Independent Corner Module With Leaf Spring for Wide-Angle Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial vehicle suspension systems face challenges in achieving wide steering angles and stable rotation force delivery from steering motors to wheels, while also needing improved shock absorption and design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An independent corner module that allows independent rotations of a steering driving portion and a steering frame, incorporating a leaf spring unit for shock absorption, and a carrier link system for steering angle application, using a motor to drive the rotation of the steering frame and wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an independent steering type suspension device uses a motor assembly to perform steering angle input to each suspension device, then steering capability is improved, but stable delivery of rotation force from steering motor to axle and wheel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into separate functional components: a steering motor positioned on the vehicle body, a steering gear for force transmission, a steering frame that rotates independently, and an axle assembly. This segmentation allows the motor to be optimally positioned for stable mounting while enabling independent rotation of the steering frame and axle, resolving the contradiction between steering capability and force delivery stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A steering gear is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the steering motor and the axle/wheel. The steering gear receives rotational force from the motor and efficiently transmits it through a gear mechanism to the steering frame and axle, ensuring stable force delivery while maintaining independent steering capability.
2Device complexity
If a conventional suspension system uses an integral axle type suspension with leaf spring or air spring, then structural simplicity is maintained, but design flexibility and riding comfort improvement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into independent corner modules, each with its own steering motor, steering frame, and axle assembly. This modular segmentation allows each corner to be independently designed and optimized, significantly improving design flexibility while maintaining overall structural clarity through standardized modular units.
3Ease of operation
If the steering driving portion and steering frame are independently rotated, then wider steering angle is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering frame rotation mechanism is merged with the existing suspension linkage system. The steering frame serves dual functions: it supports the axle assembly and simultaneously rotates to provide steering capability. This merging allows independent rotation for wide steering angles while utilizing existing structural components to minimize overall system complexity.
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
Enables wider steering angles, stable rotation force delivery, and effective shock absorption, enhancing vehicle handling and comfort by allowing independent rotations and integrating a leaf spring unit for structural stability.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring unit positioned between the axle and the steering frame... configured for easily absorbing the shock applied to an axle
Data Source
AI summary
An independent corner module includes an axle fastened to and positioned on a wheel, a steering frame fastened to the axle and rotated integrally with the axle to apply a steering angle to the wheel, a vehicle body guide rail positioned on a vehicle body and fastened to a rotation center axis of the steering frame, a steering driving portion positioned between the steering frame and the vehicle body guide rail to apply a driving force, and a leaf spring unit positioned between the axle and the steering frame, in which the steering driving portion is rotated along the vehicle body guide rail in response to the driving force of the steering driving portion, and at a same time, the steering frame is configured to be rated around the steering driving portion.