Inventors:
Charles A. Buthala - Augusta MI
Gary L. Wells - Kalamazoo MI
Assignee:
Benteler Industries, Inc. - Grand Rapids MI
International Classification:
B60G 1118
Abstract:
A torsion-bar-free, unitary, twist beam axle having stress transition character capable of handling both vehicle suspension bending loads and torsion loads without a separate torsion bar, comprising a one-piece, integral twist beam elongated in the direction of its axis, and having a pair of legs elongated in the direction of the axis and extending transverse to the axle axis to outer distal ends, the legs each having an elongated portion looped back upon itself into elongated, peripherally closed loops at said outer distal ends to form a pair of closed loops spaced from and generally parallel to each other, the axle having a central portion, and a pair of mounting ends for attachment to vehicle trailing arms, and a pair of stress transition members extending respectively from the mounting ends toward the central portion and located substantially between the closed loops, these members having a pair of spaced walls connected by a bight and with sufficient resistance to flexing movement toward each other to limit movement by the loops toward each other and to limit loop movement in opposite axial directions along the axis, under torsional stress applied to the axle. The ends of these walls are shown to curve under the loops for weldment thereto. The stress transition members taper in height along their length, from the highest height at the inner ends thereof.
