Modular design and analysis of the x-by-wire center point steering independent suspension for in-wheel electric vehicle

Abstract

In this article, a new design scheme of x-by-wire steering suspension system is proposed, which aims to solve the adaptation problem of the traditional steering system, suspension system, and the electric wheel. It meets the requirement of four-wheel independent steering function with large scale. The design keeps wheel steering center axis to coincide with the virtual wheel kingpin, thereby realizing the application of the center point steering independent suspension system in electric wheels. In addition, modular design is adopted to reduce the coupling between the system and the car body, thereby realizing the generalization of the front and rear steering suspension system, and it also decreases the number of components. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis and parameter design of the self-aligning torque of the suspension are carried out. The multi-body dynamics model of system is established, and the performance is simulated in both time domain and frequency domain. The comparison test shows that the center point steering independent suspension has higher feasibility. Finally, a prototype of the system is developed, which provides a new idea for the designing of chassis for electric vehicles.