Multi-Part Wheel Carrier with Elastomer Elements for Torque Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wheel suspension designs with elastomer elements are limited in their ability to optimize elastokinematics, as these elements are typically placed at connection points between the vehicle body and wheel carrier, restricting the freedom of design and performance in terms of torque management and driving behavior.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part wheel carrier with elastomer elements positioned between its components, specifically a wheel-side and guide-side component, allows for a unique arrangement that enhances torque management and driving behavior by using elastomer elements strategically located around the center plane and outside the wheel rim dish, enabling improved elastokinematics and installation space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastomer elements are provided only at connection points between vehicle body and wheel carrier, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the freedom of design for elastokinematics is limited and torque management is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel carrier is divided into multiple separate components (first wheel carrier component and second wheel carrier component) that are connected via elastomer elements. This segmentation allows elastomer elements to be positioned not only at traditional connection points but also within the wheel carrier structure itself, significantly increasing design freedom for elastokinematics while managing torques from braking and driving forces
2Force
If elastomer elements are arranged in the center plane of the wheel carrier, then torque management during braking and driving is improved, but the arrangement space conflicts with traditional rubber bearing locations
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer elements are arranged in the center plane of the wheel carrier (perpendicular to wheel rotation axis), utilizing a different spatial dimension than traditional rubber bearings located in the wheel rim dish. This dimensional separation allows both traditional rubber bearings and new elastomer elements to coexist without spatial conflict, while the elastomer elements effectively manage torques from braking and driving forces
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel carrier is constructed in multiple parts with elastomer elements between components, then elastokinematics design freedom is increased, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel carrier is segmented into multiple manufacturable components that can be produced separately using standard manufacturing processes. The elastomer elements serve as both structural connectors and elastokinematic elements, simplifying the overall manufacturing approach despite the multi-part construction
Solution Approach 2:
Elastomer elements serve as intermediary components between wheel carrier components, providing both mechanical connection and elastokinematic functionality. This intermediary role allows the system to achieve complex elastokinematics behavior while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs that are easy to manufacture
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 configuration increases design flexibility for elastokinematics, enhances torque management during braking and driving, and provides better vibration and noise isolation, while maintaining a compact installation space and modular design advantages.
Implementation Method 1
the two components of the wheel carrier are connected to one another via a first elastomer element which is at the front, viewed in the direction of travel and is arranged approximately centrally in terms of height, and via two elastomer elements which are essentially located behind the center of the wheel
Implementation Method 2
These elastomer elements also enable a certain amount of suspension in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and decouple vibration and noise, which improves driving comfort
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The wheel trunk (1) has directly or indirectly supported suspension spring (8) proportionately bearing the structure of the vehicle and a vibration damper (9). Elastomer elements (2a to 2c) interact with guiding organs. The trunk is assembled multipart and has a wheel side component (1a) provided with a wheel bearing unit (3) for holding the wheel and with supporting points (7a,7b) for the spring and for the damper. Another guiding side component (1b) of the trunk is provided for guiding the guiding organs. The components of the wheel are connected with each other by elastomer elements.