Land vehicles – Wheeled – Running gear
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-09
2001-07-03
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Running gear
C403S135000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254114
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a suspension system for motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a composite stabilizer bar link for connecting a stabilizer bar to a control arm of the suspension system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is a common practice for motor vehicles to be equipped with independent suspension systems for absorbing road shock and other vibrations while providing a smooth and comfortable ride for the vehicle occupants. In suspension systems of this type, a stabilizer bar is often used to increase the roll rigidity and improve the steering stability of the vehicle. Typically, the stabilizer bar is a rod-shaped member having an elongated central segment oriented to extend laterally across the vehicle and an arm segment extending longitudinally at each end of the central segment to form a generally U-shaped configuration.
The central segment of the stabilizer bar is supported for rotation about its own longitudinal axis by one or more mounting brackets which are fixed to the vehicle body or frame. Most commonly, the mounting brackets are positioned in close proximity to the arm segments for minimizing any bending moments which may be induced into the stabilizer bar. The distal end of each arm segment is coupled to a control arm of the suspension system by a stabilizer bar link.
When the vehicle is subjected to a lateral rolling force such as, for example, while the vehicle negotiates a turn, the arm segments pivot in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central segment. As a result, torsional reaction forces are generated which act through the arm segments to urge the control arms to move toward their normal position. Thus, the vehicle body will be prevented from excessive rolling or leaning to either side by the torsional resistance produced by the stabilizer bar.
As noted, each end of the stabilizer bar is typically attached to a corresponding control arm by a stabilizer bar link. A recent trend in vehicular suspensions is to use a direct-acting stabilizer bar link, or direct link, to connect the stabilizer bar and the lower control arm. Direct links commonly include ball joints for accommodating the angularity between the stabilizer bar and the control arm as the suspension travels through its range of motion. Direct links also eliminate the amount of compliance that is experienced before the stabilizer bar begins to urge the control arm to its normal position during vehicle maneuvers. Although direct links have experienced great success, there is room for improvement in the art. For instance, the performance advantages gained by the direct link are typically set off by the cost and complexity required for its manufacture.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a direct link for a stabilizer bar which may be manufactured quickly and easily with minimum complexity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a suspension assembly for a motor vehicle including a pair of stabilizer bar links which interconnect the opposite ends of a stabilizer bar to a pair of suspension members. Each stabilizer bar link has a central body or housing constructed of a polymeric resin including 20% to 40% glass fill for increased mechanical properties. A bowl is formed at both ends of the housing which are fitted with a cup-shaped bearing member defining a spherical socket. The ball segment of a ball stud is mounted in the socket and a polymeric retention cap is snap fit into each bowl of the housing to secure the bearing member and the ball stud therein. The bearing members include a plurality of axial slots extending inwardly from the open end of the socket to define a set of resilient socket tabs enabling the bearing members to snap over the ball segments of the ball studs. Each bearing member also includes a cylindrical collar adapted to engage the bowl and a plurality of circumferential spring tabs adapted to engage the distal end of the ball segment to provide for wear compensation and to reduce the effect of axial compression variation.
As a further feature of the present invention, the retention cap may be formed in combination with a retainer ring seal or the bearing. As such, the number of piece part components may be reduced.
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Jacques Darrell L.
Kincaid Jeffrey L.
Pulling Jared C.
American Axle & Manufacturing Inc.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Johnson Brian L.
Luby Matthew
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