Steerable independent air suspension system
AssigneeMeritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
InventorDavid K. Platner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An independent steerable air suspension system includes a torsional member to interconnect independent longitudinally extending suspension arms. The torsional member ties together the suspension arms to minimize side loads upon an air spring to increase vehicle roll stiffness. Bending moment due to the wheel load offset, braking, and other side-skid loads are transmitted through the suspension arms and the torsional member. In another embodiment, the suspension system includes an additional lateral support member which provides a rigid square-shaped suspension system which further increases rigidity.
Claims25
A steerable independent suspension system for a vehicle comprising:
- a first and second suspension arm extending generally lengthways of a vehicle frame, said first and second arm independently pivotal relative to said vehicle frame about a pivot axis generally transverse to the vehicle frame;
- a torsional member attached to said first and second arm generally transverse of the vehicle frame;
- a steerable hub assembly attached to each of said first and second suspension arms;
- and
- an air spring attached between each of said first and second suspension arms and the vehicle frame.
A steerable independent suspension system for a vehicle comprising:
- a first and second suspension arm extending generally lengthways of a vehicle frame, said first and second arm independently pivotal relative to said vehicle frame about a pivot axis generally transverse of the vehicle frame;
- a torsional member attached to said first and second arm generally transverse of the vehicle frame along said pivot axis;
- a steerable hub assembly attached to each of said first and second suspension arms;
- and
- an air spring attached between each of said first and second suspension arms and the vehicle frame.
A steerable independent suspension system for a vehicle comprising:
- a first and second trailing arm extending generally lengthways of a vehicle frame, said first and second trailing arm independently pivotal relative to said vehicle frame about a pivot axis generally transverse of the vehicle frame;
- a torsional member attached to said first and second trailing arm generally transverse of the vehicle frame;
- a steerable hub attached to each of said first and second trailing arms;
- and
- an air spring attached between each of said first and second suspension arms and the vehicle frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.