Tandem axle assembly and associated systems and methods
AssigneeLink Mfg., Ltd.
InventorsMark R. Molitor, Matthew C. Lohafer, Joel D. Van Den Brink
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Tandem axle assemblies and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Tandem axle assemblies may include a drive axle and a non-drive lift axle mounted to a non-torque reactive suspension system having hanger brackets positioned between the tandem axles. Roll stability components of the suspension system can be located on the drive axle side of the suspension, reducing weight, cost, and complexity of the tandem axle assembly. The non-drive lift axle can be operated by a control system during vehicle dynamic operation to improve traction performance of the vehicle.
Claims19
A tandem axle for use with a vehicle, comprising:
- a bracket configured to be coupled to a frame of the vehicle;
- a lift axle;
- a lifting system operably coupled to the lift axle, wherein the lifting system is configured to move the lift axle between a lowered position and a raised position;
- a lift axle suspension system comprising:
- a lower control arm coupling the lift axle to the bracket, wherein the lower control arm is pivotably coupled to the bracket;
- and
- an upper control arm coupling the lift axle to the bracket, wherein the upper control arm is pivotably coupled to the bracket;
- a drive axle configured to be coupled to a drive system of the vehicle;
- and
- a drive axle suspension system operably coupling the drive axle to the bracket.
A tandem axle assembly for use with a vehicle, comprising:
- a bracket configured to be coupled to a frame of the vehicle;
- a lift axle;
- a lifting system operably coupled to the lift axle, wherein the lifting system is configured to move the lift axle between a lowered position and a raised position;
- a lift axle suspension system comprising a control arm coupling the lift axle to the bracket, wherein the control arm is pivotably coupled to the bracket;
- a drive axle configured to be coupled to a drive system of the vehicles;
- and
- a drive axle suspension system operably coupling the drive axle to the bracket.
A tandem axle assembly for use with a vehicle comprising;
- a bracket configured to be coupled to a frame of a vehicle;
- a lift axle;
- a lifting system operably coupled to the lift axle, wherein the lifting system is configured to move the lift axle between a lowered position and a raised position;
- a lift axle suspension system operably coupling the lift axle to the bracket;
- a drive axle configured to be coupled to a drive system of the vehicle;
- and
- a drive axle suspension system comprising a control arm coupling the drive axle to the bracket, wherein the control arm is pivotably coupled to the bracket.
A tandem axle assembly for use with a vehicle, comprising:
- a first bracket configured to be coupled to a frame of the vehicle;
- a second bracket configured to be coupled to the frame of the vehicle;
- a lift axle;
- a lifting system operably coupled to the lift axle, wherein the lifting system is configured to move the lift axle between a lowered position and a raised position;
- a first lift axle control arm coupling the lift axle to the first bracket, wherein the first lift axle control arm is pivotably coupled to the first bracket;
- a second lift axle control arm coupling the lift axle to the second bracket, wherein the second lift axle control arm is pivotably coupled to the second bracket;
- a drive axle configured to be coupled to a drive system of the vehicle;
- a first drive axle control arm coupling the drive axle to the first bracket, wherein the first drive axle control arm is pivotably coupled to the first bracket;
- and
- a second drive axle control arm coupling the drive axle to the second bracket, wherein the second drive axle control arm is pivotably coupled to the second bracket.
A tandem axle assembly for use with a vehicle, comprising:
- a first bracket configured to be coupled to a frame of the vehicle;
- a second bracket configured to be coupled to the frame of the vehicle;
- a lift axle;
- a lifting system operably coupled to the lift axle, wherein the lifting system is configured to move the lift axle between a lowered position and a raised position;
- a first lift axle control arm coupling the lift axle to the first bracket, wherein the first lift axle control arm is pivotably coupled to the first bracket;
- a second lift axle control arm coupling the lift axle to the second bracket, wherein the second lift axle control arm is pivotably coupled to the second bracket, and wherein the first lift axle control arm is not directly coupled to the second lift axle control arm via a cross member other than the lift axle;
- a drive axle configured to be coupled to a drive system of the vehicle;
- a first drive axle control arm coupling the drive axle to the first bracket, wherein the first drive axle control arm is pivotably coupled to the first bracket;
- and
- a second drive axle control arm coupling the drive axle to the second bracket, wherein the second drive axle control arm is pivotably coupled to the second bracket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.