Steering Knuckle With Elastic Damping For Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle spindle designs fail to provide a filtered steering knuckle capable of steering with four wheels, as existing structures either lack the necessary flexibility or require different adaptations for two- and four-steered vehicles, and struggle to effectively absorb longitudinal shocks for passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
A steering knuckle with a fixed support element and a movable element connected by ball joints, featuring an elastic member that maintains a constant distance between the ball joints, allowing the spindle to pivot around multiple axes while damping longitudinal shocks, thus enabling adaptation to various vehicle configurations and improving comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filtered spindle is used to absorb longitudinal shocks, then passenger comfort is improved, but the spindle cannot steer and the vehicle cannot have four steering wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle assembly is divided into a fixed support element and a movable element that can pivot relative to each other. The movable element carries the knuckle and can rotate independently around a transverse axis, enabling steering motion while the filter pad absorbs longitudinal shocks. This segmentation allows both shock filtering and steering functions to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the fixed support element and movable element transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic pivot connection. The movable element can rotate around a transverse axis through ball joints, providing dynamic steering capability while the filter pad dynamically absorbs longitudinal shocks. This dynamic connection enables both shock absorption and steering motion.
2Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the spindle carrier and axle, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to filter longitudinal shocks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A filter pad is introduced as an intermediary element between the movable element and the fixed support element. This filter pad specifically absorbs longitudinal shocks while allowing the ball joints to maintain structural strength for steering motions. The intermediary filter pad selectively filters harmful longitudinal forces without compromising the overall structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different spindle carrier structures are used for two-steered and four-steered vehicles, then adaptability to different vehicle configurations is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle assembly is designed with universal features that enable it to function in both two-steered and four-steered vehicle configurations. The movable element with pivot connection and filter pad combination can accommodate different steering arrangements without requiring fundamentally different structural designs, reducing complexity and enabling multi-vehicle platform applicability.
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
The solution allows for a flexible axle that can steer and absorb longitudinal shocks, enhancing passenger comfort by limiting shock transmission to the axle, and enabling the spindle to return to its rest position after impact, maintaining vehicle stability and steering quality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member damping a relative movement between the mobile element and the fixed support element, for example a movement of recoil or progress
Implementation Method 2
the elastic member arranged between the first ball joint on the one hand and the spindle on the other, so as to filter longitudinal shocks
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering knuckle (30) for a motor vehicle axle (1), comprising a fixed support element (20) and a moving element (2) carrying a spindle (12), the fixed support element (20) comprising a first swivel joint (3) and a second swivel joint (5), the moving element (2) being articulated with the fixed support element (20) by said first swivel joint (3), the moving element (2) comprising a third swivel joint (8) linked by a connection member (7) to the second swivel joint (5) of the fixed support element (20), the connection member of the swivel joints being arranged so as to maintain a constant distance between the second swivel joint (5) and third swivel joint (8).