Steerable Rear Axle Track Rod Positioning for Torque Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear axle designs for motor vehicles do not effectively manage camber moments, braking torques, and drive torques, particularly during steering movements, due to the positioning of track rods and transverse links.
Innovation Solution
A steerable rear axle design featuring track rods positioned behind the center of the rear wheels, engaged by a common steering actuator, with upper and lower transverse links connected to the wheel carriers and subframe in a manner that supports camber moments and torque absorption, and the use of couplers to enhance torque support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If track rods are positioned behind the center of the rear wheels, then steering control is improved, but the ability to support camber moments and braking torques deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rear axle system into functionally independent components: track rods positioned behind the wheel center for steering control, and transverse links positioned in front of the wheel center for supporting camber moments and braking torques. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its position for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse links act as intermediary elements between the wheel carriers and the vehicle body, providing a separate force transmission path for camber moments and braking torques. This intermediary structure enables the track rods to focus on steering while the transverse links handle the torque support functions.
2Device complexity
If a common steering actuator is used for both track rods, then device complexity is reduced, but the precision of individual wheel control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The common steering actuator positioned behind the wheel center serves both track rods simultaneously, providing a universal steering input mechanism. This multi-functional approach reduces component count and complexity while maintaining effective steering control through the geometric arrangement of the track rods.
3Strength
If upper transverse links connect at points in front of the wheel center, then camber moment support is improved, but the structural length of the link increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse links are configured with specific connection point positions optimized for their local function: connecting to the wheel carrier at points in front of the wheel center to effectively support camber moments, while the overall link length is managed through the specific geometric arrangement of the connection points.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear axle, specifically a steerable rear axle, of a motor vehicle, has wheel carriers for holding in each case one rear wheel, with in each case one upper transverse link, one lower transverse link and one track rod interacting with each rear wheel, and with the track rods being positioned behind a center of the rear wheels or of the wheel carriers as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, wherein both track rods which are positioned in each case behind the center of the rear wheels or of the wheel carriers as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle are engaged on by a common steering actuator which is likewise positioned in each case behind the center of the rear wheels or of the wheel carriers as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.