Vehicle Corner Module Integration for Flexible Wheel Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles face limitations in integrating driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems, particularly in in-wheel motor vehicles, which lack flexibility in wheel arrangement and independent wheel operation control.
Innovation Solution
A corner module apparatus that integrates a driving unit, suspension unit, and steering unit, featuring a power generation module, rotating module, and power transmission module, allowing for adjustable wheel arrangements and independent wheel operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If in-wheel motors are used to directly transfer power to wheels, then energy loss in power transmission is reduced, but flexibility in wheel arrangement and independent wheel operation control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into multiple independent corner modules, each containing its own in-wheel motor, suspension, and steering components. This segmentation allows each wheel assembly to operate independently and be arranged flexibly to achieve various vehicle configurations (e.g., 2-wheel, 3-wheel, or 4-wheel arrangements) while maintaining direct power transmission benefits.
2Loss of energy
If in-wheel motors are used to directly transfer power to wheels, then energy loss in power transmission is reduced, but independent control of wheel operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Each corner module is equipped with its own in-wheel motor, suspension unit, and steering unit, creating independently controllable segments. This enables individual wheel control for operations such as independent steering, braking, and suspension adjustment, while maintaining the energy efficiency of direct power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner module is designed as a universal assembly that integrates multiple functions (driving, suspending, steering) into a single modular unit. This multi-functional design allows each module to perform all necessary operations independently, enhancing ease of control while preserving the energy benefits of direct in-wheel motor power transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems are integrated into corner modules, then vehicle design freedom is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex vehicle systems are segmented into standardized corner modules, each containing integrated driving, suspension, and steering components. This segmentation manages complexity by creating reusable, pre-integrated units that can be assembled in various configurations without requiring complex custom integration for each vehicle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner module serves as a universal building block that performs multiple functions (power transmission, suspension, steering). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating components into standardized modules that can be applied across different vehicle types, eliminating the need for separate integration of each system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible wheel arrangements and independent control of wheel operations, enhancing vehicle design freedom and stability under varying driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a power generation module configured to receive power and generate a rotational force
Implementation Method 2
a reducer module provided between the input shaft and the output shaft
Implementation Method 3
The reducer module is a strain wave gear
Data Source
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AI summary
A corner module apparatus for a vehicle may include: a driving unit configured to provide a driving force to a wheel of a vehicle; a suspension unit connected to the driving unit, and configured to absorb shock transferred from a road surface; and a steering unit connected to the suspension unit, rotatably installed under a frame module coupled to a vehicle body, and configured to adjust a steering angle of the wheel.