Steering Knuckle Tie Rod Mount Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical link and hydrostatic steering systems face limitations in attachment configurations for steering cylinders/links on solid beam axles, requiring expensive tooling for forging a different lower knuckle boss to accommodate transverse mounting, which restricts flexibility and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A knuckle design that includes a spindle, upper and lower bosses with a tie rod arm mount interface, where a steer arm is positioned opposite the tie rod arm and fixed to it using fasteners or integrally formed as a single-piece component, allowing for even steering force distribution and flexible attachment without altering the knuckle boss configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a different forged lower knuckle boss is required to provide bolt holes to attach the steering cylinder/steering link to the knuckle, then the steering system can accommodate transverse mounting arrangement, but the tooling cost for forging becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The lower knuckle boss is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate both conventional longitudinal steering link arrangements and transverse steering cylinder arrangements. The interface includes a mounting flange with bolt holes positioned to allow attachment of steering components in either configuration, eliminating the need for different forged knuckle bosses for different mounting arrangements.
2Volume of moving object
If steering cylinders/steering links are mounted on the opposite side of the tie rod arms, then packaging constraints are satisfied, but limited attachment configurations are available for conventional knuckles
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting flange on the lower knuckle boss extends laterally beyond the main knuckle body, providing attachment points in multiple directions. This dimensional extension allows steering cylinders or links to be mounted on the opposite side of the tie rod arm (transverse mounting) while maintaining proper attachment geometry and steering linkage functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A knuckle includes a spindle to support a wheel and upper and lower bosses extending inwardly of the spindle. The lower boss includes a tie rod arm mount interface. A tie rod arm is received within the tie rod arm mount interface and a steer arm is positioned on an opposite side of the knuckle from the tie rod arm. The steer arm is fixed to the tie rod arm and includes an input mount interface to receive steering input to turn a wheel. The steer arm and tie rod arm are attached to each other with at least one fastener, or can be integrally formed together as a single-piece component.