Arched Steering Knuckle Path for Variable Track Width
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with variable track widths require costly and complex hydraulic or electrical systems for track width adjustment, leading to increased mass, manufacturing costs, and complexity, while also facing challenges in maintaining wheel orientation and adjusting toe angle during configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with guiding and driving means that allows the steering knuckle to move along an arched pathway between retracted and extended positions, using control arms and shock absorbers to maintain orientation and stability, and adjust toe angle, while compensating for changes in load distribution caused by wheelbase changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic or electrical means are used for track width adjustment, then track width can be adjusted, but vehicle mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or electrical track width adjustment systems with a purely mechanical suspension system. The control arms and shock absorbers work together through mechanical linkages to achieve track width adjustment when the vehicle encounters lateral forces, eliminating the need for heavy hydraulic cylinders or electric motors while maintaining the ability to adjust track width.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system automatically adjusts track width in response to lateral forces without requiring active control systems. When lateral forces act on the vehicle, the control arms and shock absorbers mechanically respond to change the track width, allowing the system to self-regulate based on driving conditions without hydraulic or electrical intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic or electrical means are used for track width adjustment, then track width can be adjusted, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates expensive hydraulic pumps, valves, and electrical motors by using a mechanical suspension system with control arms and shock absorbers. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the functional capability of track width adjustment through the mechanical interaction of suspension components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control arms and shock absorbers serve multiple functions: they provide suspension, control wheel orientation, and adjust track width. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated hydraulic or electrical adjustment mechanisms, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic or electrical means are used for track width adjustment, then track width can be adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic control systems with a mechanical suspension system where control arms and shock absorbers naturally adjust track width through their geometric relationships and mechanical linkages. This eliminates the need for complex control valves, hydraulic circuits, and electrical control systems, significantly reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the track width adjustment function with the existing suspension system. The control arms and shock absorbers that provide suspension also automatically adjust track width, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If wheelbase decreases for increased track width, then maneuverability improves, but vehicle stability changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the suspension and control arms automatically adjust the wheel orientation and track width based on lateral forces. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both maneuverability and stability in real-time, rather than being constrained by a fixed wheelbase configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameters of the wheels through the control arms and shock absorbers. By adjusting the angular orientation of the control arms, the system can change wheel orientation and track width while maintaining proper wheel alignment and vehicle stability through the mechanical constraints of the suspension geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A suspension system for a vehicle, comprising a steering knuckle (1) connected through suspension means with a vehicle chassis portion (4), characterized in that the suspension system comprises: guiding means configured to enable movement of the steering knuckle (1) with respect to the vehicle chassis portion (4) along an arched pathway between a first and a second position, driving means configured to effect the movement of the steering knuckle (1) between the first and the second position, wherein the guiding means are adapted to effect a selected angular orientation of the steering knuckle (1) with respect to the vehicle chassis portion (4) during the movement between the first position and the second position.