In-Wheel Corner Module Layout for Steering Space and Kingpin Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-wheel motor vehicles face challenges with reduced steering space and increased kingpin offset due to the integration of driving, braking, and steering systems, which complicates the suspension package and affects vehicle stability.
Innovation Solution
A corner module apparatus with a drive unit, steering knuckle, stationary shaft, and power transmission member that allows for a larger steering space and reduced kingpin offset by spacing the actuator's central axis apart from the stationary shaft's central axis, using a pulley and belt system to convert rotational motion, and incorporating suspension arms and shock absorbers for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the in-wheel motor is installed inside the wheel to reduce vehicle weight and eliminate intermediate power transmission devices, then the vehicle weight is reduced and energy transmission loss is minimized, but the internal space of the wheel is narrowed and the suspension package becomes disadvantageous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wheel assembly into separate functional modules: the drive unit (in-wheel motor) is separated from the steering knuckle assembly. The drive unit is mounted on the wheel hub while the steering knuckle is mounted on the stationary shaft, allowing independent optimization of each module's space requirements and resolving the conflict between weight reduction and internal space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the steering system components in the spatial dimension by introducing a stationary shaft that is offset from the wheel center. The steering knuckle is mounted on this stationary shaft rather than directly on the wheel hub, creating additional spatial freedom and allowing the actuator to be positioned outside the wheel's internal space constraints.
2Device complexity
If the steering knuckle is directly connected to the in-wheel motor to simplify the steering system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the steering space is insufficient and the kingpin offset increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stationary shaft as an intermediary component between the in-wheel motor and the steering knuckle. This stationary shaft serves as a mediator that transmits the rotational force from the motor to the steering knuckle while allowing the actuator to be positioned optimally for sufficient steering space and reduced kingpin offset, thus maintaining system simplicity while resolving the spatial constraints.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the actuator is positioned close to the wheel center to reduce kingpin offset, then vehicle stability is improved, but the steering space between vehicle body and wheel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by changing the dimensional arrangement: the stationary shaft is positioned offset from the wheel center in the lateral direction, while the actuator is mounted on the steering knuckle at a position that allows sufficient clearance from the vehicle body. This dimensional repositioning maintains the reduced kingpin offset for stability while creating adequate steering space through the offset stationary shaft configuration.
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 ensures a sufficient steering space and reduces the kingpin offset, enhancing the steering range and improving vehicle stability by maintaining a closer proximity of the stationary shaft to the wheel, thus optimizing the integration of driving, braking, and steering systems.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission member connected to the actuator and configured to rotate the steering knuckle about the stationary shaft in conjunction with the rotational force generated by the actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
A corner module apparatus includes a drive unit installed inside a wheel and configured to provide driving power to the wheel, a steering knuckle connected to the drive unit, a stationary shaft configured to support the steering knuckle so that the steering knuckle is rotatable, an actuator fixed to the steering knuckle and configured to generate a rotational force, and a power transmission member connected to the actuator and configured to rotate the steering knuckle about the stationary shaft in conjunction with the rotational force generated by the actuator.