Variable Track Vehicle Suspension for Maneuverability and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with variable track axles face challenges in maneuverability at low speeds and space occupancy when parked, due to wide tracks and complex, heavy suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design with adjustable front wheels between wide and narrow tracks, utilizing electric front wheel motors and brakes to control track width, combined with a locking mechanism to simplify the suspension system and enhance maneuverability and parking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a wide track is used for high-speed stability, then vehicle stability at high speeds is improved, but maneuverability at low speeds and parking space requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable track width suspension system that dynamically adjusts the track width between wide and narrow positions based on driving conditions. The suspension can be configured in multiple positions (wide, intermediate, narrow) to optimize vehicle performance for different operational requirements, transitioning from static to dynamic configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a wide track is used for high-speed stability, then vehicle stability at high speeds is improved, but parking space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The variable track width suspension allows the vehicle to transition between wide and narrow track configurations, enabling the vehicle to occupy less parking space when configured in the narrow position while maintaining stability when configured in the wide position for high-speed driving.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex variable-width suspension system is used, then track width adjustability is improved, but system weight and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vehicle's existing propulsion system to power the track width adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate heavy actuation system. The propulsion motor serves dual functions: driving the vehicle and adjusting the suspension configuration, thereby reducing overall system weight and complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex variable-width suspension system is used, then track width adjustability is improved, but system cost worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the variable track width suspension to integrate with the existing propulsion and steering systems, allowing these systems to serve multiple functions. The propulsion motor adjusts track width, the steering system operates in different modes based on track configuration, and the brake system provides individual wheel control, thereby reducing the need for dedicated components and lowering manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having a front axle with a pair of front wheels having a track width adjustable between a wide track and a narrow track; a rear axle with at least one rear wheel; a steering wheel configured to control the turn of the rear wheel when the front wheels are set to the narrow track; track width control configured to change the track width of the front wheels and to change the wheel base between the front axle and the rear axle such that for the wide track of the front wheels the wheel base is longer than for the narrow track of the front wheels; a locking mechanism configured to lock the track width; wherein each of the front wheels is connected to a dedicated front wheel motor for driving that front wheel and to a dedicated front wheel brake for braking that front wheel.