Composite spring and control arm

US6659482B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC · US

Inventors

• Robert P. Carlstedt · Rochester Hills, US
• Mark Smith · Troy, US
• Steven M. Foster · Rochester, US
• Daniel E. Whitney · Arlington, US
• Eric Stephen Geib · Fenton, US
• Richard M. Clisch · Canton, US
• Shan Shih · Troy, US
• Juan Munoz · Figueres, ES

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 9, 2003
• Expiry date: Jan 11, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2206/428
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A steering assembly is provided for a vehicle including an upper connection, typically provided by an upper control arm. A knuckle includes an upper and lower portions with the upper portion supported by the upper connection. A lower assembly of the present invention includes a control arm with legs extending from a spring portion at spaced apart ends. The legs extend from its ends and converge to a lower connection for supporting the lower portion of the knuckle with the upper and lower connections defining a wheel camber and a wheel caster. Preferably, each of the legs of the control arm has a different spring rate to provide a change in wheel camber under the deflection of the control arm during wheel travel. The different spring rates of the legs permits the lower connection to twist thereby enabling the wheel caster to change slightly during the upward and downward motion of the wheel.