Abstract:
A system is configured to control aerodynamics of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a front end facing an ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The system includes an adjustable aerodynamic-aid element mounted to the vehicle body. The system also includes a mechanism configured to vary a position of the adjustable aerodynamic-aid element relative to the vehicle body and thereby control movement of the airflow. The system additionally includes a sensor configured to detect a height of the vehicle body relative to a predetermined reference frame and a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicative of the detected vehicle body height. The controller is also configured to determine a ride-height of the vehicle using the detected vehicle body height and to regulate the mechanism in response to the determined ride-height to control aerodynamics of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system includes a vehicle chassis with a plurality of elongated tubular members. The tubular members are structured to be configured in a configuration selected from the group consisting of a coup, a convertible, a truck, a transport vehicle, or a bus.
Abstract:
A suspension restraint system for an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) includes a clamp fixed to at least one control arm of a suspension system, the clamp including a post, a rod mount fixed to a frame member, a rod configured to be secured to the rod mount, the rod including a hook, the hook being configured to engage the post of the clamp. The rod is configured to engage said clamp and restrain a movement of the suspension system when the suspension system is in a lowered position relative to the frame member.
Abstract:
A vehicle with an interchangeable suspension system is disclosed. The vehicle includes a forward section with a forward suspension system and a rear section with a rear suspension system. Different forward and rear sections having different suspension systems can be selected and interchangeably attached to a central section. This arrangement allows rapid alteration of a vehicle.
Abstract:
An improved vehicle suspension system providing for readily adjustable rearward weight transfer upon acceleration by permitting controlled upward motion of the mid-wheelbase portion of the vehicle and corresponding dynamic change in center of gravity height. The movement of the central portions of the vehicle in an upward direction is controlled and adjusted through a plurality of pivot points and links, together with variable resistance spring and damper means, to provide for optimum dynamic weight transfer onto driven wheels and superior acceleration characteristics under a variety of road surface, vehicle, and environmental conditions.
Abstract:
Vehicle suspension movements are transmitted to an anti-roll mechanism which is pivotally mounted on the vehicle for movement about the pitch axis thereof to accommodate normal ride motion of the vehicle in which wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle move equally. Vehicle roll is controlled by an anti-roll mechanism includes a torsion bar which is loaded by the suspension movement. Roll stiffness is controlled by adjusting the lever arm through which suspension movement is transmitted to the torsion bar by a lever arrangement commonly referred to as a Watt's link to assure that the change in the length of the lever arm is directly proportional to the change in the control in the cockpit. Accordingly, linear control is assured, and the torsion bar and lever arms do not appreciable deflect during cornering.
Abstract:
A suspension system for controlling the relative displacement between a pair of laterally opposed ground engaging components of a vehicle and the frame of the vehicle is described herein. Each of the ground engaging components is individually mounted to the frame by a frame connecting component. The frame connecting component is hingedly mounted to the frame so as to allow a relative pivotal movement between each of the frame connecting components and the frame in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame. The suspension system includes a first suspension member pivotally mounted to the frame. The first suspension member is free to pivot relatively to the frame about a first suspension member pivotal axis that is in a substantially transversal relationship with the frame. The suspension system also includes a second suspension member pivotally mounted to the first suspension member so as to allow the first suspension member and the second suspension member to pivot relatively to one another along a second suspension member pivotal axis that is in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the first suspension member pivotal axis. The suspension system further includes a biasing mechanism mounted both to the frame and to the second suspension member. The biasing mechanism bias the second suspension member towards a second suspension member initial predetermined position. A pair of motion transmitting members are respectively mounted to one of the frame connecting components and to the second suspension member.
Abstract:
A system and a method are disclosed for measuring the grip performance of a vehicle by interposing a load carrier member intermediate an upright and an axle. The load carrier member is configured as having a geometry for measurement of a magnitude and relative direction of the instantaneous load forces acting between the axle and the upright and includes a planetary bearing carrier received coaxially over the axle for linear movement therewith. The bearing carrier extends from an outboard first end to an inboard second end configured to define a force transmitting portion. A rotational bearing assembly is interposed between the bearing carrier and the axle providing for the rotation of the axle within the bearing carrier. A first linear bearing assembly is interposed between the upright and the bearing carrier providing for the linear movement of the bearing carrier relative to the upright. At least one force sensor is operably coupled to the force transmitting portion of the bearing carrier to be responsive to the linear movement thereof for providing load force output signals corresponding to the magnitude and relative direction of the load force vector. A magnitude and relative direction of at least one instantaneous load force vector acting on the load carrier member then is measured. Finally; the load force vector is resolved with respect to a relative plane into at least one load force component corresponding to an instantaneous grip force developed between the wheel and the ground surface.
Abstract:
An automobile suspension system has linkage and geometry for compensating for roll and dip of the chassis during cornering for maintaining a zero camber of the vehicle wheels during roll of the vehicle chassis.