In-Wheel Motor Suspension Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension devices for in-wheel motor drive devices are vulnerable to damage from road bumps and stones, as the lower surface of the motor drive device is exposed, leading to potential damage and increased bending moments on the trailing arm.
Innovation Solution
A suspension structure featuring a pair of trailing arms with a bracket that positions the in-wheel motor drive device above the rear end of the trailing arm, ensuring the lower surface is covered, reducing exposure to road debris and allowing for flexible design to minimize bending moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the in-wheel motor drive device is placed inward or outward of the trailing arm in the lateral direction, then the suspension device can support the in-wheel motor drive device, but the lower surface of the in-wheel motor drive device is exposed to road debris and bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the in-wheel motor drive device from a lateral placement (inward or outward of the trailing arm) to a vertical placement (above the rear end region of the trailing arm). This dimensional change in the vertical direction allows the trailing arm and bracket to cover the lower surface, protecting it from road debris while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary component that connects the in-wheel motor drive device to the trailing arm. By introducing this intermediate structure, the patent achieves both protection of the motor drive device (by positioning it above the trailing arm) and structural support (through the bracket connection), resolving the contradiction between protection and support.
2Power
If the in-wheel motor drive device is placed heavier than the wheel, then the motor can provide sufficient power, but excessive bending moment is applied to the trailing arm
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the in-wheel motor drive device from a lateral position to a vertical position above the rear end region of the trailing arm, the patent changes the force distribution geometry. This dimensional change reduces the bending moment on the trailing arm while maintaining the motor's power capability, as the weight is more effectively distributed through the bracket connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension structure includes a pair of trailing arms (12), a beam member (13) connecting the pair of trailing arms, a bracket (21) connected to a rear end region of the trailing arm, and an in-wheel motor drive device (31) coupled and fixed to the bracket. The in-wheel motor drive device (31) is located above the rear end region of the trailing arm (12), and a lower side of the in-wheel motor drive device (12) is covered by the rear end region of the trailing arm (12) and the bracket (21).