Knuckle Assembly Structure for Wide-Angle Tilting Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lightweight tiltable vehicle suspension systems face limitations in achieving wide-ranging pivoting angles and independent vertical displacement of wheels while maintaining effective steering and tilting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The knuckle assembly with upper and lower steering axles, low-friction spacing members, and joints allows for extensive pivoting angles and independent vertical displacement of wheels, enabling common steering and tilting through a unique configuration that maintains the knuckle's position and orientation relative to the joints, and a leaning wheel suspension system with a shock absorbing element for coordinated wheel movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suspension systems are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the pivoting angle range is limited and independent vertical displacement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into independent components: knuckle assemblies for each wheel that can pivot independently, spacing members that separate and define positions, and joints that enable independent movement. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the overall pivoting capability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner steering axle portions are received within vertical bore portions of the knuckle, and the outer steering axle portions protrude from the knuckle to engage with joints. This nested configuration allows multiple functional elements to be integrated in a compact arrangement while maintaining independent pivoting capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wide-ranging pivoting angles are achieved through mechanical means, then steering capability is improved, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
Low-friction spacing members are introduced as intermediary elements between the knuckle assembly and the joints. These spacing members reduce direct metal-to-metal contact and friction, enabling wider pivoting angles while minimizing wear. The spacing members act as mediators that facilitate smooth relative movement between components.
3Reliability
If independent vertical displacement of wheels is enabled, then suspension performance is improved, but coordination between steering and tilting becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The knuckle assembly integrates multiple functions: it holds the wheel, enables vertical displacement through joint movement, allows steering via axle rotation, and permits tilting through pivoting. By merging these functions into a single integrated assembly rather than separate mechanisms, the system achieves coordinated movement without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system employs dynamic joints that allow the knuckle assembly to move independently in multiple degrees of freedom: vertical displacement, steering rotation, and tilting pivot. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various road conditions while maintaining proper wheel alignment and contact.
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 configuration enables wheels to tilt and displace vertically within a wide range, allowing for improved steering and tilting capabilities, enhancing the vehicle's stability and maneuverability, particularly in scenarios requiring significant angular movement.
Implementation Method 1
an upper spacing member and a lower spacing member, each made from a low-friction material, in contact with the respective abutting surface and surrounding the outer portion of the corresponding axle
Data Source
AI summary
A knuckle assembly for use with a wheel suspension system of a vehicle, having a knuckle configured to mount a wheel thereto, and having a knuckle body comprising upper and lower abutting surfaces, and an upper and a lower vertical bore portion extending inwardly from the abutting surface. The upper and lower vertical bore portions constitute a portion of a single through-bore extending between the upper and lower abutting surfaces. The knuckle assembly has upper and lower steering axles, each having an inner steering axle portion fixedly received within a respective vertical bore portion and an outer steering axle portion protruding from the respective abutting surfaces. The upper and lower steering axles constitute respective upper and lower portions of a common steering axle. The knuckle assembly also has upper and lower spacing members, each made from a low-friction material and being in contact with the respective abutting surface. Each spacing member has a flanged portion surrounding the outer portion of the corresponding axle and an in-bore received portion, snuggly fitted within corresponding vertical bore portion and surrounding the inner portion of the corresponding axle. Also, the knuckle assembly has upper and lower joints configured for connecting thereto a knuckle engaging end of a suspension arm so as to allow the arm to pivot thereabout. Each joint contacts the corresponding spacing member that distance it from the corresponding abutting surface and freely receiving the outer portion of the corresponding steering axle, so as to allow the knuckle, together with the axle, to pivot between the two joints only about the vertical knuckle axis which maintains its position and orientation relative to the joints.