Subframe driveline module
AssigneeMeritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
InventorsDale K. Bell, Jay Sandler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A driveline assembly module includes a drivetrain assembly that is a rigid, substantially box-like member, that is the main support structure for all the driveline components. An independent suspension system having an associated wheel hub is also attached to the drivetrain assembly. By mounting the driveline components and independent suspension as an integral module, the components are replaced or serviced by replacement of the entire module. Thus, the individual mounting, replacement and servicing of the individual components, each having multiple independent attachment points, is avoided.
Claims11
A driveline assembly module, comprising:
- a substantially rectilinear drivetrain assembly;
- a coupling that connects said drivetrain assembly to an engine drive shaft;
- and
- four independent suspension systems wholly mounted to said substantially rectilinear drivetrain assembly, each of said independent suspension systems supporting a respective wheel hub, each of said wheel hubs operably attached to said drivetrain assembly to drive said wheel hubs;
- whereby said driveline assembly module is detachably mountable to a vehicle frame.
A driveline assembly module, comprising:
- a substantially rectilinear drivetrain assembly which at least partially contains a differential;
- a coupling that connects said drivetrain assembly to an engine drive shaft;
- and
- four independent suspension systems wholly mounted to said substantially rectilinear drivetrain assembly, each of said independent suspension systems articulatably attached to said substantially rectilinear drivetrain assembly to support a respective wheel hub, each of said wheel hubs operably attached to said drivetrain assembly to drive said wheel hubs;
- whereby said driveline assembly module is detachably mountable to a vehicle frame at a plurality of mounting points.
A method of removably attaching a driveline assembly to a vehicle comprising the steps of:
- (1) preassembling a substantially rectilinear drivetrain assembly as a module, remote from a vehicle engine, said substantially rectilinear drivetrain assembly wholly supporting four independent suspension systems, each of said independent suspension systems articulatably attached to said substantially rectilinear drivetrain assembly to support a respective wheel hub, each of said wheel hubs operably attached to said drivetrain assembly to drive said wheel hubs;
- and
- (2) attaching said module to said vehicle as a complete and removable drivetrain unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.