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Low-torque pivot bushing

a low-torque, bushing technology, applied in the direction of couplings, mechanical equipment, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of limited rotational capability, degraded ride performance, and design that does not offer shock isolation, so as to improve ride, facilitate vehicle assembly, and high articulation

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-03-31
KRAINE EDWARD M JR +2
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The design achieves high articulation and free rotation, enhancing ride quality and simplifying vehicle assembly by minimizing torque and offering efficient shock isolation and sealing capabilities.

Problems solved by technology

The articulation due to sliding of the joint components offers low-torque rotation, but these designs do not offer shock isolation, since all of the components are typically made from rigid materials such as metal and / or hard plastic.
Elastomeric bushings offer excellent shock isolation but they have limited rotational capability because they rely on the flexing of the elastomeric material during rotation.
The flexing of the elastomeric material adds a considerate amount of parasitic torque to the pivoting of the suspension and thus leads to a degraded ride performance.
In addition, the parasitic torque can complicate the initial assembly of the suspension system.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0016] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0017] There is shown in FIG. 1 a MacPherson strut suspension system which incorporates the unique pivot joint in accordance with the present invention and which is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. MacPherson strut suspension system 10 comprises a steering knuckle 12, a strut 14 having a shock absorber 16, a lower control arm 18 and a pivot joint 20. During suspension movements of suspension system 10, lower control arm 18 pivots about an axis 22 and strut 14 pivots about a point 24 located along the axis of shock absorber 16. The pivoting movement of lower control arm 18 causes pivot joint 20 to angulate or pivot with respect to a generally vertical axis to compensate for the angular differences between lower control arm 18 and steering knuckle 12. During a steering maneuver of suspension system 10...

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PUM

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Abstract

A pivot joint has a low friction rotational property by allowing the elastomeric bushing to rotate with respect to the inner metal. A low friction material can be incorporated between these two components to facilitate the rotation, if desired. The elastomeric bushing helps to isolate the pivot joint and prevent the transmission of vibrations. In one embodiment, the elastomeric bushing is also allowed to pivot about an axis generally perpendicular to its axis of rotation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 074,944 filed on Feb. 12, 2002. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to suspension pivot joints. More particularly, the present invention relates to an elastomeric bushing which allows articulation through flexing of the elastomeric material but also allows pivoting or rotation through sliding of the elastomeric material. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Automobiles and other vehicles normally incorporate suspension systems designed to absorb road shock and other vibrations. Many vehicles are provided with independent suspensions located at each wheel. These suspensions are designed to independently minimize the effect of shock loading on each of the wheels. [0004] Suspension systems commonly employ stabilizer bars which interconnect independent suspensions on opposi...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B60G7/00F16C11/08F16F1/38
CPCB60G7/001B60G2204/41B60G2204/416B60G2206/11Y10T403/32721F16C11/08F16F1/38Y10T403/32614Y10T403/32606B60G2206/8103F16C2326/05
Inventor KRAINE, EDWARD M. JR.CERRI, JOSEPH F. IIISTOLL, KURT
Owner KRAINE EDWARD M JR