Virtual-Axis Wheel Module for Large-Angle Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel modules for motor vehicles lack a simple structure while maintaining good working performance, particularly in enabling large-angle steering.
Innovation Solution
A wheel module comprising a steering assembly, joint piece, rocker arm, and drive piece bracket, connected via rotational assemblies, allowing for large-angle steering with a compact and robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wheel module with large wheel steering angle (up to 90 degrees) is designed to enable narrow curve driving and parking, then the steering capability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driving device, steering device, and suspension into one compact assembly unit called a wheel module. The steering assembly integrates the steering arm, steering wheel, and drive piece into a unified structure that rotates as a whole around a virtual shaft axis, eliminating the need for separate steering linkages and reducing structural complexity while achieving large steering angles up to 90 degrees.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel module is designed as a separable assembly that can be independently installed and removed from the vehicle frame. The modular structure includes distinct components (steering assembly, joint piece, rocker arm, drive piece bracket) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance while maintaining the integrated steering function.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact assembly unit combining driving device, steering device and suspension is created, then the space efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compact wheel module is designed with separable components including the steering assembly, joint piece, rocker arm, and drive piece bracket. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled together with rotational connection assemblies. This segmentation maintains compact overall dimensions while simplifying manufacturing and quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides steering control through the steering arm and steering wheel, supports the wheel through the joint piece, and integrates with the suspension system. The drive piece bracket supports both the drive piece and serves as a mounting structure for the steering assembly, reducing the total number of components needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering assembly and joint piece are connected to form a rigid piece for large-angle steering, then the steering range is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly (including steering arm and steering wheel) and joint piece are rigidly connected to form a unified steering mechanism that rotates as a single rigid body around a virtual shaft axis. This merging allows the entire assembly to achieve large steering angles up to 90 degrees without requiring complex intermediate linkages or multiple rotation joints, thereby reducing structural complexity while expanding steering range.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel module, used to connect to a vehicle vehicle frame of a motor vehicle, the wheel module comprising a steering assembly, a joint piece (30) and a rocker arm (50). The steering assembly is connected to the joint piece (30) to form a rigid piece, the joint piece (30) is used to mount a wheel, and the rocker arm (50) connects the joint piece (30) and the vehicle vehicle frame. The rigid piece can be driven so as to rotate around a virtual shaft (a) relative to the vehicle vehicle frame and thereby change the direction of the wheel, the virtual shaft (a) passing through the steering assembly and the joint piece (30). Further provided in the present application is a vehicle.