Integrated Driving Module for Mobility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility vehicle designs face challenges in simplifying the structure of driving, steering, and suspension modules while improving ride quality and reducing unsprung mass.
Innovation Solution
A driving module with a new structure is introduced, featuring a drive unit, suspension unit, and steering unit configuration where the suspension unit is adjacent to the drive unit and the steering unit is positioned above, allowing for reduced space occupation and increased rigidity, with components like a steering motor, speed reducer, encoder, and slip ring to enhance steering performance and assembly ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the driving module uses a conventional structure with separate driving, steering, and suspension components, then the vehicle can achieve basic mobility functions, but the structure becomes complex and unsprung mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driving unit, suspension unit, and steering unit into an integrated driving module assembly. The drive motor and wheel are merged with the suspension mechanism, and the steering motor is integrated into the same assembly, creating a unified structure that reduces overall complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The driving module is segmented into distinct functional units (driving unit with motor and wheel, suspension unit with shock absorption mechanism, and steering unit with steering motor) that can be independently designed and assembled, allowing for simplified manufacturing and maintenance while improving ride quality
2Area of stationary object
If the driving module components are arranged in a conventional layout, then assembly is straightforward, but the space occupied is larger and rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering unit is positioned above the drive unit in the vertical dimension, overlapping the wheel in the leftward/rightward width direction. This vertical stacking arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint of the driving module while maintaining structural rigidity through the layered configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering unit uses a conventional steering mechanism, then the structure is simple, but 360-degree steering capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A slip ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner frame and the hollow shaft, enabling continuous rotational movement and electrical connectivity. This allows the steering mechanism to achieve full 360-degree steering capability while maintaining a relatively simple structural design
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment driving module includes a drive unit including a wheel and a drive motor configured to operate the wheel, a suspension unit having a first side coupled to the drive unit, and a steering unit configured to steer the wheel and having a side coupled to a second side of the suspension unit.