Vehicle Corner Module Integration for Independent Wheel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles with integrated in-wheel motors face challenges in efficiently integrating driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems, leading to inefficiencies and complexity in power transfer and vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
A corner module apparatus that integrates driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems within a single unit, utilizing an in-wheel motor, knuckle, brake disc, and brake caliper, supported by a frame module and top hat structure, allowing independent operation of each wheel for enhanced control and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems are integrated in a single corner module, then vehicle control efficiency and power transfer optimization improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's wheel system is divided into independent corner modules, with each module containing a complete set of driving, braking, steering, and suspension components. This segmentation allows each wheel to be controlled independently while maintaining modular design for easier manufacturing and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each corner module is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs driving (in-wheel motor), braking (brake disc and caliper), steering (knuckle mechanism), and suspension functions. This universal design consolidates multiple systems into a single integrated structure, improving control efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration.
2Loss of energy
If in-wheel motors are used to eliminate intermediate power transfer units, then energy loss in power transfer is reduced, but device complexity in wheel integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate power transfer units (decelerator, differential gear) are extracted and removed from the system. Instead, in-wheel motors are directly installed in each wheel, eliminating the need for intermediate mechanical power transfer components and reducing energy loss in the power transmission process.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-wheel motor is merged with the wheel structure, and further merged with the braking, steering, and suspension systems to form an integrated corner module. This merging reduces the number of separate components and interfaces, managing integration complexity while achieving direct power delivery to minimize energy loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
A corner module apparatus for a vehicle include: a driving unit configured to provide drive power to a wheel, a braking unit configured to interfere with rotation of the wheel and to generate braking power, a suspension unit connected to the driving unit and configured to absorb shock transferred from a road surface, and a steering unit connected to the suspension unit, rotated about a steering axis inclined with respect to the wheel, and to configured to adjust a steering angle of the wheel.