Multi-rate torsion bar independent suspension spring
AssigneeMeritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC
InventorEdward Jay Eshelman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A torsion bar suspension assembly is provided that includes a control arm supported by a frame. The torsion bar extends along a longitudinal axis having a first end portion connected to the control arm and a second end portion engaging the frame. A contact arm is connected to the torsion bar and is arranged between the first and second end portions. The contact arm is spaced from the frame in a first position and engages the frame in a second position. A first spring rate is provided when the contact arm is spaced from the frame between the first and second positions. Once the contact arm engages the frame between second and third positions, a second spring rate is provided that is different from the first spring rate.
Claims16
A torsion bar suspension assembly comprising:
- a frame;
- a control arm connected to said frame at a rotational axis about which said control arm pivots relative to said frame respectively between first, second, and third positions;
- a torsion bar extending along a longitudinal axis having a first end portion connected to said control arm and a second end portion connected to said frame, said torsion bar rotating about said longitudinal axis in response to said control arm pivoting about said rotation axis relative to said frame;
- a contact arm connected to said torsion bar interposed between said first and second end portions, said contact arm extending from said torsion bar transverse to said longitudinal axis to a contact point with said contact point spaced from said frame in said first position, said contact point engaging said frame in said second position and said
A method of providing a variable spring rate torsion bar comprising the steps of:
- a) dividing the torsion bar into at least two segments with a contact arm;
- b) spacing the contact arm from the frame in a first suspension position;
- and
- c) engaging the frame with the contact arm in a second suspension position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.