Lightweight Suspension System for a Wheeled Vehicle, Spring Arm and Method of Manufacture

Author:  Donald L Stephens
Source:  US Patent 5,366,238
Doc ID:  1994044
Year of Publication:  1994
Abstract:  
A compact suspension system for a wheeled vehicle and method for its manufacture. The suspension includes a tapered, vertically mounted elongated arm having an integral eye at one end. The integral eye rotatable connects the elongated arm to the vehicle while the other end connects to an air spring attached to the vehicle. The axle connects to the arm near the air spring. The arm is tapered between the axle and the integral eye so that the amount of arm material, and thus weight, is reduced. A second arm is placed adjacent to, and parallel with, the first arm to back up the first arm if the first arm fails, or vice versa. A shock absorber is mounted near the axle on the opposite side of the axle as the air spring. The method of manufacture includes plasma cutting a blank elongated arm from spring steel, heat-treating the arm, machining to final form, and then shot peening the arm.