초록 ▼

A control arm used as a suspension link within a vehicle suspension system has two similar members. Each member has a substantially W shaped cross section and circular endplates. The endplates are coupled together with bushings that include a compressible member. During normal loading, this bushing

A control arm used as a suspension link within a vehicle suspension system has two similar members. Each member has a substantially W shaped cross section and circular endplates. The endplates are coupled together with bushings that include a compressible member. During normal loading, this bushing arrangement keeps the two members spaced apart. This allows each member to bend and flex when subjected to longitudinal forces. As transverse loading occurs, the two members are caused to move together, and eventually abut one another. This abutment greatly increases the overall strength of the control arm, allowing it to withstand severe transverse forces without buckling.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A control arm for use in a suspension system, comprising:a first member having a first end and a second end with an elongated portion therebetween; anda second member having a first end and a second end with an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the first end of th

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A control arm for use in a suspension system, comprising:a first member having a first end and a second end with an elongated portion therebetween; anda second member having a first end and a second end with an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the first end of the first member is coupleable to the first end of the second member and the second end of the first member is coupleable to the second end of the second member so that a gap is developed and maintained between the first member and the second member, wherein the first member is able to abut the second member, and eliminate the developed gap, only while a force sufficient to cause the first member and the second member to flex towards one another is applied to the control arm in a transverse direction and the first member and the second member move away from one another due to the resiliency of the first and second members when the force is removed.