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US 6,742,808 B1Granted
Cast aluminum vehicle subframe with tension/compression struts
AssigneeHayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
InventorWerner E. Kosak
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An integrally cast aluminum subframe for a vehicle suspension system has increased stiffness for an overall vehicle frame while minimizing the thickness of the main aluminum casting by using tension/compression struts to resist flexing. Various strut attachments are shown that simplify manufacturing and lower the cost. The invention results in further improvement of weight reduction while simultaneously achieving a desired amount of stiffness.
Claims22
Frame apparatus for a vehicle, comprising:
- an aluminum subframe including a substantially hollow left side-rail, a substantially hollow right side-rail, a front cross-member, and a rear cross-member, wherein said substantially hollow side-rails and said cross-members each has a respective cross-sectional diameter over a majority of their respective lengths about equal to a first predetermined diameter;
- and
- a tension/compression strut element having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being rigidly affixed between a first locus and a second locus on said cast aluminum subframe, said tension/compression strut element having a substantially straight body between said first and second ends and having a respective cross-sectional diameter over a majority of said substantially straight body about equal to a second predetermined diameter, said second predetermined diameter being less than about one-half of said first predetermined diameter,
- wherein said tension/compression strut element is comprised of a circular cross section at least at said first end, wherein said first end is threaded, and wherein said first end is attached by screwing to a first one of said side-rails or cross-members at said first locus.
1 more element
Frame apparatus for a vehicle, comprising:
- an aluminum subframe including a substantially hollow left side-rail, a substantially hollow right side-rail, a front cross-member, and a rear cross-member;
- and
- a tension/compression strut element having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being rigidly affixed between a first locus and a second locus on said cast aluminum subframe;
- wherein said tension/compression strut element is comprised of a circular cross section at least at said first end, wherein said first end is threaded, and wherein said first end is attached by screwing to a first one of said side-rails or cross-members at said first locus.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.