Methods and systems for estimating an axle load of a vehicle are described. In one example, a method is disclosed wherein axle load is estimated in response to an angle between two components of an axle. The angle may change as weight is added to or removed from the axle such that axle load may be determined as a function of the angle.

A coil spring is interposed between a vehicle body and a suspension member which is elastically and swingably supported by the vehicle body and supports a wheel. The suspension member and a vehicle part attached to the vehicle body are connected by a fastening member. The orientation of the suspension member with respect to the vehicle body is forcibly changed so as to increase the distance between the vehicle body and the suspension member at a coil spring interposition portion. An excessive change in the orientation of the suspension member is restricted by the fastening member, and a coil spring is inserted between the vehicle body and the suspension member.

A coil spring is interposed between a vehicle body and a suspension member which is elastically and swingably supported by the vehicle body and supports a wheel. The suspension member and a vehicle part attached to the vehicle body are connected by a fastening member. The orientation of the suspension member with respect to the vehicle body is forcibly changed so as to increase the distance between the vehicle body and the suspension member at a coil spring interposition portion. An excessive change in the orientation of the suspension member is restricted by the fastening member, and a coil spring is inserted between the vehicle body and the suspension member.

A drive control device for a multi-axle-driving electrified vehicle including a first driving axle that is rotationally driven by a first electric motor and a second driving axle that is rotationally driven by a second electric motor includes: an axle load distribution change control unit configured to perform axle load distribution change control for changing an axle load distribution for the first driving axle and the second driving axle; and a drive control unit configured to control operations of the first electric motor and the second electric motor. The drive control unit is configured to perform driving force change control for changing driving forces of the first electric motor and the second electric motor when the axle load distribution change control unit performs the axle load distribution change control.

A drive control device for a multi-axle-driving electrified vehicle including a first driving axle that is rotationally driven by a first electric motor and a second driving axle that is rotationally driven by a second electric motor includes: an axle load distribution change control unit configured to perform axle load distribution change control for changing an axle load distribution for the first driving axle and the second driving axle; and a drive control unit configured to control operations of the first electric motor and the second electric motor. The drive control unit is configured to perform driving force change control for changing driving forces of the first electric motor and the second electric motor when the axle load distribution change control unit performs the axle load distribution change control.

A housing unit for use in an axle end assembly including first and second housing parts, wherein one of the first and the second housing parts are disposed to be mutually rotatable and define a housing interior space, wherein the first housing part for establishing on a hub has a flange, wherein the second housing part for safeguarding against rotation in relation to a stator of a wheel suspension has an engagement portion, wherein a gear wheel assembly is disposed in the housing interior space to transmit a torque of a driveshaft to the first housing part, wherein one of the first and the second housing parts, when dismantling the housing unit from the wheel suspension, are mutually established that the housing interior space remains closed such that at least 70% of the outwardly protruding faces of the housing unit are closed in a fluid-tight manner.

A housing unit for use in an axle end assembly including first and second housing parts, wherein one of the first and the second housing parts are disposed to be mutually rotatable and define a housing interior space, wherein the first housing part for establishing on a hub has a flange, wherein the second housing part for safeguarding against rotation in relation to a stator of a wheel suspension has an engagement portion, wherein a gear wheel assembly is disposed in the housing interior space to transmit a torque of a driveshaft to the first housing part, wherein one of the first and the second housing parts, when dismantling the housing unit from the wheel suspension, are mutually established that the housing interior space remains closed such that at least 70% of the outwardly protruding faces of the housing unit are closed in a fluid-tight manner.

A vehicle suspension link device including a link element with a first and a second connection locus, for connection of the link element to a vehicle support structure and to a vehicle axle respectively, and a sensor element for detecting a movement of the link element, the sensor element being attached to the link element at an attachment point located on a virtual straight axis joining the first connection locus and the second connection locus.

A retractable wheel assembly may include a fork that may be pivotally coupled to an object and a wheel that may be rotatably mounted on the fork. The retractable wheel assembly may further include a hollow housing that may be made up of an elongated housing portion pivotally coupled to the fork from a first end of the elongated housing portion and a curved housing portion integrally formed with an opposing second end of the elongated housing portion. The retractable wheel assembly may further include a weight disposed and moveable within the housing.

A tandem mechanical spring axle/suspension system for heavy-duty vehicles includes a tandem assembly that comprises a front beam of a suspension assembly of a front axle/suspension system, a rear beam of a suspension assembly of a rear axle suspension system, and a mechanical spring. The mechanical spring operatively engages the front beam and the rear beam and extends longitudinally therebetween, as well as operatively engages a main member of the vehicle frame.