Abstract:
A sacrificial metal coating to resist corrosion is deposited onto a vehicle component during a shot peening operation. Since the deposition occurs during the shot peening operation, a separate coating step is not necessary. Preferably, the component is a vehicle suspension component.
Abstract:
A method of making the load height of a suspension coil spring more consistent uses different sized isolators to make a combined spring and isolator height more consistent. The isolator or isolators may be attached to the top or the bottom, or to both the top and bottom of a spring. The load height of a spring is measured. Isolators of varying heights are attached to the springs to achieve more consistency in the overall load height.
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 universal joint dissipates shock and reduces torsional vibration to the elements of the universal joint. An elastomeric material, such as a polyurethane, is introduced between the bores of the yokes of the joint and the respective adjacent bearing cups that are mounted on the shafts of the cross bar.
Abstract:
A suspension system includes a damper assembly to provide an anti-roll capability to a vehicle torsion bar suspension system. The damper assembly is attached to each torsion bar. To selectively couple and decouple the rotational motion of the torsion bars. In one embodiment the damper assembly selectively links rotational motion of the torsion bar anchor arms to transfer an anti-roll force from one suspension link to the opposite suspension link.
Abstract:
A suspension system includes a SMA suspension component, an actuator and a controller. Altering the mechanical characteristic of the SMA suspension component alters the kinematic properties of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle body and the suspension characteristics of the vehicle. In one disclosed embodiment a SMA suspension spring is height adjustable to alter the vehicle handling characteristics. In another disclosed embodiment a SMA suspension component stabilizer bar is shape adjustable. The SMA stabilizer bar is maintained in a first shape to provide a first handling characteristic. To provide a second handling characteristic the SMA stabilizer bar is moved into contact with a fixed vehicle component such as a vehicle frame component. The flexibility of the stabilizer bar is thereby reduced and the vehicle handling characteristics are optimized for a second condition.
Abstract:
A suspension system includes a stabilizer bar having a first and a second segment attached to respective vehicle suspension members. The first and a second segments are selectively coupled by a decoupler assembly to provide coordinated or uncoordinated movement of the first and second suspension members. The decoupler assembly is preferably in communication with a controller and sensors located adjacent the vehicle wheel assemblies. The controller interprets the signals from the sensors and determines whether the decoupler assembly should be activated. In some embodiments, a limited slip can be achieved between said first and second stabilizer bar segments.
Abstract:
A coating for an article includes coating encapsulated micro-spheres which maintain the coating in a fluid state. The coating encapsulated micro-spheres are retained in the coating to form a matrix of hardened coating and coating encapsulated micro-spheres. Damage to the coating form a fissure which breaks open the coating encapsulated micro-spheres adjacent the fissure. The broken coating encapsulated micro-spheres release the fluid coating material contained therein. Because the coating encapsulated micro-spheres release the encapsulated coating material in the fluid state the coating material flows into the fissure to coat the exposed substrate. This provides a “self-healing” ability to the coating which protects the substrate even after the coating is damaged.
Abstract:
A vehicle system component is provided with an electrical charge to resist corrosion. Preferably, the electrical charge is generated by movement of components adjacent to the suspension component. Friction surfaces may be placed in contact with each other such that and heat is generated upon movement of the vehicle system components. The heat is transferred into electrical energy. In another embodiment, an electrical coil receives a magnetic member which moves within the coil to generate the current. The charge may be stored in a capacitor and periodically dispatched onto said component. The invention thus provides a low cost and simplistic way of resisting corrosion to vehicle components, and in particular to vehicle suspension components.
Abstract:
A suspension system includes a stabilizer bar having an integral ball link directly formed as each end of the stabilizer bar. Because the ball link is integral to the stabilizer bar, there are no bolts, nuts or other fasteners that limit the articulation of the end link relative to the stabilizer bar. The present invention thereby provides greater end link articulation and improved suspension system performance.