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:
Feb. 15, 2005
Filed:
Dec. 14, 2001
Robert P. Carlstedt, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
James B. Chamberlin, Charlotte, NC (US);
Ragnar H. Ledesma, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Nancy L. Saxon, Oakland Township, MI (US);
Dennis A. Kramer, Troy, MI (US);
Doyle R. Downey, Beverly Hills, MI (US);
Joseph Cubalchini, St. Charles, IL (US);
Monte G. Williams, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Robert P. Carlstedt, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
James B. Chamberlin, Charlotte, NC (US);
Ragnar H. Ledesma, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Nancy L. Saxon, Oakland Township, MI (US);
Dennis A. Kramer, Troy, MI (US);
Doyle R. Downey, Beverly Hills, MI (US);
Joseph Cubalchini, St. Charles, IL (US);
Monte G. Williams, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A variable rate bushing passively controls the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. During normal vehicle operation, the stabilizer bar is compliant. As twist increase, the resistance increases. In one embodiment, the variable rate bushing includes at least one void which compresses as the vehicle turns. As the stabilizer bar axially twists, the void compresses and the rate of the bushing increases, reducing axial twist and increasing stiffness of the stabilizer bar. In one embodiment, the voids are teardrop shaped, arc shaped, or bone shaped. Alternatively, the bushing includes an inner layer of softer material and an outer layer of harder material to control stabilizer bar stiffness. Also, the bushing may include a molded insert made of a hard material inserted into a softer material to control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar.