Patent ID: 6513819
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
In an automotive vehicle suspension system a sway bar assembly adapted to minimize vehicle lean and wheel deflection during vehicle cornering, and the improvement comprising a self-centering latch operable to modify the operating effect of said sway bar assembly on said vehicle; wherein:said latch includes opposed latch members operable to be engaged to provide for a first stiffness condition of said sway bar assembly and said latch members being operable to be at least partially disengaged to provide for one of decoupling said sway bar assembly from imposing any effect on said vehicle suspension and reducing the stiffness of said sway bar assembly; said latch members are biased into engagement with each other by pressure fluid; said latch includes a housing, said latch members being disposed in said housing for axial movement therein and a piston slidably disposed in said housing and operable to urge said latch members to said engaged condition; and said latch includes an elongated shaft member disposed at least partially in said housing, one of said latch members being keyed for axial rotation with said shaft but being axially slidable on said shaft and engageable with the other of said latch members.