Suspension component having localized material strengthening

a stabilizer bar and component technology, applied in the direction of resilient suspensions, interconnection systems, suspensions, etc., can solve the problems of unneeded process costs, heavy stabilizer bars, and rubber bushings that dampen the movement of stabilizer bars, and achieve good ductility and easy heat treatment

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-10-27
VISTEON GLOBAL TECH INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] In a first aspect of the present invention the suspension component is formed from one of micro-alloyed boron steel and vanadium steels containing relatively low levels of carbon, such that the suspension component will have good ductility and fracture toughness, to allow the suspension component to be cold formed, and yet still allow the suspension component to be readily heat treated thereafter if heat treatment localized material strengthening is desired.

Problems solved by technology

The rubber bushings also dampen the movement of the stabilizer bar.
Therefore, stabilizer bars made by more traditional methods, where the entire stabilizer bar is heat treated, present several disadvantages.
One disadvantage is that the stabilizer bar is heavier than it needs to be, because the stabilizer bar is homogenous.
Another disadvantage is that the process involves unnecessary cost, as the entire stabilizer bar is subjected to heat treatment, when only a localized area must meet the high stress requirements.
Finally, the facilities needed to process the stabilizer bar are larger, and require more energy, than needed, because they must be adapted to treat the entire stabilizer bar.
Quenching and tempering, however, causes de-carbonization of the entire bar and deformation of the bar, which must be later corrected.

Method used

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  • Suspension component having localized material strengthening
  • Suspension component having localized material strengthening
  • Suspension component having localized material strengthening

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Embodiment Construction

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a suspension component for an automotive vehicle is shown generally at 10. The suspension component shown is a stabilizer bar, however, it is to be understood, that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other suspension components. The stabilizer bar assembly 10 includes a stabilizer bar 12 having opposing first and second distal ends 14, 16. The stabilizer bar 12 is generally made from steel, and can be solid or hollow between the ends 14, 16. The stabilizer bar 12 further includes at least one bushing assembly 18 mounted thereon. The bushing assemblies 18 are adapted to mount the stabilizer bar 12 to the structure of the automobile.

[0023] Each of the first and second distal ends 14, 16 have an attachment point 20. The attachment points 20 are adapted to connect the distal ends 14,16 to wheel assemblies (not shown) on the automobile. The attachment points 20 can be attached to the distal ends 14, 16, by welding. Alternatively, the att...

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PUM

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Abstract

A suspension component for an automobile, such as a stabilizer bar, is provided and includes at least one localized portion having a strengthened outer surface. The localized portion is positioned at a location of highest stress along the suspension component. A method of forming the suspension component is also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to a suspension component for an automobile. More specifically, the present invention relates to a stabilizer bar having localized material strengthening, and a method of manufacturing the stabilizer bar. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] In an automotive vehicle, suspension components, such as a stabilizer bar, helps to keep the vehicle level, particularly when the vehicle is traveling through a curve. The ends of the stabilizer bar are connected to the right and left wheel assemblies of the vehicle. A pair of brackets, positioned between the ends of the stabilizer bar, secure the stabilizer bar to a structural component of the vehicle. Rubber bushings positioned between the stabilizer bar and the brackets provide limited torsional, axial and radial movement of the stabilizer bar relative to the bracket. The rubber bushings also dampen the movement of the st...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B21D53/84B60G21/055
CPCB21D53/84B60G2206/427B60G21/055
Inventor CAI, HAIMIANLI, HANG
Owner VISTEON GLOBAL TECH INC
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