An apparatus includes at least one pressurized air source, at least one switching valve is in fluid communication with the pressurized air source, and at least one bump stop assembly is in fluid communication with the at least one switching valve. The at least one bump stop assembly includes a body member that at least partially defines a pressure chamber that is in fluid communication with the at least one pressurized air source. A bump stop contact member is coupled to the pressure chamber. A controller is configured to vary a fluid pressure within the pressure chamber in response to an input from at least one vehicle sensor.

A vehicle wheel suspension system includes two relatively movable portions and a resilient blade that includes two means for mechanical connection to both relatively movable portions, respectively. The blade has a flexural resilience at least 100 times greater than the tensile resilience, and is resiliently deformable between: a resting state in which the blade has an inwardly curved profile, and a maximally extended state in which the blade has an elongate profile, the length of which corresponds to that of the neutral fiber of the blade, while passing through intermediate extension states in which the blade has profiles that are less and less inwardly curved. The suspension system is deformable between an initial state in which the relatively movable portions are in a close configuration, and a compressed state in which the relatively movable portions are in a separated configuration and bias the blade.

A vehicle wheel suspension system includes two relatively movable portions and a resilient blade that includes two means for mechanical connection to both relatively movable portions, respectively. The blade has a flexural resilience at least 100 times greater than the tensile resilience, and is resiliently deformable between: a resting state in which the blade has an inwardly curved profile, and a maximally extended state in which the blade has an elongate profile, the length of which corresponds to that of the neutral fiber of the blade, while passing through intermediate extension states in which the blade has profiles that are less and less inwardly curved. The suspension system is deformable between an initial state in which the relatively movable portions are in a close configuration, and a compressed state in which the relatively movable portions are in a separated configuration and bias the blade.

A suspension system for a vehicle includes a first chassis rail and a second chassis rail, each extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. Also included is a first leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the first leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the first chassis rail and at an intermediate location to an axle assembly of the vehicle. Further included is a second leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the second leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the second chassis rail and at an intermediate location to the axle assembly of the vehicle. Yet further included is at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable.

A suspension system for a vehicle includes a first chassis rail and a second chassis rail, each extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. Also included is a first leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the first leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the first chassis rail and at an intermediate location to an axle assembly of the vehicle. Further included is a second leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the second leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the second chassis rail and at an intermediate location to the axle assembly of the vehicle. Yet further included is at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable.

A suspension travel control system (1046) for a vehicle suspension is disclosed. The suspension travel control system includes a stop post (834) secured to the vehicle frame and a suspension travel control formation that includes a base (1042) and a body (1048). The stop post (834) is positioned in a space defined by the body (1048). The suspension travel control formation may be secured to the axle, the main support member or incorporated into the axle coupling assembly to provide a rebound and jounce stop as well as longitudinal redundancy in the event of the failure or loss of a longitudinal linkage.

A suspension travel control system (1046) for a vehicle suspension is disclosed. The suspension travel control system includes a stop post (834) secured to the vehicle frame and a suspension travel control formation that includes a base (1042) and a body (1048). The stop post (834) is positioned in a space defined by the body (1048). The suspension travel control formation may be secured to the axle, the main support member or incorporated into the axle coupling assembly to provide a rebound and jounce stop as well as longitudinal redundancy in the event of the failure or loss of a longitudinal linkage.

A vehicle suspension system includes a leaf spring. The vehicle suspension system also includes a sensor embedded within the leaf spring and in operative communication with a vehicle system.

In a method for producing a spring leaf (2) for a leaf spring, in particular a parabolic spring or suspension spring, wherein the spring leaf (2) comprises two end regions, a central region, a top side which is subjected to tensile stress in the operative state, and a bottom side (1) which is subjected to pressure in the operative state, at least one hole (3) is introduced into the bottom side (1). The bottom side (1) is peened locally in the region around the hole (3).

In a method for producing a spring leaf (2) for a leaf spring, in particular a parabolic spring or suspension spring, wherein the spring leaf (2) comprises two end regions, a central region, a top side which is subjected to tensile stress in the operative state, and a bottom side (1) which is subjected to pressure in the operative state, at least one hole (3) is introduced into the bottom side (1). The bottom side (1) is peened locally in the region around the hole (3).