| 摘要 |
<p>A leaf spring assembly (60) shown in figure 4 for use as an active component in vehicle suspension systems inlcudes a full leaf leaf spring component (63A) and a half leaf leaf spring component (64) connected thereto. The full leaf leaf spring (63A) extends substantially the entire length of the leaf spring assembly (60) and the half leaf leaf spring (64) extends substantially the entire length of one of the cantilevers (66, 68). In a preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly (60) has front (66) and rear (68) cantilevers of substantially unequal length, the leaf spring assembly (60) provides for a constant caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound. In another preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly (60) has front (66) and rear (68) cantilevers of substantially equal length, the leaf spring assembly (60) provides for a varying caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound. In yet another preferred form, the axle seat portion (70) of the full leaf leaf spring (63A) is designed such that it biases the position of the axle associated with the leaf spring assembly (60) to a predetermined caster angle.</p> |
