Stability and parking cross distance adapter mechanism for electric vehicle

Abstract

Due to the actual vehicle dimensions, low occupancy rates and the increase of world population, a trend to develop new vehicle concepts with smaller dimensions is seen. The objective of this trend is to reduce traffic congestion and park ability related issues in overpopulated areas. Not only footprint reduction is necessary, but also maintaining actual vehicle safety and comfort metrics is a must. Therefore, first of all, a mechanism to reduce wheel track to the third of the space required for a conventional car for low speed and parking situations is designed and developed. Once the track variation mechanism is completely defined, several suspensions and steering mechanism are analysed, concluding with a design of an unconventional front independent suspension and steering systems which are detailed in the present manuscript. By using MBS (Multi-body System) model, loads transmitted from tyre through mechanism joints to the vehicle chassis are computed. Special attention has been paid to the maximum peak loads that mechanism will suffer from road irregularities in extreme conditions. These load values are also used to evaluate the components that compose the track variation mechanism. Continuing with the actuation of the system, an electronic control strategy is created and virtually tested, with what vehicle track position and vehicle speed and acceleration conditions are instantaneously controlled and related with the wheel track variation system. Finally, the complete track width variation mechanism is manufactured, assembled and tested in a test rig.