Corner Module Steering-Suspension Layout for Torsional Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-wheel motor vehicles face challenges in integrating robust and efficient systems for driving, braking, steering, and suspension, particularly in maintaining stability and preventing damage from torsional loads during suspension and steering operations.
Innovation Solution
A corner module apparatus with a drive unit, suspension arm, shock absorber, steering drive member, and steering transmission member, where the shock absorber is stretchable and the steering joint and transmission joint absorb torsional loads, ensuring stable suspension and steering operations, and the module body integrates these components for enhanced rigidity and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the shock absorber is made rigid to improve suspension stability, then suspension stability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to damage from torsional loads
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber employs a flexible membrane structure that can deform elastically under torsional loads. This membrane flexibility allows the shock absorber to absorb and dissipate torsional energy without rigid structural failure, while still maintaining suspension stability through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber's mechanical properties are made variable through its stretchable characteristic. The system can change its stiffness parameter dynamically - remaining rigid for stability during normal operation but becoming more compliant when subjected to torsional loads, thus preventing damage while maintaining performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the steering and suspension systems are integrated into a single module, then assembly is simplified and rigidity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering drive member and suspension components are merged into a single integrated corner module apparatus. This consolidation combines multiple functions (steering actuation, shock absorption, suspension support) into one unified structure, simplifying assembly procedures while enhancing overall structural rigidity through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module performs multiple functions simultaneously - the shock absorber provides both suspension support and torsional load absorption, while the steering drive member integrates steering actuation with suspension mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly despite the increased complexity of each individual component.
3Strength
If the shock absorber is made stretchable to absorb torsional loads, then resistance to torsional damage is improved, but suspension rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber utilizes a flexible membrane design that provides torsional compliance while maintaining suspension rigidity. The membrane structure can deform to absorb torsional energy but is configured to maintain its load-bearing capacity for vertical suspension support, achieving both flexibility and rigidity in different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber's mechanical characteristics are made dynamic rather than static. It exhibits different stiffness properties depending on the direction and type of load - remaining rigid for vertical suspension support while becoming flexible for torsional load absorption, thus adapting its properties to the specific operational requirements.
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 solution provides a robust structure that ensures stable suspension and steering operations, prevents damage from torsional loads, allows for a low-floor design, and simplifies assembly by integrating components into a single unit module.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber configured to absorb shock between the in-wheel motor and the vehicle body and swivel the in-wheel motor during turning of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the steering joint and transmission joint absorb torsional loads, ensuring stable suspension and steering operations
Data Source
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AI summary
A corner module apparatus includes a drive unit configured to provide a driving force to a wheel, a suspension arm configured to support the drive unit with respect to a vehicle body, a shock absorber connected at one side thereof to the drive unit and provided to be stretchable, a steering drive member configured to support the other side of the shock absorber with respect to the vehicle body and to generate a steering force, and a steering transmission member provided between the steering drive member and the drive unit and configured to vary a steering angle of the wheel in conjunction with the steering force generated by the steering drive member.