US 8,136,824 B2 · Suspension assemblies with bump steer control

Abstract

A suspension assembly for an agricultural machine, adapted to reduce bump steering. The suspension assembly includes a strut shaft, a hollow tube, a cushioning mechanism, and a force control pad. The strut shaft can have an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, the middle portion defining a cutout. A wheel support can extend from the strut shaft and can be adapted to carry a wheel. The hollow tube can be at least partially disposed around the strut shaft and can be adapted to allow longitudinal motion of the strut shaft. The cushioning mechanism can cushion the longitudinal motion of the strut shaft. The force control pad, which can be connected to the hollow tube, can be engageable to the flat area of the strut shaft. The force control pad can impart or resist rotational force when engaged to the strut shaft.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A suspension assembly comprising:

a strut shaft having an elongated body;
a wheel support extending from the strut shaft and adapted to communicate with a wheel;
a hollow tube at least partially disposed around the strut shaft, the strut shaft adapted to translate longitudinally in the hollow tube;
a force control pad connectable to the hollow tube and engageable to the strut shaft with an adjustable degree of force, the force control pad adapted to impart or resist a rotational force when engaged to the strut shaft;
a steering arm extending from the hollow tube;
and
a steering member in communication with an axle, the steering member adapted to shift the steering arm, thereby causing the hollow tube to rotate relative to the axle;
wherein rotation of the hollow tube is translated to rotation of the strut shaft when the force control pad is engaged.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Suspension assemblies with bump steer control

Life of this patent

Suspension assemblies with bump steer control

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16