摘要:
The parking brakes on a truck or other vehicle having plural axles are applied such that at least one wheel at a first end of a first axle receives a parking brake force without applying a parking brake force to any wheel at the opposite end of the first axle. In addition, at least one wheel at a second end of a second axle, the second end of the second axle being opposite to the first end of the first axle, receives a parking brake force. Desirably, any wheels at the opposite end of the second axle from the second end of the second axle are not the recipient of a parking brake force such that diagonally disposed parking brake forces are applied upon activation of the vehicle parking brakes. The first axle in one example is forwardly of the second axle and the first end of the first axle may be at the longitudinal side of the vehicle which is the heaviest.
摘要:
A method and apparatus involves selectively relieving the load from the rearmost wheels of a trailer to shorten the effective wheel base of the trailer. When the effective wheel base is shortened, off-tracking of the trailer during turning is reduced. The load may relieved while the trailer and vehicle are traveling at, for example, less than a first speed, with the vehicle turning at least at a first angle. The axle may be reloaded when the vehicle speed is increased to a second speed above the first speed and the vehicle is turning at an angle which is less than the first angle.
摘要:
An underhood air flow management system for a truck which includes cowl openings defined between cowl extensions and the rear edges of depending hood sections. Most preferably the cowl extension extends forwardly and inwardly toward the longitudinal centerline of the truck. The cowl extensions assist in deflecting air to the cowl openings, the air having passed through a radiator, along the sides of an engine and engine compartment, and through the cowl openings. The cowl openings preferably extend the full height of the depending hood sections. The bumper of the truck includes a lower extension. In addition, the front wheel wells of the truck are sealed at the front, partially sealed at the side and may be sealed at their rear to reduce the escape of air from the engine compartment through the front wheel wells. The cowl openings are preferably door-free and also lack air flow hindering severe transitions. A charge air cooler may be positioned ahead of the radiator and a fan may be positioned between the radiator and engine. Preferably the radiator is provided with seals so that air cannot enter the engine compartment without passing through the radiator. Seals may be provided between the charge air cooler and the radiator.
摘要:
In one form of variable compression ratio engine, a connecting rod of an internal combustion engine is coupled to the rod receiving crank shaft by an eccentric connecting rod bearing. Pivoting of an eccentric portion of the eccentric connecting rod bearing relative to the crank shaft pin by a compression ratio adjuster varies the compression ratio of the engine. Resistance is provided to the pivoting of the eccentric portion in the absence of a compression ratio adjustment force. Pivoting of the eccentric can be delayed until tension and compression forces in the connecting rod are at a reduced level. The compression ratio can be continuously varied over a range from low to high values within limits of the structural components of the system to allow greater control of the compression ratio.
摘要:
A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.
摘要:
Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.
摘要:
A wind tunnel for measuring the aerodynamics of a vehicle may comprise a test section. Air moving through the test section may be collected in a plurality of individual ducts, each with a fan for moving the air through the test section and ducts. The vehicle of vehicle wheels may be supported at an incline.
摘要:
A wind tunnel for measuring the aerodynamics of a vehicle may comprise a 1 section. Air moving through the test section may be collected in a plurality of individual ducts, each with a fan for moving the air through the test section and duct The vehicle or vehicle wheels may be supported at an incine.
摘要:
The present invention relates to vehicle frame rails, preferably of steel, which are formed with a web section which is not of a constant thickness. Preferably, the frame rail is formed by roll forming to produce the variable thickness, although other techniques, such as machining, could be used.
摘要:
A stairway assembly is pivoted between deployed and stowed positions. The stairway in one form includes a sliding support from which the stairway is suspended at a location spaced from a stairway pivot. A link, which may be adjustable in length, couples the coupler to the stairway. A snubber is provided to limit vibration of the stairway when stowed. An actuator, which may comprise an electric motor, is positioned above and overlies a portion of a platform of the stairway. Extension and retraction of the actuator pivots the stairway between stowed and deployed positions.