Steering Linkage Geometry for Smooth Electric Vehicle Spin Turns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric mobility vehicles face difficulties in achieving a smooth spin turn due to the configuration of their steering mechanism, making it challenging to cross the center axis of the front and rear wheels at an intermediate position.
Innovation Solution
A steering mechanism that steers the inner and outer wheels with a steering angle difference of at least five times greater than 40° to 45°, utilizing a center shaft, pitman arm, right and left knuckles, and inclined rods to facilitate a smooth spin turn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional steering mechanism with pitman arm, knuckles, and rods is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the vehicle cannot achieve smooth spin turns and has difficulty crossing the center axis of front and rear wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism employs dynamic geometry where the rod inclination angle changes during steering operation. The rods are configured to be inclined relative to the connecting line between pitman arm and knuckle, creating a dynamic steering ratio that enables smooth spin turns while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the steering linkage, specifically the rod inclination angle, to achieve variable steering characteristics. This parameter change allows the mechanism to provide different steering ratios for different turning conditions, enabling spin turns without complex additional components
2Ease of operation
If the steering angle difference between inner and outer wheels is increased for spin turns, then maneuverability is improved, but the steering mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism uses asymmetric rod inclination where the rods are not perpendicular to the connecting line but inclined at a specific angle. This asymmetric configuration creates the necessary steering angle difference between inner and outer wheels for spin turns while maintaining a relatively simple linkage structure
3Ease of manufacture
If the rods are arranged horizontally for simple construction, then manufacturing is easier, but the steering angle difference cannot be sufficiently controlled for smooth turns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by inclining the rods at a specific angle rather than making them horizontal. This localized geometric modification at the rod connection points enables precise control of steering angle difference while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
A steering mechanism that steers a pair of front wheels of an electric mobility vehicle, wherein the steering mechanism is capable of steering an inner wheel and an outer wheel such that a steering angle difference between an inner wheel steering angle and an outer wheel steering angle when the inner wheel steering angle is a second angle which is within a range of 90° or greater is at least five times the steering angle difference when the inner wheel steering angle is a first angle which is within a range of 40° to 45°, wherein the inner wheel steering angle is a steering angle of the inner wheel and the outer wheel steering angle is a steering angle of the outer wheel.