Suspension component having localized material strengthening

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...

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.

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