Splayed Vehicle Corner Modules for Full Ackermann Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-handed Vehicle Corner Modules (VCMs) in vehicles face challenges in achieving maximal steering angles while maintaining Ackermann geometry, leading to tire wear issues and suboptimal turning circles.
Innovation Solution
The installation of VCMs on a vehicle's reference frame at a splay angle relative to the longitudinal axis, allowing both wheels to reach their maximal lock angles while adhering to Ackermann geometry, using a pivoting actuator to adjust the splay angle as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-handed VCMs are used on both sides of the vehicle, then the number of unique parts is reduced and the VCM becomes more generic, but the maximal steering angles cannot be achieved while maintaining Ackermann geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric splay angles for the left and right VCMs relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The left VCM is positioned at a first splay angle while the right VCM is positioned at a second splay angle, creating an asymmetric configuration that enables both wheels to achieve their maximal lock angles while maintaining proper Ackermann steering geometry. This asymmetric positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing non-handed VCMs to be used while still achieving optimal steering performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the same VCM is used on both sides of the vehicle, then manufacturing and inventory complexity is reduced, but tire wear increases due to inability to maintain optimal Ackermann geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positional parameters of the VCMs by introducing splay angles relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. By positioning the left VCM at a first splay angle and the right VCM at a second splay angle, the system maintains Ackermann steering geometry while using identical non-handed VCMs on both sides. This parameter adjustment ensures optimal tire wear characteristics are achieved despite using standardized parts.
3Productivity
If maximal lock angles are achieved with non-handed VCMs, then steering performance is improved, but Ackermann geometry is compromised leading to tire slip
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric splay angle configuration allows each wheel to achieve its maximal lock angle while the overall geometry maintains proper Ackermann steering relationships. The left VCM at a first splay angle and the right VCM at a second splay angle create the necessary geometric conditions for both full steering authority and proper tire contact during turning.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a vehicle platform having a reference frame, the reference frame arranged along a longitudinal axis. A first vehicle corner module (VCM) is connected to one side of the reference frame and a second VCM is connected to an opposing side of the reference frame. The first and second VCMs are adapted for regulating motion of the vehicle. A sub-frame of at least one of the first VCM and the second VCM is disposed at a splay angle relative to the longitudinal axis.