Rivian IP Holdings, LLC

Max Koff

Mason Verbridge

A vehicle includes an assembly for providing suspension and steering for a wheel. The assembly includes an inner knuckle and a steering knuckle. The inner knuckle is coupled to an upper control arm at an upper joint and a lower control arm at a lower joint, forming a double wishbone suspension. The upper joint and the lower joint define a first axis. The steering knuckle is coupled to the inner knuckle at a steering joint that forms or otherwise defines a kingpin axis. The steering joint includes a revolute joint, a ball joint, or both. The steering knuckle is configured to be engaged with a tie-rod coupled to a steering mechanism. The kingpin axis is nearer a center of the wheel than the first axis, thus preventing or otherwise limiting torque steer. The upper and lower joints are constrained from significant steering rotation by suitable bushings, anti-steer arms, or both.

Offset steering axis knuckle system

A suspension includes a jounce bumper, and a striker. A spring biases the knuckle toward a first position. One of the spring and the jounce bumper is disposed forward of a kingpin axis of the knuckle and the other of the spring and the jounce bumper is disposed rearward of the kingpin axis. When in a first position, the spring is a first spring length. When in a second position, the spring is shorter than in the first position and the jounce bumper contacts the striker. When in a third position, the spring is shorter than in the second position and the jounce bumper is compressed against the striker to be shorter than in the second position. When moving between the second and third positions, the spring and jounce bumper impart moments on the knuckle that approximately balance each other to maintain a desired caster angle.

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Newport Beach, CA, United States of America

Max Koff