High mobility suspension system
US5447325A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2500/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a high mobility suspension system for vehicles travelling in a harsh off-road environment. In particular, the suspension system can be mounted on a trailer and consists of a cam mounted on a cam shaft for variably deflecting a leaf spring that is mounted to the frame of the trailer. A swing arm is connected between the axle of the wheel and the cam shaft, such that when the trailer is loaded the wheel is deflected which in turn pivots the swing arm and causes the cam shaft to rotate. As the cam shaft rotates the cam deflects the leaf spring based on a ratio of the actual direct trailer loading. The load rate of the suspension system can be customized by modifying the configuration of the cam member and the swing arm to achieve either a linear, progressive or digressive load rate, or any combination of these rates. The present invention enables the trailer to have a compliant load rate yet maintain a compact suspension design by reducing the spring deflection requirements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.