Manufacturing method for composite transverse leaf spring
OwnerRobert C. Lawsoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A transverse leaf spring structure and a manufacturing method for a composite transverse leaf spring is disclosed. The leaf spring is formed using a pre-formed tubular fiberglass fabric comprising longitudinally aligned and braided fiberglass fibers. The fabric is installed over an interior form, such as one or more inflatable bladders, and positioned within a forming mold. After resin is applied and cured to an appropriate stiffness within the mold, the mold is removed. The interior form is then removed from the composite leaf spring.
Claims15
A method for manufacturing a transverse leaf spring, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a forming means and a mold adapted to receive said forming means;
- installing a pre-braided tubular fiberglass structure over said forming means, said braid structure comprising a plurality of elongated fibers arranged to form an elongated, elastic tubular structure;
- placing said forming means and said braid structure into a mold cavity within said mold;
- injecting a resin material into said mold to cover said fibers;
- and
- curing said resin to create an integrated leaf spring component.
A system for manufacturing a transverse leaf spring, said system comprising:
- forming means having a shape corresponding to said leaf spring;
- means for placing a pre-braided tubular fiberglass structure over said forming means, said braid structure comprising a plurality of elongated fibers arranged to form an elongated, elastic tubular structure;
- a mold cavity adapted to receive said forming means and said braid structure;
- and
- means for injecting a resin material into said mold cavity.
A method for manufacturing a transverse leaf spring, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a braided fiber structure comprising a plurality of elongated fibers arranged to form an elongated, elastic tubular structure;
- integrating a resin material into said fiber structure to form a hollow, molded spring shape;
- and
- curing said shape.
A composite transverse leaf spring comprising:
- a braided fiber structure comprising a plurality of elongated fibers arranged to form an elongated, elastic tube, said tube defining a substantially hollow interior extending susbstantially the length of said fiber structure;
- and
- a resin material integrated with said fiber structure to form a leaf spring shape having a substantially hollow interior and tapered ends, said tapered ends adapted to pivotally attach to axle components of a vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.