Wheel-Side Suspension Layout for Simpler Drive Wiring and Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel-side devices face challenges in facilitating wiring and piping for drive actuators, and require complex link members for steering, which complicates maintenance and operation in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A wheel-side device with a drive mechanism integrated on a suspension arm, featuring a drive actuator connected to the wheel via a constant velocity joint, and a steering actuator provided between the suspension arm and the wheel support member without a link member, simplifying wiring and piping and reducing maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drive mechanism is provided on the wheel support member, then the drive actuator can directly drive the wheel, but wiring and piping for the drive actuator become complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is separated from the wheel support member and relocated to the suspension arm. This segmentation allows the drive actuator to be positioned in a more accessible location for wiring and piping installation, while the constant velocity joint transmits the driving force to the wheel, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and functional requirements.
2Ease of repair
If a link member is used to connect the steering actuator output shaft to the wheel, then steering function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The link member is extracted and removed from the steering mechanism. Instead of using a separate link member to connect the steering actuator output shaft to the wheel, the steering actuator is directly integrated with the wheel support member, simplifying the structure and making maintenance easier while preserving the steering function.
3Reliability
If the drive mechanism is provided on the wheel support member, then direct wheel drive is achieved, but the structure complicates operation in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is merged with the suspension arm structure, and the constant velocity joint is integrated into the connection between the suspension arm and wheel support member. This combination creates a more robust and simplified structure that is better suited for operation in harsh environments, eliminating the need for separate link members and reducing overall structural complexity.
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 simplifies the installation and maintenance of wiring and piping for the drive actuator, eliminates the need for complex link members, and allows the device to operate effectively in harsh environments by stabilizing the constant velocity joint and maintaining hub bearing temperature.
Implementation Method 1
an output shaft of the drive actuator is connected to a wheel via a constant velocity joint
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel-side device provided for each of a plurality of wheels of a vehicle includes: a drive mechanism provided on a suspension arm connecting a wheel support member that supports the wheel and a body-side member of the vehicle and including a drive actuator, an output shaft of the drive actuator being connected to the wheel via a constant velocity joint to rotationally drive the wheel; and a steering actuator provided between the suspension arm and the wheel support member without a link member interposed therebetween and configured to steer the wheel.