Patent ID: 6923071
Filing Date: 2005-08-02
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for determining the spring rate of a torsion bar, said apparatus comprising: a frame having a head end and a tail end and two channels, each of which defines an axis and is configured to receive a torsion bar, the two axes being nonaligned; a force applicator mounted on the frame at its head end and including a drive element that is capable of undergoing a displacement from a retracted position to extended positions and exerting a force as it displaces; a measuring unit mounted on the frame at its tail end and being capable of measuring a force; a first torque arm configured to couple one end of a torsion bar in one of the channels with the drive element of the force applicator; and a second torque arm configured to couple with a torsion bar in one of the channels and transmit torque exerted on it to the measuring unit, so that the measuring unit can measure the force derived from the torque.