Rear Steering Actuator Integration for Compact Off-Road Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side-by-side off-road vehicles face challenges in implementing four-wheel steering due to compact size and space constraints, requiring a rear steering assembly that ensures predictable and enjoyable handling.
Innovation Solution
A four-wheeled vehicle design with a frame, front and rear suspension assemblies, motor, differentials, and a steering system that includes a user-operated steering input device and an actuator for modifying rear wheel steering angles, with a rear differential that can be locked or unlocked to optimize steering and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rear steering assembly is added to achieve four-wheel steering, then vehicle handling and steering capability are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rear steering actuator with the rear differential assembly, integrating two separate functions (steering and differential) into a single compact unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting space for the actuator and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining four-wheel steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear differential assembly serves dual purposes: it functions as both the differential gear mechanism for power distribution and as the mounting base for the steering actuator. This multi-functionality allows the same structural components to support both drivetrain and steering operations, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rear steering assembly is added to achieve four-wheel steering, then vehicle handling and steering capability are improved, but available space in compact vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rear steering actuator with the rear differential assembly, integrating two separate functions (steering and differential) into a single compact unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting space for the actuator and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining four-wheel steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned vertically above the rear differential assembly rather than horizontally adjacent to it. This vertical arrangement utilizes the vertical dimension of the vehicle's space, allowing the steering mechanism to be accommodated without increasing the horizontal footprint and thus preserving available space in the compact vehicle.
3Area of stationary object
If the actuator is positioned rearward of the rear differential, then space efficiency is improved, but steering mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned vertically above the rear differential assembly rather than horizontally adjacent to it. This vertical arrangement utilizes the vertical dimension of the vehicle's space, allowing the steering mechanism to be accommodated without increasing the horizontal footprint and thus preserving available space in the compact vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tie rod as an intermediary component that connects the vertically positioned actuator to the rear wheel steering mechanism. This tie rod serves as a mechanical mediator that transmits the steering force from the elevated actuator position to the wheels, enabling the space-efficient vertical arrangement while maintaining effective steering control.
Data Source
AI summary
A four-wheeled vehicle includes: a frame; two front suspension assemblies and two rear suspension assemblies connected to the frame; two front wheels operatively connected to corresponding ones of the two front suspension assemblies; two rear wheels operatively connected to corresponding ones of the two rear suspension assemblies; a motor connected to the frame; a front differential and a rear differential operatively connecting the motor to the two front wheels and the two rear wheels respectively; and a steering system. The steering system includes a front steering assembly for steering the front wheels and a rear steering assembly for steering the rear wheels. The front steering assembly includes a user-operated steering input device. The rear steering assembly includes an actuator operatively connected to the rear wheels and operable to modify a steering angle thereof. The actuator is mounted to the frame and is disposed completely rearward of the rear differential.