Abstract: A vehicle may include a frame structure, four wheels, and four independent suspension systems coupled to the frame structure and configured to support the wheels relative to the frame structure. Each suspension system may include a suspension arm movably coupling a respective wheel to the frame structure, a torsion bar coupled to the suspension arm and imparting a spring force on the suspension arm, a preload arm coupled to the torsion bar, and a preload adjustment motor coupled to the preload arm and configured to rotate the torsion bar to adjust a preload on the torsion bar.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an anti-dive bar system that includes a first bar with a first floating end and a first fixed end mechanically coupled to a first axle. The anti-dive bar system further includes a second bar with a second floating end and a second fixed end mechanically coupled to a second axle. The anti-dive bar system further includes a coupler with a sleeve and a locking member. The sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of the first bar. The locking member is moveable between a retracted position in which the first floating end of the first bar is moveable relative to the sleeve and the second floating end of the second bar and an extended position in which the first floating end of the first bar is fixed relative to the sleeve and the second floating end of the second bar.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a gas spring in a suspension system. The suspension system includes a gas spring and an accumulator coupled to the gas spring and having a bladder. The accumulator may be in a compressed state and an uncompressed state based on a pressure difference across the bladder. A target amount of gas in the gas spring is determined. The amount of gas in the gas spring is adjusted towards the target amount of gas in accordance with a pressure difference across the bladder based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: A carbody support device of a railway vehicle, including support mechanisms installed between a front bogie and a carbody and between a rear bogie and the carbody in a traveling direction, and supporting the carbody against the respective bogies. The support mechanisms regulate both the front bogie and the rear bogie inclining in the same vehicle width direction with respect to the carbody when the railway vehicle travels through a curve, while the support mechanisms permit the front bogie and the rear bogie inclining in different vehicle width directions.

Abstract: A gas spring piston and compressive bladder assembly includes a gas spring piston (220) and a compressive bladder (222). The gas spring piston (220) includes an outer side wall. The compressible bladder (222) extends at least partially around the gas spring piston (220) and at least partially defines a bladder chamber (250). The compressible bladder (222) can be compressively engaged by an associated flexible (206) wall such that the compressible bladder (222) can generate a first pressure level within a quantity of gas within the bladder chamber (250). A gas spring assembly and a suspension system are also included.

Abstract: An independent suspension and steering system that can be used with a large truck. The suspension system includes a transversely extending leaf spring assembly. The midpoint of the leaf spring assembly is secured at the centerline of the vehicle while the two opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly are shackled to vertically moveable carriers on which the steering knuckles are pivotally mounted. The steering unit includes a transversely extending relay rod which is attached to tie rods at its opposite ends. The tie rods are, in turn, attached to the steering knuckles. In some embodiments, at least one steering gear is coupled with the relay rod via a connecting rod that is secured at one end to the rotating output shaft of the steering gear and secured at its other end to the relay rod.

Abstract: A vehicular torsion bar suspension device, which comprises a front torsion bar spring and a rear torsion bar spring respectively installed at front and rear suspensions of the vehicle. The opposite ends of the front and rear torsion bar springs on the same side are connected mutually by a connection mechanism, and are connected with a vehicle frame through a positioning device. The connection mechanism is mounted between the front and rear torsion bar springs on the same side, so that a linkage relationship is established between the front and rear torsion bar springs. The device improves the vibration situation of the vehicle when driving the vehicle on an uneven ground, and prevents the vehicle frame and vehicle body skeleton from suffering torsional force. As a result, the usage life of the vehicle is prolonged.

Abstract: In a traditional hitched trailer there is no way to adjust the ride height of the trailer. Provided is an angular adjusting mechanism (13) for a suspension system (10) comprising a shaft (12) and a crank arm (20), the shaft (12) having a connecting end (14) connected to the crank arm (20), said angular adjusting mechanism (13) comprising a frusto-comcal shaped surface (16) provided on the connecting end (14) and pointing outwardly from said shaft (12), said surface (16) having an array of first cavities (18) arranged circumferentially, a frusto-comcal bore (22) proximate a first extremity of said crank arm (20), said bore (22) having an array of second cavities (24), said bore (22) being operative to mate with said surface (16) of said connecting end (14), and an interlocking element (30) partly positioned in one of said second cavities (24) and partly positioned in one of said first cavities (18) so as to lock said crank arm (20) at a predetermined angular position with respect to said shaft (12).

Abstract: Vehicle suspension having arms (6) and (7) for each wheel (14) and (15) respectively, each arm (6) having more than one sprung strut (18) and (19) of which two such struts each operates exclusively between two different arms. Each arm's rotational axis (28) and (38) respectively intersects a vertical longitudinal plane through the center of road contact with the wheel at a point (45) and (46) respectively on a straight lines (47) and (48) respectively between the center of contact with the road and a point at or near the anticipated center of gravity (49) of the suspended mass projected onto the plane. Preferably, the vehicle transmission avoids applying a moment about the arm's rotation axis, braking is attached to the arm and steering linkage is passed through or near the arm's axis of rotation.

Abstract: A suspension system for a stroller is described. The suspension system may include a rotating damper mechanism used between a stroller frame and a stroller wheel. In one example, apparatus for providing suspension/damping of a stroller includes a first member attached to a stroller frame, a second member disposed co-axially with the first member and operable to rotate relative to the first member, and at least one elastic member (e.g., urethane) positioned between the first and second members for damping motion (e.g., rotational or translational motion) therebetween. In one example, four elastic members are disposed between the first and second members.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an elastomeric bushing assembly that includes a multi-piece inner metal component. The inner metal component is formed from a plurality of stamped components that when assembled form a hollow chamber in the center section of the inner metal component. Flat sections at opposite ends of the center section include folded over tabs which increase the strength of the flat sections.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and a spring-elastic torsion bar assembly, and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The torsion bar assembly has a body spring that can be attached to the vehicle body with one end, and a transverse control arm spring that is attached to the transverse control arm with one end. The body spring and the transverse control arm spring are coupled with one another at their free ends. The transverse control arm spring and the body spring are coupled with one another by way of a setting element or a releasable connection, whereby the setting element or the releasable connection, respectively, allows rotation of the ends assigned to one another, for setting purposes.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis, and a body spring configured as a torsion bar spring for absorbing rotational movements of the transverse control arm about the longitudinal axis. The body spring is disposed on the transverse control arm so as to rotate with it, with a first end. An electromechanical actuator for changing the angle of rotation of the body spring is disposed at a second end of the body spring. The wheel suspension has a damping element. The second end of the body spring is connected with a stress relief spring that is configured as a torsion bar spring, disposed coaxially with the body spring, and can be attached to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus for an automotive vehicle employs, as its main element, a main suspension member 10. The main suspension member 10 includes a main portion 12 constituted by a pipe; two body-side attachment portions 14, 16 that are fixed to opposite ends of the main portion 12, respectively; and a wheel-side attachment portion 18 that is fixed to a rear-side portion of the main portion 12. The opposite ends of the pipe constituting the main portion 12 are located near to each other, such that the main portion 12 has a generally C-shaped configuration in its side view. The body-side attachment portions 14, 16 are attached to a body of the vehicle such that those portions 14, 16 are pivotable about their pivotal axes. The pivotal axes of the two body-side attachment portions 14, 16 are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to those axes, or are inclined relative to each other.

Abstract: A vehicular torsion bar suspension device, which comprises a front torsion bar spring and a rear torsion bar spring respectively installed at front and rear suspensions of the vehicle. The opposite ends of the front and rear torsion bar springs on the same side are connected mutually by a connection mechanism, and are connected with a vehicle frame through a positioning device. The connection mechanism is mounted between the front and rear torsion bar springs on the same side, so that a linkage relationship is established between the front and rear torsion bar springs. The device improves the vibration situation of the vehicle when driving the vehicle on an uneven ground, and prevents the vehicle frame and vehicle body skeleton from suffering torsional force. As a result, the usage life of the vehicle is prolonged.

Abstract: Complementary suspension device applicable between the hydro-pneumatic suspension systems of at least two wheels of a vehicle, which transfer the forces originating in said wheels to the aforementioned complementary device by means of displacement, and/or decanting, of the fluids of said suspension systems through the corresponding conduits, said device comprising two fluid distribution units connected in parallel by means of each joint conduit, between the hydro-pneumatic suspension systems of at least one pair of vehicle wheels, in such a way that for each pair of wheels the first distribution unit is capable of allowing the intake of fluid through the joint conduit with the suspension system of one of the wheels and, at the same time, lets fluid exit through the joint conduit with the suspension system of the other wheel, whereas the second unit only allows the intake of fluid through the joint conduits with the two suspension systems at the same time.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension utilizes a shunt linkage assembly between first and second torsion springs to change effective lengths of the first and second torsions springs in jounce and roll modes of operation. A first lever arm couples the first torsion spring to a first wheel and a second lever arm couples the second torsion spring to a second wheel component. The shunt linkage assembly acts as a tension-compression link between the opposed first and second lever arms. During jounce the first and second torsion springs would have one effective length, and during roll the first and second torsion springs would have a shorter effective length to provide roll stiffness that is greater than jounce stiffness.

Abstract: To achieve a low wheel spring rate at low wheel loads and a higher wheel spring rate at higher wheel loads, each wheel of a rear-wheel suspension is equipped with a torsion bar spring which cooperates by way of a pressure rod connected with the wheel carrier. An adjusting device is connected with the torsion bar spring to act upon an additional spring element which can take up a controlled elastic position or a blocked position.

Abstract: A suspension assembly (40) in an automobile vehicle includes a support frame (42), a control arm (44) movable relative to the support frame (42), and a torsion bar (46) connected to the control arm (44) for resisting movement of the control arm (44). An adjustment lever (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650) is connected to the torsion bar (46) for placing the torsion bar (46) in torsion. A hub (74, 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674) is positioned in a socket in the adjustment lever (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650) for connecting the adjustment lever (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650) to the torsion bar (46) at a plurality of primary drive positions at first angular increments as defined by a hexagonal connection.

Abstract: A supplemental torsion suspension system for a vehicle having primary suspension system is provided along with a method of use thereof. The supplemental system has a rotateable torsion bar and a lever arm extending from the torsion bar for engagement with a control member of the primary suspension system. An actuator is coupled to the torsion bar and is operative to impart selective rotational movement to the torsion bar and the lever arm. A corresponding application of an applied adjustment force is imparted on the member of the primary suspension system through the lever arm of the supplemental suspension system to move and/or maintain the vehicle at a desired ride height.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system utilizes a resilient rod and bracket configuration to replace standard torque rods. Resilient rods are used to couple an axle member to a vehicle member. The axle member includes an axle bracket and the vehicle member includes a vehicle bracket. Upper and lower resilient rods are coupled to the axle and vehicle brackets at each axle end. The resilient rods are pogo rods that utilize a pair of resilient grommets at each rod end that are compressed against a bracket flange by a pair of rigid cups to provide a resilient mount interface. This resilient mount interface at each rod end allows relative movement between the axle and vehicle brackets and each rod in up to ten degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A V-configuration torque rod includes an apex joint assembly which includes a cast apex joint housing. A pair of solid rods are threadingly received by the cast apex joint housing and an end joint assembly is attached to the end of each solid rod. A retention system in the form of a clamp or jamb nut secure the solid rods to the cast apex joint housing. A length adjustment mechanism can be incorporated between the solid rods and the end joint assemblies if necessary.

Abstract: Dual, diagonal bars to reduce vehicle roll and pitch rates, thereby stabilizing the vehicle, are disclosed. One bar attaches linking the left front suspension to the right rear suspension, and the other bar links the right front suspension and the left rear suspension. Attachment points link alternate corners rather than being on the same axle. The bars are attached to the suspension with additional attachment to either the suspension or the chassis. The primary means of mounting, or attaching, the bars is in at least four spots for each bar. There may be a need to add one additional mount, or more, per bar along the long section of the bar between the front and rear chassis mounts to control flex and provide a more pleasant ride. The opposing end of the bar is attached to the rear suspension outboard near the spring mount on a live rear axle, or on the control arm of an independent rear suspension. A sleeve could replace the two mounts that are on the suspension.

Abstract: A linear or longitudinal torsion axle where the torsion shaft extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the vehicle to which the torsion axle is attached. The torsion axle includes two torsion assemblies with the torsion shaft extending into and being supported by both torsion assemblies. Each torsion assembly has a housing enclosing a plurality of resilient torsion rods spaced about the outside of the torsion shaft. The torsion shaft is fixed to a wishbone connector that is positioned between the two torsion assemblies. A wheel spindle is fixed to an outer end of the wishbone connector to accept a wheel and tire assembly.

Abstract: A suspension assembly (40) in an automobile vehicle includes a support frame (42), a control arm (44) movable relative to the support frame (42), and a torsion bar (46) connected to the control arm (44) for resisting movement of the control arm (44). An adjustment lever (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650) is connected to the torsion bar (46) for placing the torsion bar (46) in torsion. A hub (74, 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674) is positioned in a socket in the adjustment lever (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650) for connecting the adjustment lever (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650) to the torsion bar (46) at a plurality of primary drive positions at first angular increments as defined by a hexagonal connection.

Abstract: A multi-stage torsion axle that has a first stage torsion assembly positioned within a second stage torsion assembly. The first stage torsion assembly has a square first stage shaft within a first elastomeric bushing. The second stage torsion assembly has a square tubular second stage shaft within a second elastomeric bushing, the second stage shaft fitting around the first stage torsion assembly. A hollow square tubular housing fits around the second stage assembly. The resilience of the first stage torsion assembly is less than the resilience of the second stage torsion assembly. A stop mechanism directly transfers torque from the first stage shaft to the second stage shaft when the first stage has rotated more than a predetermined amount relative to the second stage shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system includes a torsion spring, four Scott-Russell linkages for each wheel of the vehicle, and a worm gear for rotating the torsion spring. At least one of the Scott-Russell linkages for each wheel is responsive to the torsion spring to adjust the ride height of the vehicle while maintaining a substantially constant camber angle for the wheel. In one exemplary method for adjusting the ride height of a vehicle, a dynamic parameter of the vehicle is sensed and, based on the sensed dynamic parameter, the torsion spring is automatically rotated to change the orientation of the Scott-Russell linkages and thereby adjust the ride height of the vehicle. The dynamic parameter may be the speed of the vehicle, the pitch and body roll of the vehicle, or the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The operation of automatically rotating the torsion spring may be controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A torque rod assembly for use in a vehicle suspension system, the torque rod assembly comprising a torque rod, which is preferably V-shaped. The torque rod has a first arm portion and a second arm portion, each arm portion having an end. A bend portion is disposed between the first and second arm portions, the arm portions being disposed at an angle with respect to each other. The bend portion, disposed between the first and second arm portions, is pivotably mounted to an axle. The ends of the torque rod are pivotably mounted to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system for a vehicle including a swing arm with a swing mount for pivotally mounting the swing arm to the vehicle, an axle carrier for mounting an axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm to allow the axle assembly to roll about a suspension roll axis, a driven sprocket substantially centrally attached to the axle assembly for rotating the axle assembly, a drive sprocket for transferring rotational power to the driven sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket to allow transfer of rotational power from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket, a constant velocity joint centrally disposed on the drive sprocket axle to allow alignment of the drive sprocket relative to the driven sprocket, and a CV guide for aligning the drive sprocket with the driven sprocket.

Abstract: A suspension assembly is provided for use in stabilizing a vehicle during turning maneuvers. The suspension assembly includes a frame and the stabilizer bar secured to the frame by a bracket. A bushing having a hole along an axis receives the stabilizer bar. The bushing has a first portion disposed between the bracket and the stabilizer bar with the stabilizer bar supported by the first portion in a slip-fit relationship. A second portion extends from the first portion along the axis with a tether portion connecting the first and second portions. A notch is arranged adjacent to the tether portion and separates the first and second portions. Preferably, the notch and tether portion provide a frangible connection between the first and second portions. A clamp is supported on the second portion to secure the second portion to the stabilizer bar thereby preventing relative rotation between the second portion and the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: An improved torsion suspension system designed to limit excessive side sway conditions with a popular torsion suspension system. The improved system uses a torsion shackle bracket that bolts to the second flanged shell half used on the existing torsion suspension system. The system also includes an anti-sway rod that connects at one end to an axle mounted on the torsion shackle bracket. The opposite end of the anti-sway rod is connected to the motor vehicle frame or to a selectively attached bracket attached to the frame located across from the torsion shackle bracket. In the preferred embodiment, the anti-sway rod extends to an opposite side of the motor vehicle. During use, the ends of the anti-sway rod are able to rotate around the axles so that the shackle is able to move vertically and provide a softened ride. The rod is sufficiently rigid to limit the lateral movement of the second flanged shell half, thereby limiting side sway.

Abstract: An accessory for coupling the A-arm of a vehicle to its torsion bar through a rigid member that relocates the relative position of the two components by a predetermined offset distance that raises the torsion bar with respect to the ground. As a result, the position of the torsion bar is elevated and the ground clearance of the vehicle's undercarriage is increased. By rigidly positioning the coupling mechanism between the A-arm and the torsion bar so that the distance of the point of attachment from the A-arm's pivot point in the frame remains substantially the same, the torsional effect of the torsion bar is retained without material change. Therefore, the safety and driving characteristics of the vehicle are not noticeably altered.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski suspension system for increasing the overall performance and adjustability of a snowmobile front suspension. The snowmobile ski suspension system includes a collar member attached to the chassis of the snowmobile, a torsion spring attached about the collar member, a first arm extending radially from the torsion spring engaging the ski support structure, a second arm extending radially from the torsion spring, and an adjustment member attached to the second arm for allowing adjustment of the stiffness of the torsion spring. The first arm may be attached at various locations along the ski support structure in various manners.

Abstract: A torsion bar suspension for an automotive vehicle includes powered means for remotely adjusting the trim height of the vehicle by varying the torque applied to the torsion bars. Height adjustment may be up or down or both from a normal running height. The suspension may be made capable of lowering vehicle height to allow entry into or passage through a low clearance location, such as a parking garage or overpass. Alternatively, the suspension could be capable of raising the vehicle height for passage over rough terrain. Various embodiments of adjusting mechanisms are disclosed including, for example, lever and wheel type torsion adjusting means with linear or rotary actuators.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a suspension system is provided which includes: a frame assembly including a plurality of frame units, a base plate, a lower mounting unit, and an upper mounting unit; a wheel assembly including a wheel member and a wheel mounting assembly for enabling mounting of the wheel member to the upper and lower mounting units of the frame assembly through a suspension; a steering assembly provided to one side of the frame assembly and being connected to the wheel mounting assembly of the wheel assembly; a strut assembly including a shock absorber and a suspension spring and being provided between the wheel assembly and the frame assembly; and an arm assembly including a plurality of arms and links and being provided between the wheel assembly and the frame assembly.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a torsion bar attached to a vehicle frame member by an adjuster assembly including a spring biasing anchor arm. The biasing member provides an elastic resistance to torsion bar rotation for suspension system vibrations below a predetermined torsional force. However, when the predetermined torsional force is exceeded, the elastic resistance of the biasing member is overcome and the anchor arm rotates into contact with the stop. Further suspension system vibrations are absorbable by the torsion bar with stiffer resistance to provide a stiffer suspension response. The stiffer suspension is thus provided when required, such as when cornering, while allowing a smooth ride when not required, such as during normal straight travelling.

Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40). A torsional energy absorption suspension is provided for one of the wheels. The suspension includes a torsional joint (50), a single A-frame member (94). A lever arm (95) may also be utilized to vary the preload on the torsional joint (50).

Abstract: A drive axle suspension for maintaining a differential pinion gear at a substantially constant position in response to engine torque induced or vehicle roll induced twisting forces acting on the differential axle housing. The drive axle suspension comprises a trailing arm having one end pivotally mounted to the vehicle through a hanger bracket, depending from a frame rail of the vehicle, and another end connected to the vehicle frame rail through an air spring. The trailing arms have a blade-like configuration that permits the blades to twist longitudinally and bend laterally to relieve the axle twisting forces that would otherwise rotate the differential and undesirably rotate the pinion gear, changing its angular orientation.

Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system for a vehicle including a swing arm with a swing mount for pivotally mounting the swing arm to the vehicle, an axle carrier for mounting an axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm to allow the axle assembly to roll about a suspension roll axis, a driven sprocket substantially centrally attached to the axle assembly for rotating the axle assembly, a drive sprocket for transferring rotational power to the driven sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket to allow transfer of rotational power from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket, a constant velocity joint centrally disposed on the drive sprocket axle to allow alignment of the drive sprocket relative to the driven sprocket, and a CV guide for aligning the drive sprocket with the driven sprocket.

Abstract: A camber angle control type suspension system including a trailing arm pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a pair of swing arms connected to the vehicle body by means of damping members, and torsion bars for connecting the trailing arm to the swing arms.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided including a trailing arm which is adapted to be pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle. A wheel assembly is mounted to a first end of the trailing arm and a torsion element is integrally mounted within the trailing arm. A crank arm is provided having a first end mounted to the torsion element and a second end which is substantially fixed against movement in a vertical direction. As the trailing arm moves in a vertical direction, the crank arm provides torsion to the torsion element which acts as a spring for the vehicle suspension. By substantially mounting the entire suspension system directly below the vehicle frame rails, increased space is available between the wheels for luggage, fuel and spare tire storage. The rear suspension package is substantially reduced in both size and weight.