Segmented Wheel Carrier With Sliding-Groove Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems for small to medium-sized automated Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs) face challenges such as high costs, complexity, and weight due to multiple linked components, and require improved flexibility and controllability for applications like autonomous driving and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A wheel carrier system is split into two segments, with a groove and sliding pin design allowing for customizable vertical and longitudinal compliance, enabling flexible motion without compromising other suspension parameters like bump steer or toe change, and incorporating features like protection springs and torsion springs for impact absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-piece wheel carrier unit with multiple links is used, then the suspension system is complete and functional, but the cost, complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel carrier is divided into two separate segments: a first carrier segment that carries the wheel at a wheel center, and a second carrier segment that couples the first carrier segment with the vehicle body. This segmentation reduces the number of individual parts while maintaining suspension functionality, directly addressing the complexity issue mentioned in the contradiction.
2Reliability
If a single-piece wheel carrier unit with multiple links is used, then the suspension system is complete and functional, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wheel carrier into two separate parts (first carrier segment and second carrier segment), the overall weight is reduced compared to a single-piece unit with multiple links. The segmented design eliminates redundant material while preserving the necessary suspension functions.
3Reliability
If conventional suspension systems are used, then the vehicle has basic suspension functionality, but flexibility and controllability for autonomous driving are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the groove and sliding pin mechanism, allowing the wheel carrier to adapt its motion characteristics. The groove profile can be customized to provide specific vertical and longitudinal compliance characteristics, enabling the system to meet the flexibility and controllability requirements for autonomous driving applications while maintaining basic suspension functionality.
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 design provides a cost-effective, space-efficient solution for PBVs, enhancing ride comfort and compliance while minimizing damage from road obstacles, and allowing for independent adjustment of wheel center displacements in various directions.
Implementation Method 1
a groove and sliding pin design allowing for customizable vertical and longitudinal compliance, enabling flexible motion
Implementation Method 2
incorporating features like protection springs and torsion springs for impact absorption
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a wheel carrier for a suspension of a motor vehicle; and a motor vehicle comprising the wheel carrier. In a preferred system, the wheel carrier comprises a first carrier segment configured to carry a wheel of the motor vehicle at a wheel center; and a second carrier segment configured to couple the first carrier segment with a vehicle body of the motor vehicle. The second carrier segment comprises at least one groove, and the first carrier segment comprises for each groove a corresponding sliding pin configured to slidingly engage the respective groove such that the pin slides along the groove under vertical and/or horizontal displacements of the wheel center with respect to the second carrier segment.