Leaf spring assembly having full-leaf leaf spring component and half-leaf leaf spring component
US6406007B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2206/42
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A leaf spring assembly for use as an active component in vehicle suspension systems includes a full-leaf leaf spring component and a half-leaf leaf spring component connected thereto. The full-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of the leaf spring assembly and the half-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of one of the cantilevers. In a preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially unequal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a constant caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound. In another preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially equal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a varying caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound. In yet another preferred form, the axle seat portion of the full-leaf leaf spring is designed such that it biases the position of the axle associated with the leaf spring assembly to a predetermined caster angle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.