, L.L.C.Inventors: James C. LeBlanc, Sr., James C. LeBlanc, Jr., Paul D. Bentley, Michael G. Budgery
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Patent number: 7793954Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Radar Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Kucinski, Mark S. Zmyslowski
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Patent number: 7762568Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideharu Tatsumi, Mitsuo Kimura, Yoshimitsu Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7758057Abstract: A vehicle independent suspension has a plurality of wheel-control links, with an upper link being a transverse or diagonal link and with the surface spanned by the joint points of the upper transverse or diagonal link intersecting, at least in regions, a gas or hydropneumatic spring arrangement which suspends the wheel. The gas or hydropneumatic spring arrangement has a bellows which is arranged between a dimensionally rigid head plate arranged on the vehicle body and a rolling piston. Vehicle-body-side joints of the upper transverse or diagonal link are supported on the head plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Uwe Mauz
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Patent number: 7690662Abstract: A strut type suspension device which contains a strut (7) whose upper end is supported on an insulator (3) mounted on a vehicle body (1), an upper seat (5) arranged on the lower face of the vehicle body with a bearing (4) interposed therebetween, a lower seat (8) fixed to said strut, and a compression coil spring (6) arranged around the strut between the upper seat and the lower seat, and which supports the vehicle body by means of the strut and is capable of turning about a kingpin axis, wherein the bearing is arranged in an inclined fashion such that the kingpin axis and the bearing central axis roughly coincide, so that no rotational moment is generated about the kingpin axis. Due to the above arrangement of the strut-type suspension device, the strain energy of the spring is unchanged irrespective of the rotation angle about the kingpin axis, even if the amount of the eccentricity varies, and thereby straight traveling stability is improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Omi, Yukihiro Sugimoto
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Publication number: 20100078911Abstract: A wheel suspension device for a vehicle includes a wheel supporting member rotatably supporting a wheel. The wheel supporting member is linked to a vehicle-body side by a first link and a second link, with the second link arranged substantially parallel to the first link in a vehicle width direction. The first link has a projecting portion, and at least one elastic linking portion links the projecting portion to the second link.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshihiro Kawabe, Masahiko Nishida, Isao Watanabe, Kenji Sagara, Kazuo Kondo
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Publication number: 20100044989Abstract: A suspension assembly for an agricultural machine, adapted to reduce bump steering. The suspension assembly includes a strut shaft, a hollow tube, a cushioning mechanism, and a force control pad. The strut shaft can have an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, the middle portion defining a cutout. A wheel support can extend from the strut shaft and can be adapted to carry a wheel. The hollow tube can be at least partially disposed around the strut shaft and can be adapted to allow longitudinal motion of the strut shaft. The cushioning mechanism can cushion the longitudinal motion of the strut shaft. The force control pad, which can be connected to the hollow tube, can be engageable to the flat area of the strut shaft. The force control pad can impart or resist rotational force when engaged to the strut shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: AGCO CorporationInventors: Casey STEFFENSEN, Eric Michels, James E. Kleven
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Patent number: 7661689Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a vehicle frame having lower arms and upper arms for suspending front wheels, the upper arms positioned above the lower arms, drive shafts arranged between the lower arms and the upper arms for conveying drive power from a front wheel differential unit to the front wheels, and shock absorbers including lower ends connected to the lower arms and upper ends connected to the vehicle frame. The shock absorbers are arranged further to the front than the upper arms so as to shorten the front portion of the vehicle frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeshi Kinugasa
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Patent number: 7631882Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device has an adjustment bolt (30) rotatably supported by or fixed to a wheel-side member or a vehicle-body member, and a spring seat member (10) threadedly engaging with the adjustment bolt. Rotation of the spring seat member is limited by a bump rubber pedestal (41) (or a coil spring bracket (9)). Displacement of the spring seat member occurs in an axial direction of rotation of the bolt, in accordance with rotation of the bolt. According to the present invention, rotation of the spring seat involved in rotation of the bolt for adjusting the vehicle height can be restricted, and a construction of a vehicle height adjustment mechanism can be simplified so that the number of parts or members of the device is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Satoshi Hirao, Susumu Kawahata
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Patent number: 7628415Abstract: A knuckle bracket (1) for a cylinder (20) comprises outer and inner brackets (2, 10). The outer bracket (2) comprises a pair of outer plates (4, 5) projecting in a lateral direction with respect to a cylinder axis. The inner bracket (10) comprises a pair of inner plates (12, 13) overlap the outer plates (4, 5) on the inner side thereof. A guide (17) of having outwardly curved shape is formed on a leading edge (X, Y) of each of the inner plates (12, 13) so as to facilitate introduction of a connecting part (90) of a knuckle bracket (N) into the inner bracket (10). By forming a notch (7) on a leading edge of each of the outer plates (4, 5) to accommodate the guide (17), the size of the knuckle bracket (1) can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Kitamura, Hideki Yamada
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Publication number: 20090194966Abstract: A vehicle independent suspension has a plurality of wheel-control links, with an upper link being a transverse or diagonal link and with the surface spanned by the joint points of the upper transverse or diagonal link intersecting, at least in regions, a gas or hydropneumatic spring arrangement which suspends the wheel. The gas or hydropneumatic spring arrangement has a bellows which is arranged between a dimensionally rigid head plate arranged on the vehicle body and a rolling piston. Vehicle-body-side joints of the upper transverse or diagonal link are supported on the head plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2007Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: Daimler AGInventor: Uwe Mauz
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Patent number: 7562885Abstract: Four-wheeled vehicle (1) of the type equipped with two steered front wheels (2, 3), a frame (13), handlebars (16), two rear wheels (4, 5) and a front suspension group (6) that acts upon the two front wheels (2, 3). The front suspension group (6) allows the rolling of the vehicle (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Piaggio & C. S.p.A.Inventor: Maurizio Marcacci
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Patent number: 7549658Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Reinhard Kunert, Swen Zschocke
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Patent number: 7530586Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Georg Tardy-Tuch, Achim Schulz
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Patent number: 7530588Abstract: Mounting assembly for a vibration damper, comprising at least one aligning surface on the vibration damper side, which is in working connection with an opposing surface on the vehicle side at least during the installation of the vibration damper in a receiving opening in the vehicle. The at least one aligning surface and the opposing surface rotationally align the mounting side with the vehicle side. The aligning surface is arranged on a mounting cap with torque-transmitting element, and with at least one axial support surface for cooperation with the opposing surface on the vehicle side. The mounting cap prevents the vibration damper from falling out of the mounting assembly through the use of a carrier on the mounting side, to which the vibration damper is attached, this carrier having a retaining element in the form of a tongue which engages an opening in the mounting cap.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Thomas Pflaum, Claudius Freisinger, Andreas Zietsch
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Patent number: 7506882Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Sistemi Sospensioni S.p.A.Inventor: Miles Barnaby Gerrard
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Publication number: 20090008892Abstract: A spherical plain bearing for a heavy haul truck strut includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring includes an outer ring core disposed between a concave spherical first bearing surface and an exterior mounting surface. The inner ring includes an inner ring core disposed between a convex spherical second bearing surface and an interior surface. The inner ring is disposed within the outer ring with the first bearing surface engaging the second bearing surface. At least a portion of at least one of the first bearing surface, the second bearing surface, the exterior mounting surface and the interior surface has a hardness greater than that of at least one of the outer ring core and the inner ring core, for providing wear and impact resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.Inventor: Brian Gaumer
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Patent number: 7445219Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension system for a motor vehicle, having a lower link for the fastening of a wheel which is coupled to a chassis underframe and is supported on the body via a spring. The chassis underframe is mounted on the body via elastic bearings and has an annular mounting on which the spring plate of the spring is supported before the wheel suspension system is installed. In the fitted state, the spring plate is pressed out of the mounting by the body and is therefore decoupled from the chassis underframe.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Joerg Weshendorff
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Publication number: 20080238016Abstract: A shock-absorbing device for a stroller includes: a wheel mounting seat including a sleeve part having first and second sides, and an extending part extending outwardly from the first side of the sleeve part; a shock-absorber seat having a first end portion that is formed with a wheel axle-disposing hole, and a second end portion that is pivoted to the second side of the sleeve part, the wheel axle-disposing hole being defined by an axle hole-defining wall; and a resilient shock absorber abutting resiliently against the extending part and the axle hole-defining wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Wen-Qu Hu
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Patent number: 7407173Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis structure which includes an independent suspension system including left and right suspension components for left and right wheels (4, 8) respectively for gripping and travelling along a road surface, each of which suspension components is arranged to allow a constrained up and down movement of the respective wheel relative to the vehicle chassis structure, characterised in that the upper suspension components on one side of the vehicle are cross-linked with the upper suspension components on the other side of the vehicle by a connecting rod (10, 11) and an offset pivot shaft assembly (9, 5), so as to constrain the plane of each wheel towards an orientation which is normal to the road surface while allowing the chassis structure to move vertically and to roll relative to said wheels during cornering, acceleration, deceleration and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Peter John Walker
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Patent number: 7384053Abstract: A system for rolling angle reduction in a motor vehicle includes a stabilizer (10) and a piston/cylinder unit (12) coupled to one end of the stabilizer (10). The cylinder (14) of the piston/cylinder unit (12) is mounted in a hollow joint (24) so as to be swivellable in several directions.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Martin Boecker, Theo Heep
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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
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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
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Publication number: 20070273121Abstract: A golf car suspension system includes a coil-over-shock strut assembly having a shock absorber cylinder and an offset bracket including a semicircular member and bracket legs extending from the semicircular member angularly offset from the semicircular member. The semicircular member engages the shock absorber cylinder. A spacer bracket has a semicircular portion engaging the shock absorber cylinder and opposed sleeve legs received between the bracket legs. A U-shaped knuckle bracket has a web and opposed flanges extending transversely from the web. The bracket legs and the sleeve legs are fixed to the web of the knuckle bracket. A steering knuckle connects to the knuckle bracket flanges. A wheel hub connects to the steering knuckle. A wheel connected to the wheel hub has a side-to-side tread face remaining in contact with a ground surface over a total travel distance of the strut assembly of up to 8.4 cm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Sanville, Landon Ball
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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
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Patent number: 7270340Abstract: In an independent wheel suspension including a wheel-guiding strut which is mounted on a vehicle body, a wheel carrier is so supported on the strut by several elastic pivoting bearings, that a high degree of driving comfort is provided by a controlled accommodation of lateral, longitudinal and vertical forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Daimler Chrysler AGInventor: Christian Mosler
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Patent number: 7261307Abstract: A suspension arm made of an aluminum alloy extruded profile having a portion forming a bottom portion, portions forming at least two vertical walls, and a horizontal rib which connects the two vertical walls, wherein a suspension part lower end support portion is formed between the two vertical walls or at the bottom portion by removing a part of the horizontal rib. It is preferable to gradually change the interval between the two vertical walls in the portion in which the horizontal rib is removed.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignees: Aisin Keikinzoku Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha KabushikikaisyaInventors: Kazunobu Nuno, Kazunari Azuchi, Kiyohito Gyobu, Hitoshi Sakuma
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Publication number: 20070170684Abstract: A strut supension includes a shock absober, and a bearing portion that connects the shock absorber to a vehicle body such that the shock absorber can rotate. The bearing protion includes an inner race and an outer race. The thickness of the inner race increases toward the outside of the vehicle body in a vehicle-width direction. The thickness of the outer race decreases toward the outside of the vehicle body in the vehicle-width direction. As a result, a rotatinal axis of the bearing portion tilts outward in the vehicle-width direction, with respect to an absorber-axis of the shock absorber. Also, the rotational axis tilts inward in the vehicle-width direction with respect to a kingpin axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsuyoshi OHKITA, Masato FUJIYAMA
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Publication number: 20070120332Abstract: An active suspension system for a vehicle includes an active suspension element that is substantially rigidly attached to a frame of the vehicle such that a motion of an armature of the active suspension element is mechanically decoupled from a lateral motion of a wheel of the vehicle. A control rod is attached between the active suspension element and the wheel of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2006Publication date: May 31, 2007Inventors: Dariusz Bushko, Christopher Pare
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Publication number: 20070120333Abstract: An active suspension system for a vehicle includes an active suspension element that is substantially rigidly attached to a frame of the vehicle such that a motion of an armature of the active suspension element is mechanically decoupled from a lateral motion of a wheel of the vehicle. A control rod is attached between the active suspension element and the wheel of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2005Publication date: May 31, 2007Inventor: Dariusz Bushko
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Publication number: 20070114747Abstract: A Progressive Compression Suspension is disclosed. The suspension operates to provide floating opposed mounting points for each end of the suspension's shock absorber. The bottom end of the shock absorber pivotally attaches to the lower suspension arm, and the upper end of the shock absorber pivotally attaches to a compression linkage. The compression linkage is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame or chassis, such that it rocks back forth when the suspension engages rough terrain and the top of the shock absorber works in opposition to the bottom of the shock absorber. The rocking of the compression linkage is created by an actuating linkage interconnecting the compression linkage and an eccentric arm extending inwardly towards the frame from the pivot point of the lower suspension arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2005Publication date: May 24, 2007Inventor: Dan Morgan
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Patent number: 7219909Abstract: In a front suspension device for an automotive vehicle, in which wheel support members of right and left front wheels are coupled with each other via a steering unit, outer ends of two lower arms are pivotally attached to the wheel support members, and inner ends of two lower arms are pivotally attached to a vehicle body via a resilient member, there are provided a damping device equipped with a coil spring and attached to one of the two lower arms at its lower end and to the vehicle body at its upper end respectively, and a suppression (rotational torque absorption) device for suppressing a toe-change of the front wheels caused by a rotational torque applied according to extension and contraction of the coil spring of the damping device.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Shigeki Furutani, Atsushi Tsuge, Naoki Ikeda, Yoshiharu Takahashi, Susumu Sano, Yoshitada Toyoshima, Hiromune Ohhashi, Toshiaki Aoki
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Publication number: 20070045036Abstract: A turning device that can be combined with a suspension mechanism without requiring significant modification to existing suspension mechanisms, and that provides a compact design when combined with a suspension mechanism. In a turning device according to the present invention, a main device unit, containing a turning motor and a differential speed reducer, and a turning output member that rotates relative to the main device unit are positioned roughly co-axially with a kingpin shaft. This makes it possible to reduce the amount by which the turning device projects in the direction perpendicular to the kingpin shaft. As a result, compared to conventional technologies, the turning device can be combined without significantly modifying the structure of an existing double wishbone suspension mechanism, and the overall structure that combines the double wishbone suspension mechanism and the turning device can be made compact.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2006Publication date: March 1, 2007Applicant: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Shinji Takeuchi, Tomonari Yamakawa