Independent Corner Module With Dual Steering for Wide Wheel Angles

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suspension systems, particularly those using air springs and solid axle configurations, face challenges in enhancing riding comfort and steering characteristics, and struggle with transferring steering forces stably to the wheel, especially in independent steering systems where large steering angles can cause interference with the vehicle body.

Innovation Solution

An independent corner module is designed with a steering unit and axle gear that can be independently rotated, incorporating a double wishbone knuckle and dual kingpin axes to allow for wide steering angles and stable wheel behavior, utilizing a combination of steering and rack steering units to input steering angles without rotating the knuckle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single steering unit performing large steering is used, then wide steering angle is achieved, but interference with the vehicle body occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering angle rangeVSAvoidinterference with vehicle body

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The steering system is divided into two independent units: a first steering unit for large steering angles and a second steering unit for small steering angles. Each unit has its own motor assembly and gear mechanism, allowing them to operate independently or simultaneously to achieve the desired steering angle without vehicle body interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which steering unit to operate based on the required steering angle. The control unit determines whether to use the first steering unit alone, the second steering unit alone, or both simultaneously, optimizing performance while avoiding interference with the vehicle body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If only a steering unit performing large steering is used, then steering capability is improved, but stability in force transfer to knuckle is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering capabilityVSAvoidstability of force transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The steering system is divided into two independent units: a first steering unit for large steering angles and a second steering unit for small steering angles. Each unit has its own motor assembly and gear mechanism, allowing them to operate independently or simultaneously to achieve the desired steering angle without vehicle body interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which steering unit to operate based on the required steering angle. The control unit determines whether to use the first steering unit alone, the second steering unit alone, or both simultaneously, optimizing performance while avoiding interference with the vehicle body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If conventional air spring suspension is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but riding comfort and steering characteristics are not significantly improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension structureVSAvoidriding comfort and steering characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The independent corner module integrates multiple functions into a single assembly: the air spring provides suspension, while the integrated steering units provide both large and small steering capabilities. This multi-functional design improves riding comfort and steering characteristics without significantly increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11820449B2Independent corner module

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An embodiment independent corner module includes a knuckle unit positioned at an inward area of a wheel, an upper arm fastened between an upper end of the knuckle unit and a vehicle body, a lower arm fastened between a lower end of the knuckle unit and the vehicle body, a steering unit configured to input a steering angle to the knuckle unit by being rotated with respect to the lower arm, and a rack steering unit positioned under the steering unit and fastened to the knuckle unit, the rack steering unit being configured to apply a rotating force to the knuckle unit by varying a length thereof.