Steerable Rear Suspension Trailing Arm Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel suspension systems require additional installation space for steerable rear wheels, which may not be available in certain vehicle designs, while maintaining favorable kinematic and elastokinematic properties.
Innovation Solution
The wheel carrier is connected to the trailing arm via rubber bearings or joints allowing a vertical pivot axis, with a tie rod element controlled by an actuator for limited transverse displacement, minimizing space requirements and simplifying assembly with only two screw connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailing arm is articulated directly to the vehicle body for horizontal pivotability, then the wheel carrier can be steered slightly, but additional installation space is required in the end region of the trailing arm on the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trailing arm articulation to the wheel carrier with the wishbone connections into a single integrated assembly. The trailing arm is connected to the wheel carrier via rubber bearings that also serve as the connection points for the wishbones, merging multiple functions into one compact structure that eliminates the need for separate articulation points on the vehicle body
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber bearings serving as connection points between the trailing arm and wheel carrier simultaneously function as attachment points for the wishbones. This multi-functional design allows the same structural elements to perform multiple roles: providing vertical support, enabling horizontal pivoting for steering, and connecting the wishbone linkage system
2Ease of operation
If the trailing arm is composed of two partial trailing arms connected to wishbones, then the wheel carrier can be steered, but additional installation space is required not only in the trailing arm bearing area but also in the immediate vicinity of the trailing arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trailing arm and wheel carrier into a closely integrated assembly where the trailing arm connects directly to the wheel carrier through shared connection points. This consolidation reduces the spatial footprint compared to separate partial trailing arms that would require additional clearance zones
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate connections are used to connect the wheel carrier to the trailing arm and wishbones, then the wheel carrier can be steered, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated assembly where the trailing arm, wheel carrier, and wishbones are connected through shared rubber bearing mounting points. This integration reduces the number of separate fastening operations required during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The same rubber bearings and mounting points serve multiple functions: supporting the trailing arm, enabling wheel carrier pivoting, and connecting the wishbones. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps compared to dedicated separate connections for each function
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
Enables slight steerability of the wheel carrier relative to the trailing arm without increasing installation space, maintaining kinematic properties while reducing assembly complexity and space usage.
Implementation Method 1
whose other end is connected by means of a bolt or the like via a rubber bearing or at least a small degree of rotational freedom Joint is attached to the wheel carrier
Implementation Method 2
via a rubber bearing or a joint having at least a small degree of freedom of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle independent wheel suspension for a rear wheel of a double-track vehicle that can be steered by means of an actuator (2), the wheel carrier (1) of said rear wheel being guided by a longitudinal control arm (3), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and two transverse control arms (4, 5), which extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle, are located in different height planes and are fastened to the wheel carrier by means of a pin or the like via a rubber mount or a joint having an at least slight rotational degree of freedom. By means of said two pins, the longitudinal control arm is also respectively supported on the wheel carrier via a rubber mount or a joint comprising an at least slight rotational degree of freedom, such that the wheel carrier can pivot at least slightly relative to the longitudinal control arm about a pivot axis, which extends substantially in the vertical direction and is formed by said rubber mounts or joints, wherein the rotational degree of freedom of the wheel carrier formed in such manner is bound by a tie rod element (9) that is hinged to the wheel carrier, said tie rod element being displaceable at least in part in the transverse direction of the vehicle by means of an actuator positioning element. The invention relates to various possibilities by means of which the positioning element of the actuator can be kept free of interfering transverse forces and torques.