Wheel Suspension with Adjustable Control Arm for Frame Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel suspension systems for utility vehicles cannot be optimally adapted to different frame widths and ride heights without affecting the track width and are overconstrained, leading to camber changes and tensions at the steering knuckle support.
Innovation Solution
A wheel suspension design featuring a steering knuckle support with a swivable steering knuckle, a rotatable vehicle wheel, and multiple links where the second link is adjustable in length, allowing for independent adjustment of the first link's connection points relative to the frame width, and forming a statically determined system to prevent tensions at the steering knuckle support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two triangular links are used to connect the steering knuckle support to the frame, then the wheel suspension provides structural support, but the system becomes overconstrained leading to tensions at the steering knuckle support and inability to adapt to different frame widths
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent control arms (first and second links) that are offset from each other in the vertical direction. Each control arm connects the steering knuckle support to the frame independently, allowing them to function separately rather than as an integrated overconstrained system. This segmentation enables adaptation to different frame widths without creating tensions at the steering knuckle support.
Solution Approach 2:
The second link is designed as adjustable in length, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to different configurations. This adjustability allows the wheel suspension to be adapted to different frame widths and ride heights by modifying the length of the second link, thereby achieving versatility without overconstraint.
2Stability of the object's composition
If two triangular links are used to connect the steering knuckle support, then structural support is provided, but camber changes occur during jounce/rebound and tensions develop at the steering knuckle support
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the support function into two independent control arms offset in the vertical direction, each link carries a portion of the load independently. This prevents the accumulation of tensions at the steering knuckle support that would occur in an overconstrained system, while still providing stable wheel camber during jounce and rebound movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses exactly two control arms, which is the minimum number needed to provide stable support without overconstraint. This partial action approach avoids the excessive constraint that would occur with more links or rigid triangular connections, thereby preventing harmful tensions while maintaining sufficient structural support.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connection points of the control arms are fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but the wheel suspension cannot be adapted to different frame widths and ride heights
Solution Approach 1:
The second link is designed with adjustable length capability, allowing the same basic structure to be adapted to different frame widths and ride heights. This dynamic feature enables versatility without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the adjustment can be achieved through simple mechanical means while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel suspension design with adjustable second link serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables adaptation to different frame widths, and allows adjustment for different ride heights. This multi-functionality is achieved within a simple manufacturing framework by incorporating the adjustment capability into the second link while keeping the overall structure straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel suspension for a vehicle includes: a steering knuckle support; a steering knuckle mounted at the steering knuckle support so as to be swivelable around a steering axis; a vehicle wheel mounted at the steering knuckle so as to be rotatable around a wheel rotational axis; and a plurality of links by which the steering knuckle support is articulated at a vehicle frame such that the steering knuckle support is moveable in a vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the vehicle frame. A first one of the links is configured as a first control arm configured as a four-bar link, and a second one of the links is configured as a second control arm arranged offset relative to the first link in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and wherein the second link is configured as a two-bar link that is adjustable in length.