Independent Corner Module With Guide-Rail Steering for Wide Wheel Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial vehicle suspension systems, particularly those with integral-type suspension and independent steering systems, face limitations in improving ride comfort and handling characteristics, and struggle with stable transmission of rotational force from steering motors to wheels.
Innovation Solution
An independent corner module that includes a steering drive unit, steering frame, and body guide rail, allowing independent rotation and simultaneous movement of these components to apply a wide steering angle to the wheel, with features like a carrier link, motor, and rollers to enhance stability and steering precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an independent steering suspension system uses a motor assembly to input steering angle to a wheel, then steering precision is improved, but stable transmission of rotational force from steering motor to knuckle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the steering drive unit (motor assembly) is independently mounted on the body frame, while the knuckle assembly (including knuckle arm and wheel) remains separately mounted on the suspension system. This segmentation allows each module to perform its function optimally without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between steering precision and rotational force transmission stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A new intermediate component called the 'carrier link' is introduced to connect the steering drive unit and the knuckle assembly. The carrier link acts as a mediator that transmits both steering commands and rotational force between the two previously disconnected systems, enabling stable force transmission while maintaining independent operation of each module.
2Device complexity
If air spring is used to replace leaf spring in integral-type suspension system, then structural simplicity is improved, but ride comfort and handling characteristics improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The air spring is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the suspension spring (replacing the leaf spring's shock absorption function) and as a mounting base for the steering drive unit. This multi-functionality maintains structural simplicity while enabling the integration of independent steering capability, thereby improving ride comfort and handling characteristics without adding excessive complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If steering drive unit and steering frame are rotated independently, then steering angle range is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering drive unit and steering frame are merged into a single integrated assembly where the carrier link connects both components. This merging allows them to rotate independently to achieve wider steering angles while sharing common structural elements and mounting points, thereby reducing the overall structural complexity that would result from completely separate systems.
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
The module enables wider steering angles and improved structural stability, absorbing vertical wheel motions while maintaining precise steering control and enhancing ride comfort and handling characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a motor that applies a rotational force
Implementation Method 2
an upper roller located between the steering frame and the upper plate and between the body guide rail and the upper plate, and a lower roller located between the steering frame and the lower plate and between the body guide rail and the lower plate
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment independent corner module includes a knuckle fastened to a wheel, a steering frame fastened to the knuckle, the steering frame having an upper end configured to be fixed to a vehicle body and to rotate together with the knuckle to apply a steering angle to the wheel, a steering drive unit fastened to the steering frame, and a body guide rail fastened to the steering drive unit and configured to be disposed on the vehicle body, wherein, in response to reception of a driving force of the steering drive unit, the steering drive unit is configured to be rotated along the body guide rail and the steering frame is configured to be rotated simultaneously along with the rotation of the steering drive unit.