Abstract: A chassis control arm for a wheel suspension has a control arm body, a spring abutment and an actuator which is arranged between the control arm body and the spring abutment and with which the position of the spring abutment relative to the control arm body can be adjusted. The actuator comprises a lifting gear which is configured as a movement thread and which includes a lifting spindle on which the spring abutment is arranged or on which the spring abutment is axially movably mounted.

Abstract: A chassis of a motor vehicle, having at least one part that consists of a metal material and absorbs or transmits forces, at least one tape-shaped reinforcing element that consists of a fiber-reinforced metal matrix being applied to the surface of the part by thermal joining in the broadest sense. Chassis, which are of different motor-vehicle types in terms of their weight and/or their drive power and the same part, in terms of its geometric dimensions, that absorbs or transmits said forces, are characterized in that, when used in a motor-vehicle type with a higher weight and/or a greater drive power, a reinforcing element is applied to at least one surface portion, forming a load path, of this part, which reinforcing element is either not provided at all or is provided in a smaller size in a different motor-vehicle type with a lower weight and/or lower drive power.

Abstract: This invention relates to central hanger brackets and equalizers for tandem suspension, used in trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, provided with spring pack arranged on the axles of the vehicle comprising an equalizer, provided with an intermediate area located in the upper part of the body, said area coupling to a surface arranged in the central hanger bracket. The set promotes a structural arrangement that allows the articulation of said equalizer, and eliminates the use of fixing pins, bushings or screws to attach said set to said central hanger bracket, in order to simplify the system and reduce the number of components, providing better conditions for the durability and maintenance of the suspension and thus reducing the operating cost and the cost of the product itself.

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.

Abstract: A motor vehicle arrangement, a motor vehicle and a connecting body for a motor vehicle. A leaf spring is configured to provide suspension of the motor vehicle, and an elastic connecting body is connected to the leaf spring, the elastic connecting body including a device configured to provide a rigid connection to a frame of the motor vehicle, a first elastic connecting body section and a second elastic connecting body section which are inclined with respect to one another and at least partially spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle comprising at least one pair of axles with one axle of each pair disposed on each side of the vehicle, each axle having a shaft, an arm connected to the shaft's outer end projecting tangentially to a terminal end and located outside of the vehicle's frame, a spindle affixed to the terminal end of each arm and adapted to engage a wheel; a rotational attachment means for affixing each axle to the underside and for allowing it to rotate, at least one axle retainer adapted to prevent lateral movement of each axle; a torsion means for resisting rotation of each axle in response to a load supported by each axle; and at least one limiter to limit rotation of each axle relative to the frame, whereby, application of a load biases the axle against the torsion means supporting the frame and absorbing shocks.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system of the type including a wheel support. A resilient connecting element connects the wheel support to a vehicle frame element. The resilient connecting element having a wheel support side and a frame element side. At least one joint element connects the wheel support side of the resilient element to the wheel support and at least two rotary joints connect the frame element side of the resilient element to the frame element.

Abstract: A vehicular suspension enhancer comprises a pair of vertically oriented spring portions, one portion mounted to the axle and the other portion mounted to the frame. Each vehicle axle can be equipped with two suspension enhancers, one enhancer located on each side of an axle. Each of the spring portions are positioned in the space between the axle and the vehicular frame, with the distal ends of each spring portion facing one another with a space between the distal ends defining a gap. The gap between the facing spring portions will increase in response to an increase in the distance between frame and axle.

Abstract: A vehicular suspension enhancer comprises a pair of vertically oriented spring portions, one portion mounted to the axle and the other portion mounted to the frame. Each vehicle axle can be equipped with two suspension enhancers, one enhancer located on each side of an axle. Each of the spring portions are positioned in the space between the axle and the vehicular frame, with the distal ends of each spring portion facing one another with a space between the distal ends defining a gap. The gap between the facing spring portions will increase in response to an increase in the distance between frame and axle.

Abstract: A spring made of a fiber composite includes a metal thread which is connected to the spring and has an electrical resistance which changes in dependence on a deformation of the spring. The metal thread can be integrated inside the spring or may also be arranged on an outer side of the spring.

Abstract: A spring suspension assembly (50, 50A) for a vehicle which has a plurality of spring elements (77, 83, 77A, 77B, 77C, 83A, 83B, 83C, 787E, 88F, 77G, 77H, 77I, 116, 117, 132, 133, 141, 142) which are attached to an inner carrier (56, 117A) and an outer carrier (86, 120) wherein respective arrays (76, 82, 76A, 76B, 82A, 82B) are oriented in opposing or counteracting orientation and each spring elements (77, 83, 77A, 77B, 77C, 83A, 83B, 83C, 787E, 88F, 77G, 77H, 77I, 116, 117, 132, 133, 141, 142) has a shape corresponding to an arc of a circle characterized in that outer carrier (86, 120) is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle chassis and the inner carrier (56, 117A) is mountable to a vehicle axle shaft.

Abstract: A jounce bumper can include a mounting wall and at least one helical thread. An end member can be at least partially formed from a quantity of polymeric material and can include a base wall and at least one helical thread integrally formed from the quantity of polymeric material. The end member and the jounce bumper can form a gas spring assembly. A method of assembly is also included.

Abstract: An active suspension system suitable for use with a vehicle, includes a passive suspension element with a first end adapted for rigid engagement to a sprung mass of the vehicle and a second end adapted for rigid engagement to an unsprung mass of the vehicle. Also included is an active suspension element with a linear switched reluctance actuator which has a first end adapted for rigid engagement to the sprung mass of the vehicle and a second end adapted for rigid engagement to the unsprung mass of the vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a suspension knuckle, a guide, and a spring. The guide is operatively attached to the suspension knuckle and extends longitudinally along a lateral axis. The spring extends between a first end and a second end. The first end of the spring is configured for operative attachment to the vehicle. The second end of the spring is movably attached to the guide and is configured for movement along the lateral axis to vary a stiffness of a suspension.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weight transfer in a vehicle are provided. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of movable spring seats configured to adjust a length of the plurality of springs. Additionally, an electromechanical actuator is provide that is connected to the plurality of movable springs and configured to move the movable spring seats to adjust the length of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to the electromechanical actuator to control the electromechanical actuator to adjust the length of the plurality of springs.

Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus includes: a stabilizer which has a torsion portion and arm portions extending from both end portions of the torsion portion so as to have an approximate U-shape; a bush which is provided at both the end portions of the torsion portion and is used for fixing the stabilizer to a vehicle body; and a movement stopper member which is made of resin, has a contact portion contacting the bush, and is integrally molded to the torsion portion so as to cover overall periphery of predetermined range of the torsion portion in an axial direction thereof, wherein a concavo-convex structure engaging with the movement stopper member is provided on a peripheral surface of the torsion portion. The reliability can be improved by preventing of the movement of the bush.

Abstract: A tie-plate comprising a lower mounting flange that is removably attachable to a first frame hanger and to a second frame hanger, wherein the lower mounting flange includes a first set of attachment holes that correspond to a set of attachment holes at the first frame hanger, wherein the lower mounting flange includes a second set of attachment holes that correspond to a set of attachment holes at the second frame hanger, an extending member having a first end that extends at an angle from the lower mounting flange; and an upper mounting flange extending from a second end of the extending member, wherein the upper mounting flange has one or more mounting holes adapted for attachment of the tie-plate to an undercarriage of a vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle including a frame assembly; a differential supported on the frame assembly; two half shaft assemblies engaging the differential and being pivotally connected to the frame assembly; and at least one air spring operatively positioned between the frame assembly and each of the half shaft assemblies. The air springs are connected to a rotating linkage which maintains a substantially linear axis of compression for the air springs.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for large vehicles includes at least one elastomeric bearing. The bearing includes at least one substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion, at least one substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion, and at least one non-extensible shim disposed between and bonded to the substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion and the substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion.

Abstract: A console is provided for attachment to a vehicle chassis. The console includes a bracket body for a truck. The bracket body is formed by a casting which at least partly encloses a cavity for storing a fluid.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic shock absorber including a spring receiver that is supported so as to be not rotatable with respect to the axle bracket. The spring receiver is divided into a spring receiver base portion that has an outer diameter smaller than an inner periphery of an axle-side tube, and a spring receiver cylindrical portion that is inserted into an inner periphery of the axle-side tube and a suspension spring is seated thereon. A lower end engagement portion provided at a lower end of the spring receiver cylindrical portion is seated on an upper end engagement portion provided at an upper end of the spring receiver base portion, so that the spring receiver cylindrical portion is concentrically set to the axle-side tube.

Abstract: An axle housing (110) for clamping with a clamp assembly (118, 218) to a spring (16, 216) of a suspension system (14) of a vehicle, the clamp assembly having at least two U-bolts (120, 220) each having a curved portion (136, 236) and two generally linear legs (128, 228) extending therefrom, and a clamping plate (122, 222) for receiving and attaching the legs of the U-bolts to form an enclosure that clamps the axle housing (110) to the spring (16, 216), the housing having a generally oval shape in cross section. The axle housing (110) has a generally planar fore side (132), a generally planar aft side (134), a generally rounded top surface (144) and a generally rounded bottom surface (146), wherein at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface are sized and arranged to mate flushly with the curved portion (136) of the U-bolts (120).

Abstract: Systems and methods for weight transfer in a vehicle are provided. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of movable spring seats configured to adjust a length of the plurality of springs. Additionally, an electromechanical actuator is provide that is connected to the plurality of movable springs and configured to move the movable spring seats to adjust the length of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to the electromechanical actuator to control the electromechanical actuator to adjust the length of the plurality of springs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear wheel suspension, which has a spring, preferably embodied as a coil spring that has a geometric spring center line and a line of action of force, the coil spring being supported in an upper and a lower spring mount. In order to reduce the forces imposed on structural elements of the rear wheel suspension, the proposal is that the spring be embodied and arranged in such a way that the line of action of force thereof has an amount of tilt during an inward deflection which is different from an amount of tilt during an outward deflection.

Abstract: Means of suspension dampening (4, 7) are attached to at least one pivoted member (2, 5) of each suspension, front and rear respectively, where there is further direct attachment to a relative member of the opposing suspension/s at areas of reduced dynamic influence. Motion of members of either suspension will have some of the resulting action transferred by means of the dampening units onto the opposing suspension to the effect of reducing pitching motion in the body of the two-wheeled vehicle when travelling. When cornering forces act to compress the suspension, this displacement of the suspension members can be so arranged as to alter the geometric settings affecting the opposing means of suspension dampening thereby giving different leverage ratios for both cornering and straight-line travelling to the benefit of road-holding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension having a shock absorber (1) with a piston rod (2) and a spring element (7), the spring element (7) being mounted between a lower spring retaining plate (4) and an upper spring retaining plate (6) and the head of the shock absorber (1) being fastened to a vehicle body (8). An intermediate element system (9, 11, 12; 9, 26) is arranged and embodied between the upper spring retaining plate (6) and the vehicle body (8) in such a manner that a compensating moment (23) is generated during final installation of the shock absorber (1) on the vehicle body (8).

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a land vehicle comprises a spindle defining a steering axis for the land vehicle and configured to pivotably couple to a ground contact; an upper pivotable member having an inboard end configured to pivotably couple to the land vehicle and an outboard end pivotably coupled to the spindle; a lower pivotable member having an inboard end configured to pivotably couple to the land vehicle and an outboard end pivotably coupled to the spindle; a resilient member having an upper end configured to pivotably couple to the land vehicle and a lower end pivotably coupled to the spindle; a caster adjustment mechanism adjusting the position of one of the upper pivotable member and lower pivotable member relative to the spindle to thereby adjust caster; and a camber adjustment mechanism adjusting the position of one of the upper pivotable member and lower pivotable member relative to the spindle to thereby adjust camber.

Abstract: A structural component for a rear frame structure of a motor vehicle is provided with a mounting zone suitably designed for the mounting of a rear axle, more preferably of the twist-beam axle type, a first support zone suitably designed for supporting a suspension spring of the rear axle, a second support zone suitably designed for supporting a shock absorber of the rear axle, and at least one fastening zone suitably designed for fastening the structural component to the rear frame structure. In addition, it extends to an assembly consisting of a rear axle with structural components fastened thereto, a rear frame structure of a motor vehicle with such structural components, and a motor vehicle equipped accordingly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.

Abstract: A spring beam suspension system includes a hanger; a flexible spring beam extending between the hanger and an axle; and a generally U-shaped pivot bracket secured to the spring beam, the pivot bracket including opposing legs which are pivotably attached to the hanger. Another spring beam suspension system includes a lift actuator which lifts the axle by applying a biasing force to a portion of the spring beam which extends forward from the hanger. Yet another suspension system has a bushing secured in the hanger, whereby the beam pivots relative to the bushing.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for large vehicles includes at least one elastomeric bearing. The bearing includes at least one substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion, at least one substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion, and at least one non-extensible shim disposed between and bonded to the substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion and the substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle, or all wheel drive bicycle, has a spring loaded shock absorbing suspension and traction system for the front wheel. A swing arm, rather than the front steering fork, is mounted to the front wheel axle. A modified steering fork is mounted to the swing arm and a shock absorber extends between the front steering fork weldment and the swing arm. The shock absorber allows the front wheel axle to move upward relative to the front steering fork and motorcycle (or bicycle) in general to absorb upward shocks on the front wheel, and also pushes the wheel downward, thereby improving traction. The front chain drive includes two chains in series which are isolated from excessive shock forces.

Abstract: A high axial spring rate spring pivot bushing has an inner metal to which is press fit a ferrule at one end. An outer metal is disposed around the inner metal and an elastomeric bushing is located between the inner metal, the ferrule and the outer metal. The spring pivot bushing is manufactured by pressing the ferrule on the inner metal, placing the inner metal, ferrule and outer metal in a mold and then injecting an elastomeric material to create the elastomeric bushing.

Abstract: A support element for a motor vehicle suspension spring, including a main part and a substantially rigid or semi-rigid insert. The suspension spring bears directly on the substantially rigid or semi-rigid insert.

Abstract: An in-wheel suspension including a tire/wheel assembly-side member that includes a tire/wheel assembly support member fixed to a tire/wheel assembly, a vehicle body-side member that supports the tire/wheel assembly support member such that the tire/wheel assembly support member can slide along a sliding axis X extending in the substantially vertical direction and rotate on the sliding axis X, and at least one of a spring element and an attenuation element that acts in accordance with sliding of the tire/wheel assembly support member. The in-wheel suspension further includes a coupling member that couples the tire/wheel assembly-side member with the vehicle body-side member, and that rotates the tire/wheel assembly support member in accordance with the sliding of the tire/wheel assembly support member.

Abstract: A wheel shock absorbing apparatus includes: a hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle. At least two outer end caps, each with an axle mounting hole and an offset inwardly opening cavity, enclose the ends of the hub. A springing element is positioned within each cavity in the end caps, and an inner body unit is located between the outer end caps. An actuation stud projects from the inner body unit into the cavities to contact the springing element. Fastening elements secure the outer end caps together on opposite side of the inner body unit. A pivot stud allows the respective outer end caps and inner body unit to pivot with respect to one another, which causes the actuation stud to contact the spring element, which absorbs shocks as the wheel travels over a surface during locomotion of a vehicle.

Abstract: A Watts strut having a log strut body with a bearing bush arranged at one axial end thereof The strut body is produced by hydroforming, and is twisted on itself about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Spring suspension for interconnecting an axle to the frame of a commercial, land-based and wheeled vehicle. An end support for an axle is included that has a cantilever spring interconnected by an interposed axle holder to an air-spring bridge. The cantilever spring extends forwardly; that is, toward the front end of the incorporating vehicle, from the axle holder. Oppositely, the bridge extends rearwardly from the axle holder. The forwardly extending cantilever spring elongately extends between two terminal ends thereof. These two ends constitute a front frame-secured end and a back axle holder-secured end. The rearwardly projecting bridge extends between its own two terminal ends, and constitutes a front axle holder-secured end and a back air-spring secured end. The front frame secured end of the cantilever spring is distantly positioned away from the back air-spring supported end of the bridge member.

Abstract: A vehicle axle assembly is provided including an axle housing having legs extending along an axis. Each housing leg has a wall defining an interior cavity with the wall having a first locating feature formed therein. The first locating feature may be an indentation in the wall of the axle housing that may be in the shape of a concave dimple or a trough running transverse to the axis. The first locating feature may also be a protrusion instead of an indentation. A suspension component is secured to the housing leg by clamps. A suspension component includes a second locating feature of a complimentary shape to the first locating feature. The locating features cooperate to axially locate the suspension component on the housing leg preventing lateral movement.

Abstract: In a chassis suspension comprising a spring structure for oscillation isolation, which is mounted at least at one end in a bearing and provided with a spring movement limiting device, a buckling element forming a support for the spring structure is arranged in a housing consisting of two telescopic cylinders providing for longitudinal and transverse movement limits for the buckling element.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the physical characteristics of a localized area of a suspension component by adding material to the points of high stress without a significant increase in weight or diameter of the suspension component. The material is in the form of a sleeve added to the exterior surface of the suspension component, a core added to the interior surface of a tubular suspension component, winding filaments, or powered material.

Abstract: This invention relates to vehicle suspension, destined particularly for heavy road and off-road vehicles and first of all for those whose weight and dynamical loads vary within a broad range during the operating process, and is particularly concerned with improvements to the suspension characteristic, i.e. suspension stiffness as a function of axle deflection.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting vehicle height, the apparatus being disposed between a vehicle body and a wheel assembly, the apparatus including a first suspension coil spring adapted to be connected to the vehicle body, a second suspension coil spring adapted to be connected to the wheel assembly, the second suspension coil spring being different in diameter from the first suspension coil spring and arranged in serial relation to the first suspension coil spring in an axial direction thereof, and an actuator substantially disposed within an inside space defined by the first and second suspension coil springs. The actuator is operative to axially move one of the first and second suspension coil springs relative to the other thereof.

Abstract: A suspension system for chassis and/or body sprung weight and a plurality of wheel axle supports to carry a portion of the unsprung weight. The system has a load spring between the chassis and/or body and wheel axle support preloaded to a ride height. A member between the wheel axle support and the chassis and/or body exerts increasing force with motion of the unsprung weight relative to the chassis and/or body. The member has increasingly less force on the load spring during jounce beyond the ride height as the member resists the motion of unsprung weight. The member free length of travel cooperates with the load spring jounce deflection so the travel and the deflection overlap as the member moves. The member is a coil, tension or air spring in tension or compression. The load spring constant K carries sprung weight and the member constant KTresists the rebound motion of the sprung weight so K to KT is a function of the amount of roll resistance.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a dynamic absorber mass having a mass smaller than the sprung mass of the vehicle and a spring system supporting the dynamic absorber mass for out-of-phase coaxial motion with the vehicle and tuned to the ride frequency of the vehicle for damping ride frequency perturbations from the vehicle.

Abstract: A spacer apparatus for insulating a beam bushing assembly of an axle/suspension system from direct metal-to-metal contact with the vehicle frame hanger on which the assembly is pivotally mounted. In one embodiment, an integrally-formed one-piece apparatus includes a spacer disk portion and collar portions, whereby the collars provide a complementary fit of the spacer apparatus on the bushing assembly mounting tube, and generally prevents or minimizes relative movement between the spacer disk and bushing assembly. In other embodiments, one or more load dissipation structures mounted on or forming a part of the beam and/or its bushing assembly prevent substantially non-planar surfaces of the assembly from contacting a spacer disk by increasing the bearing area of those surfaces which contact the disk. These apparatus generally eliminate excessive wear or damage to the spacer disk and possible resulting damage to the axle/suspension system.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a motor vehicle includes upper and lower control arms pivotally attached to a frame member of the vehicle. A knuckle arm pivotally attaches to the upper and lower control arms moves along a substantially vertical axis in response to wheel movement caused by an uneven road surface. An actuation link is attached to one of the control arms at one end and to a damper assembly at another end. The damper assembly is disposed substantially within the frame member along a second axis transverse to vertical movement of the wheel and is actuated along the transverse axis in response movement of the control arm along the substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A hub for a wheel having a buffer mechanism internally of a hub barrel, in which the great shock caused by a difference in level is relieved to enhance the comfort to ride and the durability, and the left and right lateral torsion in the direction of an axle of a wheel is eliminated to improve the safety