In-Wheel Motor Suspension Layout for Reduced Kingpin Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-wheel motors embedded in wheels cause increased kingpin offset, leading to torque steer and reduced driving stability due to the internal placement of the motor, which interferes with the lower arm ball joint and kingpin shaft alignment.
Innovation Solution
A suspension device for in-wheel motors that includes a buffer part for shock absorption, arm parts for support, a movable support part acting as a steering axis, and a fixing part integrated with the in-wheel motor, allowing separation of the moving and steering axes, thereby reducing kingpin offset and improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the in-wheel motor is embedded in the wheel, then the motor can be integrated into the wheel structure, but the lower arm ball joint must be moved inside the vehicle causing increased kingpin offset and torque steer
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension device is divided into separate functional components: a support part that moves vertically for suspension, and connection parts that rotate for steering. This segmentation allows the steering axis to be positioned optimally without being constrained by the in-wheel motor location, resolving the torque steer issue while maintaining motor integration
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part acts as an intermediary between the support part and the in-wheel motor. It rotates on the support part to provide steering function, allowing the steering axis to be separated from the motor axis. This intermediary mechanism enables proper kingpin offset without moving the ball joint inside the vehicle
2Ease of manufacture
If the lower arm ball joint is moved inside the vehicle to avoid interference, then the in-wheel motor can be embedded, but the kingpin offset increases causing torque steer
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part is designed to rotate dynamically on the support part, creating a movable steering axis. This dynamic configuration allows the steering function to be achieved without a fixed ball joint position inside the vehicle, eliminating torque steer while maintaining ease of motor embedding
Solution Approach 2:
The steering function is transferred from the horizontal plane (ball joint rotation) to a combination of vertical movement (support part) and rotation (connection part). This dimensional change allows the steering axis to be properly positioned without interfering with the in-wheel motor embedding
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension device for an in-wheel motor may include: a buffer part coupled to a vehicle body, and configured to absorb shock; an arm part coupled to the vehicle body, disposed at each of a top and bottom of the vehicle body, and coupled to the buffer part; a support part coupled to the arm part, and configured to be movable upward and downward; one or more connection parts rotatably mounted on the support part, provided as a pair of connection parts, and configured to serve as a steering axis; and a fixing part mounted on the connection part, rotated in connection with the connection part, and coupled to an in-wheel motor.