Steering Knuckle Recess Layout for Large-Angle Wheel Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering knuckles fail to integrate complex wheel systems, such as brakes and wheel hub motors, while providing a large steering angle and stable suspension, as they are space-intensive and lack effective line management for power and coolant lines during steering movements.
Innovation Solution
A steering knuckle design with a recess on three sides to protect lines, allowing for central and axial connection within the wheel rim, enabling large steering angles without line collision, and incorporating a C-shaped cross-section for stability and space efficiency, along with ball joints and brake connection geometries for secure integration of wheel components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional steering knuckle design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot integrate complex wheel systems (brakes, sensors, wheel hub motor) and provides poor line management during steering movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the steering knuckle structure itself. The knuckle integrates wheel system mounting surfaces, sensor mounting sections, brake caliper connection points, and line routing channels into a single unified component, enabling complex wheel system integration without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The steering knuckle is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a structural support element, a mounting platform for wheel systems, a guide for power and coolant lines, and a connection point for suspension and steering mechanisms, thereby achieving high adaptability without requiring multiple separate components
2Ease of operation
If a steering knuckle with large steering angle capability is used, then wheel-specific steering is enabled, but power supply lines and coolant lines collide with the steering knuckle during steering movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves line collision during steering by transitioning the line routing from a two-dimensional path to a three-dimensional channel embedded within the knuckle structure. The power supply lines and coolant lines are routed through internal cavities and dedicated channels that accommodate the angular displacement of the knuckle, allowing large steering angles while maintaining line integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dedicated line routing channels and protective conduits as intermediary structures between the lines and the external environment. These channels act as mediators that absorb and accommodate the mechanical stress and displacement during steering movements, protecting the lines from collision while enabling full steering range
3Adaptability or versatility
If a steering knuckle with integrated wheel systems is used, then adaptability improves, but the design becomes highly complex and space-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where wheel system components are mounted within the structural envelope of the steering knuckle. Sensor mounting sections are integrated into the knuckle body, brake caliper connections are embedded, and line channels are routed through internal cavities, creating a compact nested configuration that maximizes integration while minimizing overall space occupation
Data Source
AI summary
A steering knuckle for a vehicle wheel includes a wheel connection section, an upper steering attachment section, and a lower steering attachment section. The wheel connection section is configured for connecting the steering knuckle to the vehicle wheel. The upper steering attachment section is configured to provide a connection of the steering knuckle to a steering drive. The steering knuckle is intended to permit wheel-specific steering with a large steering angle and, at the same time, to support the integration of other vehicle wheel components. The upper steering attachment section, the wheel connection section, and the lower steering attachment section together delimit a recess on at least three sides such that a connector section arranged in the wheel connection section delimits an inner end of the recess and is configured for guiding at least one line through the recess.