Modular Wheel Suspension Frame for Identical Axle Parts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel suspensions for motor vehicles often require different designs for front and rear axles, using non-identical parts and lacking optimal kinematic properties for specific applications, and struggle with self-steering issues and weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame design for each wheel suspension, connected to the vehicle body and wheel carrier, utilizing mechatronic actuators for adjustable suspension and damping, allowing for identical part usage across axles and improved steering control, with decoupling elements for enhanced comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a continuous auxiliary frame is used to support both wheel suspensions, then structural stability is improved, but weight increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary frame is divided into two separate modular frames, one for each wheel suspension. This segmentation allows each frame to be independently optimized and reduces the total weight compared to a single continuous frame supporting both suspensions, while maintaining structural stability through the rigidity of individual modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular frame design incorporates adjustable parameters that can be dynamically adapted to different driving conditions and vehicle types. This dynamic adaptability allows the same basic modular frame structure to serve multiple applications, reducing the need for heavy-duty over-engineered continuous frames.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different designs are used for front and rear wheel suspensions, then optimal kinematic properties for specific applications are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular frame is designed as a universal component that can be used for both front and rear wheel suspensions. By standardizing the basic frame structure and articulation points, the same modular unit can serve multiple functions and positions, reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to achieve optimal kinematic properties through parameter adjustment rather than complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall modular frame structure is standardized, local modifications and parameter adjustments can be made at specific articulation points and mounting locations to optimize kinematic properties for specific applications. This allows the majority of the structure to be identical across front and rear suspensions, reducing complexity, while still achieving application-specific performance optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechatronic actuators are added to adjust suspension parameters, then adaptability and steering control are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical suspension adjustment mechanisms are replaced with mechatronic actuators that can be controlled electronically. This substitution reduces the complexity of mechanical linkages and adjustment mechanisms while providing more precise and programmable control over suspension parameters, allowing for adaptive adjustment based on driving conditions without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates dynamically adjustable parameters through mechatronic actuators that can modify suspension characteristics in real-time based on driving conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows a single standardized modular frame design to serve multiple applications and conditions, reducing the need for multiple different mechanical designs.
4Ease of operation
If decoupling elements are added to the modular frame, then rolling comfort and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Decoupling elements are introduced as intermediary components between the modular frame and the wheel suspension components. These elements act as mediators that reduce the transmission of vibrations and disturbances, improving rolling comfort and stability. By placing these decoupling elements at strategic locations, the complex interactions between frame and suspension are simplified, actually reducing overall system complexity while improving performance.
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
Enables identical part usage across front and rear axles with improved kinematic properties, reduced weight, and enhanced steering control, including self-steering prevention and adaptive level adjustment, while maintaining structural stability and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The modular frame may preferably be mounted on the body with several passive or active, preferably rubber-elastic, decoupling elements, in particular rubber-metal bearings
Implementation Method 2
rubber-elastic decoupling elements
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel suspension for motor vehicles includes at least one wheel guide element which is articulated both on an auxiliary frame that can be connected to the body of the motor vehicle and on a wheel carrier, a suspension and damping system as well as a steering system for the wheel. To achieve a universally applicable wheel suspension using identical parts, the auxiliary frame for each wheel suspension is designed as an independent modular frame, on which the a wheel guide element(s) is/are articulated, on which the suspension and damping system is supported, and on which at least one actuator is arranged directly or indirectly for actuating the suspension and damping system and/or the steering system and thus for setting predetermined wheel-specific wheel guidance and/or steering parameters.