Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of mounting arrangements for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A stabilizer bar or a sway bar or a torsion bar or an anti-roll bar or ARB is used to maintain the stability of the vehicle, as the name suggests. It helps in preventing the vehicle from rolling by imparting torsional stiffness to the vehicle. During a turn, the vehicle tends to roll over due to the centrifugal forces acting thereon, which causes the vehicle to tilt towards one side. In order to prevent or mitigate the vehicle roll, the stabilizer bar is connected to the suspension system on each side of the vehicle i.e. right side as well as left side. When the body rolls during cornering, the suspension system is configured to twist the stabilizer bar. Since the stabilizer bar is configured for higher torsional stiffness during twists, it offers resistance to the body roll. Thus, the stabilizer bar acts against the body roll and hence the name Anti Roll Bar (ARB) or stabilizer bar.
Conventionally, the stabilizer bar layout is constructed in such a way that the stabilizer bar is rigidly mounted on the rear sub frame of the vehicle. The stabilizer bar is connected to the suspension system in such a way that the stabilizer bar participates in the suspension articulation when the vehicle takes a turn. In the conventional suspension layouts, the stabilizer link is mounted to the knuckle at one end and to the stabilizer bar at the other end. When the knuckle on one side (LH or RH) moves up or down relative to the other knuckle, the knuckle pushes the stabilizer link and thereby twists the stabilizer bar. Twisting of the stabilizer bar maintains the stability of the vehicle by mitigating the roll in the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle tries to return back to almost horizontal condition due to the stabilizer bar torsional stiffness. Thus, the role of stabilizer bar in the suspension system is crucial. Hence, it is important to package the stabilizer bar and the stabilizer link in the given vehicle boundary packaging conditions in both design and articulated conditions of the suspension system. The conventional rear suspension layout includes the stabilizer link interconnecting the knuckle and the stabilizer rod. However, mounting the stabilizer link onto the knuckle may not be possible in cases where the space for packaging the stabilizer bar and the stabilizer link in the suspension layout is less. In such scenarios, the stabilizer bar layout becomes complex, leading to critical clearances with peripheral parts like links, damper, wheel rim, structural members such as BIW, etc. Moreover, articulation of the suspension system in such cases would lead to fouling of the stabilizer bar and the stabilizer link with the afore-mentioned peripheral parts.
There is therefore, felt a need of a mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle, that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle that can be fitted in compact packaging space.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle that offers increased angular movement.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle that prevents fouling between vehicle components during the assembly and the articulation of the vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle that offers simplicity of construction.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle that offers sufficient packaging space within the compartment of the vehicle.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle that can be fitted onto electric vehicles as well as non-electric vehicles.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure discloses a mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle, the mounting arrangement comprising a linkage arm, a U-shaped bracket, a stabilizer link, a ball joint and a fastener. The linkage arm is configured to mount the rear knuckle to an operative portion of a frame of the vehicle. The U-shaped bracket is configured to be mounted on an operative portion of the linkage arm. The stabilizer link is configured to extend from an operative base portion of the U-shaped bracket. The ball joint is configured on an operative end of the stabilizer link. The fastener is configured to extend from an operative portion of the ball joint, and further configured to be mounted on an operative portion of the stabilizer bar, thereby mounting the operative portion of the stabilizer bar on the rear knuckle.
In a preferred embodiment, the mounting arrangement includes a bush assembly disposed between the linkage arm and the stabilizer link. The bush assembly includes an outer sleeve, a bush, an inner sleeve, and a fastener. The outer sleeve is coaxially disposed in a recess configured on the linkage arm. The bush is coaxially disposed in the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is coaxially disposed in the bush. The fastener is coaxially disposed in the inner sleeve for attachment of the U-shaped bracket to the linkage arm.
In a preferred embodiment, the bush is made of rubber.
In a preferred embodiment, ball joint includes a socket, a ball and a rubber boot. The ball is rotatably configured in the socket. One end of the fastener is configured to be attached to the ball. The rubber boot is disposed on the shank portion of the fastener.
In a preferred embodiment, an operative end of the stabilizer link is fixedly attached to an operative base portion of the U-shaped bracket, and another operative end of the stabilizer link is fixedly attached to the ball of the ball joint.
In a preferred embodiment, the bush assembly is press fitted in the recess configured on the linkage arm.
In a preferred embodiment, the linkage arm has a contoured profile having an operative front end and an operative rear end, the operative front end configured to mount on the rear knuckle of the vehicle and the operative rear end configured to mount on an operative portion of the frame of the vehicle.
In a preferred embodiment, the bracket has a pair of arms, and a base portion adjoining the pair of arms. An operative top end of each of the pair of arms is configured to be attached to an operative portion of the linkage arm.
In a preferred embodiment, the stabilizer link is configured to extend in an operative downward direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figures 1a-1d show various views of the mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art;
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 shows a side view of the Figure 2;
Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the bracket and ball joint;
Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the linkage arm of the Figure 3;
Figure 6 shows a side view of the linkage arm of the Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a sectional view of the bracket of the Figure 5 taken along the section plane A-A; and
Figure 8-10 shows a sectional view of the bracket of the Figure 5 taken along the section plane A-A.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10’ – rear knuckle of the prior art
20’ – lower control arm of the prior art
30’ – stabilizer bar of the prior art
40’ – stabilizer link of the prior art
50’ – vehicle wheel rim of the prior art
100’ – mounting arrangement of the prior art
10 – rear knuckle
12 – linkage arm
13 – operative front end of linkage arm
14 - operative rear end of linkage arm
20 – frame
30 – stabilizer bar
40 – U-shaped bracket
41 – axis of recess of the arm of suspension link
42 – bush
43, 45 – arms of bracket
44 – inner sleeve
46, 70 – fastener
48 – outer sleeve
50 – ball joint
52 – socket
54 – ball
60 – stabilizer link
61, 62 - operative ends of stabilizer link
70 – vehicle wheel rim
80 – rubber boot
100 – mounting arrangement
V – operative downward direction
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
Referring to the figures 1a-1d, a mounting arrangement 100’ for mounting a stabilizer bar 30’ on a rear knuckle 10’ of a vehicle is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art. The stabilizer bar 30’ is shown, having one end configured to be connected to the rear knuckle 10’ via a stabilizer link 40’ and another end of the stabilizer bar 30’ being connected to a lower control arm 20’ of the suspension system via a clamp. However, mounting the stabilizer link 40’ onto the rear knuckle 10’ may not be possible in cases where the space for packaging the stabilizer bar 30’ and the stabilizer link 40’ in the suspension layout is less. The problem with the conventional arrangement 100’ is that the stabilizer bar 30’ cannot be accommodated when the construction of the rear knuckle 10’ changes. Thus, the stabilizer bar 30’ cannot be used on another vehicle having a different construction geometry of the rear knuckle 10’. More specifically, the distance between the end of the stabilizer bar 30’ connected to the rear knuckle 10’ changes, as the vehicle construction changes. Moreover, the conventional mounting arrangement 100’ is prone to fitment issues within the vehicle compartment. Hence, the conventional mounting arrangement 100’ gives rise to packaging constraints when suspension geometry is changed. The packaging constraint is shown in figures 1a-1d wherein the stabilizer link 40’ fouls with the vehicle wheel rim 50’ when the vehicle is in full bump condition. This is highly undesirable. The conventional mounting arrangement 100’ does not allow for proper designing of the stabilizer bar 30’ in case of multi-link suspension system, especially for a 5-link suspension.
Referring to the figures 2-10, a mounting arrangement 100 for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle 10 of a vehicle, will now be described, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting arrangement 100 comprises a linkage arm 12, a U-shaped bracket 40, a stabilizer link 60, a ball joint 50 and a fastener 70.
The linkage arm 12 is configured to mount the rear knuckle 10 to an operative portion of a frame 20 of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the linkage arm 12 has a contoured profile having an operative front end and an operative rear end, the operative front end F configured to mount on the rear knuckle 10 of the vehicle and the operative rear end R configured to mount on an operative portion of the frame of the vehicle.
The U-shaped bracket 40 is configured to be mounted on an operative portion of the linkage arm 12. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 40 has a pair of arms 43, 45 and a base portion adjoining the pair of arms 43, 45, an operative top end of each of the pair of arms 43, 45 is configured to be mounted to an operative portion of the linkage arm 12.
The stabilizer link 60 is configured to extend from an operative base portion of the U-shaped bracket 40. An operative end 61 of the stabilizer link 60 is fixedly attached to an operative base portion of the U-shaped bracket 40, and another operative end of the stabilizer link 60 is fixedly attached to the ball 54 of the ball joint 50. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilizer link 60 is configured to extend in an operative downward direction V.
The ball joint 50 is configured on an operative end 62 of the stabilizer link 60. The ball joint 50 includes a socket 52, a ball 54 and a rubber boot 80. The ball 54 is rotatably configured in the socket 52. One end of the fastener 70 is configured to be attached to the ball 54. The rubber boot 80 is disposed on the shank portion of the fastener 70.
The fastener 70 is configured to extend from an operative portion of the ball joint 50. The fastener 70 is further configured to mount an operative portion of the stabilizer bar 30.
The linkage arm 12, the U-shaped bracket 40 and the stabilizer link 60 impart simplicity in attaching the stabilizer rod 30 to the rear knuckle 10. Thus, the stabilizer rod 30 is not directly mounted on to the rear knuckle 10, contrary to what is observed in the conventional mounting arrangement 100’ as shown in figure 1. This eliminates requirement of a larger packaging space. Moreover, the mounting arrangement 100 prevents fouling between vehicle components during the assembly and motion of the vehicle. Additionally, the mounting arrangement 100 eliminates complexity in routing the stabilizer bar of the vehicle. Still further, the mounting arrangement 100 can be used on electric as well as non-electric vehicles.
The mounting arrangement 100 further includes a bush assembly disposed between the linkage arm 12 and the stabilizer link 60. The bush assembly includes an outer sleeve 48, a bush 42, an inner sleeve 44 and a fastener 46. The outer sleeve 48 is coaxially disposed in a recess configured on the linkage arm 12. The bush 42 is coaxially disposed in the outer sleeve 48. The inner sleeve 44 is coaxially disposed in the bush 42. The fastener 46 is coaxially disposed in the inner sleeve 44 for attachment of the U-shaped bracket 40 to the linkage arm 12. The bush assembly facilitates for increased angular movement. Thus, a simple and cost-effective mounting arrangement 100 is achieved which has sufficient clearances with the surrounding interface parts, especially during articulation of the vehicle over undulated surfaces. The mounting arrangement 100 of the present disclosure facilitates maintaining sufficient clearances with surrounding parts like wheel rim, strut or damper, suspension links, body-in-white, knuckle, spring, driveshaft etc. This is shown in figures 8-10 wherein no interference between the U-shaped bracket 40, the stabilizer link 60 and the vehicle parts in their vicinity. As shown in figure 8-10, fouling of the stabilizer link 60 and the vehicle wheel rim 70 is prevented, as there is separation created between the stabilizer link 60 and the vehicle wheel rim 70. This is particularly observed in the figure 8, wherein a top view of the mounting arrangement 100 shows that there is sufficient separation between the stabilizer link 60 and the vehicle wheel rim 70 in the operative horizontal direction. Similarly, the figure 10 shows the mounting arrangement 100 in a full bump condition wherein the fouling of the parts is avoided. Thus, space optimization is achieved by the mounting arrangement 100 of the present disclosure.
The mounting arrangement 100 facilitates ease in manufacturing as the U-shaped bracket 40 is made of a simple sheet metal having a thickness in the range of 2.5 mm to 3 mm. The stabilizer link 60 is made of a steel rod having a diameter of 10 mm. Moreover, the U-shaped bracket 40 is joined to the stabilizer link 60 via metal inert gas welding method, while the stabilizer link 60 is joined to the ball joint 50 by projection welding method. Since, these are conventional welding methods, cost of manufacturing is less.
The mounting arrangement 100 facilitates reduction in weight of the ball joint 50. The reduction in weight is observed to be 50 to 70 percent as compared to the prior art having ball joint attached to both the ends of the stabilizer 60 as shown in figure 1. The ball joint 50 of the present disclosure is attached to only one end of the stabilizer link 60. Ball joint on both ends as depicted in the prior art leads to increased weight and cost thereof. Additionally, the construction of the stabilizer link 60 permits usage thereof on both the left hand side as well as the right hand side of the vehicle. Thus, only a single mounting arrangement 100 is needed to be produced which is usable on multiple locations on the same vehicle.
Further, the mounting arrangement 100 of the present disclosure reduces the length of the stabilizer bar 30 to be produced. This reduces complexity of construction of the mounting arrangement 100.
In a preferred embodiment, the bush assembly is press fitted in the recess configured on the linkage arm 12.
In a preferred embodiment, the bush 42 is made of rubber.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a mounting arrangement for mounting a stabilizer bar on a rear knuckle of a vehicle that:
• eliminates requirement of larger packaging space;
• offers increased angular movement;
• prevents fouling between vehicle components during the motion of the vehicle;
• offers simplicity of construction;
• eliminates complexity in routing the stabilizer bar of the vehicle; and
• can be used on electric as well as non-electric vehicles.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element or group of elements.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, apparatus, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A mounting arrangement (100) for mounting a stabilizer bar (30) on a rear knuckle (10) of a vehicle, said mounting arrangement (100) comprising:
• a linkage arm (12) configured to mount the rear knuckle (10) to an operative portion of a frame (20) of the vehicle;
• a U-shaped bracket (40) configured to be mounted on an operative portion of said linkage arm (12);
• a stabilizer link (60) configured to extend from an operative base portion of said U-shaped bracket (40);
• a ball joint (50) configured on an operative end (62) of said stabilizer link (60); and
• a fastener (70) configured to extend from an operative portion of said ball joint (50), and further configured to be mounted on an operative portion of the stabilizer bar (30).
2. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1 including a bush assembly disposed between said linkage arm (12) and said stabilizer link (60), said bush assembly includes:
• an outer sleeve (48) coaxially disposed in a recess configured on said linkage arm (12);
• a bush (42) coaxially disposed in said outer sleeve (48);
• an inner sleeve (44) coaxially disposed in said bush (42); and
• a fastener (46) coaxially disposed in said inner sleeve (44) for attachment of said U-shaped bracket (40) to said linkage arm (12).
3. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bush (42) is of rubber.
4. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ball joint (50) includes:
• a socket (52);
• a ball (54) rotatably configured in said socket (52), one end of said fastener (70) configured to be attached to said ball (54); and
• a rubber boot (80) disposed on the shank portion of said fastener (70).
5. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein an operative end (61) of said stabilizer link (60) is fixedly attached to an operative base portion said U-shaped bracket (40), and another operative end of said stabilizer link (60) is fixedly attached to said ball (54) of said ball joint (50).
6. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bush assembly is press fitted in the recess configured on said linkage arm (12).
7. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said linkage arm (12) has a contoured profile having an operative front end and an operative rear end, said operative front end configured to attach on said rear knuckle (10) of the vehicle and said operative rear end configured to attach on the operative portion of the frame (20) of the vehicle.
8. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said U-shaped bracket (40) has a pair of arms (43, 45) and said base portion adjoining said pair of arms (43, 45), an operative top end of each of said pair of arms (43, 45) is configured to be attached to the operative portion of said linkage arm (12).
Dated this day of January, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant