# US 10,767,719 B2 · Apparatus and method for assembling composite material leaf spring module > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,767,719 B2 - Document ID: US10767719B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/615,462 - Filed: 2017-06-06 - Published: 2018-06-21 - Granted: 2020-09-08 - Earliest claimed: 2016-12-15 - Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company; Kia Motors Corporation - Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company; Kia Motors Corporation - Inventors: Hyun Seok Jang; Seung Hyun Oh - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10767719B2 ## CPC - F16F 1/3683: {Attachments or mountings therefor} - B60G 11/02: having leaf springs only {(B60G11/006 takes precedence)} - B60G 11/10: characterised by means specially adapted for attaching the spring to axle or sprung part of the vehicle - B60G 2200/31: with two trailing arms rigidly connected to the axle - B60G 2204/121: Mounting of leaf springs - F16F 2226/04: Assembly or fixing methods; methods to form or fashion parts - F16F: SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION - B60G: VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS (air-cushion vehicles B60V; {cycle suspensions B62K25/00}) ## Abstract The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for assembling a composite material leaf spring module, wherein the efficiency of assembly of the composite material leaf spring module is improved and a camber of a spring member of a composite material is compensated for during assembly. An apparatus for assembling a composite material leaf spring module includes a first support configured to support a central portion of the composite material leaf spring module, a pair of second supports configured to individually support springs of the composite material leaf spring module, and a base connecting the first and second supports. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for assembling a composite material leaf spring module, the apparatus comprising: a first support configured to support a central portion of the composite material leaf spring module, wherein the leaf spring module includes a spring member, an upper saddle disposed atop a central portion of the spring member, a lower saddle disposed under the central portion of the spring member, and a U-bolt coupling the upper saddle and the lower saddle; a pair of second supports configured to individually support springs of the composite material leaf spring module; a base connecting the first and second supports; and a U-bolt retainer separably installed on the first support; wherein the first support includes a pair of symmetrically disposed side walls, and a connection wall connecting the pair of side walls; wherein an insertable support extends from the connection wall; wherein the lower saddle has a cylindrical structure having a hollow, the insertable support has a corresponding cylindrical structure, and the insertable support is inserted into the hollow of the lower saddle; wherein the U-bolt retainer includes at least one pair of guides detachably coupled to the side walls of the first support, a pair of spaced, oppositely disposed connection members, and a pair of pressure plates; wherein each connection member of the pair of connection members is connected to the upper end of a corresponding one of the pair of guides through a connection rod, and each pressure plate of the pair of pressure plates extends from the corresponding one of the pair of guides toward a side surface of the upper saddle; wherein each of the guides has a guide surface contacting the U-bolt; and wherein the guide surface is inclined. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the second supports includes a support member configured to support a lower surface of the corresponding spring, and wherein the support member has an upper surface inclined at an inclination angle. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the guides has a recess configured to accommodate an upper end of the side wall. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the guide is separably coupled to the upper end of the side wall by inserting a dowel pin through the guide and the side wall. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a pair of connection members connected to the upper end of the guide by a connection rod, wherein each of the pair of connection members includes a pressure plate configured to press against an upper saddle of the composite material leaf spring module. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A method for assembling a composite material leaf spring module by using the apparatus claimed in claim 1, the method comprising: supporting a lower saddle of the composite material leaf spring module and the spring member by the first support; supporting springs of the composite material leaf spring module by the second support units; and coupling the lower saddle and an upper saddle of the composite material leaf spring module using U-bolts. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, further comprising: fixedly supporting the springs on the second supports by fixing the spring to the support members of the second supports using dowel pins. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, further comprising: coupling the springs supported by the second supports to the spring member using a coupler. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, further comprising: inserting the insertable support into the lower saddle. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9, further comprising: locating the spring member of the composite material leaf spring module on the lower saddle and arranging the spring member such that a center of the spring member is aligned with a center of the lower saddle. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, further comprising: arranging the upper saddle and the lower saddle on and under a central portion of the spring member by positioning the upper saddle on the central portion of the spring member, and coupling the upper saddle and the lower saddle using the U-bolts.