Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Active Wheel Alignment Mechanism for Changing Camber Angle in a Vehicle
Technology Category/Market
Category – Automobile & Transportation
Applications – Automobile suspension, wheel alignment, toe, camber, steering system
Industry – Automotives, Commercial Fleets
Market- The global fleet management market attained a value of USD 22.28 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% in 2023-2028 to reach USD 59.87 billion by 2028.
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Problem Statement
- The quality of a vehicle’s ride, handling, and safety depend on the suspension system and wheel alignment, but finding the right balance between these factors is challenging.
- Traditional preset camber angles for wheel alignment offer a compromise that may not be optimal for various driving conditions, potentially leading to performance issues and tire wear. Fig. 1 illustrate negative camber and positive camber configurations of the front wheels of a vehicle respectively.
- Thus, there is a need for a dynamic wheel alignment system that can adjust alignment angles based on internal vehicle conditions and external road conditions to enhance overall vehicle performance.
Technology
- The present invention relates to a camber adjustment mechanism of the front and rear wheels of a vehicle, in an active manner while the vehicle is in motion.
- The camber adjustment mechanism comprises an upper suspension arm using a triangular wedge.
- A slidable mounting is integrated with a base of the triangular wedge.
- A first surface of the slidable mounting has gear teeth for coupling with a steering system and a second surface of the slidable mounting has a slant surface.
- A slider is positioned between an apex of the triangular wedge and the second surface of the slidable mounting.
- Change in position of a slider over the second slant surface of the slidable mounting based on steering movement causes variation of a camber angle.
Key Features/Value Proposition
Dynamic Camber Adjustment:
- The invention offers a camber adjustment mechanism that dynamically adjusts the camber angle of a vehicle’s wheel based on steering system input, enhancing handling and tire wear optimization.
Improved Suspension Control:
- By changing the effective length of the upper suspension arm through the movement of a triangular wedge and slider, the mechanism optimizes wheel alignment for positive and negative camber angles, improving vehicle performance.
Tailored Camber Control:
- The system allows for precise control of camber angles, creating a positive camber for specific conditions like high loading and a negative camber for cornering, ensuring optimal tire contact and grip on the road surface.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact for Licensing
Research Lab
Prof. Rengaswamy Jayaganthan
Department of Engineering Design
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 2277
- IN 401713 – Patent Granted
Technology Readiness Level
TRL – 4
Technology validated in lab scale.