American Motors Corporation

Joseph Gerald Bishop

A linkage of the disclosure is utilized with a vehicle independent suspension system to indicate whether a wheel supported by the system has a proper camber angle. The linkage includes a first linkage portion extending between a control arm of the suspension system and a wheel supporting member so that the angular relationship therebetween is sensed. A second linkage portion extends between the control arm and the sprung mass of the vehicle so that the angular relationship therebetween is also sensed. The angular relationships sensed by the two linkage portions are compared so as to determine whether the wheel supporting member is angularly oriented so that the wheel supported thereby has a proper camber angle. Each linkage portion preferably includes a push-pull link and a lever pivoted to each other. Connections of the linkage components are at predetermined locations so that the levers are pivotally positioned with respect to each other at a predetermined angle when the wheel camber angle is proper. When the wheel camber angle is not proper, the levers are pivotally positioned in one direction or the other with respect to each other from the predetermined angle to thereby indicate the improper camber angle condition. When utilized with a front independent suspension system, the push-pull link of the first linkage portion is connected to the wheel supporting steering knuckle along the steering axis thereof such that the steering angle does not inhibit the linkage operation. One embodiment utilizes visually observable indications on the levers to indicate whether the steering angle is proper, and another embodiment incorporates an electric circuit that generates a signal when the wheel camber angle deviates from the proper angle in either direction a predetermined extent. The linkage may be incorporated as part of the suspension system or may be used as a tool to check the camber angle.

Camber indicating linkage

A wheel camber adjustment linkage of the disclosure is utilized with a vehicle independent suspension system to sense and correct an improper wheel camber angle condition. The linkage includes first and second portions associated with a suspension control arm on which an adjustable joint is mounted. The first linkage portion senses the angular relationship between the control arm and a wheel supporting member mounted on the control arm by the adjustable joint. The second linkage portion senses the angular relationship between the control arm and the sprung mass of the vehicle. The angular relationships sensed by the two linkage portions are compared so as to determine whether adjustment of the joint is necessary to correct the wheel camber angle. If correction is required, the angular linkage movement during suspension jounce provides the impetus for the adjustment. Each linkage portion preferably includes a push-pull link and a lever pivoted to each other. The push-pull link of the first linkage portion is connected to the wheel supporting member and the push-pull link of the second linkage portion is connected to the sprung vehicle mass. The levers of the linkage portions are pivotally connected to each other about a first axis and one of the levers is pivoted to the control arm about a second axis that is spaced from the first axis. The other lever supports a pair of pawls that are positioned on opposite sides of a toothed input member of the adjustable joint. A positive or negative wheel camber angle causes one or the other of the pawls to engage the input member so as to adjust the joint as the linkage moves angularly.

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West Bloomfield, MI, United States of America

Joseph Gerald Bishop