Vehicle Corner Module Layout for Adjustable Wheel Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs lack the ability to freely adjust the number and alignment of wheels and independently control operations of each wheel, particularly in in-wheel motor vehicles where integration of driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems is desired.
Innovation Solution
A corner module apparatus for vehicles that includes a frame module supporting a corner module with integrated driving, braking, and suspension units, allowing for independent control of each wheel and adjustable wheel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a motor is directly installed inside a wheel (in-wheel motor configuration), then weight of the vehicle can be reduced and energy loss in power transfer process can be reduced, but the ability to freely adjust wheel number and alignment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into independent corner modules, each containing an in-wheel motor and wheel assembly. This segmentation allows individual modules to be added, removed, or reconfigured independently, providing wheel number and alignment adjustability while maintaining the weight and efficiency benefits of in-wheel motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner module design enables dynamic reconfiguration of the vehicle by allowing modules to be positioned at different locations and orientations. This dynamic adaptability permits the vehicle to change its wheel configuration based on operational requirements while each module maintains its integrated in-wheel motor structure.
2Device complexity
If braking, steering, and suspension systems are integrated into a single wheel assembly, then device complexity is reduced, but independent control of each wheel operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each corner module contains a complete but independent set of driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems. This segmentation isolates the control functions within each module, allowing independent control of each wheel while maintaining integrated system design within each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner module is designed as a universal assembly that performs multiple functions (driving, braking, steering, suspension) within a single integrated unit. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while the modular nature enables independent control of each module's operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A corner module apparatus for a vehicle includes a corner module including a driving unit configured to provide driving power to a wheel, a suspension unit coupled with the driving unit and configured to absorb an impact applied from a road surface, and a steering unit coupled with the suspension unit and configured to adjust a steering angle of the wheel, a main platform installed under a vehicle body and configured to have a battery mounted thereon, one or more first corner module platforms detachably coupled with one side of the main platform and configured to have the corner module coupled therewith, and one or more second corner module platforms detachably coupled with the other side of the main platform and configured to have the corner module coupled therewith.