TWIST BEAM AXLE WITH INTEGRAL TORSION BAR

摘要

A traditional twist beam axle found in a vehicle includes a twist beam with a separate torsion beam or a hollow tube formed into an inverted U shape that acts as both the twist beam and the torsion beam. Both solutions are expensive to manufacture A twist beam axle ( 14 ) is provided wherein the torsion member ( 42 ) is rigidly secured to the twist beam ( 40 ) The twist beam ( 40 ) has a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration having a bight portion ( 44 ) with first ( 50 ) and second ( 52 ) projections extending therefrom Embodiments include the cross-sectional configuration having an open cavity and the bight portion ( 44 ) having an indentation into the open cavity and forming a depression that is covered by the torsion member ( 42 ) A method of forming the disclosed twist beam axle ( 14 ) is also provided, the method including the step of rigidly securing the torsion member ( 42 ) to the bight portion ( 44 ) of the twist beam ( 40 )