Center link for articulated truck suspension mounts

Abstract

A center link (300) has a bolt portion (314) contact pad extending longitudinally and transversely from the bolt portion (314) to form a transversely extending bolt portion contact surface (326) and defining a bolt portion contact surface transverse width (344) that is less than a shaft portion transverse width (370'). The center link (300) also has a mushroom head portion contact pad (354) extending longitudinally and transversely from the mushroom head portion (320) to form a mushroom head portion contact surface (328) and defining a mushroom head portion contact surface transverse width (356) that is less than a shaft portion transverse width (352).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to methods for manufacturing a machine and attaching a suspension to the machine. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for mounting a suspension to a machine frame using a suspension mount having a center link. Background Art

[0002] Many machines use suspension mounts to attach the suspension system to the machine's frame. Articulated dump trucks (or haul trucks) are particularly common in the use of suspension mounts that include a base body that includes reinforcement elements and an elastic material that holds the reinforcement elements together. The base body supports compressive loads and, to a limited extent, resists tensile loads. When side loads or compressive loads are applied to the suspension mount, a central link disposed within the hollow interior of the base body of reinforcement elements and elastic material helps limit the amount of strain on the base body that could cause fatigue in the base body. The central link also supports tensile loads.

[0003] In such applications, extreme motion and high compressive and / or shock loads can be applied to the suspension mounts and their center links. These conditions can induce large moments on the center links. The resulting bending stresses can be very damaging and can shorten the service life of the center links and / or their associated suspension mounts. Damage to the center links can lead to suspension problems, requiring replacement of the mounts and machine downtime.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 8,256,795 discloses a suspension mount that can limit the amount of compressive and bending stresses applied to a center link. To this end, the center link is formed from an assembly including a bottom U-shaped latch, a top bolt with a nut secured to the bolt, and a link member connecting these components together. Thus, the center link acts like a chain, supporting tensile loads but collapsing when compressive loads and strains are applied to it. Consequently, bending or compressive stresses are not applied to the center link assembly. However, the base is thus subjected to compressive and side loads without reinforcement, undesirably making the base more susceptible to damage.

[0005] Therefore, a need remains for an apparatus that reduces bending stresses on the center link while also providing adequate support to the base. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a center link for use with a suspension mount assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The center link may include a shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a first axial end disposed along the longitudinal axis, a second axial end disposed along the longitudinal axis, and a shaft portion transverse width. A bolt portion may be disposed at the first axial end or the second axial end. The bolt portion may define a bolt portion transverse width and may include a bolt portion contact pad extending longitudinally and transversely from the bolt portion to form a transversely extending bolt portion contact surface and defining a bolt portion contact surface transverse width that is less than the shaft portion transverse width.

[0007] The present invention provides a center link for use with a suspension mount assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The center link may include a shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a first axial end disposed along the longitudinal axis, a second axial end disposed along the longitudinal axis, and a shaft portion transverse width. A mushroom head portion may be disposed at the first axial end or the second axial end. The mushroom head portion may define a mushroom head portion transverse width and may include a mushroom head portion contact pad extending longitudinally and transversely from the bolt portion to form a mushroom head portion contact surface and defining a mushroom head portion contact surface transverse width that is less than the shaft portion transverse width.

[0008] The present invention provides a suspension mount assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The suspension mount assembly may have an interior and an exterior, and may include a first mounting member comprising a first mounting flange portion and a first bowl-shaped portion extending from the first mounting flange portion toward the interior of the suspension mount assembly. A second mounting member may include a second mounting flange portion and a second bowl-shaped portion extending from the second mounting flange portion toward the first bowl-shaped portion of the first mounting member. A base may couple the first mounting member to the second mounting member. The base may include a plurality of reinforcing members and an elastic material coupling the reinforcing members together, and the base defines an internal void extending from the first mounting member to the second mounting member. A central link may be disposed in the internal void connecting the first and second bowl-shaped portions. The central link may include a first contact pad disposed proximate to and facing away from the first bowl-shaped portion; and a second contact pad disposed proximate to and facing away from the second bowl-shaped portion. The first and second contact pads may at least partially face in opposite directions relative to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of a machine in the form of an articulated dump truck that may employ suspension mounts having a center link constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear view of the machine showing rear examples of the suspension mountings.

[0011] Figure 3 is more clearly shown Figure 2 An enlarged detail view of the left-hand instance of a suspension mount.

[0012] Figure 4 Shown with the upper portion of the machine open for enhanced clarity Figure 2 A perspective schematic diagram of the suspension system of a machine.

[0013] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a suspension mount employing a central link surrounded by a matrix including reinforcing elements and an elastomeric material binding the reinforcing elements together, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The figure illustrates the motion imparted to the suspension mount by adjacent suspension components.

[0014] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a suspension mount with the reinforcement elements and elastomeric matrix removed for enhanced clarity. When the suspension mount is placed in tension, the center link contacts the bowl-shaped portions of the upper and lower mounting members. When the suspension mount is placed in compression due to heavy or impact loads, the center link contacts various components of the suspension or machine frame. The center link is shown in an extreme position, tilting the center link to maximize the amount of bending stress generated by the compressive forces exerted on the center link.

[0015] FIG. 7 is shown isolated from the suspension mounts. Figure 6 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, contact pads are shown at both axial ends of the center link.

[0016] 8 is an enlarged detail view of the mushroom head portion of the center link of FIG. 7 with contact pads extending from the mushroom head portion.

[0017] 9 is a right side elevational view of the center link of FIG. 8 showing another view of the contact pad extending from the bolt portion.

[0018] Figure 10 is an FEA (Finite Element Analysis) diagram showing how the center link's contact pad absorbs the compressive loads applied to the center link by various components of the suspension or frame. Figure 6 Reduced bending stress in the center link shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used whenever possible to refer to the same or similar parts. In some cases, a reference numeral will be indicated in this specification and the drawings will show the reference numeral followed by a letter (e.g., 100a, 100b) or followed by a prime (such as 100', 100", etc.). It will be understood that the use of a letter or prime immediately following a reference numeral is intended to indicate that the features have a similar shape and similar function, as is typically the case when geometric structures are mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters or primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate that this is a duplicate of a feature discussed in the written specification.

[0020] Various embodiments of suspension mount assemblies and center links that can be used with the suspension mount assembly will now be discussed. Specifically, the center link can have one or more raised contact pads that concentrate compressive loads near the center axis (also referred to as the neutral axis) of the center link under all conditions of motion, including extreme positions of tilt. This can significantly reduce moments that cause high bending stresses and can significantly increase the life of the center link and suspension mount assembly. First, a machine in which such embodiments can be used will be described.

[0021] See Figures 1 to 4 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a machine 100 in the form of an articulated dump truck includes a suspension mount assembly 200 and a center link 300 ( Figures 1 to 4 not shown).

[0022] The machine 100 may include a cab 102, an engine 104, and axle A-frame bearings 106 positioned at an articulation joint 108 that allows a rear bed frame 110 to rotate about a vertical axis 112 and a horizontal axis (e.g., a fore-aft axis running horizontally through the center of the hitch). A payload hopper 113, which may hold material such as dirt, rocks, etc., is pivotally connected to the rear of the rear bed frame 110.

[0023] A conical bushing 114 may be provided to connect the suspension assembly 116 to the rear bed frame 110. More specifically, the suspension assembly 116 may include an equalizing beam 118 that utilizes the conical bushing 114 to mate with the rear bed frame 110. The suspension assembly 116 may further include a plurality of suspension mount assemblies 200 that connect the axle 122 or other portion of the suspension assembly 116 to the equalizing beam 118 or other portion of the suspension assembly 116 or frame. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, loads applied to the suspension assembly 116 via the ground through the tires 124 or via the payload hopper 112 through the equalizing beam 118 are absorbed by the suspension mount assemblies 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] It will be appreciated that other types of machines utilizing suspension assemblies may utilize embodiments of the present disclosure, including non-articulated trucks, cars, wheel loaders, etc. Accordingly, this machine is provided as a non-limiting example.

[0025] See now Figure 5 and 6 , a suspension mount assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may have an inner portion 204 and an outer portion 202. The suspension mount assembly 200 may include a first mounting member 206 including a first mounting flange portion 208 (which may have a rectangular or square configuration) and a first bowl portion 210 (e.g., the bowl shape may be any suitable shape, including a cone, a spherical shape, other arcuate shapes, etc.) extending from the first mounting flange portion 208 toward the inner portion 204 of the suspension mount assembly 200. Similarly, a second mounting member 212 may be provided including a second mounting flange portion 214 (which may be configured similarly to the first mounting flange portion, see Figure 2 ) and a second bowl-shaped portion 216 (which may be constructed similarly to the first bowl-shaped portion), which extends from the second mounting flange portion 214 toward the first bowl-shaped portion 210 of the first mounting member 206.

[0026] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more mounting members may be flat, etc.

[0027] refer to Figure 5 , a matrix 218 (e.g., a composite material) can join the first mounting member 206 to the second mounting member 212 to at least partially define the exterior 202 and interior 204 of the suspension mount assembly 200. The matrix 218 generally includes a plurality of reinforcing members 220 (e.g., steel plates) and an elastic material 222 (e.g., rubber, thermoset material, etc.) that joins the reinforcing members 220 together to provide load bearing capacity. Figure 6 As shown, the base 218 may define an interior void 224 extending from the first mounting member 206 to the second mounting member 212 .

[0028] like Figure 6 As shown, the central link 300 can be disposed in the interior void 224 to engage the first bowl portion 210 and the second bowl portion 216 (e.g., Figure 6 Direct bonding as shown at the bottom, or as Figure 6 (The indirect connection shown at the top of the center link 300 is shown). The center link 300 may include a first contact pad 302, which is disposed proximate to the first bowl-shaped portion 210 and facing away from the first bowl-shaped portion 210. Similarly, a second contact pad 304 may be disposed proximate to the second bowl-shaped portion 216 and facing away from the second bowl-shaped portion 216. The first contact pad 302 and the second contact pad 304 may at least partially face in opposite directions relative to each other. That is, the contact pads may define at least some surface normals that point in opposite directions.

[0029] See together Figure 6 7, the center link 300 may include an at least partially cylindrical body 306 defining a radial direction 308, a circumferential direction 310, and a cylindrical axis 312. Additionally, the center link 300 may further include a bolt portion 314 (i.e., an externally threaded portion) defining a bolt portion diameter 316 (measured in a plane parallel to the radial direction 308). Simultaneously, the first contact pad 302 may extend away from the bolt portion 314 (e.g., along the cylindrical axis 312) and may define a first contact pad diameter 318 (measured in a plane parallel to the radial direction 308) that is smaller than the bolt portion diameter 316 and smaller than the shaft portion transverse width 370' (e.g., the shaft portion diameter 370). The shaft portion transverse width 370' may be smaller than the bolt portion diameter 316.

[0030] Likewise, the center link 300 can have a mushroom head portion 320 defining a mushroom head portion diameter 322 (measured in a plane parallel to the radial direction 308, see FIG9 ), while the second contact pad 304 can extend away from the mushroom head portion 320 (e.g., along the cylinder axis) to define a second contact pad diameter 324 (measured in a plane parallel to the radial direction 308, see FIG9 ) that is smaller than the mushroom head portion diameter 322 and smaller than the shaft portion transverse width 370′ (e.g., the shaft portion diameter 370). The shaft portion transverse width 370′ can be smaller than the mushroom head portion diameter 370.

[0031] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations of these various features are possible (eg, polygonal, etc.).

[0032] exist Figure 6, a nut 226 can be threadedly coupled to the bolt portion 314 (and welded to the bolt portion via a weld bead 227). The nut 226 can include an arcuate nut surface 228 that is at least partially complementarily shaped to contact the first bowl-shaped portion 210. More specifically, the first bowl-shaped portion 210 can define a first socket 230 that forms a nut engaging surface 232 that is at least partially complementarily shaped to contact the arcuate nut surface 228. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, these features can be shaped differently or omitted.

[0033] In a similar manner, the mushroom head portion 320 may include a mushroom head portion arcuate surface 324 that is at least partially complementarily shaped to contact the second bowl portion 216. More specifically, the second bowl portion 216 may define a second socket 234 that forms a mushroom head engagement surface 236 that is at least partially complementarily shaped to the mushroom head portion arcuate surface 324. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, these features may be shaped differently or omitted.

[0034] It should be understood that when the center link is shifted to Figure 6 In the extreme positions shown, the contact between these various surfaces may be interrupted or changed. In addition, the ends of the central link can be similar to the other end (for example, mushroom-shaped or bolt-shaped), or as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The shown structures are different.

[0035] The suspension mount assembly 200 may further include a first suspension member 238 (e.g., a balance beam), and the first contact pad 302 may include a bolt portion contact surface 326 (which may be flat or arcuate, etc.) that contacts the first suspension member 238 (in some cases, only point or line contact may be made). A second suspension member 240 (e.g., an axle) may be provided, and the second contact pad 304 may include a mushroom head portion contact surface 328 (which may be flat or arcuate, etc.) that contacts the second suspension member 240 (in some cases, only point or line contact may be made). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, these various features may be configured differently.

[0036] As used herein, the term "arcuate" is intended to mean any curve that is not straight or flat, including radial surfaces, spherical surfaces, elliptical surfaces, and the like.

[0037] exist Figure 6, the suspension mount assembly 200 can define a vertical axis 242, and the cylindrical axis 312 of the center link 300 can form an oblique angle 244 with the vertical axis 242, such as when extreme positions are applied to the suspension mount assembly 200 and its center link 300. In other cases, the angle can be zero, such as when there is no lateral displacement. The first mounting member 206 can be an upper mounting member 206', and the second mounting member 212 can be a lower mounting member 212'. Similarly, the first suspension member 238 can be an upper suspension member 238', and the second suspension member 240 can be a lower suspension member 240'. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, these orientations can be rotated 90 degrees so that they are horizontal, or rotated 180 degrees so that they are vertically reversed, etc.

[0038] An embodiment of a center link 300 that may be provided as an alternative component for use with the suspension mount assembly 200 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 7 through 9 .

[0039] The center link 300 may include a shaft portion 330 defining a longitudinal axis 332 and a transverse axis 334 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 332. A first axial end 336 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis 332, and a second axial end 338 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis 332.

[0040] The bolt portion 314 can be disposed at a first axial end 336 or a second axial end 338 (e.g., at the first axial end 336 as shown in FIG. 7 ), or at both the first axial end 336 and the second axial end 338. The bolt portion 314 can define a bolt portion transverse width 340 and can include a bolt portion contact pad 342 that extends longitudinally and transversely from the bolt portion 314 to form a transversely extending bolt portion contact surface 326. The bolt portion contact surface 326 can define a bolt portion contact surface transverse width 344 that is less than the bolt portion transverse width 340 and less than the shaft portion transverse width 370′ (e.g., the shaft portion diameter 370).

[0041] 7 through 9 , the shaft portion 330 includes an at least partially cylindrical configuration including a cylindrical axis 312 that is coincident with the longitudinal axis 332, a circumferential direction 310, and a radial direction 308 that is parallel to the transverse axis 334. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations, such as polygonal, are possible.

[0042] Since the center link 300 is at least partially cylindrical in Figures 7 to 9, the bolt portion transverse width 340 is the bolt portion outer diameter 316' measured in the radial direction 308, and the bolt portion contact surface transverse width 344 is the bolt portion contact surface diameter 346 also measured in the radial direction 308.

[0043] In some embodiments, the ratio of the shaft portion diameter 370 to the planar contact surface diameter 346 can be in the range of 1.5 to 2.3 (e.g., 1.65). In this case, the shaft portion diameter 370 can be in the range of 23.0 mm to 34.0 mm (e.g., 33 mm), and the bolt portion contact surface diameter 346 can be in the range of 10.0 mm to 22.0 mm (e.g., 20 mm). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other ratios and size ranges are possible.

[0044] Similarly, the bolt portion contact pad 342 may define a bolt portion contact pad axial width 348 measured along the cylindrical axis 312 , while the bolt portion 314 may define a bolt portion axial width 350 measured along the cylindrical axis 312 .

[0045] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the shaft portion diameter 370 (or transverse width 370') to the bolt portion contact pad axial width 348 can be in the range of 8.0 to 22.0 (e.g., approximately 10.0). In such cases, the bolt portion contact pad axial width 348 can be in the range of 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm (e.g., 3.25 mm), and the bolt portion axial width 350 should be large enough to help ensure that the contact pad, rather than the surface 364, weld bead 227, or nut 226, contacts the adjacent mounting member when the center link is at its maximum angle relative to the axis perpendicular to the mounting member. Other ratios and size ranges are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] In other embodiments of the center link 300 that may be provided as an alternative component, the center link 300 may include a mushroom head portion 320 disposed at the first axial end 336 or the second axial end 338 of the shaft portion 330 (e.g., at the second axial end 338 shown in FIG. 7 ), or both the first axial end 336 and the second axial end 338. The mushroom head portion 320 may define a mushroom head portion transverse width 352 (see FIG. 9 ), and a mushroom head portion contact pad 354 extending longitudinally and transversely from the mushroom head portion 320 to form a mushroom head portion contact surface 328. The mushroom head portion contact surface 328 may define a mushroom head portion contact surface transverse width 356 (see FIG. 8 ) that is less than the mushroom head portion transverse width 352 and less than the shaft portion transverse width 370′. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, this may not be the case.

[0047] As mentioned earlier herein, the center link 300 can have an at least partially cylindrical configuration. In such an embodiment, the mushroom head portion transverse width 352 is the mushroom head portion outer diameter 322′ (see FIG. 9 ) measured in the radial direction 308, and the mushroom head portion contact surface transverse width 356 is the arcuate contact surface diameter 358 (see FIG. 8 ) measured in the radial direction 308 and projected onto a plane parallel to the radial direction 308.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the shaft portion diameter 370 to the arcuate contact surface diameter 358 can be in the range of 1.65 to 2.88 (e.g., approximately 1.83). In such cases, the shaft portion diameter can be in the range of 23.0 mm to 34.0 mm (e.g., 33.0 mm), while the arcuate contact surface diameter 358 can be in the range of 8.0 mm to 20.0 mm (e.g., 18.0 mm). Other ratios and size ranges are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] In certain embodiments, as best seen in FIG8 , the ratio of the shaft portion diameter 370 to the arcuate contact pad axial width 399 (measured from the apex of the arcuate contact surface to the intersection of radius 396 and surface 382) can be in the range of 6.6 to 16.5 (e.g., approximately 8.5). In such cases, the arcuate contact pad axial width 399 can be in the range of 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm (e.g., 3.9 mm). When the center link is at its maximum angle relative to the axis perpendicular to the mounting member, the arcuate contact pad axial width 399 can be sufficiently large to facilitate contact between the contact pad and the adjacent mounting member, rather than surface 382. Other ratios and size ranges are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Furthermore, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the mushroom head portion contact surface 328 can define an arcuate contact surface spherical radius 360 , while the mushroom head portion 320 can define a mushroom head portion axial width 362 measured along the cylindrical axis 312 .

[0051] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the arcuate contact surface spherical radius 360 to the shaft portion diameter 370 can be in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 (e.g., 1.73). Similarly, the arcuate contact surface spherical radius 360 can be in the range of 10.0 mm to 70.0 mm (e.g., 57.2 mm), and the shaft portion diameter 370 (or transverse width 370') can be in the range of 23.0 mm to 34.0 mm (e.g., 33.0 mm). Other ratios and size ranges are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] The center link may be made of any suitable material, such as metal (eg, steel) or the like.

[0053] Next, various additional dimensions of the center link 300 that may be useful in certain applications will be discussed.

[0054] In FIG7 , it can be seen that the outer bolt transition surface 364 is provided in the form of a chamfer (which may be a radial fusion, etc. in other embodiments) that extends from the bolt portion 314 to form the bolt portion contact pad 342. The chamfer angle 366 may be in the range of 10.0° to 25.0°. Additionally, the inner bolt transition surface 368 may be provided in the form of a radial fusion having a radius in the range of 5.0 mm to 20.0 mm. The shaft portion 330 defines a shaft portion diameter 370 in the range of 23.0 mm to 34.0 mm and a shaft portion length 372 (from the first axial end 336 to the second axial end 338) in the range of 100.00 mm to 155.00 mm. The total axial length 374 of the center link 300 may be in the range of 170.0 mm to 250.0 mm.

[0055] 7 and 8 , a combined radial fusion including a convex portion and a concave portion can be provided at the second axial end 338, which transitions between the shaft portion 330 and the mushroom head portion 320. Such a combined radial fusion can include a first concave radius 376 ranging from 5.0 mm to 20.0 mm and a convex radius 380 ranging from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0056] The mushroom head portion arcuate surface 324 may have a radius in the range of 35.0 mm to 55.0 mm. The center of this radius may be substantially (+ / - 0.5 mm) on the apex of the mushroom head portion contact surface 328. The outer arcuate surface 382 of the mushroom head portion 320 may have a radius in the range of 45.0 mm to 65.0 mm, with its center on the cylinder axis 312 and spaced apart from the apex of the arcuate contact surface 324 by a predetermined distance 384. Similarly, the center of the spherical radius 360 of the mushroom head portion contact surface 328 may also coincide with the cylinder axis 312 and be spaced apart from the mushroom head portion 320 by an offset distance 386. An apex transition surface 388 connects the mushroom head portion arcuate surface 324 to the outer arcuate surface 382 and may have a radius in the range of 2.5 mm to 10.0 mm.

[0057] Two fixture holes 390 may be provided having a diameter of 6.35 mm and a depth 392 of 29.5 mm to 31.5 mm spaced apart (excluding the drilling point) from the second axial end 338 of the shaft portion 330. The fixture holes 390 may be radially spaced apart a radial distance 394 ranging from 50.3 mm to 60.3 mm.

[0058] A complex fusion may be provided to transition from the outer arcuate surface 382 of the mushroom head portion 320 to the mushroom head portion contact surface 328. The complex fusion may include an outer concave radius 396 ranging from 2.0 mm to 3.5 mm and an inner convex radius 398 ranging from 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0059] Again, any of the ratios, dimensions, configurations of various features, materials, etc. of any embodiments specifically discussed herein are provided as non-limiting examples and may be different for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Industrial Applicability

[0061] In practice, a suspension mount assembly, suspension assembly, center link, and / or machine may be sold or otherwise provided in an aftermarket or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) environment according to any of the embodiments discussed herein.

[0062] Figure 10 It is shown that in various embodiments of the present disclosure, a center link with a contact pad can experience less bending stress than previous designs. This reduction in bending stress can be attributed to the fact that the contact point and the load applied thereto are closer to the neutral axis of the center link than in previous designs. As a result, the life of the center link and any associated components using the center link (e.g., suspension mount components) can be extended.

[0063] As discussed earlier in this document, the contact pad can have a planar or arcuate contact surface. An arcuate surface can be useful in some applications because it results in a contact point closer to the connecting rod's central axis than a planar surface. Additionally, an arcuate surface, particularly one having rounded edges at the pad's edges, can improve the connecting rod's ability to move across the lower mounting member when the connecting rod is under compression and the upper and lower mounting members experience relative motion. Furthermore, arcuate contact surfaces and rounded contact surface edges are generally easier to form during forging or upsetting processes.

[0064] However, the arcuate contact surface and rounded pad edges tend to increase the length of the center link. The additional length may increase cost or require more space between the upper and lower mounting members. Therefore, pad shape is a balance between optimal compressive loading, space requirements, and cost.

[0065] The geometry of the contact pad can be straight-sided, tapered, or curved. Tapered profiles are generally the easiest to form and produce the least machining waste, while straight-sided pads provide the most clearance or void volume to accommodate wear particles or other debris that can accumulate around the end of the connecting rod adjacent to the lower mounting member. The curved shape on the mushroom end, as shown, takes advantage of both.

[0066] Additionally, the contact pad may appear circular when viewed from the end of the connecting rod. This is the easiest shape to form and is best from a stress perspective. However, it may also have a hexagonal, square, rounded hexagonal, rounded square, oval, or other shape to allow it to be secured with a wrench or other tool when tightening the link and nut together.

[0067] It should be understood that the above description provides examples of the disclosed components and techniques. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the present disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the specific examples being discussed at the time and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure more generally. All distinctions and unfavorable remarks about certain features are intended to indicate that these features are not preferred, but are not intended to completely exclude these features from the scope of the present invention unless otherwise indicated.

[0068] Recitation of ranges of values ​​herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0069] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and assembly methods discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description and implementation of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some apparatus may be constructed and function differently than described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an order different from that specifically mentioned, or performed simultaneously or in sub-steps in some cases. Furthermore, certain aspects or features of the various embodiments may be varied or modified to produce additional embodiments, and the features and aspects of the various embodiments may supplement or replace other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide additional embodiments.

[0070] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Additionally, this disclosure encompasses any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A center link (300) for use with a suspension mount assembly (200), the center link (300) comprising: a shaft portion (330) defining a longitudinal axis (332) and a transverse axis (334) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (332), a first axial end (336) disposed along the longitudinal axis (332), a second axial end (338) disposed along the longitudinal axis (332), and a shaft portion transverse width (370'); a bolt portion (314) disposed at the first axial end (336) or the second axial end (338), the bolt portion (314) defining a bolt portion transverse width (340); and a bolt portion contact pad (342) extending longitudinally and transversely from the bolt portion (314) to form a transversely extending bolt portion contact surface (326) and defining a bolt portion contact surface transverse width (344) that is less than the shaft portion transverse width (370'); wherein the shaft portion (330) comprises an at least partially cylindrical configuration including a cylindrical axis (312) coinciding with the longitudinal axis (332), a circumferential direction (310), a radial direction (308) parallel to the transverse axis (334), and the shaft portion transverse width (370') is the shaft portion diameter (370); wherein the bolt portion transverse width (340) is a bolt portion outer diameter (316') measured in the radial direction (308), the bolt portion contact surface is planar, and the bolt portion contact surface transverse width (344) is a bolt portion contact surface diameter (346) also measured in the radial direction (308); The ratio of the shaft portion diameter (370) to the bolt portion contact surface diameter (346) is in the range of 1.5 to 2.

3.

2. The center link (300) according to claim 1, wherein the shaft portion diameter (370) ranges from 23.0 mm to 34.0 mm, and the bolt portion contact surface diameter (346) ranges from 10.0 mm to 22.0 mm.

3. The center link (300) of claim 1, wherein the bolt portion contact pad (342) defines a bolt portion contact pad axial width (348) measured along the cylindrical axis (312), and a ratio of the shaft portion diameter (370) to the bolt portion contact pad axial width (348) ranges from 8.0 to 22.

0.

4. The center link (300) according to claim 3, wherein the axial width (348) of the bolt portion contact pad ranges from 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm.

5. A center link (300) for use with a suspension mount assembly (200), the center link (300) comprising: a shaft portion (330) defining a longitudinal axis (332) and a transverse axis (334) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (332), a first axial end (336) disposed along the longitudinal axis (332), a second axial end (338) disposed along the longitudinal axis (332), and a shaft portion transverse width (370'); a mushroom head portion (320) disposed at the first axial end (336) or the second axial end (338), the mushroom head portion (320) defining a mushroom head portion transverse width (352); and a mushroom head portion contact pad (354) extending longitudinally and transversely from the mushroom head portion (320) to form a mushroom head portion contact surface (328) and defining a mushroom head portion contact surface transverse width (356) that is less than the shaft portion transverse width (370'); wherein the shaft portion (330) comprises an at least partially cylindrical configuration including a cylindrical axis (312) coinciding with the longitudinal axis (332), a circumferential direction (310), a radial direction (308) parallel to the transverse axis (334), and the shaft portion transverse width (370') is the shaft portion diameter (370); wherein the mushroom head portion transverse width (352) is the outer diameter (322′) of the mushroom head portion measured in the radial direction (308), the mushroom head portion contact surface (328) is arcuate, and the mushroom head portion contact surface transverse width (356) is the arcuate contact surface diameter (358) measured in the radial direction (308) and projected onto a plane parallel to the radial direction (308); Wherein a ratio of the shaft portion diameter (370) to the arcuate contact surface diameter (358) ranges from 1.65 to 2.

88.

6. The center link (300) of claim 5, wherein the shaft portion diameter (370) ranges from 23.0 mm to 34.0 mm, and the arcuate contact surface diameter (358) ranges from 8.0 mm to 20.0 mm.

7. The center link (300) of claim 5, wherein the mushroom head portion contact surface (328) defines an arcuate contact surface spherical radius (360), and a ratio of the arcuate contact surface spherical radius (360) to the shaft portion diameter (370) ranges from 0.3 to 3.

0.

8. The center link (300) of claim 7, wherein the arcuate contact surface spherical radius (360) ranges from 10.0 mm to 70.0 mm.

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