Patent ID: 9102211
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: B29D,B29K,B60G,F16F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing an integrated knuckle and bushing assembly for use in a suspension assembly in a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: producing a knuckle member having a passage extending there through, the knuckle member for providing support for a suspension member, the knuckle member having a first extension member located at one end of the passage of the knuckle member and further defining the passage and a second extension member located at a second end of the passage of the knuckle member and further defining the passage, wherein the first extension member and the second extension member each extend in a direction aligned with a center axis of the passage; producing a bushing having a passage extending there through and plurality of annular reduced portions located in an exterior surface of the bushing, wherein the bushing includes an outer member having a center portion, a first ear, and a second ear, wherein the ears are spaced apart by the center portion; locating the bushing to be axially aligned in the passage in the knuckle member so that the knuckle member contacts the first ear and the second ear while the first extension member and the second extension member each extend in a direction aligned with the center axis of the passage, the bushing for providing improved radial, torsional and conical support to the suspension member to be located within the passage in the bushing; and forming the first extension member to extend at least partially in a direction perpendicular with the center axis of the passage and over at least a portion of the first end of the bushing; and forming the second extension member to extend at least partially in a direction perpendicular with the center axis of the passage and over at least a portion of the second end of the bushing to secure the bushing within the passage of the knuckle member, wherein the steps of forming the first extension member and forming the second extension member are after the step of locating the bushing.