Suspension element systems and methods
AssigneeOshkosh Defense, LLC
InventorsAaron Rositch, Erik Ellifson, Patrick Dillman, Kai Schubart, Robert Sollenskog
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle includes a support arm and a suspension element. The suspension element is rotatably connected to a support arm of a vehicle via a mounting pin that extends through an opening on the suspension element, a thrust washer, and a seal. The combination of elements prevent debris from migrating into the connection. The suspension element is configured to connect to a structural element of the vehicle via an upper mount. The suspension element may include a recoil damper having a piston with a plurality of grooves arranged to balance the forces on the piston during and after a recoil event or jounce.
Claims20
A vehicle, comprising:
- a support arm having a mounting portion including a passage;
- a suspension element, the suspension element comprising:
- a main body having a first end and a second end;
- a tubular element disposed on the second end and at least partially within the main body;
- and
- a cap attached to one of the first end and the tubular element, the cap including a first opening;
- a thrust washer disposed between the passage and the first opening;
- a seal disposed between the passage and the first opening;
- and
- a mounting pin extending through the passage, the first opening, and at least one of the thrust washer or the seal, wherein the mounting pin rotatably couples the suspension element to the support arm.
A suspension element comprising:
- a main body having a first end and a second end;
- a tubular element disposed on the second end and at least partially within the main body;
- and
- an ear attached to one of the first end and the tubular element, the ear defining a first opening;
- a thrust washer configured to engage a surface of the ear;
- a seal configured to engage the thrust washer;
- and
- a mounting pin configured to extend through the first opening, the thrust washer, and the seal.
A vehicle comprising:
- a structural element;
- a suspension element, the suspension element comprising:
- a main body having a first end and a second end;
- a tubular element disposed on the second end and extending at least partially within the main body;
- and
- a cap attached to one of the first end and the tubular element;
- an upper mount comprising:
- a first mounting member disposed proximal the cap;
- a second mounting member disposed proximal at least one of the first mounting member or the cap;
- a third mounting member spaced apart from the second mounting member;
- and
- a fourth mounting member disposed proximal the third mounting member;
- wherein:
- at least one of the first mounting member or the second mounting member have an upper surface configured to engage a surface of the structural element,
- a protruded portion of the cap extends through a locating aperture in the structural element and is received within at least one of a third member aperture in the third mounting member or a fourth member aperture in the fourth mounting member, and
- at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth mounting members are friction welded together.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.