Independent Wheel Steering Gear for Wider Knuckle Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing independent steering type suspension systems face challenges in stably delivering rotation force from a steering motor to the knuckle and wheel, limiting the steering angle and design freedom in commercial vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An independent steering system with a knuckle fastened to a wheel, an upper arm, a lower arm, a steering gear portion, and a fastening unit between the lower arm and knuckle, utilizing a universal joint and bearing to facilitate a wider steering angle and stable rotation force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an independent steering type suspension system is used to improve steering angle and design freedom, then steering performance is improved, but the system cannot stably deliver rotation force from steering motor to knuckle and wheel
Solution Approach 1:
A steering gear portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering motor and the knuckle. The steering gear portion includes a semicircular gear that engages with the knuckle, enabling stable rotational force transmission while allowing the knuckle to rotate independently. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing a reliable mechanical connection that accommodates the independent steering motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is segmented into independent components: steering motor, steering gear portion, and knuckle assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the motor provides rotational force, the gear portion transmits and converts this force, and the knuckle executes the steering motion independently, thereby achieving both reliability and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If a conventional integrated axle type suspension system is used to maintain structural simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but the system lacks design freedom and cannot provide independent steering of each wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into independent left and right sides, each with its own steering motor and control capability. This segmentation enables independent steering of each wheel while maintaining relatively simple structural design on each side, balancing device complexity with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower arm serves multiple functions: it acts as a suspension link connecting the knuckle to the vehicle body, provides mounting support for the steering motor, and facilitates the steering motion through its pivotal connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling independent steering.
3Device complexity
If the steering gear portion is directly connected to the knuckle without a fastening unit, then device complexity is reduced, but the steering angle is limited and the connection is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
A fastening unit with a universal joint is introduced as an intermediary between the lower arm and the knuckle. This universal joint allows the steering gear portion to be securely fastened while accommodating a wider range of motion, enabling greater steering angles without compromising connection stability or adding excessive 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
The system provides a high degree of freedom in suspension and structural stability, allowing for a wider steering angle and effective shock absorption, enhancing the steering performance and ride comfort of commercial vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a fastening unit between the lower arm and the knuckle, utilizing a universal joint and bearing to facilitate a wider steering angle and stable rotation force transmission
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a universal joint and bearing to facilitate a wider steering angle and stable rotation force transmission
Implementation Method 3
a push rod having one end portion fastened to the lower arm and a crank pivotally connected to a second end portion of the push rod and a second end portion of the upper arm, and behaving integrally with a shock absorber
Data Source
AI summary
An independent steering system includes a knuckle fastened to inside of a wheel and driven integrally with the wheel, an upper arm fastened to an upper end portion of the knuckle, a lower arm fastened to a lower end portion of the knuckle, a steering motor positioned on the lower arm, and a steering gear portion having a first end portion connected to the steering motor and a second end portion engaged to the knuckle, wherein the steering gear portion rotates integrally with the knuckle by a rotation force of the steering motor.