Method and device for actively suspending a wheel from a vehicle
US6886669B1 · kind B1 · utility
1Cited by
13References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 3, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2800/162
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and device for suspending a wheel axle from a vehicle includes a unitary flexible member coupled between the vehicle and the wheel axle and to an electronic control unit. The flexible member is formed of a material that changes shape in the presence of electrical signals having a varying signal strength. The electronic control unit, upon receiving various suspension related inputs, transmits the electrical signals having the varying signal strength to the unitary flexible member to change the shape thereof in order to vary the stiffness of the flexible member and thus control the suspension of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.