Patent ID: 8668215
Filing Date: 2014-03-11
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
1. A vehicle drive arrangement for a vehicle having a chassis extending longitudinally, and a rotary power shaft extending longitudinally along the chassis, the rotary power shaft being coupled at a rearward end thereof to a differential arrangement for converting the rotary motion of the rotary power shaft to rotary motion of first and second drive shafts have a respective longitudinal axis, the vehicle drive arrangement comprising: a differential coupling arrangement for fixedly coupling the differential arrangement to the chassis; first and second universal coupling arrangement for coupling respective ones of the first and second drive shafts to the differential arrangement, whereby the first and second drive shafts are displaceable; first and second spring elements coupled to respective ones of the first and second drive shafts at respective ends distal from said first and second universal coupling arrangements, and to the chassis; first and second secondary leaf springs coupled at respective first ends thereof to the first and second drive shafts at respective ends distal from said first and second universal coupling arrangements, and at respective second ends thereof to the chassis; first and second displaceable fulcrum arrangements for varying the respective spring rates of said first and second secondary leaf springs, wherein each of said fulcrum arrangements comprise a fulcrum carrier for supporting a fulcrum, said fulcrum carrier being pivotally coupled to the chassis of the vehicle; a fulcrum bumper comprising a rheological material that changes viscosity or stiffness in response to the application of electrical energy; and a beam having first and second ends, said beam being coupled at the first and second ends to respective ones of the first and second drive shafts at respective ends distal from said first and second universal coupling arrangements.