Knuckle Grounding Structure for Radio Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The knuckle in a vehicle suspension system faces challenges in maintaining a stable electrical connection due to varying external environments, such as water, oil, snow, and dust, which can lead to radio noise interference in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A knuckle structure with a grounding member connected to the side face of the knuckle, either facing rearward or forward, reduces exposure to environmental elements and incorporates a harness with a resistance of 0<R≤10Ω to effectively ground the knuckle, minimizing radio noise and eliminating the need for additional protection members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the grounding member is connected to the lower surface of the knuckle, then the electrical connection can be made, but the connection is exposed to environmental elements such as water, oil, snow, and dust which can break the harness connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting a specific location (side face) on the knuckle that has different environmental exposure characteristics compared to other locations. The side face is positioned to minimize direct contact with water, oil, snow, and dust while still enabling effective electrical grounding connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from connecting the grounding member to the lower surface (vertical dimension exposure) to the side face (horizontal dimension positioning). This dimensional change repositions the connection point away from the direct path of environmental contaminants that typically travel along the lower surface of the knuckle.
2Reliability
If additional protection members are added to protect the harness against water and snow, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity and unsprung weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively selecting a connection location that is inherently protected from environmental elements, rather than adding protective measures after the fact. The side face position is chosen in advance to prevent exposure, eliminating the need for additional protection members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the grounding connection from the vulnerable lower surface location and relocates it to the more protected side face position. This extraction removes the need for additional protection members that would otherwise be required to shield the connection from environmental damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If the grounding member is connected to the side face of the knuckle, then environmental resistance improves and protection members are eliminated, but the connection position must be precisely located between the brake caliper and knuckle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by utilizing the brake caliper's existing position and function as a natural protective barrier. The brake caliper serves its primary braking function while simultaneously acting as a protective wall that shields the grounding connection on the side face from environmental elements and stone chips.
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 resistance to environmental factors, reduces radio noise, and simplifies the structure, lowering manufacturing costs and unsprung weight while maintaining satisfactory radio reception quality.
Implementation Method 1
the heat generation by the break caliper which is located near the side face of the knuckle
Data Source
AI summary
A knuckle structure is provided with: a knuckle for rotatably supporting a drive shaft connected to the output shaft of a motor; and a grounding member having a grounding harness, the grounding member electrically connecting the knuckle and a vehicle body. The grounding member is connected to a grounding connection section provided on the protrusion of the knuckle and facing rearward of the vehicle. The grounding connection section is provided between a brake caliper extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and the knuckle.