Integrated Vehicle Corner Module for Precise Wheel Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle corner modules lack an integrated solution for efficient driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems that can effectively manage power transfer and adjust wheel angles for optimal performance and stability, particularly during cornering and braking maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A corner module apparatus that includes a drive power generator, brake, suspension system, and steering system with a strain wave gear decelerator and steering actuator, allowing for independent control of each wheel's driving, braking, and steering, and incorporating a steering angle measurer to adjust wheel angles dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a motor is directly installed inside a wheel (in-wheel motor configuration), then power transfer efficiency is improved and energy loss is reduced, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive power generator, brake, suspension, and steering system into an integrated corner module apparatus. Multiple functional components are merged into a single modular unit that can be independently controlled for each wheel, achieving both energy efficiency through direct wheel mounting and systematic integration for complex vehicle control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner module apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: power generation, braking, suspension, and steering control. Each corner module is designed as a universal unit that can perform all four functions, allowing the system to be scaled and configured based on vehicle requirements while maintaining consistent performance characteristics.
2Reliability
If driving, braking, steering, and suspension systems are integrated in the corner module, then vehicle control and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's steering system is divided into multiple corner modules, with each module independently controlling one or more wheels. This segmentation allows for distributed control architecture where each module can be optimized and controlled independently, improving overall vehicle stability and control while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner module apparatus enables dynamic control of each wheel's driving, braking, steering, and suspension functions. The system can adjust parameters in real-time based on vehicle operating conditions, providing adaptive control that enhances stability during cornering and braking maneuvers while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If a decelerator is added to the steering system, then steering precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A decelerator is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering actuator and the steering mechanism. This decelerator serves as a mediator that reduces the speed of steering motion while increasing torque, thereby improving steering angle control precision without requiring direct high-precision actuation from the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The decelerator changes the rotational speed and torque parameters of the steering system. By reducing the rotational speed through gear reduction, the system achieves higher positional precision in steering angle control while maintaining adequate response time for steering maneuvers.
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
This solution enables improved power efficiency, reduced energy loss, and enhanced stability and control during cornering and braking by integrating power generation, braking, and steering functions within the module, allowing for precise wheel angle adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a decelerator, provided between the input shaft and the output shaft, configured to transfer rotatory power of the input shaft to the output shaft
Implementation Method 2
a steering actuator, coupled to the first steering main body, configured to generate rotatory power
Implementation Method 3
a brake configured to interfere with rotation of the wheel to generate braking power
Implementation Method 4
a suspension, connected to the drive power generator, configured to absorb shock transferred from a road surface to the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a corner module apparatus for a vehicle. The corner module includes a drive power generator configured to provide drive power to a wheel of the vehicle, a brake component configured to interfere with rotation of the wheel to generate braking power, a suspension, connected to the drive power generator, configured to absorb shock transferred from a road surface to the wheel, and a steering system, connected to the suspension, configured to adjust a steering angle of the wheel. The steering system includes a first steering main body fixed to a frame, a second steering main body supported on the first steering main body in a manner that is rotatable on a steering axis, connected to the suspension, and a steering driver, installed on the first steering main body, configured to rotate the second steering main body relative to the first steering main body.