Variable rate bushing for stabilizer bar
US6854750B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2204/41043
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable rate bushing passively controls the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. During normal vehicle operation, the stabilizer bar is compliant. As twist increase, the resistance increases. In one embodiment, the variable rate bushing includes at least one void which compresses as the vehicle turns. As the stabilizer bar axially twists, the void compresses and the rate of the bushing increases, reducing axial twist and increasing stiffness of the stabilizer bar. In one embodiment, the voids are teardrop shaped, arc shaped, or bone shaped. Alternatively, the bushing includes an inner layer of softer material and an outer layer of harder material to control stabilizer bar stiffness. Also, the bushing may include a molded insert made of a hard material inserted into a softer material to control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.