Compact Independent Wheel Suspension for Driven Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing independent wheel suspensions for driven wheels of vehicles are heavy and lack compactness, hindering the ability to steer the driven wheels effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact independent wheel suspension design featuring a torsion-resistant transverse link connected to a wheel carrier and additional transverse links, with a carrier spring positioned in front of the wheel center axis and the links arranged behind, allowing for reduced vertical space usage and enabling steerability through articulation and actuation of the toe and camber links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional H-shaped torsion-resistant transverse links are used, then the suspension achieves torsional resistance, but the suspension becomes heavier and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple separate link elements (first transverse link, second transverse link, third transverse link) rather than using a single H-shaped structure. Each link performs specific functions and can be independently optimized, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity and torsional resistance through the articulated arrangement of these segmented components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional H-shaped torsion-resistant transverse links are used, then the suspension achieves structural stability, but the suspension construction becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension arrangement utilizes three-dimensional spatial configuration by positioning links at different heights and locations (first link at rear, second link above, third link below). This vertical and spatial distribution of components achieves structural stability while optimizing the compactness of the overall suspension package, allowing better integration with the vehicle body.
3Adaptability or versatility
If driven wheels are to be steered, then wheel steerability is enabled, but the suspension complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse links serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide suspension support, enable wheel steering through articulated connections, and contribute to torsional resistance. The first transverse link alone can perform both suspension and steering functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated steering mechanisms and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
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 design achieves a more compact and lightweight suspension that allows for active steering of the driven wheels, enhancing the vehicle's base space and resilience during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
A carrier spring is supported on the vehicle structure and on the wheel carrier
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorber positioned between the camber link and the toe link and supported on the vehicle structure and on one of the torsion-resistant transverse link and the wheel carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An independent wheel suspension for the driven wheels of a vehicle is disclosed. The suspension includes a wheel carrier for rotatably supporting a wheel of the vehicle. The wheel carrier is connected to a torsion-resistant transverse link. The torsion-resistant transverse link is connected to the vehicle structure via two structure-side link bearings and to the wheel carrier via two wheel-carrier-side link bearings. The wheel carrier also is connected to two additional transverse links, each of the additional transverse links being connected to the vehicle structure and to the wheel carrier. The suspension also includes a carrier spring supported on the vehicle structure and on the wheel carrier, wherein the carrier spring is arranged in front of a wheel center axis and the at least two additional transverse links are arranged behind the wheel axis.