Semi-balanced tandem suspension
US6666474B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2202/152
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A suspension system provides a pair of walking beams mounted parallel to a longitudinal main frame of a vehicle subframe. The walking beams support tandem axles. The walking beams are mounted to lower outboard brackets extending from each axle. A spherical joint extending from each longitudinal end of each walking beam engages the lower outboard brackets. Each walking beam is constrained against fore-aft movement through a pair of watts linkages. The watts linkages are separated by a lateral torsion tube. Each walking beam is connected to its respective watts linkages through a revolute joint and pivot relative to the torque tube. A pair of tie-rods are attached between each watts linkages and a fixed support. The tie rods include spherical joints at each end. Each axle is further restrained by a V-rod attached to an upper bracket extending from each axle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.