Articulated Bus Steering Knuckle Layout for Wide Steering Angle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle steering units with in-wheel engines face challenges in maneuverability due to the engine's size and weight, which limits their use in narrow city streets and prevents high-speed motorway use, while reducing engine size compromises power.
Innovation Solution
A steering unit design featuring a steering knuckle with a transversal in-wheel engine and an actuator mechanism, including a lever and tie rod, allows for a wide steering angle and efficient control, optimizing both size and power by positioning the actuator within the passenger platform and using a transversal sliding direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the in-wheel engine size is increased to provide higher power for motorway use, then the vehicle's maximum power and speed capability is improved, but the steering angle is reduced and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by positioning the in-wheel engine transversally (laterally) rather than longitudinally within the steering knuckle. This spatial reconfiguration allows the engine to occupy width rather than length, thereby preserving the longitudinal space needed for adequate steering angle while still accommodating a high-power engine. The transversal placement creates a new spatial dimension for engine installation that resolves the conflict between power density and steering geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering knuckle is segmented into distinct functional zones: the transversal portion accommodates the in-wheel engine, while the longitudinal portion maintains the steering linkage and pivot geometry. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone - the transversal zone maximizes power density while the longitudinal zone preserves steering angle, thereby resolving the contradiction between engine size and maneuverability.
2Ease of operation
If the in-wheel engine size is reduced to improve maneuverability and steering angle, then the steering angle and maneuverability are improved, but the maximum power and motorway capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the transversal dimension for engine placement, the invention decouples the relationship between engine size and steering angle. The engine can be made large in the transversal direction without encroaching on the longitudinal space required for steering rotation, thus achieving both high power and good maneuverability simultaneously rather than requiring a trade-off.
3Productivity
If the actuator mechanism is positioned within the passenger platform, then the steering control efficiency and maneuverability are improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is merged with the passenger platform structure, utilizing the platform's existing structural elements as mounting points and support. This integration approach reduces the need for separate dedicated actuator mounting structures, thereby improving steering control efficiency while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity. The actuator becomes part of the existing platform architecture rather than an additive component.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering unit for a vehicle, notably a bus. The steering unit is coupled with a suspension system and comprises: a support formed by a passenger platform and a wheel housing, a longitudinal axis, a steering knuckle with an in-wheel engine defining a transversal rotation axis which is arranged transversally with respect to the longitudinal axis, an actuator mechanism adapted for pivoting the steering knuckle. The steering knuckle further comprises a lever which is linked to the actuator mechanism and which includes a transversal portion extending transversally along the in-wheel engine. The steering unit is adapted for an articulated bus with at least two bodies, said bodies each exhibits four or eight identical and independent steering units.