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:
Aug. 29, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 05, 1998
Michael A Dazy, Northville, MI (US);
Scott A Bone, Wixom, MI (US);
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
An upper control arm assembly for a rear axle of an uni-body vehicle. The uni-body vehicle includes a pair of longitudinally spaced opposing sills generally extending along the length of the vehicle. The upper control arm assembly comprises an upper control arm having a central portion and a pair of end portions. The central portion of the upper control arm is positioned over the rear axle of the vehicle. Each of the pair of end portions of the upper control arm is positioned adjacent the pair of opposing sills of the vehicle and define a bushing aperture. A pair of spool bushings is also provided for retaining the upper control arm. The pair of spool bushings are vertically disposed in the bushing apertures so as to pivotally couple the upper control arm to the pair of opposing sills of the uni-body vehicle. The vertical orientation of the spool bushings maximizes the lateral stiffness of the rear suspension system of the uni-body vehicle, while providing lower fore/aft and vertical stiffnesses. The lower fore/aft stiffness is beneficial in reducing road and powertrain induced harshness. The lower vertical stiffness is beneficial in reducing the amount of vibrational energy transmitted to the vehicle as noise, vibration, and harshness.