Corner Module Steering Layout for Larger Steering Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In in-wheel motor vehicles, the integration of braking, steering, and suspension systems within the wheel narrows the internal space, making it difficult to accommodate the suspension package and increases the rotation radius, thereby affecting the steering system's functionality and stability.
Innovation Solution
A corner module apparatus is designed with a drive unit, steering knuckle, stationary shaft, actuator, and power transmission member, where the actuator's central axis is spaced apart from the stationary shaft's central axis, allowing for a larger steering space and reduced kingpin offset, enhancing steering range and stability by separating the kingpin and suspension axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the in-wheel motor is installed inside the wheel to reduce vehicle weight and eliminate intermediate power transmission devices, then the vehicle weight is reduced and energy transmission loss is minimized, but the internal space of the wheel is narrowed making it difficult to accommodate the suspension package and increasing the rotation radius
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the actuator outside the wheel at a location spaced apart from the wheel's central axis, utilizing external space rather than internal wheel volume. This dimensional repositioning allows the actuator to generate rotational force without occupying the limited internal space of the wheel, thus resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power transmission member as an intermediary component that connects the actuator (positioned outside the wheel) to the wheel. This intermediary mechanism transmits rotational force from the external actuator to the wheel, enabling the actuator to be positioned outside the wheel's internal space while still providing the necessary driving force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension package is integrated within the wheel to achieve four-wheel independent steering, then the steering system functionality is improved, but the rotation radius increases affecting steering system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the actuator at a location spaced apart from the wheel's central axis, utilizing external space rather than internal wheel volume. This dimensional repositioning allows the actuator to generate rotational force without occupying the limited internal space of the wheel, thus resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and space availability.
3Reliability
If the actuator is positioned close to the wheel center to minimize kingpin offset, then the steering stability is improved, but the steering space between vehicle body and wheel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power transmission member as an intermediary component that connects the actuator (positioned outside the wheel) to the wheel. This intermediary mechanism transmits rotational force from the external actuator to the wheel, enabling the actuator to be positioned outside the wheel's internal space while still providing the necessary driving force.
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 design ensures a sufficient steering space between the vehicle body and wheel, expands the steering range, and improves the vehicle's traveling stability by minimizing the kingpin offset and maintaining the actuator's volume from interfering with the wheel's rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a belt disposed to surround the first pulley and the second pulley and having an inner surface that engages with an outer surface of the first pulley and an outer surface of the second pulley
Data Source
AI summary
A corner module apparatus includes a drive unit installed inside a wheel to provide driving power to the wheel, a steering knuckle connected to the drive unit, a stationary shaft to support the steering knuckle so that the steering knuckle is rotatable, an actuator fixed to the steering knuckle to generate a rotational force, and a power transmission member connected to the actuator to rotate the steering knuckle about the stationary shaft in conjunction with the rotational force generated by the actuator.