Steerable Wheel Assembly Parallelogram Linkage Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a steerable wheel assembly for all-terrain vehicles that balances comfort, obstacle climbing capability, and minimal occupant space, while avoiding the limitations of small-diameter wheels and the mechanical challenges of larger-diameter wheels with sufficient suspension travel and steering geometry.
Innovation Solution
A steerable wheel assembly featuring a mounting bracket with a vertical pivot, a parallelogram linkage, and a spring and shock-absorber unit with an adjustable swivel mount, allowing for adaptive suspension travel and load distribution, and an electric motor with speed-reducing gearing for controlled wheel operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If larger-diameter wheels (greater than approximately 350mm) are used, then the vehicle's ability to climb obstacles and handle uneven terrain is improved, but the suspension system requires significantly more space that intrudes into the user space and the mechanical geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the suspension system from a conventional location to an integrated design within the wheel assembly structure itself. By incorporating the suspension mechanism into the wheel's internal geometry, the system achieves long suspension travel for large-diameter wheels without occupying additional external space that would intrude into user space.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is nested within the wheel assembly structure. The mechanical components are arranged concentrically and integrated into the wheel's internal volume, allowing the suspension mechanism to be contained within the wheel assembly without requiring separate external space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger-diameter wheels are used, then the vehicle's ability to cope with difficult terrain is improved, but the suspension system becomes more complex and occupies more volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suspension system with the wheel assembly into a single integrated unit. By combining these previously separate systems, the design reduces overall complexity while maintaining the functional capabilities of both the large-diameter wheel for terrain handling and the suspension system for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the rolling function of a wheel, the suspension function for shock absorption, and the steering function through the vertical pivot mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a steerable wheel assembly with sufficient suspension travel is designed, then comfort and terrain capability are improved, but the assembly occupies more vehicle volume
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension travel is achieved through vertical movement integrated within the compact wheel assembly structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension within the assembly rather than extending horizontally or requiring additional external space, the system provides sufficient suspension travel for comfort while maintaining a compact overall volume.
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 long suspension travel for uneven terrain while minimizing space, providing a comfortable and capable steerable wheel assembly that adapts to different terrains through adjustable shock travel and load management.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and shock-absorber unit pivotally connected between the second bracket and the parallelogram linkage
Implementation Method 2
a spring and shock-absorber unit pivotally connected between the second bracket and the parallelogram linkage
Implementation Method 3
linked at the upper end thereof to the mounting bracket by a parallelogram linkage
Implementation Method 4
a mounting bracket incorporating a vertical pivot mounting for attachment to the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A steerable wheel assembly for a vehicle comprises a mounting bracket (1) incorporating a vertical pivot mounting (2) for attachment to the vehicle. A second bracket (6) has a first arm (7) carrying a road wheel and a second arm (8) generally upstanding from the first and linked at the upper end thereof to the mounting bracket by a parallelogram linkage (4,5). A spring and shock-absorber unit (9) is pivotally connected between the second bracket and the parallelogram linkage. Another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle suspension system comprising a mounting bracket (20) for attachment to a vehicle body or chassis, and a wheel-mounting arm (21) pivotally attached to the mounting bracket and having a wheel mounted thereon. A spring and shock-absorber unit (22) extends between the mounting bracket and the wheel-mounting arm, at least one end of the spring and shock-absorber unit being connected through a member (23) whose position is adjustable along the axis of the respective bracket or arm.