Angled Swing Arm Wheel Module for Reduced Bending Moments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel modules for motor vehicles face challenges in supporting forces in a space-efficient manner, particularly during cornering and steering, leading to increased material usage and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A wheel module design featuring a rotatable wheel with a swing arm articulated at an angle α (−40°≤α≤35°) to the supporting frame, allowing for efficient transfer of forces with a reduced lever arm, and incorporating a shock absorber for damping, which reduces bending moments and material usage, enabling a compact and lightweight structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the swing arm is articulated above the wheel in the Z direction, then the wheel can be supported in the vertical direction, but the effective lever arm for joint forces becomes at least twice the radius of the wheel, increasing bending moments and material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the swing arm articulation by defining a specific angle α (−40°≤α≤35°) between the radial line and the X-Y plane. This parameter optimization reduces the effective lever arm from at least twice the wheel radius to a smaller value, thereby reducing bending moments and allowing for a lighter swing arm design while maintaining force support capability
2Area of stationary object
If the swing arm is articulated close to the wheel circumference, then space requirements are reduced, but the lever arm for transverse forces during cornering increases bending moments on the swing arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the articulation angle α (−40°≤α≤35°) to achieve an optimal compromise between compact space arrangement and acceptable bending moment levels. This angular parameter allows the swing arm to be positioned close to the wheel while controlling the lever arm effect on transverse forces during cornering
3Strength
If a traditional swing arm articulation above the wheel is used, then vertical support is provided, but the structural space requirement and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical (Z-direction) articulation above the wheel to an angled articulation configuration where the pivot axis is positioned at angle α (−40°≤α≤35°) to the X-Y plane. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the swing arm to be articulated closer to the wheel center while maintaining vertical support capability through the angled geometry
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design minimizes material usage and space requirements while maintaining effective force support, allowing for enhanced maneuverability and reduced production costs, enabling a structural-space-saving wheel module with improved steering capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber which acts on the swing arm and can be supported on the supporting frame of the motor vehicle for damping vibrations of the wheel caused by unevenness in the roadway
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel module (14) for a motor vehicle has a wheel rotatable about a center of rotation and serves for the propulsion of the motor vehicle, and having a swing arm attachable to a supporting frame of the motor vehicle so as to be articulated about a pivot axis and by which forces which act on the wheel are supported on the supporting frame. The center of rotation of the wheel and the pivot axis of the swing arm lie on an imaginary radial line beginning at the center of rotation of the wheel. The radial line runs at an angle α of −40°≤α≤35° with respect to an X-Y plane of the motor vehicle.