Patent · US Active

Spare tire tuned mass damper

US7882993B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
20References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 26, 2007
Grant dateFeb 8, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 21, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D43/04
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A spare tire tuned mass damper assembly is provided for reducing vehicle vibration or beaming shake that may otherwise be perceptible at the driver interface. The assembly is attachable between a pair of underbody support beams and includes a tire carrier for a spare tire and wheel and a plurality of spring and damper assemblies positioned between the carrier and support beams. The assemblies have at least one leaf spring and bushing, and are selected to provide a predetermined level of vibration modes and modal damping for the assembly. A method is also provided for reducing road vibration in a vehicle having an underbody support structure, including supporting a spare tire carrier using a plurality of spring and damper assemblies configured to absorb and damp an oscillating mode of the support structure to a predetermined level to produce a desired post-damped road response, thereby increasing vehicle ride comfort.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.