Vehicle components and sacrificial ribs
US10239373B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2457
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A structural component 1 is provided for a vehicle designed for driving off-road on rough terrain. The component 1, such as the lower control arm of a suspension system, is formed from aluminum, aluminum-alloy or other light-weight material and provided on its underside with a parallel arrangement of chamfered ribs 5 which extend in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The spacing between adjacent ribs 5 is less than or equal to 10 mm so as to prevent underlying rocks and stones 7 from impacting, and thereby abrading the inner surface 3 of the component 1. The ribs 5 are provided as sacrificial elements and will become eroded in use until they no longer provide the desired protection of the inner surface 3. The extent of abrasion of the ribs 5 can be ascertained by a visual inspection of the underlying surface of the vehicle, and, if necessary, the component 1 can be replaced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.