The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 14, 1977
Filed:
Feb. 19, 1976
Joseph Gerald Bishop, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
American Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
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.