Variable Lower Arm Caster Angle Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in optimizing caster angle settings for various driving conditions, leading to suboptimal running performance and sensitivity to road disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A caster angle adjustment device featuring a variable lower arm connected to a subframe and steering knuckle via movable connection parts, with an actuator that changes the position of these parts to adjust the caster angle based on driving modes, thereby improving steering characteristics and reducing unintended wheel movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the caster angle is increased, then the steering reaction force and handling characteristics are improved, but the vehicle becomes more sensitive to road slope and exhibits pulling characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the caster angle adjustable rather than fixed. The lower arm includes a movable connection part that can change position along the guide slot, allowing the caster angle to be dynamically modified according to driving conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to have high caster angles for improved steering reaction force when needed, while using lower caster angles to reduce sensitivity to road slope and pulling characteristics when appropriate.
2Device complexity
If the caster angle is fixed, then the suspension structure is simple, but it is difficult to secure optimized running performance for various driving situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transforming the fixed lower arm connection into a movable connection that allows the connection part to slide along a guide slot. This enables the caster angle to be adjusted for different driving situations while maintaining a relatively simple suspension structure. The movable connection part with guide slot provides adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the suspension architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the position parameter of the connection part along the guide slot to change the caster angle. By varying this positional parameter, the system can optimize running performance for different driving conditions while keeping the overall structure relatively simple. The connection part's position can be adjusted to achieve different caster angles suitable for various driving situations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable connection part is added to adjust caster angle, then adaptability to various driving modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the connection part of the lower arm movable rather than the entire lower arm structure. The movable connection part with guide slot is localized to a specific region, allowing caster angle adjustment functionality to be added without completely redesigning the lower arm. This approach improves adaptability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the position parameter of the connection part within a limited range along the guide slot. This localized parameter change enables caster angle adjustment without requiring major structural modifications to the lower arm. The connection part can move between predetermined positions to provide different caster angles for various driving modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A caster angle adjustment device for a vehicle includes a variable lower arm connected to multiple points of a subframe via connection parts and connected to a steering knuckle at a single point via one of the connection pails, any one of the connection pails connected to the subframe being movably connected to the subframe to be changed in shape, and an actuator provided in the subframe and connected to the connection part movably connected to the subframe and configured to move a position of the connection part, so that a position of the steering knuckle is moved through the shape change of the variable lower arm to change a caster angle.