Methods and apparatus for structural reinforcement of vehicle suspension members
AssigneeFox Factory, Inc.
InventorsWilliam M. Becker, Derek D. Beich
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for assembling a suspension. In one embodiment, a method includes altering a temperature of a first suspension component and then pressing the first suspension component and a second suspension component into engagement while the temperature remains substantially altered.
Claims18
A method for assembling a suspension having a first suspension component including at least a first and a second opening therein with a first and a second second suspension component, wherein a first suspension component is upon assembly secured in the first opening and the second suspension component is secured in the second opening, comprising:
- establishing a temperature difference between the first suspension component and the second suspension components;
- securing the first of the second suspension components adjacent to, and aligned for placement into, the first opening;
- securing the second of the second suspension components adjacent to, and aligned for placement into, the second opening;
- controllably moving the secured first and second second suspension components relative to the first suspension component, such that the first of the second suspension components is received within the first opening and the second of the second suspension components is received within the second opening while the temperature difference between the first suspension component and the second suspension components is present;
- and
- releasing, from the secured state, the first and second suspension components after the receipt thereof in the openings.
A method for assembling a suspension, having a first suspension component including at least a first and a second opening therein having an inner wall, with a first and a second second suspension component having an outer wall, wherein a first suspension component is, upon assembly, secured in the first opening and the second suspension component is secured in the second opening, comprising:
- creating a temperature difference between the first and second suspension components such that a portion of the second suspension components may be received within the openings in the first suspension component without the outer wall of the second suspension components contacting the inner wall of the first or second openings,
- aligning the second suspension components with respect to the openings in the first suspension component,
- simultaneously moving the second suspension components with respect to the first suspension component without altering the alignment of the second suspension components with respect to the openings in the first suspension component,
- such that ends of the second suspension components enter into the openings in the first suspension component, with a gap between the outer wall of the second suspension components and the inner wall of the openings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.