Abstract:
A pair of tension cables are positioned around cams attached to the lower control arms of a vehicle suspension. Each tension cable includes a tension damper responsive to tension in the tension cables. Each tension damper includes a cylinder containing a fluid and a piston including at least one orifice attached to a rod. The piston divides the cylinder into a first and second compartment. The rod in connected to the tension cable. When the tension cable pulls on one end of the rod, the piston is pulled towards the tension cable. The fluid creates resistance in the tension damper as the fluid moves through the orifice from one compartment to the other compartment, damping vehicle roll. Control of the tension dampers can be passive, semi-active, or active.
Abstract:
An embodiment of a torque arm apparatus as disclosed herein includes a torque arm beam member and a plurality of axle tube support members. The torque arm beam member has a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. Each one of the axle tube support members is attached at a respective first end thereof to the torque arm beam member adjacent to the first end of the torque arm beam member. Each one of the axle tube support members includes an axle tube mounting flange attached to a respective second end thereof. The axle tube mounting flange of a first one of the axle tube support members and the axle tube mounting flange of a second one of the axle tube support members are positioned adjacent to the first side and the second side, respectively, of the torque arm beam member.
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 sand buggy has a main frame. A pair of connection rods are disposed on the main frame. A positioning seat which is connected to the connection rods has two lower rotating shafts. A movable mount has two pairs of lug panels to receive the lower rotating shafts. Two front shock absorbers are connected to a-suspension arm and a positioning plate. A first and a second positioning mounts are disposed on the main frame. A first movable seat is inserted in the first positioning mount. A pair of first lug plates are disposed on the first suspension link. A second movable seat is inserted in the second positioning mount. A pair of second lug plates are disposed on the second suspension link. A first rear shock absorber is positioned by the first lug plates. A second rear shock absorber is positioned by the second lug plates. A main shaft is connected to the first and the second rear shock absorbers.
Abstract:
An adjustable anti-roll bar having a single set of mounting apertures whose roll rate is adjusted in the middle of the anti-roll bar. The roll rate is determined by the location of the junction of one torsion member to another; that is, an outer torsion member to an inner torsion member. In order to account for the presence of certain automotive components in the undercarriage area, the geometry of the anti-roll bar may be changed. The second embodiment meets this challenge for a specific vehicle by using two weldments of a specific size to relocate the adjustable middle section. Changing the length and angle of the lever arms of the first embodiment can do the same thing in many instances.
Abstract:
A transverse strut for a twist-beam axle of a motor vehicle is made of an extrusion profile and includes an outer tube and a bulbed land area extending inwardly from an inner wall surface of the outer tube and defined by a radial extension, which is smaller than an inner radius of the outer tube. The outer tube has a circumferential length and defines a central length portion, which is positioned in confronting relationship to the bulbed land area and recessed to form a gap over a portion of the circumferential length.
Abstract:
An assembly for use as part of a vehicle suspension system includes an adjustable roll rate that is automatically adjusted responsive to maneuvers of the vehicle. A stiffener element is coupled with a stabilizer bar. The stiffener element increases the roll rate responsive to the vehicle wheels being turned. In one example, the stiffener element is a metallic plate that rotates into various positions responsive to the vehicle wheel being turned. The further the wheel turns, the further the plate rotates and the greater the increase in the roll rate.
Abstract:
A deformable transverse member for a motor vehicle rear axle assembly with trailing arms is formed of a metal section piece having a continuous longitudinal opening that extends along at least 80% of the length of the metal section piece and is fitted with a block of elastomeric material fastened to the section piece at a position selected to close off a central part of the continuous longitudinal opening.
Abstract:
A straight line linkage mechanism for a solid axle of a motor vehicle (referable to alternatively as a “Chan-Cameron mechanism” or as a “Chan-Cameron linkage mechanism”) includes a main bar, a tie rod and a shackle. The shackle is preferably configured as an “A-arm”, having its legs pivotally connected to a solid axle. The apex of the shackle is pivotally connected to a first end of the main bar. The opposite second end of the main bar is pivotally connected to the frame. The tie rod is pivotally connected at one end to a mid-range location of the axle and, at its opposite end, pivotally to a mid-point location of the main bar. The connection locations of the main bar are spaced apart twice as far as the connection locations of the tie rod. In operation, as the axle moves vertically relative to the frame in response to the wheels encountering irregular terrain, the first end of the main bar will tend to move horizontally. The shackle is mounted to the axle so that the apex thereof is horizontally movable. Accordingly, the axle is able to move vertically relative to the frame without a vertical arc component.
Abstract:
A driving stabilizer has a rotary actuator located between spider parts supporting stabilizer arms. Flanges associated with the spider parts and supported by the spider parts form end covers of the rotary actuator. A central part adjacent to the flanges includes an outer body formed by an annular jacket spanning a gap between the flanges and an inner body. The outer body and inner body are mutually rotatable and axially secured with respect to one another and each non-rotatably connected to a respective one of the spider parts via a respective one of the flanges.