Wheel Suspension Layout for Large Steering Angles and Drive Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel suspensions with large steering angles face challenges in integrating a drive mechanism, making it difficult to drive the wheel bearing or wheel when attached to a wheel suspension that allows a larger wheel steering angle, particularly on driven axles.
Innovation Solution
A wheel suspension design that positions the drive unit on the wheel carrier, separated from the wheel axis, allowing for a large wheel steering angle and incorporating a decoupling mechanism to reduce vibrations and acoustic noise, with options for transmission via belt or gear wheels, and using elastomer layers for further decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drive unit is integrated close to the wheel axis in conventional wheel suspensions, then the drive connection is simplified, but the wheel steering angle is limited to small values
Solution Approach 1:
The drive axis is positioned at a distance from the wheel axis, transitioning from a conventional coaxial arrangement to a spatially separated configuration. This dimensional change allows the wheel carrier to rotate through large angles (up to 70-80°) while the drive unit remains mounted on the wheel carrier, resolving the contradiction between large steering angle and drive connection feasibility.
2Ease of operation
If the drive unit is mounted on the wheel carrier at a distance from the wheel axis, then large wheel steering angles are enabled, but the fitting space becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the drive unit in a spatially separated arrangement where the drive axis is at a distance from the wheel axis, the design utilizes available space on the wheel carrier more effectively. This allows large steering angles while accommodating the drive unit within the restricted fitting space of the wheel suspension.
3Ease of manufacture
If the drive unit is positioned close to the wheel, then the fitting space for other components is reduced, but the drive transmission is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The spatially separated drive arrangement with the drive axis at a distance from the wheel axis optimizes the distribution of components within the wheel suspension. This configuration simplifies the drive transmission path while preserving trunk space by efficiently utilizing the available volume on the wheel carrier.
4Ease of operation
If conventional wheel suspensions are used with small steering angles, then the drive connection is straightforward, but the vehicle maneuverability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a wheel suspension with the drive axis positioned at a distance from the wheel axis, the system achieves large wheel steering angles (up to 70-80°), dramatically improving vehicle maneuverability and reducing turning circle while managing the complexity through a structured drive unit arrangement on the wheel carrier.
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
Enables driving of the wheel bearing with a maximum steering angle of up to 70-80° while minimizing space requirements and reducing vibrations and noise transmission, enhancing maneuverability and trunk space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
Between the drive unit and the wheel carrier there is arranged a decoupling device. By means of the decoupling device, a transmission of vibrations from the drive unit to the wheel carrier is damped and/or reduced.
Implementation Method 2
the decoupling device is designed to decouple vibrations and/or to provide acoustic decoupling between the drive unit and the wheel carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel suspension is provided for a wheel of a vehicle. In one example, the suspension has a wheel carrier with a wheel bearing, and a wheel hub is rotatably mounted in the wheel bearing and rotatable about a wheel axis of the wheel carrier. A steering mechanism is configured for adjusting a wheel steering angle, where the wheel carrier can be rotated about a rotation axis that is orientated transversely to the wheel axis. To enable the wheel bearing and/or the wheel to be driven, and/or to improve an arrangement of a drive unit and/or the connection of the drive unit, the wheel suspension has a drive unit configured for driving the wheel hub and arranged on the wheel carrier. A drive axle of the drive unit is a distance away from the wheel axle.