In-Wheel Motor Suspension Layout for Large-Angle Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In-wheel motor vehicles face challenges with reduced interior space, increased turning radius, and poor wheel alignment due to the in-wheel motor configuration, necessitating an improvement in vehicle suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension system that secures package space, eliminates tie rods, and allows for various driving modes by pivotably mounting the steering section on a support member and independently regulating the steering angle of the wheel and in-wheel motor section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If in-wheel motors are installed inside wheels to create purpose-built vehicles with spacious interiors, then interior space is expanded, but the turning radius increases and wheel alignment deteriorates during large steering movement
Solution Approach 1:
The steering section is made pivotally mountable on the support member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the steering axis position. This enables the system to adapt to large steering angles while maintaining proper wheel alignment, resolving the contradiction between spacious interior design and steering performance
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is divided into separate functional sections: a support member, a pivotally mounted steering section, and an in-wheel motor section. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component, enabling the steering section to be specifically designed for large-angle steering while the in-wheel motor provides driving force
2Adaptability or versatility
If in-wheel motors are installed inside wheels, then drive motors are placed inside respective wheels, but the space inside the wheel becomes narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The in-wheel motor section is designed to serve multiple functions: providing driving force through direct wheel mounting and enabling various driving modes (zero-turn, crab driving, diagonal driving) through independent steering control. This multi-functionality compensates for the reduced wheel internal space by maximizing the utility of the available volume
3Ease of operation
If tie rods are used in conventional steering systems, then wheel steering is controlled, but various driving modes such as zero-turn and crab driving cannot be enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The steering section's pivotal mounting allows dynamic repositioning of the steering axis, enabling the system to achieve various driving modes that would be impossible with fixed tie rod connections. The pivotal joint provides the necessary degrees of freedom for zero-turn and crab driving while maintaining steering control
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional tie rod connection is replaced by a pivotally mounted steering section that can independently regulate steering angles. This extraction of the fixed mechanical linkage allows for more flexible and versatile driving mode implementation
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
This solution enhances interior space utilization, improves driving stability, and enables various driving modes such as zero-turn and crab driving by eliminating tie rods and independently adjusting the steering angle.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber connecting the support member and the vehicle body and absorbing a road surface impact
Implementation Method 2
a steering section pivotably mounted on the support member
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension system includes a support member coupled to a vehicle body, a shock absorber connecting the support member and the vehicle body and absorbing the road surface impact, a steering section pivotably mounted on the support member, and an in-wheel motor section coupled to the steering section in an interworking manner and mounted on a wheel to provide driving force.