Steering Assembly Layout Between Frame Rails for Compact Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional refuse vehicles face challenges in optimizing the layout of steering components due to the presence of an internal combustion engine and its oil pan, which occupy space between and beneath the frame rails, limiting the space available for other components and necessitating external positioning of steering components.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design positions the engine differently or replaces it with an electric motor, allowing steering components to be positioned between or beneath the frame rails, freeing up space for other components and enabling a more compact vehicle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the internal combustion engine and oil pan are positioned in the conventional location (between and beneath frame rails), then the powertrain function is achieved, but the space for steering components is limited and vehicle layout is less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The steering gear mechanism is repositioned from the conventional external location to an internal location between the frame rails, utilizing the vertical space dimension that was previously occupied by the engine. This dimensional relocation allows the steering components to occupy space in the vertical plane rather than extending laterally, achieving a more compact horizontal vehicle layout while maintaining steering functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The steering gear mechanism and linkage assembly are nested within the space between the frame rails, similar to how the oil pan is nested beneath the engine. This nesting approach allows the steering components to occupy the same spatial envelope as the powertrain components, maximizing space utilization and reducing the overall vehicle footprint
2Length of moving object
If steering components are positioned externally to the frame rails, then the steering function is achieved, but space is wasted and the cab cannot be narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The steering gear mechanism is relocated from the lateral external position to the vertical internal position between frame rails. This allows the cab to be narrowed in width while the steering components remain accessible through the vertical space, eliminating the need for wide clearance zones at the vehicle sides
3Device complexity
If the linkage assembly extends through the frame rails, then the steering linkage is simplified, but the frame rail structure is compromised and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly is extracted from the frame rail structure, with components positioned to clear the frame rails rather than extending through them. This separation maintains the structural integrity of the frame rails as load-bearing elements while still providing the necessary steering linkage functionality through alternative routing paths
Data Source
AI summary
A front axle assembly includes an axle and a steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a pair of wheel hubs coupled to opposing ends of the axle, a steering gear mechanism configured to be positioned between (a) a first vertical plane defined by a first frame rail of the vehicle and (b) a second vertical plane defined by a second frame rail of the vehicle, and a linkage assembly coupling the steering gear mechanism to the pair of wheel hubs to facilitate steering the pair of wheel hubs through actuation of the steering gear mechanism. Components of linkage assembly do not extend through the first frame rail or the second frame rail.