Patent ID: 8864153
Filing Date: 2014-10-21
Classification: B60G,B62D

Abstract:
1. An automotive rear-suspension assembly comprising: a frame including a cross-member, a first side rail, and a second side-rail, the cross-member being affixed to, and generally transverse to, each of the first and the second side-rails, and wherein the frame defines a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side; a knuckle rotatably supported on the frame, the knuckle configured to support a vehicle wheel; a bellcrank pivotably supported on the cross-member and generally extending from the first side of the frame to the second side of the frame; a steering actuator disposed on the cross-member and in mechanical communication with the knuckle through the bellcrank; a first closeout panel extending between the first side-rail and the cross-member; a second closeout panel extending between the second side-rail and the cross-member; wherein each of the first side-rail and second side-rail are respectively formed around the steering actuator; wherein the first closeout panel, first side-rail, and cross-member cooperate to surround a first portion of the steering actuator; wherein the second closeout panel, the second side-rail, and the cross-member cooperate to surround a second portion of the steering actuator; and wherein an actuation of the steering actuator is configured to rotate the knuckle.