Apparatus for establishing a caster angle of a vehicle suspension system
US7392996B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2204/421
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided is an apparatus for establishing a caster angle of a vehicle suspension system. The apparatus includes two air reservoirs, each reservoir having an extendable piston rod. The air reservoirs are juxtaposed, and are pivotally connected to a single bell crank. In particular, the bell crank is pivotally connected to each piston rod, and to a control arm of the vehicle suspension system for establishing the caster angle. Concerted pressurizing and exhausting of the air reservoirs extends and retracts the piston rods, causing the bell crank to rotate. Rotation of the bell crank induces movement of the control arm which translates into a rotation of an axle to a desired caster angle. In one embodiment, one air reservoir is a multi-chamber reservoir capable of doubling the force used to extend the piston rod, rotate the bell crank and adjust the caster angle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.