Integrated Wheel Actuator for Real-Time Toe Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle steering systems lack a convenient and accurate method for independent adjustment of all four wheels' toe angles, camber, and caster, which is essential for optimal traction, steering stability, and fuel efficiency, especially during braking and turning.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting wheel actuator system with integral sensors and an electric motor, affixed to each wheel linkage, which uses real-time data from force, speed, and rotation sensors to adjust toe angle, camber, and caster, enabling precise control of wheel parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex system of measuring devices and separate actuators is used to sense vehicle motion and adjust toe angle, then toe angle adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor system and actuator system into a single integrated actuator unit. The sensor integrally contained in the actuator senses wheel position and vehicle motion parameters, while the actuator mechanism adjusts the toe angle based on these sensed parameters, eliminating the need for separate measuring devices and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator performs multiple functions: it senses wheel position and vehicle motion (sensor function), processes this information (control unit function), and mechanically adjusts the toe angle (actuator function). This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive toe angle adjustment capability
2Ease of manufacture
If separate sensors on only two wheels are used to control toe angle matching, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adjustment precision for all four wheels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements independent integrated actuators on each of the four wheels, allowing each wheel to be individually sensed and adjusted. This segmentation enables precise independent control of toe angle for each wheel rather than relying on indirect control from limited sensors
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment of wheel toe angle is performed during maintenance, then device complexity is minimized, but adjustment accuracy and responsiveness to driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator system operates autonomously by sensing wheel position and vehicle motion parameters, processing this information through an integral control unit, and automatically adjusting the toe angle without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and correcting wheel alignment based on real-time driving conditions
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 system provides real-time adjustments to improve steering stability, traction, and fuel efficiency by ensuring optimal wheel alignment and communication with other vehicle systems for comprehensive control and diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor for actuating movement of the rotation assembly via a gear box
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors integrally contained in the actuator for sensing one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of force, speed, turns and rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use in a vehicle steering system, said device comprising at least one actuator affixed to a wheel linkage of at least one wheel of said vehicle steering system. The actuator comprises a rotation assembly engagable with a first wheel linkage segment, an electric motor for actuating movement of the rotation assembly via a gear box and one or more sensors integrally contained in the actuator for sensing one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of force, speed, turns and rotation. Rotation of the rotation assembly actuates linear movement of said first wheel linkage segment into and out of said actuator to thereby adjust one or more wheel parameters of said at least one wheel, and wherein said one or more sensors provide real time data to an actuator control unit integral to said actuator to self-adjust rotational parameters of said rotation assembly.