CONTROL ARM FOR USE IN VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

摘要

A control arm used as a suspension link within a vehicle suspension system has two similar members. Each member has a substantially W shaped cross section and circular endplates. The endplates are coupled together with bushings that include a compressible member. During normal loading, this bushing arrangement keeps the two members spaced apart. This allows each member to bend and flex when subjected to longitudinal forces. As transverse loading occurs, the two members are caused to move together, and eventually abut one another. This abutment greatly increases the overall strength of the control arm, allowing it to withstand severe transverse forces without buckling.