Alignment Adjustment Patents (Class 280/86.75)
  • Patent number: 11773943
    Abstract: A bump stop assembly for a UTV with a frame attachment, a shock absorber attachment, two panels, a shock absorber and a bracket. The frame attachment is coupled to the frame of the UTV and the shock absorber attachment is coupled to the shock absorber. The two panels extend between the frame attachment and the shock attachment. The bracket is coupled to the trailing arm of the suspension system of the UTV. The bump plate bracket has a bump plate located to contact the shock absorber when a force applied to the suspension system causes the suspension system to reach a predetermined level of a capacity of the suspension system to absorb. The bump plate transfers a portion of the force applied to the shock absorber. The shock absorber is configured to absorb energy transferred to the bump stop assembly by the force applied to the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: SANDCRAFT, LLC.
    Inventors: Brent G. Reynolds, Jonathan D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11639196
    Abstract: An embodiment suspension structure includes a rail housing configured to be installed in a vehicle body along a height direction of the vehicle body, a rail attached to the rail housing toward an outer side of the vehicle body, a plurality of variable position links configured to be moved in the height direction of the vehicle body by engaging with the rail, a link transfer screw threaded to the plurality of variable position links and disposed in parallel with the rail to allow the plurality of variable position links to move by rotation, and a screw motor fixed to an upper inner side of the rail housing and coupled to one end of the link transfer screw, the screw motor being configured to provide a driving force to rotate the link transfer screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Woock Ryu
  • Patent number: 11584178
    Abstract: An independent suspension apparatus includes a cross beam mounted on two transversely spaced mounting elements of a trailer. Two axle frames are independently pivoted on the cross beam to extend longitudinally of the trailer to distal ends that support stub axles for mounting wheels thereon. A suspension element is supported on each axle frame to act between the axle frame and the trailer frame to support weight of the trailer thereon. Each axle frame is pivotally supported on the cross beam by two hinges, in which each hinge is laterally spaced from the other hinges. Optional adjustment assemblies of each hinge allow the axle frames to be adjustably aligned relative to the trailer frame. In one embodiment, an abutment member is cantilevered from the cross beam to support an upper end of the suspension element relative to the trailer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventors: Manfred Bosco, Cornelius Wipf
  • Patent number: 11485435
    Abstract: Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Link Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jacobsma, Joel D. Van Den Brink, Michael S. Wetter
  • Patent number: 11285769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chassis suspension component with a bracket made from a formable base material, preferably sheet steel, and comprising at least one slot for receiving a connecting bolt and at least one stop for an eccentric disc which is or can be connected rotationally fixedly to the connecting bolt. In order to be able to produce the eccentric stop process-reliably and economically without the risk of crack formation, the invention proposes to provide a tab formed from the base material and folded relative to a body portion of the suspension component and having a recess surrounding the slot, which recess defines two elongate stop faces running parallel to each other, wherein the stop faces serve as a stop for the eccentric disc. The invention also relates to a method for producing a chassis suspension component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Autotech Engineering Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Krolo
  • Patent number: 10940731
    Abstract: A wheel alignment mechanism having a control arm connector, which is adapted for connection to a vehicle suspension control arm positioned between a vehicle chassis and a vehicle wheel, and which has an elongate portion; an inner support frame having a first surface and a second surface on a side of the inner support frame opposing the first surface, the elongate portion of the control arm connector positioned against the first surface at a select one of a first set of plural mounting locations on the first surface, with the first set of plural mounting locations being disposed in a first direction; and an outer support frame adapted to receive a wheel mounting, the connector having a third surface, the second surface of the inner support frame being positioned against the third surface at a select one of a second set of plural mounting locations on the third surface, and with the second set of plural mounting locations being disposed in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Auto IP LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Tiramani, Kyle Denman
  • Patent number: 10882370
    Abstract: A lift option kit that allows the user to alter the vertical suspension lift of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Larry Verbowski
  • Patent number: 10814917
    Abstract: A skid plate module for a vehicle. The skid plate module may include first and second pillars that may extend from a skid plate. The first and second pillars may be disposed along a center plane of the skid plate and may be adapted to be mounted to a chassis of a vehicle. A lower control arm, a mounting bracket subassembly, or both may be mounted to the first and second pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignees: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC, Nikola Motor Company, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin D. Lorenz, Adam P. Sadlik, Michael Schlundt, Rituja D. Marathe
  • Patent number: 10675933
    Abstract: A control arm assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle includes a base member configured to couple to a structural member of the vehicle via at least one isolator, and a control arm pivotally coupled to the base member and configured to couple to a steering knuckle of the vehicle, such that kinematics acting on the control arm are decoupled from an isolation provided by the coupling between the base member and the vehicle structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wentworth, Gregory A Sbroglia
  • Patent number: 10293652
    Abstract: An axle unit includes an axle tube and a suspension arm element, wherein the axle tube extends substantially along a tube axis, wherein the suspension arm element has a first joining region comprising a recess, wherein the first joining region of the suspension arm element is adjacent to the axle tube, wherein the suspension arm element is substantially transverse to the tube axis, and wherein a weld portion between the suspension arm element and the axle tube is located in the first joining region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Gregory Galazin
  • Patent number: 10086874
    Abstract: Modular vehicle platforms are disclosed. An example modular platform includes a frame to couple to a body of a vehicle. A first bracket is coupled to the frame. One of a second bracket or a third bracket is coupled to the frame. The first bracket is spaced from the second bracket or the third bracket. The first bracket and the second bracket enable attachment of a first suspension to the frame. The first bracket and the third bracket enable attachment of a second suspension to the frame. The first suspension has a first geometry that is different than a second geometry of the second suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lipa, Steve Scott Allen, Peter Simeon Lazarevski, Scott J Bell, Shane Edward Foley, Stephen Dockstader, Joseph Skynar
  • Patent number: 9463667
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axle mount for utility or commercial vehicles, comprising a carrier unit and a protective unit, wherein the carrier unit has a first fastening region for the fixing of a utility vehicle axle thereto and has, arranged adjacent to said fastening region, a receiving region for receiving chassis systems, and wherein the protective unit is arranged on the carrier unit such that the receiving region is enclosed transversely with respect to an axial direction by the carrier unit and by the protective unit, in such a way that the ingress of foreign bodies into the receiving region is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Spielmann
  • Patent number: 9435715
    Abstract: To characterize a behavior of a vehicle, a subjective behavior test is conducted on a given configuration of a suspension device and a wheel disc of the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle's behavior is acceptable. Modifications are made to the given configuration so as to sweep through pairs of values corresponding to a lateral force Fy and a lateral offset Dy of the wheel in straight-line running. For each modified configuration of the suspension device and/or the wheel disc, the subjective behavior test is conducted again. For each configuration of the suspension device and the wheel disc tested, a determination is made of a pair of values of the lateral force Fy and the lateral offset Dy of the wheel in straight-line running. Areas Z of acceptable behavior of the vehicle in a plane Fy, Dy are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Egerszegi
  • Patent number: 9370981
    Abstract: A gas spring end member is dimensioned for securement along an associated suspension member having an associated planar surface and at least an associated first side surface. The gas spring end member can include a base wall disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis and a bracket wall that extends longitudinally-outwardly from the base wall. The bracket wall can be adapted for operative connection to the associated suspension member such that the gas spring end member can be supported thereon with the base wall disposed in longitudinally spaced-apart relation to the associated planar surface of the associated suspension member. A gas spring assembly including such an end member can be included. A suspension system and a method of installation including such a gas spring assembly can also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Street, Paul P. Koeske
  • Patent number: 9090138
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-shell spring control arm, for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, comprising a first end portion for attaching to a chassis beam a second end portion for attaching on the wheel side, and an increased-width portion which is arranged between the two end portions, and which comprises a spine having flanks projecting therefrom and which defines a spring seat for supporting a spring. In order to attain high component rigidity and a wheel suspension which is optimized with regard to loads, the invention proposes that inwardly deformed surface parts are formed on the flanks, the longitudinal edges of which surface parts are spaced apart from one another along their entire length so that the increased-width portion has a C-profile-shaped cross-sectional profile, and in that a connection portion for attaching a shock absorber is formed between the spring seat and the second end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Gestamp Umformtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Kai Haselhorst, Ralf Koormann, Mathias Buchholz, Ronald Hertl
  • Patent number: 9039015
    Abstract: A device for use in a vehicle steering system, said device comprising at least one actuator affixed to a wheel linkage of at least one wheel of said vehicle steering system. The actuator comprises a rotation assembly engagable with a first wheel linkage segment, an electric motor for actuating movement of the rotation assembly via a gear box and one or more sensors integrally contained in the actuator for sensing one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of force, speed, turns and rotation. Rotation of the rotation assembly actuates linear movement of said first wheel linkage segment into and out of said actuator to thereby adjust one or more wheel parameters of said at least one wheel, and wherein said one or more sensors provide real time data to an actuator control unit integral to said actuator to self-adjust rotational parameters of said rotation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Alexander Balandin
  • Publication number: 20150123366
    Abstract: An adjustment device (1) for a chassis of a vehicle. The adjustment device includes at least one spindle (2), at least one slide-block (3), an axial guide (5) for the slide-block (3) and at least one connecting element (4, 17). The connecting element (4) is arranged, on the one hand, in a rotationally fixed manner on the spindle (2), and, on the other hand, is connected to the slide-block (3). The adjustment device (1) has an articulated joint (21) provided between the connecting element (4) and the slide-block (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Torsten Kuhnt
  • Publication number: 20150069730
    Abstract: A lock device includes a receiver having an outer peripheral surface that is attached to a side surface of a gear (rotating body) and rotates together with the gear (rotating body) and a solenoid pin whose tip is able to be in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the receiver upon reception of the solenoid pin on the outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the receiver includes a groove (recess) wider than the tip of the solenoid pin and projections projecting from the groove (recess). The solenoid pin has a tapered face at the tip. The height of the tapered face is at least at a level at which the tapered face is in contact with a corner of the projection with the tip being in contact with the groove (recess).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Kawauchi, Kazuki Tomioka
  • Publication number: 20150069729
    Abstract: Suspension arm for use on remote control vehicles that provides suspension movement on 2 pivoting axis parallel to the vehicle chassis at opposite ends of the suspension arm along with an adjustable 3rd axis perpendicular to the ground to adjust and set the tracking of the vehicle's rear suspension drive component commonly referred to as “toe” in the automotive community.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: E. Arnold Fie II
  • Patent number: 8944447
    Abstract: An axle adjustment for axles of utility vehicles includes a frame unit, an eccentric element, and an adjustment unit, wherein the eccentric element has a first contour engageable by a select one of the frame unit and the adjustment unit, and the eccentric element has a second contour engageable by the other of the frame unit and the adjustment unit, wherein the first contour is arranged eccentric to the second contour, and wherein the frame unit and the adjustment unit are secured in a predetermined position in an adjustment direction and supported pivotably relative to each other by setting a certain angle of twist of the eccentric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: SAF_Holland GmbH
    Inventor: Jean Khoury
  • Patent number: 8918974
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting the alignment of an axle so that adjustments to toe, camber, and/or thrust can be more readily achieved. In one embodiment, a pair of non-parallel shims is located between flange elements. Positioning elements are located along the flange elements at a position outside the peripheral edge of the shims. Upon application of a torque to the positioning elements, the flange elements can be pushed apart or pulled together so as to provide for access to the shims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventor: Zachary A. Merrill
  • Patent number: 8910952
    Abstract: An active geometry control suspension system may include a toe control mechanism having an assist link disposed between the wheel carrier and the sub-frame, a housing unit integrally formed with the sub-frame and having hinge brackets integrally formed at both sides of a wheel side one surface, a guide unit configured to guide a vehicle body side connection portion of the assist link along a predetermined trajectory through a cam guider which slides upward and downward along guide, a drive unit configured to transmit rotating driving torque, and a power transmission unit configured to transmit the linear motion to the vehicle body side connection portion of the assist link so that the vehicle body side connection portion of the assist link is raised and lowered along a predetermined trajectory of the guide unit by the rotating driving torque of the screw shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Yoo, In Seok Seo, Sung Bae Jang, Byung Gu Kang, Un Koo Lee
  • Publication number: 20140361504
    Abstract: An axle adjustment for axles of utility vehicles includes a frame unit, an eccentric element, and an adjustment unit, wherein the eccentric element has a first contour engageable by a select one of the frame unit and the adjustment unit, and the eccentric element) has a second contour engageable by the other of the frame unit and the adjustment unit, wherein the first contour is arranged eccentric to the second contour, and wherein the frame unit and the adjustment unit are secured in a predetermined position in an adjustment direction and supported pivotably relative to each other by setting a certain angle of twist of the eccentric element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND, GmbH
    Inventor: Jean Khoury
  • Patent number: 8755972
    Abstract: In a rear wheel toe angle control system, the toe angle response properties of the right and left wheels are prevented from differing from each other depending on the operating condition of the vehicle, and the handling of the vehicle can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Aoki, Kuniyoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8689914
    Abstract: An omni-directional wheel assembly for a vehicle that includes a wheel, at least one lower suspension link and an upper attachment joint. Both the at least one lower suspension link and the upper attachment joint are attachable to the vehicle. The wheel is able to rotate at 360°, to steer the vehicle, around a pivot line positioned by the at least one lower suspension link and the upper attachment joint once attached to the vehicle. A projection of the pivot line onto a vertical projection plane comprises a vertical axis passing through a contact point between the wheel and ground defining a caster angle with the vertical axis, where whatever the orientation of the projection plane, the omni-directional wheel assembly includes an adjustment means able to adjust the caster angle within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: John Victor Gano, Enrique Hector Scalabroni
  • Publication number: 20140091542
    Abstract: A ride steer adjustment device for a vehicle includes an insert sleeve that has an opening configured so that the insert sleeve has an interference fit with a tie rod ball stud when the tie rod ball stud extends through the opening. The insert sleeve has external threads and is configured to be threaded to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. A distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod is adjustable by turning the insert sleeve relative to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. Adjusting the distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod changes the angle of the tie rod and thereby the ride steer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Timothy J. Schabel
  • Patent number: 8646787
    Abstract: A wheel suspension for a rear wheel of a motor vehicle includes a wheel carrier, a lower control arm and a track rod connected to the wheel carrier at first and second points of articulation and supported on a vehicle body by first and second bearings. A rotation movement by the control arm and the track rod in response to longitudinal and/or lateral forces causes a toe-in change to thereby adjust the first point of articulation of the control arm by a first transverse offset in a vehicle transverse direction and adjust the second point of articulation of the track rod by a second transverse offset in the vehicle transverse direction. The first bearing is configured elastokinematically such that the first transverse offset of the first point of articulation is greater than the second transverse offset of the second point of articulation in response to the longitudinal and/or lateral forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Langhoff, Dominik Mohrlock, Florian Adlkofer, Stephan Lamers
  • Publication number: 20140021692
    Abstract: An adjustable spring mounting assembly includes first and second alignment correction plates. A spacer is sandwiched between the two correction plates. First and second fasteners connect the assembly to a vehicle spring hanger bracket. A third fastener connects the assembly to a vehicle leaf spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: BBS Development, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. McCarthy, Robert F. Mater, JR., Auldreg R. Dismuke
  • Patent number: 8622406
    Abstract: The present invention provides an eccentric pivot member for effecting fore and aft movement of a leading end of a trailing beam member of a trailing beam suspension in response to rotation of the pivot member. Ratchet collars are provided which act between the eccentric pivot member and a suspension hanger to mechanically secure the assembly against rotation and any associated inadvertent misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas Eveley
  • Publication number: 20130320642
    Abstract: A rear-wheel toe angle variable vehicle changes a toe angle of a rear wheel by a rear toe actuator including: a housing connected to one of a rear-wheel support member and a body; a motor in the housing; a rod connected to the other of the rear-wheel support member and the body; a nut provided in one of the housing and the rod; a screw shaft provided in the other of the housing and the rod; a rotation transmission unit in the housing for transmitting rotation of the motor to the nut or screw shaft; and a rotation amount detection unit for detecting a rotation amount of one of the rotation transmission unit and the nut or screw shaft. The vehicle estimates an operation amount of the rear toe actuator based on the detected amount, and performs feedback control of the motor using the estimated amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Takamichi Hinohara, Hideki Imafuku, Kazutaka Saito, Tadatsugu Takada
  • Patent number: 8590912
    Abstract: An adjustable spring mounting assembly includes first and second alignment correction plates. A spacer is sandwiched between the two correction plates. First and second fasteners connect the assembly to a vehicle spring hanger bracket. A third fastener connects the assembly to a vehicle leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: BBS Development, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. McCarthy, Robert F. Mater, Jr., Auldreg R. Dismuke
  • Patent number: 8583328
    Abstract: [TASK] The wheel alignment of rear wheels can be properly set without using an alignment tester if the rear wheels are equipped with a rear wheel toe angle control device. [SOLUTION] In a calibration drive control, an ECU (12) actuates electric actuators (11) until the front wheel steering angle (?f) becomes zero or the rear wheel toe angles (?r) are symmetric to each other (steps S3 and D4) to thereby achieve a symmetric toe angle position (Ssym) (step S5). Then, the ECU (12) actuates the electric actuators (11) from the symmetric toe angle position (Ssym) by a same amount so as to cause the rear wheel toe angles to be a neutral value, and a reference position (S0) to be substantially equal to a standard operational position (Sstd) or an axial force (AF) to be substantially equal to a standard axial force (AFstd) (step S7). At this time, the operational position detected value (Sdtc) may be reset as the reference position (S0) (step S10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Miki Mori, Yutaka Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 8528920
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly includes first and second connection points associated with a component. The second connection point is selectively adjustable to adjust a position of the component. A shield has one end coupled to the first connection point and an opposite end proximate to the second connection point to selectively prevent access to the second connection point. The shield is selectively movable when the first connection point is loosened to allow access to the second connection point. To achieve proper adjustment of the component, the first connection point must be loosened prior to adjusting a position of the second connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Arvinmeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Gustavo Vieira Borges, Robert J. Brazeau, Christopher J. Wittry, Michael D. Lynch, Michael A. Power, Gregory Todd Smith, Kenneth G. Lang, Anthony E. Nicol, Gregory D. Pavuk, Edward J. Gebal, Thomas S. Mijal, Esequiel Berra de Mello, Christopher S. Keeney, David G. Gonska
  • Patent number: 8523209
    Abstract: A semi-trailing arm axle for a motor vehicle which comprises a semi-trailing arm (1) for each wheel (4) of the axle. Each semi-trailing arm (1) is flexible about the vertical axis and is mounted to the body or on a support frame by at least one mounting (2, 3). Each wheel (4) of the axle is connected to its respective flexible semi-trailing arm (1) by way of at least one wheel bearing (5), and the flexible semi-trailing arm (1) is the sole wheel-guiding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stephan Pollmeyer, Volker Wagner, Gabriele Fruhmann
  • Patent number: 8480099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for adjusting the toe angle in the wheels of a solid non-steering axle and especially to a method and apparatus for bending a vehicle's solid or non-steering axle housing, such as the solid rear axle of a vehicle or an axle of a semi-trailer, to align the toe angle of the wheels mounted on the solid axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Scott S. Porta, Michael C. Loescher
  • Patent number: 8469371
    Abstract: An active geometric control suspension system may include an upper arm connected to a side above and between a rear wheel-sided knuckle and a subframe, and an assist link connected to the other side above and between the knuckle and the subframe, together with a node-changeable unit, wherein the node-changeable unit includes a housing formed at a portion of the subframe, a track-variable kit detachably coupled to brackets of the housing, cam-operating rails fixed to a side of the track-variable kit, a cam disposed on the cam-operating rails of the track-variable kit to be slidable up/down along the cam-operating rails, and a cam bolt connecting the cam with a vehicle body-sided connecting portion of the assist link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Byung Gu Kang, Sang Hoon Yoo
  • Publication number: 20130127130
    Abstract: Multi-link rear wheel axle for a vehicle connects a wheel support (4) to a vehicle body (5) with link arms in upper and lower link planes (8, 6). The upper link plane (8) has a link arm (18) configured as a track rod and front and rear transverse link arms (14, 18) with articulation points (13, 15) for the wheel support (4) and the vehicle body (5). A longitudinal link arm (16) connects the rear transverse link (14) via an articulation point (22) near the wheel support (4) to the front transverse link (18) via an articulation point (24) near the vehicle body. Front and rear transverse link arms (10, 12) in the lower link plane (6) have articulation points (13, 15) for the wheel support (4) and the vehicle body (5) and form a virtual pole (20) outside the lower link plane (6) and behind the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dr. Ing. h.c.F Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
  • Patent number: 8419031
    Abstract: A new and novel suspension link for the suspension system of vehicles, which is easily removed and replaced in a repair mode. More specifically, there is an vehicle sway bar stabilizer link that has angle capability for replacing prior art suspension links having ball-type devices which comprise a polished steel ball surround by a steel liner, or a polished steel ball surrounded by a plastic liner. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Verbowski
  • Publication number: 20130069330
    Abstract: A wheel suspension for a rear wheel of a motor vehicle includes a wheel carrier, a lower control arm and a track rod connected to the wheel carrier at first and second points of articulation and supported on a vehicle body by first and second bearings. A rotation movement by the control arm and the track rod in response to longitudinal and/or lateral forces causes a toe-in change to thereby adjust the first point of articulation of the control arm by a first transverse offset in a vehicle transverse direction and adjust the second point of articulation of the track rod by a second transverse offset in the vehicle transverse direction. The first bearing is configured elastokinematically such that the first transverse offset of the first point of articulation is greater than the second transverse offset of the second point of articulation in response to the longitudinal and/or lateral forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Langhoff, Dominik Mohrlock, Florian Adlkofer, Stephan Lamers
  • Publication number: 20130056288
    Abstract: An omni-directional wheel assembly for a vehicle that includes a wheel, at least one lower suspension link and an upper attachment joint. Both the at least one lower suspension link and the upper attachment joint are attachable to the vehicle. The wheel is able to rotate at 360°, to steer the vehicle, around a pivot line positioned by the at least one lower suspension link and the upper attachment joint once attached to the vehicle. A projection of the pivot line onto a vertical projection plane comprises a vertical axis passing through a contact point between the wheel and ground defining a caster angle with the vertical axis, where whatever the orientation of the projection plane, the omni-directional wheel assembly includes an adjustment means able to adjust the caster angle within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: John Victor Gano, Enrique Hector Scalabroni
  • Patent number: 8382128
    Abstract: An axle arrangement includes an axle member and an axle member bracket arranged on the axle member. A wheel suspension having a wheel carrier bracket is constructed in the form of a fork-shaped metal sheet and swingably supported on the axle member bracket for wheel alignment, with a wheel carrier being arranged on the wheel carrier bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Henksmeier, Erik Hochapfel
  • Patent number: 8371593
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the camber and/or toe of the wheels of a wheel suspension, particularly for motor vehicles, having a wheel carrier on which each wheel is rotatably supported and comprising a carrier part receiving the wheel and a guide part connected to the wheel suspension, between which rotating parts (26, 28) rotating about a rotation axis and preferably driven by an electric motor are disposed, bringing about a defined displacement of the carrier part and/or the guide part by the rotational actuation thereof for changing the camber and/or toe. According to the invention, a single adjusting drive (54) is provided for actuating the rotary parts (26, 28), by means of which the two rotary parts (26, 28) can be adjusted in different, particularly in opposite, directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Michel, Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Christoph Kossira, Hugo Müller
  • Patent number: 8360448
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Système Nénuphar Inc.
    Inventor: Yves Lariviere
  • Patent number: 8342542
    Abstract: A suspension device includes a wheel supporting member configured to rotatably support a wheel. Two links respectively link the wheel supporting member and a vehicle-body side member and are disposed substantially in parallel in a vehicle width direction. At least one projecting portion extends from at least one of the two links towards the other link, and an elastic linking portion links the projecting portion of one of the links to at least one of the other link and the projecting portion of the other link. A toe angle adjusting device is configured to input a force in a direction oriented backward in the vehicle forward-backward direction to the wheel supporting member to adjust a toe-in angle of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Sagara, Yusuke Kageyama, Yoshihiro Kawabe, Masahiko Nishida, Isao Watanabe, Masaya Kunitomo, Masaki Ohta
  • Patent number: 8322729
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the camber and/or toe of the wheels (20) of wheel suspensions (10), especially for motor vehicles, including a wheel carrier (12) on which the respective wheel (20) is rotatably mounted and which is subdivided into a carrier part (24) receiving the wheel, a guide part (22) connected to the wheel suspension (10), and two rotary parts, especially control cylinders (26, 28), arranged between the carrier part and the guide part and rotatable in relation to each other, to the carrier part (24) and to the guide part (22) about a common rotation axis (32). Each of the rotary parts can be moved by a drive (40) and a servo drive (42) in both directions of rotation. According to the invention, the servo drive (42) is designed for at least one of the rotary parts (26, 28) as a planetary gear train (42), and the planetary gear train (42) is especially radially externally arranged around the rotary part (26, 28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Michel, Hugo Müller, Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Christoph Kossira, Wolfgang Schmid
  • Publication number: 20120280464
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include adjustable wheel assemblies for patient lifts. Actuation of a wheel assembly results in the wheel exerting an increased force on the surface supporting the patient lift, which may decrease the pressure of the remaining patient lift wheels on the support surface. Alternate embodiments include one or more adjustable wheel assemblies in a kit for attachment to a patient lift. A user input component may also be included to provide a single device a user can use to simultaneously actuate the wheel assemblies. Alternate embodiments utilize wedges, hinges, cams, and/or threaded members to increase the force exerted by the wheel on the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Richard L. Nelson, Robert M. Levy
  • Patent number: 8302973
    Abstract: An active geometry control suspension, may include an assist link of which a wheel is connected to one end portion thereof to guide a movement of the wheel, a moving member, one portion of which is pivotally fixed to the other end portion of the assist link, a guide formed in the moving member and including a slot to slidably receive the moving member therein so as to guide a movement of the moving member, a body that is fixed to a vehicle body to connect the guide thereto, and a driving portion coupled to the other portion of the moving member and moving the moving member along the slot to vary a position of the assist link and thus to vary an alignment angle of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sang Ho Lee, Hae Ryong Choi, Sung Bae Jang, Byung Gu Kang
  • Patent number: 8262110
    Abstract: An idler arm assembly employed in a steering assembly of a vehicle having a body. The idler arm assembly comprises: an idler housing mounted to the body and including a bore; a pivot shaft mounted in the bore and being rotatable and telescopically slidable in the bore, with the pivot shaft having a cavity at a first end; an idler arm having a first end supported by the second end of the pivot shaft and a second end that supports the steering assembly; a ball stud having a ball end secured in the cavity and supporting the pivot shaft in the telescopically slidable direction, and a shank having threads; and a threaded cap secured to the idler housing and engaged with the threads on the shank, whereby rotation of the threads relative to the threaded cap will telescopically slide the pivot shaft relative to the idler housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, William R. Venner, III, Marco E. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8226091
    Abstract: An actuating device for an active control suspension system which is provided at both ends of a sub-frame of a vehicle body and connected to one end of an assist link having the other end mounted at a knuckle and which changes a position of a mounting point of the assist link at the vehicle body, may include a member bracket fixedly mounted at each end of the sub-frame, provided with openings formed at both sides and an upper surface thereof, and formed of a pair of slide grooves having arc shape at the both ends thereof to slidably receive a pair of slide plates therein; an actuator connected to both slide plates through a pin-bolt unit; and a cam-bolt unit assembling a bush of the assist link with both slide plates and setting an initial position of the mounting point of the assist link at the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Un Koo Lee
  • Patent number: 8220810
    Abstract: A countersteering vehicle rear axle induces a rotational motion of a wheel carrier about a virtual spread axis in the toe-in direction under the influence of a lateral force on the outside cornering wheel mounted on the wheel carrier. A support member exhibits a section, which extends essentially parallel to the plane of the wheel carrier, and a section, which is connected, when viewed in the direction of travel, to former section behind the wheel center point and extends essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In a lateral projection, the support member is inclined in relation to the vertical direction in essentially the same way as the virtual spread axis. This support member is supported at least on the free ends of a sheet metal support plate, which in a lateral projection is approximately U-shaped and which in turn is mounted on the axle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Benjamin Jakob