Omni-Directional Wheel Steering for Level Vehicle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension systems in vehicles often fail to independently adjust to varying terrain and conditions, leading to uneven vehicle leveling and reduced maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

An omni-direction wheel system with independent suspension systems, each equipped with an electromagnetic steering hub and in-wheel motor, allowing 360-degree wheel rotation and smart tire configuration adjustments based on environmental and vehicle conditions, controlled by a processor using sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional dependent suspension systems are used with rigid axles, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the vehicle cannot independently adjust to varying terrain conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent adjustment to terrain conditionsVSAvoidSuspension system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is divided into independent units, with each wheel having its own electromagnetic steering hub and in-wheel motor. This segmentation allows each wheel to be controlled independently, enabling the vehicle to adapt to varying terrain conditions at each contact point without requiring complex rigid axle connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic control through electromagnetic steering hubs that can rotate wheels 360 degrees about vertical axes based on polarity of electromagnetic signals. This dynamic adjustability allows real-time adaptation to terrain changes, transforming the static rigid axle structure into a dynamically responsive suspension system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If electromagnetic steering hubs with 360-degree rotation capability are implemented, then maneuverability is enhanced, but system complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVehicle maneuverabilityVSAvoidSteering control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical steering linkages are replaced with electromagnetic steering hubs that use electromagnetic fields to rotate wheels 360 degrees. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical gear systems and linkages, reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing maneuverability through direct electromagnetic control of wheel orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from mechanical linkage positions to electromagnetic signal polarities. By controlling the polarity of electromagnetic signals applied to the steering hubs, the system can precisely control wheel rotation direction and angle, simplifying the control interface while maintaining full 360-degree maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If independent suspension systems with in-wheel motors are used, then vehicle stability on uneven terrain is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVehicle levelness on terrainVSAvoidPower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The in-wheel motors serve multiple functions: providing propulsion, enabling wheel rotation for steering, and assisting suspension control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining vehicle stability on uneven terrain through coordinated control of all four wheels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Each wheel assembly with its in-wheel motor can independently adjust its position and orientation to maintain vehicle levelness. This self-service capability allows each suspension unit to autonomously compensate for terrain variations, reducing the energy required for active stabilization compared to centralized hydraulic or mechanical suspension systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 vehicles to maintain level orientation and enhanced maneuverability over uneven terrain and varying conditions, improving stability and control.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic steering hub configured to rotate a wheel 360 degrees about a vertical axis based on a polarity of an electromagnetic signal applied to the electromagnetic steering hub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an in-wheel motor configured to rotate with the wheel and drive the wheel about a horizontal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic propulsion: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS12472768B2Omni-direction wheel system and methods for controlling the omni-direction wheel system

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to an omni-direction wheel system and methods for controlling the omni-direction wheel system. The omni-direction wheel system includes a plurality of suspension systems that operate independently of one another. Each suspension system may include an electromagnetic steering hub configured to rotate a wheel 360 degrees about a vertical axis based on a polarity of an electromagnetic signal applied to the electromagnetic steering hub. The suspension system may further include an in-wheel motor configured to rotate with the wheel and drive the wheel about a horizontal axis.