Trailing arm axle/suspension system
US6508482B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2206/8201
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A trailing arm axle/suspension system includes rigid or spring beams for mounting the axle directly to the beam without any or minimal, respectively, additional mounting hardware or structure. An axle mounting plate is formed as part of the preassembled rigid beam or attached to the spring beam, and is formed with a recess that can range from significantly smaller than to generally the same size as the smallest axle which will be seated therein. The axle is extruded into the recess to eliminate clearance and create intimate contact between the axle and the axle mounting plate. The force typically deforms the axle from its normal cross-sectional shape, such as round, into a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Such clearance-free intimate contact also creates a constant preload or compression between the axle and the axle mounting plate in the recess area. Continuous welds; disposed in windows formed in the axle mounting plate, or, alternatively bolts, are circumferentially offset from recess-defining edges of the axle mounting plate and the vertical axis plane of the axle. The vertical height of the beam in the area of the axle mount, in rigid top mount beam applicat…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.