Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras

Active Wheel Alignment Mechanism for Changing Toe Angle in a Vehicle

Technology Category/Market

Category – Automobile & Transportation

Applications –Automobiles, assistive devices, streering systems 

Industry – Automotive

Market -The Automotive Industry is projected to grow USD 6,070.4 billion till 2030 from the value of USD 3,566.5 Billion in 2022, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% during the forecast period (2023 – 2030).

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Problem Statement

  • Good handling and ride control of a vehicle depends upon a steering system and a suspension system of a vehicle, but external factors such as road conditions affect the ride of a vehicle.
  • Hence an improved suspension performance by varying the suspension parameters i.e, the wheel angles (camber, toe, caster) is required for changing dynamic characteristics of the vehicle

Technology

The present invention discloses a vehicle toe adjustment mechanism:

  • Two end effectors connected to wheel mounts and pair of tie rods
  • Two twin connecting bars fixed to the vehicle chasis
  • A slider that moves linearly along the twin connecting bars
  • A slider holder connected to the slider and the vehicle’s steering system
  • The linear movement of the slider away from the steering rod axis along the twin connecting bars  creates a toe-in for the wheels by pulling  the pair of tie rods
  • The linear movement of the slider towards the steering rod axis along the twin connecting bars creates a toe-out for the wheels by pushing the pair of tie rods
  • Fixing the slider at the neutral position along the twin connecting bars creates a neutral toe for the first wheel and the second wheel by fixing the pair of tie rods
  • The linear movement of the slider changes an effective length of the pair of tie rods, thereby resulting in toe-in or toe-out of wheels of the vehicle.

Key Features/Value Proposition

Technical Perspective:

  • A toe adjustment mechanism of the front wheels of a vehicle, in an active manner while the vehicle is in motion.
  • The linear movement of the slider brings the pair of tie rods closer or farther and changes effective length of tie rods resulting in change of toe angle.
  • Increases grip of the tires while entering and leaving corners with increased speed.

User Perspective:

  • Reduces steering effort and provide greater stability of the vehicle.
  • Mitigates over and under steering in a vehicle.
Questions about this Technology?

Contact for Licensing

Research Lab

Prof. Jayaganthan

Department of  Engineering Design

Intellectual Property

  • IITM IDF Ref. 2222
  • IN410761-Granted

Technology Readiness Level

TRL-4/5

Technology Validated in Relevant Environment

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