In-Wheel Corner Module Layout for Precise Steering and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles face challenges in integrating driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems efficiently, particularly in in-wheel motor vehicles that lack effective mechanisms for power transmission, steering control, and suspension support.
Innovation Solution
A corner module apparatus is developed, incorporating a driving unit, first and second knuckles, a suspension unit, a steering driving unit, and a steering angle adjustment unit, with features like worm shaft gears and constant velocity joints to manage power transmission, steering, and suspension functions within the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a driving unit is installed inside the wheel for in-wheel motor configuration, then weight reduction and energy loss reduction are achieved, but effective mechanisms for power transmission, steering control, and suspension support are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driving unit, braking unit, steering driving unit, and suspension unit into an integrated corner module apparatus. The driving unit and braking unit share the wheel hub space, the steering driving unit is mounted on the knuckle structure, and the suspension unit connects through the same knuckle assembly, creating a unified system that reduces overall vehicle weight and eliminates redundant power transmission components while maintaining all necessary functions
Solution Approach 2:
The knuckle structure serves multiple functions: it supports the steering driving unit, connects the suspension unit, transmits steering forces through the steering angle adjustment unit, and provides mounting positions for both driving and braking components. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate structural elements and simplifies the overall system architecture
2Measurement precision
If steering driving unit and steering angle adjustment unit are integrated into the knuckle structure, then steering precision is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering driving unit is installed within the accommodation space formed by the knuckle body, and the steering angle adjustment unit is nested within the joint unit structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple steering control components to occupy minimal space while maintaining precise angular control through the deceleration unit and joint unit mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The joint unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the steering driving unit and the wheel assembly. It includes a deceleration unit with transmission gears that mediate the force transmission, and constant velocity joints that ensure smooth power transfer while accommodating angular movements, thereby achieving precise steering control without excessive structural complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If first knuckle and second knuckle are spaced apart and connected through suspension unit, then suspension support and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into a first knuckle for driving unit support, a second knuckle for steering and suspension connection, and a suspension unit linking them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system stability through the coordinated arrangement of connection units and suspension arms
Data Source
AI summary
A corner module apparatus for a vehicle including a driving unit installed inside a wheel and configured to provide a driving force to the wheel, a first knuckle coupled to the driving unit, a second knuckle spaced apart from the first knuckle in a width direction of the vehicle and disposed to face each other, a suspension unit configured to connect to the second knuckle and supports the second knuckle for a vehicle body, a steering driving unit installed in the second knuckle configured to generate a steering force, and a steering angle adjustment unit connected to the first knuckle and configured to adjust a steering angle of the wheel in conjunction with the steering force generated from the steering driving unit.