Claims:
1. A lower control arm (100) for a suspension system of a vehicle, the lower control arm (100) comprising:
a body (101) comprising a first portion (102) and a second portion (103), extending from the first portion (102);
wherein, the first portion (102) is defined with a first provision (104) at one end and a second provision (105) defined at other end, and the second portion (103) is defined with a third provision (106) at a free end; and
a flange member (107) extending between the first provision (104) and the second provision (105), wherein the flange member (107) is oriented in a direction opposite to an orientation of a protrusion (108) extending along a length of a second side (110) of the body (101).

2. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protrusion (108) extends between the first provision (104) and the third provision (106).

3. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protrusion (108) is oriented downwardly from the second side (110) of the body (101), when the lower control arm (100) is installed in the vehicle.

4. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange member (107) is oriented upwardly from the first side (109) of the body (101), when the lower control arm (100) is installed in the vehicle.

5. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first provision (104) is configured to receive a bushing for connecting the first portion (102) of the body (101) to a frame of the vehicle.

6. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second provision (105) is configured to accommodate a sleeve (111) for connecting the first portion (102) of the body (101) to a tie rod.

7. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third provision (106) is configured to receive a ball socket joint (114) to connect the second portion (103) of the body (101) to a steering knuckle.

8. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (102) and the second portion (103) of the body (101) is defined with a curved surface (112), wherein the curved surface (112) is defined with a through hole (113).

9. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (101) is an unitary structure.

10. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (101) is formed by stamping a sheet metal.

11. The lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (101) forms a substantially L- shaped component.

12. A suspension system of a vehicle comprising a lower control arm (100) as claimed in claim 1.

, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a suspension system for a vehicle. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a lower control arm for the suspension system of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A variety of forces act upon wheels of a vehicle during movement or operation of the vehicle. These forces may be transferred from the wheels to chassis, vehicle frame and its related components. During movement, the vehicle, may be subjected to vertical loads and vibrations, which are frequently encountered when the vehicle manoeuvres, over undulations on the road. These loads may also act when the vehicle is manoeuvring along an inclined trajectory. In addition, longitudinal forces may act upon the wheels against the direction of travel while the vehicle is operating. Further, the vehicle may also be subjected to centrifugal forces while traversing a curved trajectory. Generally, vehicles are employed with suspension systems to allow relative motion between the wheels and the vehicle frame. Further suspension systems dampen vibrations generated during operation of the vehicle and also provide adequate control while steering the vehicle, and during high speed travel. Overall, the suspension system is designed to withstand all the forces acting on the vehicle and provide plush ride to the occupants as well as designed to provide effective manoeuvring of the vehicle.

Generally, the suspension system of the vehicle includes a lower control arm, which may be adapted to a couple of wheels, or a wheel hub and brakes to the vehicle chassis or frames of the vehicle. The lower control arm, in some forms of arrangement, may receive a spring or a strut, which is generally used as dampening structure in the suspension system. Since, the lower control arm is subjected to different loads, the lower control arms are made to be sufficiently rigid or stiff to withstand vertical, longitudinal and centrifugal forces acting on the vehicle without letting the lower control arm to fail by cracking or fracturing.

Conventionally, the lower control arm is manufactured by stamping sheet metals and stacking them together. The lower control arm is manufactured out of a metallic sheet made of steel or aluminium. The stamped sheet is then pressed to desired shape and configuration. The individually stamped and pressed elements are then welded layer by layer and stacked, to form the lower control arm. The lower control arm manufactured by this technique is relatively heavy, as it involves multiple layers and extensive welding. Further, due to extensive welding, dimensional accuracy of the lower control arm may not be as accurate as required. In addition, a number of reinforcement members are joined to improve stiffness and rigidity, which contributes in increasing weight of the lower control arm. These features of the control arm may hinder the lower control arm to cater improved handling of the vehicle. Further, this technique of manufacturing the control arm, involves number of manufacturing processes, leading to overall increase in cost of manufacture of the control arm.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome the one or more problems stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a lower control arm for a suspension system of a vehicle may be disclosed. The lower control arm comprises a body, which includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion extends from the first portion. The first portion is defined with a first provision at one end and a second provision defined at other end. The second portion is defined with a third provision at a free end. Further, the lower control arm includes a flange member extending between the first provision and the second provision. The flange member is configured to orient in a direction opposite to an orientation of a protrusion, which extends along a length of a second side of the body.

In an embodiment, the protrusion extends between the first provision and the third provision.
In an embodiment, the protrusion is oriented downwardly from the second side of the body, when the lower control arm is installed in the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the flange member is oriented upwardly from the first side of the body, when the lower control arm is installed in the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the first provision is configured to receive a bushing for connecting the first portion of the body to a frame of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the second provision is configured to accommodate a sleeve for connecting the first portion of the body to a tie rod.
In an embodiment, the third provision is configured to receive a ball socket joint to connect the second portion of the body to a steering knuckle.
In an embodiment, the first portion and the second portion of the body is defined with a curved surface, wherein the curved surface is defined with a through hole.
In an embodiment, the body is an unitary structure.
In an embodiment, the body is formed by stamping a sheet metal.
In an embodiment, the body forms a substantially L- shaped component.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lower control arm for a suspension system of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates perspective view of the lower control arm of Figure.1 without ball socket-joint positioned in a third provision.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and would modify various constructions of the lower control arm, which may vary from one vehicle to vehicle. However, such modifications should be considered to be within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The lower control arm of the present disclosure may be employed in any kind of vehicle ranging from passenger vehicles to commercial vehicles.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a lower control arm for a suspension system of a vehicle. The lower control arm of the present disclosure may be configured to particularly support a front suspension system of the vehicle. Independent lower control arms may be provided for each of the front wheels of the vehicle.

The lower control arm of the present disclosure may broadly comprise a body, which includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion, may be configured to extend from the first portion. In an embodiment, the second portion may extend integrally from a substantially middle region of the first portion i.e. first portion and the second portion may form a unitary structure. Further, the body may be manufactured of steel or aluminium or alloys of aluminium or any other metallic material which may easily formable.

The first portion and the second portion of the body may be defined with a plurality of provisions for connecting the lower control arm to parts of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the first portion of the body may be defined with a first provision at one end and a second provision at the other end. The first provision may be configured to receive a mount bushing to connect the first portion of the body with a frame or chassis of the vehicle. The second provision may be configured to accommodate a sleeve to connect the first portion of the body, in turn the lower control arm with a tie rod.

Further, the second portion of the body may be defined with a third provision at a free end. The third provision may be adapted to accommodate a ball-socket joint to connect the second portion of the body, in turn the lower control arm with a steering knuckle or steering tie rod.

In an embodiment, the body of the lower control arm includes a flange member. The flange member may extend along a length of a first side (i.e. leading edge) of the body, between the first provision and the second provision. Further, the body includes a protrusion, which extends along a length of a second side of the body, between the first provision and the third provision. The flange member, extending between the first provision and the second provision is oriented in a direction opposite to the orientation of the protrusion, which extends between the first provision and the third provision. These features of the lower control arm facilitate in maintaining sufficient stiffness without addition of reinforcement. Hence, this feature aids in reducing weight of the lower control arm, without compromising on strength and stiffness parameters.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 2. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. In the figures, the vehicle and the suspension system are not illustrated for the purpose of simplicity.

Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lower control arm (100) for a suspension system. The lower control arm (100) of the present disclosure may be preferably employed in a front suspension system of a vehicle. The lower control arm (100) may accommodate several components of the front suspension system, and facilitates in connecting to various parts of the vehicle.

The lower control arm (100) as shown in Figure.1 may generally comprises a body (101). The body (101) includes a first portion (102) and a second portion (103). The second portion (103) may extend from the first portion (102). As an example, the second portion (103) may extend integrally from any location along a length of the first portion (102). The first portion (102) and the second portion (103) of the body (101) may form an unitary structure i.e. single structure, without any joints. As an example, the body (101) of the lower control arm (100) may resemble a L-shape. In an embodiment, the body (101) of the lower control arm (100) may be formed by a manufacturing process, not limiting to stamping process. The body (101) (thus, the first portion (102) and the second portion (103)) may be made of any metallic material including but limiting to steel, aluminium and alloys of aluminium.

Further referring to Figure. 1, the body (101) of the lower control arm (100) includes a flange member (107), which may extend between the first provision (104) and the second provision (105), which are defined at ends of the first portion (102). In an embodiment, the flange member (107) may extend integrally from the first side (109) and along a length of a first side (109) of the body (101). Further the body (101) of the lower control arm (100) includes a protrusion (108), which may extend between the first provision (104) and the third provision (106). In an embodiment, the protrusion (108) may extend integrally from a second side (110) of the body (101), and along a length of the second side (110) of the body (101).

In an embodiment, the protrusion (108) may orient downwardly from the second side (110) of the body (101), when the lower control arm (100) is installed in the vehicle, i.e. the protrusion (108) faces the ground, in an installed condition of the lower control arm (100). In an embodiment, the flange member (107) may orient upwardly from the first side (109) of the body (101), when the lower control arm (100) is in the installed condition in the vehicle, i.e. the flange member (107) faces towards the body the vehicle, when it is installed in the vehicle. As an example, the lower control arm (100) is installed in the vehicle, with the curved surface (112) facing towards the body of the vehicle.

Referring to Figure. 2 in conjunction with Figure.1, the first portion (102) of the body (101) may be defined with a first provision (104) at one end and a second provision (105) at other end. The first provision (104) and the second provision (105) are configured to accommodate components, which may facilitate in connecting the lower control arm (100) with parts of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the first provision (104) may be adapted to receive a mount bushing (not shown), to connect the first portion (102) of the body (101) (thus, the lower control arm (100)) with a frame of the vehicle. The mount bushing may be made of a polymeric material and is configured to dampen the vibrations of the vehicle. Further, the second provision (105) may be configured to accommodate a sleeve (111) which may facilitate in connecting the first portion (102) of the body (101) (thus the lower control arm (100)), to a tie rod of the vehicle. As an example, the sleeve (111) may be joined to the second provision (105), by welding or brazing process.

In an embodiment, the second portion (103) may be defined with a third provision (106) at a free end. The third provision (106) may be configured to receive a ball-socket joint (114) to connect the second portion (103) of the body (101) to a steering knuckle [not shown]. Thus, the provision in the first portion (102) and the second portion (103) may facilitate in connecting the lower control arm (100) to the vehicle. Further, the body (101) of the lower control arm (100) may be defined with a curved surface (112). In an embodiment, the curved surface (112) may be defined with a through hole (113), to receive a spring or a strut of the suspension system.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the lower control arm (100) has reduced weight in comparison with existing lower control arms. This is achieved due to orientation of the flange member (107), in an upward direction from the first side (109) of the body (101). This feature of the lower control arm (100) may also facilitate in utilizing less material in manufacturing and thus aids in reducing weight of the lower control arm (100). Further, this configuration of the lower control arm (100) (i.e. the flange member (107) oriented in the upward direction), imparts necessary stiffness, strength and rigidity to the lower control arm (100), and thus eliminates the need of reinforcement members.

In an embodiment, eliminating the use of reinforcement member in the lower control arm (100), may facilitate in reducing extensive welding, which may result in improving dimensional accuracy of the lower control arm (100), and also aids in reducing weight of the lower control arm (100)

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower control (100) may require less material for achieving the same amount of stiffness and strength, than that of the conventional lower control arm with reinforcements.

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a lower control arm of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral numerals Particulars
100 Lower control arm
101 Body
102 First portion
103 Second portion
104 First provision
105 Second provision
106 Third provision
107 Flange member
108 Protrusion
109 First side of the body
110 Second side of the body
111 Sleeve
112 Curved surface
113 Through hole
114 Ball socket joint