HYBRID LEAF SPRING AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING AN AXLE ON A VEHICLE

摘要

In a hybrid leaf spring (10), an elongated primary leaf element (12) is provided having a first modulus of elasticity a tension surface (14), and a compression surface (16). At least one layer of composite materi al (20) is substantially parallel to and bonded to the tension surface (14) of the primary leaf element (12) with at least a second layer o f composite material (20) bonded to the compression surface (16) of the primary leaf (12). The primary leaf element (12) can also includ e mounting eyes (18) coupled to the ends of the primary leaf element (12) for mounting the hybrid leaf spring (10) to the frame of a vehicle. The hybrid leaf spring (10) can also include multiple layers of composite material (20) bonded to both the tension (14) and compression (16) surfaces of the primary leaf spring (12).