Steerable Rear Axle Suspension Using Z-Axis Damping Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steerable rear axles in vehicles widen the track, reducing load-through area and complicating the installation of necessary components due to the need for increased space, which affects aerodynamics and visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
A wheel suspension design with a steerable wheel carrier and a damping device connection arranged in the area of the wheel space with the greatest direct distance from the vehicle body, allowing for optimal space utilization and maintaining track width without altering the vehicle's geometric dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wheel suspension is made steerable to improve handling and reduce curve radius, then the vehicle's maneuverability is improved, but the track width must be widened which worsens aerodynamics and reduces load-through area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the wheel carrier connection in the depth direction (z-axis) rather than only in the lateral direction (x-axis). By placing the connection point at the rearwardmost position in the wheel space, the design utilizes the third dimension to achieve steering functionality without increasing track width, thereby maintaining load-through area while improving maneuverability.
2Area of stationary object
If the wheel carrier connection is positioned to maintain track width, then the load-through area is preserved, but the installation space for damping and springing components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by positioning the wheel carrier connection at the rearwardmost position in the wheel space (maximizing z-coordinate), which creates sufficient installation space in the lateral direction (x-axis) for damping and springing components while maintaining the original track width and load-through area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a link mechanism as an intermediary element that connects the wheel carrier to the vehicle body. This link allows the wheel carrier to pivot for steering while maintaining the original track width, and the link itself provides the necessary space for installing damping and springing components between the wheel carrier connection and the vehicle body.
3Ease of operation
If the wheel space is increased to accommodate steering movement, then the steering functionality is improved, but the aerodynamic situation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves steering functionality by utilizing the depth direction (z-axis) for the wheel carrier connection position rather than increasing the lateral dimension (x-axis). This allows the wheel to pivot through the required angular range while maintaining the original track width, thereby preserving aerodynamic performance without compromising steering 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 enables a steerable rear axle with improved damping and springing functionality while minimizing space requirements, maintaining the track width and load-through area, thus enhancing vehicle handling and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a damping device for damping a movement of the wheel carrier relative to the body
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wheel suspension (10) for the rear axle of a vehicle, comprising a wheel carrier (20) that is steerable in a pivoting range for mounting a wheel (100), and a plurality of suspension arms (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) for articulating the wheel carrier (20) to the body (200) of the vehicle, further comprising a damping device (40) for damping a movement of the wheel carrier (20) relative to the vehicle body (200). The damping device (40) is connected to the wheel carrier (20) by way of a wheel carrier connection (42), wherein the wheel carrier connection (42) is arranged in a connection area (50) of the wheel space (110) of the wheel (100) defined by the pivoting range of the wheel carrier (20), which, of all areas of the wheel space (110) facing the vehicle body (200), has the greatest direct distance to the vehicle body (200).