Knuckle Assembly Structure for Wide Tilt and Steering Angles
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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 design incorporates a knuckle assembly with upper and lower steering axles, low-friction spacing members, and joints that allow the knuckle to pivot about a vertical axis, enabling wheels to tilt and displace vertically within a 35-50° range and steer up to 80°, along with a leaning wheel suspension system that uses shock absorbing elements to facilitate independent wheel movement and common tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional suspension system is used, then the structure is simple, but the pivoting angle range is limited and steering capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The knuckle assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a knuckle body, separate upper and lower steering axles, spacing members, and joints. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling wide pivoting angles (35-50°) and extensive steering angles (60-100°) while maintaining structural clarity and manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system employs dynamic elements including shock absorbing elements that can extend and compress, and joints that allow pivotal movement. The knuckle assembly is designed to dynamically adapt its configuration during operation, enabling independent vertical displacement of wheels and common tilting motion while maintaining stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the knuckle assembly allows wide pivoting angles, then steering capability is improved, but maintaining wheel position and orientation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing members are made from low-friction material to reduce friction between the knuckle assembly components. This parameter change in material properties allows the knuckle to pivot freely through wide steering angles (60-100°) while the shock absorbing elements maintain wheel position and orientation by compensating for gravitational and operational forces
3Adaptability or versatility
If shock absorbing elements are added to facilitate independent wheel movement, then vertical displacement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing elements are integrated into the existing suspension arm structure, merging the shock absorption function with the suspension geometry. This allows independent vertical displacement of wheels while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable system structure rather than adding completely separate components
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 enhances the vehicle's ability to maintain wheel position and orientation, allowing for extensive pivoting angles and independent vertical displacement, improving steering and tilting capabilities while maintaining stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
upper and lower spacing members, 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 vehicle longitudinal axis, a frame extending therealong, the suspension system comprising upper and lower suspension arms, each having a frame engaging end at which the arm is configured to be pivotally connected to the frame about a proximal suspension axis, and a knuckle engaging end at which the arm is configured to be pivotally connected to the knuckle assembly about a distal suspension axis parallel to the proximal suspension axis.