American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

Jared C Pulling

Jeffrey Lee Kincaid

Neil Alan Wasylewski

Darrell L Jacques

An anti-roll suspension system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of double-acting cylinders coupling the unsprung and sprung portions of the vehicle. The upper fluid chamber of each cylinder is exclusively connected to the lower fluid chamber of the laterally opposite cylinder to create a fluid circuit having first and second portions which hydraulically link the cylinders. When the vehicle is subjected to a centrifugal force, the position of the sprung portion rotates relative to the position of the unsprung portion of the vehicle. This relative rotation is resisted by the tendency to substantially equalize the forces acting on pistons of the first and second cylinders, thereby reducing the tendency of the sprung portion of the vehicle to roll. An alternate embodiment includes a valve which is operable in either of a recirculating mode and cross-flow mode. When the vehicle is subjected to a centrifugal force which exceeds a predetermined value, the valve is actuated to establish the cross-flow mode and enable fluid to flow between the laterally opposite cylinders. The valve is otherwise maintained in its recirculating mode whereby fluid is circulated between the upper and lower fluid chambers of each individual cylinder.

Hydraulic anti-roll suspension system for motor vehicles

A suspension assembly is provided 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 each end of the housing and is adapted to support a bearing member defining a socket. A ball segment of a ball stud is disposed in the socket to facilitate angular movement of the ball stud relative to the bowl. The bearing member includes a plurality of axial slots extending from an open end of the socket to define resilient socket tabs for enabling the bearing member to snap over and retain the ball stud. The bearing member also includes a collar segment which engages the bowl, and a plurality of circumferential spring tabs engaging the ball stud to provide for wear compensation and to reduce the effect of axial compression variation. A polymeric retention cap is snap fit into each bowl of the housing to secure the ball stud and the bearing member therein.

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Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America

Jared C Pulling