Multi-tapered suspension component

Abstract

Energy storing suspension components for use in suspension systems for wheeled vehicles and trailers are disclosed. The energy storing suspension components include an axle seat portion, an end, and a limb extending between the axle seat portion and the end. The limb includes a first taper wherein the limb decreases in width as the limb extends toward the end, a second taper wherein the limb decreases in thickness as the limb extends toward the end, wherein along the limb there is at least a portion where both the first taper and second taper are present, and a third taper that is further from the axle seat portion than the first taper and wherein the limb increases in width as the limb extends toward the end. Also disclosed are combinations of bushings and energy storing suspension components having an end configured to include an eye.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention generally relates to energy storing suspension components for use in suspension systems for wheeled vehicles and trailers, and more particularly to energy storing suspension components having multiple tapers along their length, including support members, spring members, and the like, and to combinations of such energy storing suspension components with bushings. This disclosure presents several example embodiments that are representative of suspension components that may be utilized for particular purposes.[0003]2. Discussion of the Prior Art[0004]Wheeled vehicles and trailers commonly have suspension systems that utilize suspension components, such as support members, spring members, and the like, in suspending a vehicle or trailer frame and / or body assembly above and connecting to the axles to which wheels are rotatably connected. In this context, the frame and / or body assembly generally are refe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent provides energy storing suspension components and bushings for wheeled vehicles and trailers that can improve performance. By modifying the material properties and tapers along the length of the support members, spring members, or the like, the components can have better fatigue life and increased lateral bending deflection before failure. These components can also reduce loads on coupling assemblies and reduce roll stiffness. When used with low axial rate bushings, thecomponents can further improve performance.

Problems solved by technology

However, suspension components, such as support members, spring members, and the like, play a dynamic role within a suspension system and their spring rates, both vertically and laterally, as well as stress levels and the ability to transfer loads to adjacent structures, present complex challenges.

However, such common prior art designs can lead to production of heavy spring members having an adequate vertical spring rate but a significantly higher lateral spring rate than otherwise would be necessary.

This can result in unacceptable stress concentrations in the spring member near the axle seat portion under lateral bending, and in the transfer of excessive and potentially damaging loads to the coupling assemblies that are used to operatively couple the spring member to the chassis and to the axle.

However, if a spring member and its coupling assemblies are configured with a combined bushing and lateral spring rate that is too low, then the lateral loads induced during articulation of the spring member will not be adequately transferred to the coupling components.

In such instances, the loads are transferred to the vertical direction, resulting in higher and potentially unacceptable vertical stresses.

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