Adjustable Wheel Hub Assembly for Lower Unsprung Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-wheel motors face challenges such as increased unsprung weight, which affects vehicle handling and stability due to their placement within the wheel, leading to inertia issues and reduced efficiency in absorbing road shocks.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with a hub-style design that integrates motors within the wheel, using connecting members like spokes to adjust the wheel axis dynamically, allowing for independent control of each motor to optimize torque distribution and reduce unsprung weight, while also serving as an active suspension system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in-wheel motors are integrated within the wheel, then torque control precision and traction are improved, but unsprung weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the in-wheel motor, suspension system, and wheel into a single integrated assembly. The motor is mounted directly on the wheel hub, and the suspension linkage is integrated with the motor housing, eliminating the need for separate suspension components and reducing overall unsprung weight despite adding motor mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-wheel motor serves multiple functions: it provides torque for wheel rotation, acts as part of the suspension system through its mounting structure, and enables independent wheel control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, offsetting the weight penalty of the motor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If in-wheel motors are integrated within the wheel, then independent torque control of each wheel is improved, but vehicle handling deteriorates due to increased unsprung weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an active suspension system where the motor position is dynamically adjusted relative to the wheel center. The motor can move radially to change the wheel's effective position, allowing real-time optimization of handling characteristics while maintaining independent torque control capability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If in-wheel motors are integrated within the wheel, then braking distance is reduced, but protection against road shocks becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated suspension linkage is designed to absorb and cushion road shocks before they reach the motor and wheel bearing. The linkage acts as a pre-positioned cushioning mechanism that protects the motor from harmful vibrations and impacts.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional suspension systems are added to in-wheel motor assemblies, then protection against road shocks is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension linkage is merged with the motor housing and wheel assembly, creating a unified structure that eliminates the need for separate suspension components. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining shock protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing serves dual purposes: it houses the motor components and simultaneously functions as part of the suspension linkage. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated suspension parts needed, simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly comprising a wheel that is rotatable about a shaft. The wheel is supported by a plurality of connecting members to rotate about a plurality of motors that are arranged on the shaft. The plurality of motors are operable to control the connecting members so as to adjustably shift a central axis through the wheel relative to a central axis through the shaft. The wheel assembly may thus be used to dynamically adjust a position of the wheel axis relative to the central axis of the motors.