Claims:

1. A mass damper assembly (10) for suspension system (100) of a vehicle, the assembly (10) comprising:
a disc (6) positioned on at least a portion of periphery of a base plate (4) of the suspension system (100); and
a mass damper (5) interposed between the disc (6) and the base plate (4), wherein the mass damper (5) is defined integrally between the disc (6) and the base plate (4), and is structured to support the disc (6) on the portion of periphery (4a) of the base plate (4).

2. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the disc (6) constitutes a mass of the mass damper assembly (10), and the mass damper (5) is structured to impart stiffness to the mass damper assembly (10).

3. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mass damper (5) is made of a polymeric material selected from at least one of an elastomeric material, a viscoelastic material, an elastoplastic material.

4. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the disc (6) is made of at least one of a metal, an alloy and a metal matrix composite material.

5. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of mating surfaces (5a) of the disc (6) and the mass damper (5) has a retaining profile (5b, 6b), and wherein the retaining profile (5b, 6b) is at least one of a rectangular profile, a U-shaped profile, inverted U-shaped profile, C-shaped profile, semi-circular profile and trapezoidal profile.

6. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein mass of the disc (6) ranges from 1 kg and 2 kgs.

7. A method for assembling a mass damper assembly (10) in a suspension system (100) of a vehicle, the method comprising:
disposing, a disc (6), on at least a portion of a periphery of a base plate (4) of a suspension system (100); and
interposing, a mass damper (5), between the disc (6) and the base plate (4), the mass damper (5) is defined integrally between the disc (6) and the base plate (4), and is structured to support the disc (6) on the portion of periphery (4a) of the base plate (4).

8. The method as claimed in claim 7 comprises extrusion moulding of the mass damper (5) between the disc (6) and the base plate (4).

9. The method as claimed in claim 7 comprises forming a retaining profile (5b, 6b) in at least a portion of mating surfaces (5a) of the disc (6) and the mass damper (5) to secure the disc (6) with the mass damper (5).

10. A suspension system (100) of a vehicle comprising a mass damper assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] Present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to suspension system of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mass damper assembly for a suspension system of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[002] Vehicular suspension is one of the crucial systems within an automotive anatomy which is concerned with dissipation of undesired noise, vibration and forces which may cause discomfort to occupants of the vehicle. A typical vehicle suspension system absorbs shocks/jerks and negates most of the loads a vehicle experiences while driving on the road. Additionally, the suspension system ensures that wheels of the vehicle maintain necessary traction with road surface and driver has control over vehicle at all times, also known by the term “maneuverability”. Suspension system, by allowing relative motion between the wheels and the vehicle chassis, prevents damages to the vehicle components, including the chassis.

[003] A popular class of a vehicle suspension system is the hydraulic suspension equipped with a hydraulic shock absorber which generates a damping (dissipative) force. Hydraulic shock absorbers generally include an actuator disposed between a spring member and a damping agent, and adapted to vary the distance between said spring member and damping agent by way of contraction and expansion. While doing so, forces acting on the wheels may be progressively attenuated or dissipated to a hydraulic fluid (an oil), typically contained inside the lower portion of the shock absorber. The actuator may be in the form of a piston enclosed in a cylinder which transforms mechanical shocks into hydraulic energy of the hydraulic fluid. The cylinder may be of a single tube or twin tube configuration, and the shock absorber altogether may be a Macpherson strut type or telescopic type depending on requirement.

[004] Presence of a number of moving parts within a suspension system combined with road surface irregularities may result in noise and vibration generation despite providing a sturdy suspension system, regardless of whether the vehicle is engine powered, or electricity driven. Especially in electric vehicles, due to quiet operation of most of the parts as compared to engine driven vehicle counterparts, the noise can be significantly heard by occupants of the vehicle. The vibration generated at wheels are transmitted to chassis or body of the vehicle through rear twist beams or axles. Noise resulting from vibrations and shocks/jerks may be heard in multiples of fundamental frequencies by occupants of the vehicle. Attenuation of noise so generated together with mitigation of vibrations and shocks is a critical requirement in electric vehicles. Automobile manufacturers have come up with various remedies to address the problems associated with noise and vibration emanating from electric vehicle underside assemblies. One of them being the hydraulic shock absorbers discussed in above paragraphs. Another type of suspension is an electromagnetic suspension in which a motor is used to produce reactive torque/couple depending on outputs of the drive motor. Particularly, the motor belonging to the electromagnetic suspension system produces a reactive torque based on output of the drive motor. In addition, the motor generates a vibration damping torque based on angular speed of the drive motor, and vehicle body inertia damping torque based on angular acceleration of the drive motor. Vehicle body inertia damping torque is attained by compensating inertial force exerting on the vehicle body due to acceleration/deceleration and turning behavior of the vehicle.

[005] It is customary to provide dampers even on braking systems of the vehicles apart from the suspension system, to mitigate effects of noise emanating from the braking system. Conventional dampers may be in the form of a metal mass attached to rear twist beam or axle using a bracket. However, such metal mass dampers consume additional space, require frequent inspection and repair/replacement, requires additional elements such as brackets for mounting, and so on. US Patent 6,283,258 discloses a brake assembly having an embedded noise damper. To reduce or eliminate undesired break squeal noise, noise damping sheet metal plates are attached to backing plates. The damping sheet metal plates absorb and damp out vibrations within a predetermined frequency range. The sheet metal plates may include grooves cut through them to form a plurality of tuning fork members conforming to groove geometry. A similar arrangement is discussed in US Patent 7,032,723, where a damper is accommodated in a groove/hole which is common to a brake pad and a back plate. These dampers not only add to overall weight of the braking systems, but are also complex in terms of manufacturing and assembly. They also pose greater difficulties during dismantling of associated parts for service/replacement purposes, especially when the brake assembly is a drum brake type.

[006] Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the existing arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[007] One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the mass damper 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 disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.

[008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a mass damper assembly for suspension system of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a disc positioned on at least a portion of periphery of a base plate of the suspension system. Further, a mass damper is interposed between the disc and the base plate. The mass damper is defined integrally between the disc and the base plate, and is structured to support the disc on the portion of periphery of the base plate.

[009] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the disc constitutes a mass of the mass damper assembly, and the mass damper is structured to impart stiffness to the damper assembly.

[0010] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mass damper is made of a polymeric material selected from at least one of an elastomeric material, a viscoelastic material, an elastoplastic material, and the disc is made of at least one of a metal, an alloy and a metal matrix composite material.

[0011] In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least a portion of mating surfaces of the disc and the mass damper has a retaining profile, and the retaining profile is at least one of a rectangular profile, a U-shaped profile, inverted U-shaped profile, C-shaped profile and trapezoidal profile.

[0012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, mass of the disc ranges from 1 kg and 2 kgs.

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method for assembling a mass damper assembly within a suspension system of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises disposing, a disc, on at least a portion of a periphery of a base plate of the suspension system, and interposing, a mass damper, between the disc and the base plate. The mass damper is defined integrally between the disc and the base plate, and is structured to support the disc on the portion of periphery of the base plate.
[0014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes extrusion moulding of the mass damper with at least a portion of the periphery of the disc and the periphery of the base plate.

[0015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes forming a retaining profile in at least a portion of mating surfaces of the disc and the mass damper to secure the disc with the mass damper.

[0016] 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 further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] 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 ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0018] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an 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:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional perspective view of a suspension system of a vehicle having the mass damper assembly shown in magnified view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the suspension system having the mass damper assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional perspective view of the suspension system having the mass damper assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0022] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate perspective and front views of different retaining profiles of the disc and the mass damper of the mass damper assembly, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] 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 assembly or system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have 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.

[0025] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the assembly, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, drawings show only those specific details which 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 skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the assembly of the present disclosure may be employed in variety of vehicles such as passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles having different specifications. However, only few components associated with the suspension system of a vehicle such as a wheel, twist beam, shock absorber, brake lines, etc., are illustrated in the drawings for the purpose of simplicity.

[0026] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that an assembly, a method, a system, or a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such an assembly, a method, a system, or a device. In other words, one or more elements in the assembly or the method or the system or the device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or the method or the system or the device.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mass damper assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle. The mass damper assembly is intended to attenuate or mitigate noise and vibration emanating from the suspension system, especially those emanating from the wheel assembly linked with the suspension system. The suspension system recognized in the present disclosure may be a part of an engine based vehicle, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, plug in hybrid electric vehicle, although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards attenuation of noise and vibration emanating from an electric vehicle. The mass damper assembly of the present disclosure includes a disc which is positioned at least a portion of periphery a base plate present in the suspension system. The base plate may include, but not limited to a backplate or an anchor plate of the suspension system. In an embodiment, the base plate may form a part of braking system associated with the suspension system of the vehicle. The assembly further includes a mass damper interposed or sandwiched between the disc and the base plate. The mass damper may form an integral part of at least a portion of a periphery of the disc as well as a periphery of the base plate when interposed. When interposed, the mass damper may support the disc on the portion of periphery of the base plate.

[0028] In an embodiment, the mass damper assembly described above may be structured to attenuate or mitigate noise originating at the wheel when vehicle is moving. The noise originating at the wheel due to traction with the road may get transmitted to vehicle frame (chassis) through axles or twist beams, and may be heard by occupants of the vehicle in multiples of frequencies. The noise may cause discomfort to occupants, especially if the vehicle components operate silently like the case of electric vehicles. The mass damper assembly disclosed by embodiments of the present disclosure is therefore provided over the base plate of the suspension system to dampen noises and vibrations, specifically the noises and vibrations concentrated at certain suspension points in the suspension system. In an embodiment, the disc of the mass damper assembly constitutes the mass, while the mass damper of the assembly may impart stiffness to the entire damper assembly. To attain this, the mass damper may be manufactured from a polymeric material selected from one of an elastomeric material, a viscoelastic material, an elastoplastic material, or a blend/combination of two or more of these. Further, the disc may be manufactured using a metal or an alloy or a composite material having a metal as the base matrix element. In another embodiment, the mass damper may serve the purpose of dampening frequencies and integral multiples of frequencies which may cause discomfort to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the disclosure, the mass damper and the disc may be extrusion molded so as to form an integral/unified component. The integral/unified component may in turn be co-extruded with the base plate of the suspension system. In an embodiment, the mass damper may be extrusion molded with at least a portion of the periphery of the disc, as well as the periphery of the base plate. During extrusion molding, the mating (or contact) surfaces of the disc and the mass damper may define a retaining profile having a predefined cross-section. In an embodiment, cross-section of the retaining profile may include but not limited to rectangular, a U-shape, inverted U-shape, C-shape, semi-circular, trapezoidal profile or combinations thereof.

[0030] In another non-limiting embodiment, a method for assembling a mass damper assembly with a vehicular suspension system is disclosed. The method includes disposing a disc on at least a portion of periphery of a base plate of the suspension system. Then, the method involves interposing a mass damper between the disc and the base plate to form the mass damper assembly. The mass damper is interposed between the disc and the base plate such that it may be integral with the disc and the base plate. In an embodiment, the method involves extrusion moulding of the mass damper between the disc and the base plate so that the mass damper remains integral with the disc on one side and the base plate on other side. In another embodiment, the method involves retaining at least a portion of mating surfaces of the disc and the mass damper to form a retaining profile, with the retaining profile having a variety of cross-sectional profiles.

[0031] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGS.1 to 4D. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary embodiments which illustrate sectional perspective view and front view respectively of a part of vehicle suspension system (100) having the mass damper assembly (10). FIG. 1 shows magnified view of the mass damper assembly (10) forming a part of the suspension system (100). The suspension system (100), among other components, includes a wheel (1), an axle or a twist beam (2), a shock absorbing rod (3). In an embodiment, the axle (or the twist beam) is a rear axle (or a rear twist beam) of the vehicle. Throughout the specification reference is only made to the wheel (1), the axle or a twist beam (2), and the shock absorbing rod (3), and not to other associated components of the suspension system (100). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wheel (1), the shock absorbing rod (3) and the axle (2) are interconnected. Thus, when the vehicle treads over irregular/uneven ground surface, the noise and vibration generated at the wheel are transmitted to the suspension system (100). Suspension system (100) takes care of damping or attenuating the noise and vibrations to minimize the extent of discomfort to occupants inside the vehicle.

[0033] In an embodiment, the oscillations or vibrations originating at a wheel (1) are transmitted through the axle or twist beam (2) to the suspension system (100). The axle (or twist beam) (2) may be a front axle or a rear axle, although embodiments of present disclosure are more directed towards rear suspension system which includes rear axle (or rear twist beam) in the vehicle. Generally, noise concentration is considerable at various suspension points, and such noise may be heard in terms of frequencies or multiples of frequencies by the occupants of the vehicle. Especially, if the vehicle is electric power driven, the intensity of noise may aggravate because of smooth and silent operating characteristics of the electric components within the electric vehicle. The mass damper assembly (10) of the present disclosure is intended to dampen such noises and vibrations, so as to minimize the extent of discomfort to lowest levels possible.

[0034] As illustrated in magnified portion of FIG. 1, the mass damper assembly (10) includes a disc (6) and a mass damper (5) provided over the base plate (4) of the suspension system (100). The base plate (4) may form a part of the wheel (1) assembly of the vehicle, or the braking system [not shown] of the vehicle in association with the suspension system (100). In an embodiment, the base plate (4) may be a backplate or an anchor plate present in the brake assemblies. Therefore, the mass damper assembly (10) of the present disclosure may be retrofitted onto existing base plate of a suspension system, including but not limited to a brake backing plate and an anchor plate, to dampen noise and vibrations. In an embodiment, the base plate (4) may define a portion or a provision on its periphery (4a) to accommodate the mass damper assembly (10). In an embodiment, the provision on the periphery (4a) of the base plate (4) may be a half cut groove, a stepped transition, or even a full groove having a predefined cross-section like square, circular, semi-circular or any other cross-section. In some embodiments, the elements of mass damper assembly (10) may be directly molded onto an outer peripheral surface (4a) of the base plate (4) without the requirement of such a groove or a stepped transition.

[0035] The mass damper assembly (10) integrally formed with the base plate (4) includes a mass damper (5) and a disc (6). The mass damper (5) and the disc (6) may have peripheral surfaces which may conform with periphery (outer) (4a) of the base plate (4). In particular, the mass damper (5) is interposed or sandwiched between the disc (6) and the base plate (4) such that the mass damper (5) may be integrated/unified with at least a portion of the periphery (6a) of the disc (6) on one side. On the other side, i.e., opposite side, the mass damper (5) may unify/integrate with a portion of the periphery or entire periphery (outer) of the base plate (4). Thus, in an interposed or sandwiched configuration, the mass damper (5) supports the disc (6) on the base plate (4). In an embodiment, the disc (6) and the mass damper (5) may be analogous to mass and spring elements respectively of a spring-mass -damper system, such that the mass damper (5) may impart stiffness to the mass damper assembly (10). Thus, the disc (6) which may constitute mass of the spring-mass-damper system may be attributed to inertial effects (loads) of the mass damper assembly (10). In another embodiment, the mass damper (5) may serve as both stiffness element and damping element of a spring-mass-damper system. Therefore, the mass damper (5) may dampen/dissipate amplitudes and/or frequencies of vibrations to mitigate noise and harshness.

[0036] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 along with FIGS. 1 and 2. The disc (6) which may constitute mass of the mass damper (10) may be manufactured using materials which are intrinsically heavy, including but not limited to metals, alloys, composite materials having metal base/matrix, and so on. In an embodiment, the mass of the disc (6) may range between 1 kg and 2 kgs. The range of disc (6) mass is not in anyway limiting scope of the present disclosure, as mass of the disc (6) may vary from vehicle to vehicle and from one suspension system to another. A number of other factors also play a role in determining the mass of the disc (6) of the mass damper assembly (10). Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the disc (6) may appear as an integrally stacked component over the mass damper (5). The disc-mass damper unit may be co-extruded, or extrusion molded with the peripheral portion (4a) of the base plate (4). In an embodiment, the mass damper (5) may be manufactured of materials selected from a group of polymeric materials, including but not limited to viscoelastic material, elastomeric material like natural rubber, an elastoplastic material, or any other polymeric material which has reasonable stiffness and damping properties. Thus, when vibrations are transmitted from various members to the mass damper (5) of the mass damper assembly (10), the mass damper (5) may undergo reasonable amount of deformation (elastic or negligible plastic deformation) to attenuate vibrations, and therefore, the noise and harshness.

[0037] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate perspective and front cross-sectional views different retaining profiles formed between the disc (6) and the mass damper (5) of the mass damper assembly (10). As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, when the disc (6) is molded over or integrally stacked over the mass damper (5), the contact interface or mating surface (5a) of the disc (6) and mass damper (5) forms a retaining profile. The retaining profile may have a predefined cross-section depending on the cross-section of both disc (6) and mass damper (5). As shown in FIG. 4A, the mating surface (5a) may be flat resulting from rectangular or square cross-sectioned mass damper (5) and disc (6). Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the mass damper (5) may have a semi-circular or U-shaped or C-shaped depression, such that an underside of the disc (6) may have a conforming downward bump which mates with the depression of the mass damper (5). An inverted configuration of FIG. 4B may be seen in FIG. 4C. The extent of bump and the depression provides flexibility with respect to variation of mass and volume of both the mass damper (5) and the disc (6). For example, when FIGS. 4B and 4C are compared, volume of the disc (6) shown in FIG. 4B happens to be more than the volume of disc (6) shown in FIG. 4C. Such varied cross-sectional dimensions of the disc (6) may provide flexibility with respect to variation of mass of the disc (6), as well as wider choice of materials for a given segment of vehicle. The flexibility with respect to variation of mass and choice of material for the disc (6) also contributes to overall optimization of suspension system design and fabrication. Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, the disc (6) and the mass damper (5) may form or define an interlocking or snapping cross-section so that the disc (6) may be locked or snapped with the mass damper (5). This may eliminate the need for integrally molding the disc (6) with the mass damper (5). Resulting mating surface (5a) in the configuration shown in FIG. 4D is a complex one, and may require complex manufacturing steps.

[0038] In an operational embodiment, a method for assembling a mass damper assembly (10) with a vehicular suspension system (100 is disclosed. The method includes disposing a disc (6) on at least a portion of a base plate (4) of the suspension system (100), peripheral surface (4a) of the base plate (4) in particular. Then, the method involves interposing a mass damper (5) between the disc (6) and the base plate (4) to form the mass damper assembly (10). The mass damper assembly (10) is interposed such that it may be integral with at least a portion of a periphery (6a) of the disc (6) and a periphery (4a) of the base plate (4).

[0039] The mass damper assembly (10) of the present disclosure may have several inherent advantages.

[0040] One of the advantages is that the mass damper assembly (10) is formed integrally with the base plate (4) of the suspension system. This minimizes manufacturing lead time, assembly time, cost of production and inspection, and eliminates the need of separate manufacturing equipment (like extrusion dies, fusing equipment and so on) if at all the mass damper assembly (10) and the base plate (4) were assembled/bonded/joined instead of molding.

[0041] Another advantage is the flexibility in variation of volume and mass of both mass damper (5) and the disc (5) through variation in cross-sections of the mass damper (5) and the disc (6). This is helpful in meeting fluctuating design requirements of suspension systems of various vehicle segments. The flexibility in cross-sections is also helpful in saving material (for instance, a metal or an alloy based disc), material costs, while improving overall compactness of the suspension system.

[0042] Yet another advantage is the possibility of retro-fitment with existing brake plates or suspension system without the need of additional components or additional machining/fabrication procedures.

[0043] A still another advantage is elimination of additional components like brackets, fasteners, etc., necessary to assemble/attach conventional mass dampers to suspension systems. Direct molding of the mass damper assembly of the present disclosure on the base plate optimizes design requirements and minimizes overall weight of suspension systems.

[0044] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop an assembly or a method or a system 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:

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 (100) 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 (100) 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.

[0047] Reference Numerals:

Suspension system 100
Mass damper assembly 10
Wheel 1
Axle or twist beam 2
Shock absorbing rod 3
Base plate or anchor plate 4
Periphery/peripheral surface of base plate 4a
Mass damper 5
Mating surface 5a
Depression/Bump in mass damper 5b
Disc 6
Periphery/peripheral surface of disc 6a
Depression/bump of disc 6b