Disclosed herein is a rear subframe and suspension system. The subframe may be configured to accommodate one or two electric motors for propelling an automobile. The subframe may be configured such that the motor(s) is inserted through the front end of the subframe. The subframe may substantially surround the motor. Braces may be the coupled to the subframe to secure the motor within the subframe. The subframe may further include built-in motor mounts. An independent rear suspension system and rear steering system may also be coupled to the subframe.

A steering system for a wheel of a vehicle includes a pivot member having multiple pivot-node locations. The pivot member is connectable at a first pivot-node location to a sub-frame of the wheel. A steering rod is actuatable to rotate the wheel about a steering axis and is mechanically coupled with the pivot member to be co-pivotable with the pivot member. A suspension-connector rod has a first end that is connected to the pivot member at a second pivot-node location, and has a second end that is connectable to a suspension arm linking the wheel of the vehicle to the sub-frame. When the steering system is installed in a vehicle, a lateral force acting upon the wheel is transmitted via the steering rod to the pivot member so as to rotate the pivot member, and the rotation is effective to transmit a substantially-vertical force vector to the sub-frame.

The disclosure relates to an electric vehicle for the transportation of persons and/or loads, having a frame structure and axle modules which are coupled to the frame structure, a front axle module and a rear axle module, to which in each case the wheels are coupled kinematically, at least one of the axle modules having a drive and an energy source. One of the axle modules has four suspension points for the attachment by means of elastic bearings to the frame structure, in each case, two suspension points forming a pair, and the pairs lying at different heights in the motor vehicle vertical direction.

A front body structure of the vehicle has a pair of left and right suspension housings provided in desired positions separated from the dash panel toward the vehicle front side. The front body structure of the vehicle further includes a first ring-shaped structural frame that passes through shroud members and is substantially ring-shaped in front view, a second ring-shaped structural frame that passes through the suspension housings and is substantially ring-shaped in front view, and a third ring-shaped structural frame that passes through hinge pillars and is substantially ring-shaped in front view, in which these ring-shaped structural frames are joined to each other by apron reinforcements, front side frames, and side members of the sub-frame.

In a suspension member having a closed cross section, insertion holes are respectively formed in an upper member and a lower member that are two opposing walls. A collar includes a cylindrical portion and a flange. The cylindrical portion is inserted through the insertion holes. On the upper member side, the cylindrical portion and the upper member are welded together, forming a weld bead. On the lower member side, the outer circumferential edge of the flange and the lower member are welded, forming a weld bead. The welding is applied so that the length of the welding line on the lower member side is longer.

A subframe assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The subframe assembly includes a crossmember, a straight arm, and a side bracket. The crossmember includes an end bracket disposed at an end thereof. The straight arm is received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember. The side bracket includes a base, and a rear bracket arm. The base is metallurgically bonded to a side of the straight arm adjacent to the end of the crossmember. The rear bracket arm extends from an end of the base and defines a hole adapted to receive a screw or pin for connecting a control arm of a wheel suspension to the subframe assembly. The rear bracket arm is at least partially received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember.

A rear axle of a two-track vehicle includes a plurality of wheel-control links with at least one spring link for supporting a bearing spring on a vehicle body of the vehicle, which wheel-control links connect a rear wheel of the vehicle to a rear axle carrier. The rear axle carrier includes at least two longitudinal members oriented at least approximately in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and at least one crossmember oriented at least approximately in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The rear axle carrier is attached to the vehicle body via two bearing points on each side of the vehicle, as viewed with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the vehicle. The spring link and at least one of the wheel-control links are attached to the longitudinal member. The attachment of the spring link to one longitudinal member in each case is arranged, as viewed in the travel direction of the vehicle, upstream of the center of the distance between the bearing points arranged on a common side of the vehicle.

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a bushing with a center line L, having an inner sleeve with a mounting bore, an outer sleeve and an elastomeric spring member extending along a height H along the center line L. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the inner sleeve, the spring member and the inner surface of the outer sleeve are on each side of the center line L substantially parallel. On at least one side of the longitudinal center line L, the outer surface of the inner sleeve, the spring member and the inner surface of the outer sleeve extend at an angle to the center line L. An outer surface of the outer sleeve is substantially parallel to the center line L along the height H. Another embodiment of an assembly according to the invention comprises a bushing with a mounting bore that extends at an angle to the center line L. The bushing according to the invention is compact, can be easily manufactured and assembled, take up a high load and can be adjusted to the direction along which forces act on the bushing.

A clamping system for mating an I-Beam frame to an undercarriage is disclosed. The clamping system utilizes clamping brackets to secure the undercarriage to the trailer frame. The undercarriage has adapter sides oriented perpendicular to the undercarriage adapter bottom. The clamping brackets have two portions oriented perpendicular to each other. Holes are located in the clamping brackets to receive bolts or screws. The trailer frame is aligned onto the undercarriage and positioned such that proper tongue weight is applied. The clamping brackets are rigidly installed on the clamping bracket sides. Clamping screws are installed into the clamping brackets and torqued to a value such that a compressive force is applied between the bottom of the I-Beam and the undercarriage adapter bottom. The compressive force applied prevents unwanted relative motion between the I-Beam frame and the undercarriage during use.

A rear chassis module for a vehicle includes: a rear suspension subframe disposed under a rear floor panel; a pair of front reinforcing members extending from the rear suspension subframe toward the front of the vehicle, and supporting a battery pack; a pair of rear reinforcing members extending from the rear suspension subframe toward the rear of the vehicle, and supporting a fuel tank; a pair of rear floor side members disposed on both sides of the rear floor panel; and a rear crossmember transverse to and connected to the pair of rear floor side members.