Vehicle control system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric vehicle with vehicle control systems that are packaged in a specific form factor to improve modularity within the vehicle cabin. Many embodiments include both steering and braking systems within the form factor, and such systems are connected to other systems of the vehicle through electrical connections to control the motion of the vehicle in a line control drive system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to systems and methods for controlling the movement of vehicles. More specifically, this invention relates to modular systems that specifically combine functional and structural elements into electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Autonomous vehicles typically consist of many different structural and functional components. In some cases, these can be described in relation to the body or cabin designed to enclose the occupants, and the various electrical, mechanical, and structural systems, subsystems, and components that allow the vehicle to operate. In traditional vehicle design, the body is inseparable from the various functional systems and components. For example, mechanical linkages directly interconnect the steering and braking systems between the wheels and the occupants, and components such as motors, drivetrains, and cooling systems are housed in the front hood that extends upwards into the vehicle body. Additional structural components may be used to house certain functional elements necessary for vehicle operation.

[0003] Recent advances in electric motor and battery technology have made the manufacture of electric vehicles practical. Compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles offer numerous advantages, including a significantly reduced footprint for drivetrain components. Further advancements in signal processing and drive-by-wire technologies mean that vehicle platforms containing all the necessary functional components can now be produced. However, despite the potential of these advancements, most electric vehicles produced today continue to employ designs traditionally used for internal combustion engines. This is particularly true for the frame and layout of many of the key structural features, including the drive motor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Many embodiments relate to electric vehicles and systems and methods for controlling vehicle motion. Many embodiments of the vehicle control system include a steering system comprising a steering device electromechanically connected to a steering feedback actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to receive an input signal from the steering device and convert the input signal into a series of output signals. The steering actuator can then transmit the output signals to one or more motor-wheel assemblies of the vehicle, enabling manipulation of the direction of the wheel assemblies to guide the vehicle's position, and wherein the steering system has operable electrical connections for connection to the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle control system includes a braking system comprising a brake input device electromechanically connected to a brake actuator, the brake actuator receiving an input signal from the input device corresponding to the movement of the input device, and wherein the brake actuator electromechanically actuates one or more braking components connected to a wheel braking mechanism, such that when the brake actuator engages, the wheel braking mechanism engages the wheel rotors, causing the vehicle to stop. Furthermore, the steering system and braking system are juxtaposed within a single modular form factor, which can be installed within the vehicle cabin.

[0005] In other embodiments, the vehicle control system further includes a vehicle acceleration input system disposed within the shape factor, wherein the acceleration input system has an acceleration input device electromechanically connected to an acceleration feedback generator, such that a signal generated by the acceleration feedback generator is sent to the vehicle's drive system to increase the vehicle's speed.

[0006] In other embodiments, the shape factor is movably disposed on the first support structure, and wherein the shape factor can be positioned at one or more locations on the support structure.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the shape factor is set at a position selected from a group consisting of left, right and middle.

[0008] In some other embodiments, the vehicle control system has at least one second support structure, wherein the front portion of the shape factor is connected to the first support structure and the rear portion of the shape factor is connected to the second support structure.

[0009] In other embodiments, the second support structure is positioned lower than the first support structure, such that the shape factor is angled between the first and second support structures.

[0010] In some other embodiments, the shape factor is movably disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure, so that the set angle can be adjusted.

[0011] In some other embodiments, the vehicle control system has at least two mounting brackets, wherein at least one of the at least two mounting brackets corresponds to and supports a braking system, and at least another of the at least two mounting brackets corresponds to and supports a steering system, and wherein each of the at least two mounting brackets connects a shape factor to a first support structure.

[0012] In some other embodiments, the vehicle control system has at least a third mounting bracket and a fourth mounting bracket, wherein the third mounting bracket corresponds to and supports the braking system, and wherein the fourth mounting bracket corresponds to and supports the steering system, and wherein the third mounting bracket and the fourth mounting bracket are connected to a second support structure.

[0013] In other embodiments, the shape factor includes a housing that surrounds at least a portion of the steering system and at least a portion of the braking system.

[0014] In some other embodiments, the steering system and the braking system are juxtaposed on a single mounting bracket, wherein the single mounting bracket has a steering portion and a braking portion, the steering portion including at least two mounting points, wherein the steering system can be movably connected to the single mounting bracket at these mounting points such that the steering system can move within a form factor, and wherein the braking portion has at least one mounting point configured to connect to a portion of the braking system to secure the braking system to the single mounting bracket such that the braking system remains stationary.

[0015] In some other embodiments, the steering system is extendable, allowing a portion of the steering system to extend beyond the shape factor and be adjustable for a specific occupant.

[0016] In some other embodiments, the steering input device is a steering wheel.

[0017] In other embodiments, the braking input device is a brake pedal.

[0018] In some other embodiments, the brake input device is located outside the form factor and is electrically connected to the brake component of the braking system.

[0019] In some other embodiments, the brake pedal is a floating brake pedal.

[0020] In some other embodiments, the shape factor includes a housing that surrounds at least a portion of the steering system, at least a portion of the braking system, and at least a portion of the acceleration system.

[0021] In other embodiments, each of the steering and braking systems has only at least one operable electronic connection between the respective system and the vehicle platform, such that the operable electronic connection is not mechanical in nature.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the shape factor may be removed from the vehicle's interior.

[0023] Other embodiments may include an electric vehicle having an independent electric vehicle platform and an independent vehicle body connected to the independent electric vehicle platform, wherein the independent vehicle body also includes a vehicle control system. The vehicle control system has a steering system, wherein the steering system includes a steering device electromechanically connected to a steering feedback actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to receive an input signal from the steering device and convert the input signal into a series of output signals, transmitting the output signals to one or more motor-wheel assemblies of the vehicle, enabling the steering of the wheel assemblies to guide the position of the vehicle, and wherein the steering system has operable electrical connections for connection to the vehicle. Furthermore, the control system may have a braking system having a brake input device electromechanically connected to a brake actuator, the brake actuator receiving an input signal from the input device corresponding to the movement of the input device, and wherein the brake actuator electromechanically actuates one or more braking components connected to a wheel braking mechanism, such that when the brake actuator engages, the wheel braking mechanism engages the wheel rotor, causing the vehicle to stop. Finally, the steering system and braking system are juxtaposed within a single modular form factor that can be mounted within the vehicle body, and the vehicle control system is connected to the independent electric vehicle platform via a disconnectable electronic connection point.

[0024] In some other embodiments, the shape factor can be removed from the vehicle compartment and the vehicle platform can be autonomously controlled.

[0025] Further embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent in part to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. A further understanding of the features and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by referring to the remainder of the specification and drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The specification will be more fully understood with reference to the following accompanying drawings, which are presented as exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as a complete description of the scope of the invention, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a conventional steering system based on known technology.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a conventional braking system based on known technology.

[0029] Figure 3 An interior view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A vehicle control system associated with a vehicle platform according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 5A vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 A vehicle control system housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figures 7A to 7C A vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, many embodiments include a vehicle control system having additional systems and associated components designed to control the movement of the vehicle. For example, many embodiments include a steering system having a steering wheel connected to a steering column in a conventional sense. However, in conjunction with mechanical steering components, many embodiments include control actuators that translate the movement of the mechanical components into electrical and mechanical control and movement of the wheels. According to many embodiments, the form factor of the vehicle control system is compact, allowing it to be supported by the structure within the passenger compartment and relatively concealed from the occupant's line of sight. In addition to the steering mechanism, many embodiments may incorporate the vehicle braking system within the same form factor of the steering mechanism, such that the various systems have relatively fixed positions relative to each other.

[0035] Vehicle control can be divided into several basic functions, such as acceleration, steering, and braking. Each function may require one or more components and / or systems working individually or in series to control the vehicle so that it can move in a desired direction and speed. Traditionally, vehicles, including electric vehicles, utilize a variety of systems and subsystems housed behind a conventional dashboard within the vehicle's cabin. The dashboard typically extends laterally from one side of the vehicle to the other and can accommodate many different displays for the general use and entertainment of the vehicle's occupants. Thus, the dashboard represents a large section at the front of the vehicle used to conceal the numerous controls of the vehicle. This allows vehicle manufacturers considerable workspace in locating the various components of the corresponding control systems. For example, Figure 1 shows a steering system 100 according to known technology in conventional vehicles. The steering system 100 conventionally includes a steering wheel 102 connected to a steering column 104, which is mechanically connected to a steering gear system 106. Many such systems utilize multiple universal joints 108 connected to racks and pinions to transmit the movement of the steering wheel 102 to the wheels 110, thereby controlling the directional movement of the vehicle. In addition to the steering system, many conventional vehicles also use a separate braking system, as illustrated in the schematic diagram in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a basic conventional braking system 200 with a brake input 202 connected to a hydraulic reservoir or control unit 204. The hydraulic control unit 204 conventionally has a reservoir containing hydraulic fluid that can be transmitted to the individual wheel brakes 206 via a series of hydraulic lines 208. When an input is received from the input unit 202, the control unit 204 can adjust the amount of fluid transmitted to the brakes 206, thereby controlling the vehicle's speed. Furthermore, many systems may include numerous different sensors and other electronic components to help control the amount of braking that can be performed in a more precise manner, thus assisting the vehicle driver.

[0036] As mentioned earlier, numerous different systems are available for controlling vehicle movement. Furthermore, many of these systems are integrated throughout the vehicle's cabin and mechanically interconnected with chassis and underbody components. Additionally, conventional vehicles and traditional vehicle designs tend to be centered around a larger front section, which typically occupies the engine compartment in internal combustion engine vehicles. Many electric vehicles also tend towards a more conventional design with a larger front section, even if an engine compartment is not required. Consequently, such designs tend to position occupants rearward from the front of the vehicle, allowing control components to be placed within the cabin and further forward of the occupants. This rearward placement of occupants combined with a forward-engine-type cabin often limits the overall adaptability of more advanced vehicle designs. For example, as mentioned earlier, many electric vehicles that do not require an engine compartment still adhere to designs that can be very limiting in terms of occupant placement. Moreover, this conventional configuration continues to rely heavily on mechanical connections between various vehicle control systems, which provide numerous points of failure. Furthermore, these connections can be bulky, difficult to maintain, and costly. In addition, conventional systems and configurations offer little in terms of adjustability and adaptability.

[0037] In contrast, many of the embodiments described herein utilize the unique degrees of freedom offered by electric vehicles. For example, many embodiments are applicable to electric vehicle platforms that can be independent. In other words, the electric vehicle platform can house the battery, wheels, drive motor, suspension system, etc., to allow for relative autonomy when needed. Therefore, some embodiments can allow for different seating configurations that place occupants further forward compared to conventional vehicle designs. This forward placement of occupants presents various advantages and challenges that may need to be addressed relative to other systems, such as the vehicle control system. However, many embodiments can utilize improved spacing, which allows for enhanced adaptability and the use of numerous modular components. For example, many embodiments of the vehicle control system can be applied to electric vehicles with vehicle platforms that are completely separate from the vehicle cabin, thus eliminating the need for bulky mechanical connections between systems. Similarly, removing bulky mechanical linkages can reduce maintenance costs and improve the overall functionality of the vehicle interior.

[0038] In many embodiments, the vehicle cabin configuration can be adapted to any number of different configurations by utilizing some unique characteristics of electric vehicles. For example, Figure 3Interior views of a vehicle compartment according to various embodiments are shown. The vehicle compartment 300 can be configured such that the body, including seat elements 302 and vehicle control mechanisms 304, is independent and separate from the vehicle platform 306. The vehicle platform 306 may include corresponding drive motors 308, wheels 310, and associated suspension systems (not shown), and can function as an independent, movable body. According to many embodiments, the vehicle control mechanisms 304 may be electrically connected to the vehicle platform 306, such that there is no mechanical connection between the platform and the body. This can be advantageous because faults in the control system can be repaired and / or replaced without delving into the complexities of subsystems such as brake lines or steering connections.

[0039] Using electronic connections instead of traditional mechanical connections may present certain technical challenges, such as safety and sufficient system redundancy. Despite these challenges, the use of such systems can significantly impact overall vehicle weight and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, such systems can allow for improved interior design within the vehicle. For example, without mechanical connections, the control system can be housed in virtually any suitable location within the vehicle. Figure 3 A packaged vehicle control system 304 is shown, which is conventionally located on the driver's side of the vehicle. Although the control system 304 is located on the left or driver's side, it is understood that such a system can be located in almost any space within the vehicle compartment. For example, in countries where the driver sits on the right side of the vehicle, the control system 304 can be moved from the left to the right without any modification to the platform 306 on which the vehicle compartment is located. In the case of simple movement of the control system 304, the electronic connections can remain unchanged. To facilitate such movement, some systems can be connected to a crossbar that extends laterally across the width of the vehicle compartment 300. This crossbar can serve as a structural support for the vehicle compartment and as a support for the control system 304. Thus, many embodiments of the packaged control system can be equipped with a variety of different mounting mechanisms that allow movement on the crossbar.

[0040] Go to Figure 4 This allows for a better understanding of the potential space configurations offered by packaging systems that can be electronically connected to the vehicle platform, either individually or partially. For example, Figure 4 A vehicle platform 402 without an associated carriage and an associated vehicle control system 404 are shown. According to some embodiments, the vehicle control system 404 may be a packaged system with a steering system juxtaposed with a braking system, which will... Figures 5 to 7CFurther illustrated below. In many embodiments, the vehicle control system 404 may have a steering input, such as a steering wheel 406. Similarly, the control system 404 may have one or more speed control mechanisms 408, such as a brake pedal and / or an accelerator. The speed control mechanism may provide a speed input to the control system, which may then pass the input to various subsystems, such as brakes and / or drive motors. For example, an acceleration system may have an input device that generates a signal that will be transmitted to various components of the drive system, such as motors, which may then change the corresponding speed of the vehicle. Similarly, a braking system may have similar inputs and outputs, although many braking systems may also have a hydraulic output.

[0041] As already discussed, some embodiments may package the vehicle control system into a single shape factor that can juxtapose subsystems such as steering, braking, and / or acceleration. Figure 5 An embodiment of a vehicle control system 500 is shown, which is packaged within a specific form factor and can be adapted to or installed in any number of different vehicle configurations. In some embodiments, the vehicle control system can be completely removed in the case of an autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle control system 500 has a steering wheel 502 that can resemble a conventional steering wheel. In many embodiments, the steering wheel 502 can be connected to a steering column 504, which is connected to a steering feedback actuator 506. The steering feedback actuator can be used to receive input from the steering wheel 502 and convert rotational motion into a signal that can be transmitted to other components within the steering system (e.g., wheels), where the signal is then converted into directional motion within the wheels. Some embodiments can be equipped with a number of different systems that can help improve safety, such as airbags or driver control assistance systems, which can be integrated within the form factor of the entire vehicle control system. Furthermore, some embodiments of the vehicle control system 500 can have some conventional elements, such as an adjustment mechanism 507 for the steering column or other components. Such an adjustment mechanism can be mechanical or electromechanical in nature and can provide a variety of different adjustments to accommodate any type of occupant.

[0042] In many embodiments, the control system 500 may be equipped with a braking system 508. The braking system 508 may be a combination of electric brake control and some more conventional braking components. For example, many embodiments may have a conventional brake pedal 510, which provides braking pressure input from the occupant and is electronically connected to the brake control unit. The brake control unit 511 may measure the amount of pressure from the occupant and subsequently activate a hydraulic braking system that generates hydraulic pressure to each wheel of the vehicle. For example, the brake control unit 511 may receive an electrical signal from a brake pedal actuation unit to determine the pressure to be generated to the vehicle wheels. In various embodiments, the determined pressure may be transmitted to each wheel via hydraulic pressure corresponding to the appropriate pressure from the brake pedal or other braking input device. In many embodiments, the brake control unit 511 may use a sensor to measure the travel of the brake pedal 510, which may be used to signal the hydraulic portion of the control system 500 and subsequently activate the braking system on each wheel of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the brake control unit 511 may use pressure sensors and motion sensors to provide a redundant system to ensure continuous operation of the braking system. In many embodiments, the braking system 508 may have a conventional hydraulic pump or master cylinder 512 and a reservoir 514 for hydraulic fluid. Understandably, juxtaposing the braking and steering systems within a single shape factor can impose certain packaging limitations, potentially requiring unique solutions for various components such as the braking system 508. For example, many embodiments of the braking system can be uniquely configured to reduce the contents of the brake pedal actuation, including the reservoir and master cylinder. Some embodiments of the braking system can use uniquely configured reservoirs 514, such as elongated, flatter reservoirs, compared to more conventional bulky designs. Furthermore, the reservoirs can take any number of different shapes to fit within a desired shape factor, such as “S”, “U”, or any other shape that might be required. Such embodiments can allow for more compact and modular configurations of the braking system, enabling it to be fitted within a modular shape factor that can be mounted in multiple different locations and is completely removable.

[0043] According to many embodiments, the braking system may be equipped with multiple different sensors and / or additional control systems to provide redundancy in the system and improve the overall functionality of the braking system. For example, many systems 508 may have vehicle stability control systems, anti-lock braking systems, regenerative braking systems, which can be coupled with other components, sensors, and controllers to effectively control the speed of the vehicle. As will be understood, the vehicle control system may be contained in a single form factor that is easy to install in multiple different locations within the vehicle. Therefore, many embodiments may include multiple different mounting brackets 516, which may serve as support structures for steering, braking, and / or acceleration components and provide mounting points 518 for mounting the control system 500 into the vehicle interior. While specific configurations of the braking system may be described, it should be understood that many embodiments may use alternative configurations of braking components to activate and control the braking system. For example, some embodiments may use a brake pedal that is freely attached to the system. Other embodiments may use a separate pedal or input device that relies solely on electrical input and is electrically connected to other components of the braking system.

[0044] It is well understood that placing multiple components of a vehicle control system within a single form factor allows for the placement of housings or enclosures around various components. For example... Figure 6 As shown, some embodiments of the vehicle control system 600 may have a housing 602 that surrounds various components or at least most of the components of the vehicle control system 600. While most components, such as brake control elements and steering actuators, can be housed within the housing 602, some components requiring occupant interaction may be located outside the housing. For example, steering control devices such as the steering wheel 604 and steering column adjustment device 606 may be positioned outside the housing 602, allowing the occupant to actively operate these devices. Furthermore, having a housing 602 can have various advantages, such as improving the fit, form, and function within the vehicle's cabin space. It can also provide a more aesthetically pleasing configuration. Although a specific configuration of the housing or enclosure 602 is shown, it should be understood that any number of housings can be used. For example, some embodiments may have a housing with dimensions of approximately 500 x 100 x 250 mm. Since many embodiments of the vehicle control system can be configured to be mounted within a single form factor, it can be further understood that many embodiments can be configured to be mounted into one or more mounting structures 610 / 612 within the vehicle's cabin.

[0045] Figures 7A to 7C Several different installation locations and configurations of a vehicle control system according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. For example, Figure 7AA vehicle control system 700 according to many embodiments is shown, configured to be mounted at different locations along support structures 702 and 704. Although two different support structures 702 and 704 are shown, some embodiments of the vehicle control system 700 can be adapted to be mounted to a single support structure. Figure 7B A side view of a vehicle control system 700 is shown, wherein the system 700 is mounted to an upper support structure 702 and a lower support structure 704. Therefore, different heights of the support structures allow the steering column 706 and steering wheel 708 to tilt in a comfortable occupant position. Furthermore, the control system 700, according to various embodiments, may have multiple mounting brackets 710 movably connected to the control system 700, thereby allowing adjustment of the system's angles. The mounting brackets 710 may have one or more pivot points 712, which can allow multiple adjustment angles, enabling the system 700 to accommodate multiple different occupants. According to many embodiments, the juxtaposition of various subsystems within a single form factor can allow for many different design configurations to allow for adaptability and modularity of the vehicle control system. For example, as already described, the steering system may require the ability to move or adjust, but the braking system may not require or even expect the same adjustment or configuration. Therefore, many embodiments of the mounting bracket 710 may be essentially single but have more than one segment. For example, some embodiments of the mounting bracket 710 may have a steering side and a braking side, wherein the steering side is configured with a pivot point 712, while the braking side does not have a similar pivot point. It is understood that adjustments to the vehicle control system can be made via an adjustment device 714. In some embodiments, the adjustment device 714 can adjust the degree of extension / retraction of the steering column 706 and / or the angle of the vehicle control system 700.

[0046] Since many embodiments can be configured to be mounted to multiple support structures 702 / 704 and the system 700 can be assembled within a single form factor, it is understood that many embodiments can have multiple different mounting points 718, such as Figure 7CAs shown. For example, many embodiments of the packaged control system 700 may have one or more brake / acceleration mounting brackets 720 / 722 that support the braking component 724 within the control system. Similarly, the steering component 726 may have multiple mounting brackets 728 / 730. Such mounting brackets may be configured with multiple mounting points 718 corresponding to at least one mounting structure 702 / 704. Furthermore, it is understood that the positions of the mounting brackets 728 / 730 may vary relative to different components and the entire control system 700. For example, some brackets may be located approximately 100 mm from the centerline of the control system. As previously mentioned, some embodiments of the vehicle control system 700 may be configured to be mounted on a single mounting structure rather than two separate structures, which can have many different advantages, including but not limited to increasing passenger compartment space. Moreover, many embodiments of the control system 700 and the absence of mechanical connections allow for increased modularity of the control system, enabling a single vehicle design to be used in multiple markets without significant modifications. Improved modularity can reduce the need for additional tooling, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and increasing manufacturing efficiency.

[0047] According to many embodiments, the compactness of the aforementioned system can be highly advantageous, allowing for a variety of configurations. For example, this compactness allows the system to be placed on the left or right side of the vehicle with minimal modification to the mounting components. Furthermore, such a system can be placed in a location completely separate from the driver's seat or compartment, and in any number of convenient locations. Many embodiments also allow for the complete removal of vehicle control systems incorporating occupant interface elements. Thus, some embodiments can have vehicle control systems without any occupant interface, allowing the vehicle to still be controlled by autonomous control features and elements lacking any human input.

[0048] Although not fully shown in the figures, many embodiments of the vehicle control system may have various wiring and / or hydraulic connections, such as hoses, which can act as connectors to physically connect the control system to the vehicle platform. It should be understood that the “form factor” of the various embodiments may include a large number of wiring and / or other connections capable of establishing a connection between the control system and the vehicle. Furthermore, many embodiments may employ easily removable or disconnectable connection points, allowing the control system itself to be removed for maintenance or replacement.

[0049] The various embodiments described herein illustrate vehicle control systems that can improve the overall functionality of a vehicle by allowing for more efficient use of interior space. Furthermore, many embodiments allow for improved modularity, which can enhance the vehicle's adaptability in many different markets. While this disclosure can divide a vehicle control system into many functional and structural elements, it should be understood that any vehicle control system according to the embodiments can combine, include, or omit any described elements as needed for the specific vehicle control system design.

[0050] Overview and principles of equivalent forms

[0051] From the above discussion, it can be inferred that the above concepts can be implemented in various arrangements according to embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, many embodiments include electric vehicles positioned to utilize the potential additional space in vehicles that do not require a bulky internal combustion engine. Therefore, many embodiments incorporate the form factor of a packaged vehicle control system, which may include steering and braking systems and components. According to embodiments, achieving such functionality involves implementing specific arrangements / designs among the aforementioned subsystems and their equivalents.

[0052] Therefore, although the invention has been described in certain specific aspects, many additional modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It should therefore be understood that the invention can be practiced in ways other than those specifically described. Consequently, the embodiments of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

Claims

1. A vehicle control system comprising: a housing carried within an interior cabin of a vehicle, the vehicle having at least one vehicle control system support structure located within the interior cabin; at least one mounting bracket configured to engage the at least one vehicle control system support structure; a steering system comprising a steering device carried outside the housing, and a steering feedback actuator carried within the housing and electromechanically coupled to the steering device, the steering feedback actuator configured to receive an input signal from the steering device, convert the input signal into a series of output signals, and transmit the output signals to one or more motor-wheel assemblies of the vehicle, enabling the direction of the wheel assemblies to be manipulated to direct the position of the vehicle, and an operable electrical connection to connect to the vehicle; and a braking system comprising a braking input device carried outside the housing, and a braking actuator carried within the housing and electromechanically connected to the braking input device, the braking actuator configured to receive an input signal from the braking input device corresponding to the movement of the braking input device, and electromechanically activate one or more braking components connected to a wheel braking mechanism, such that when the braking actuator is engaged, the wheel braking mechanism engages a wheel rotor, causing the vehicle to stop; wherein the housing, the steering system, and the braking system are collocated within a single modular form factor that is mountable within the vehicle cabin at different locations along the at least one support structure via the at least one mounting bracket.

2. The vehicle control system of claim 1, further comprising a vehicle acceleration input system disposed within the form factor, wherein the acceleration input system has an acceleration input device electromechanically connected to an acceleration feedback generator, such that signals generated by the acceleration feedback generator are sent to a drive system of the vehicle, thereby increasing the speed of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the form factor is disposed in a location selected from the group consisting of a left side, a right side, and a center.

4. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the form factor is removable.

5. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure comprises a plurality of support structures, and wherein a front portion of the form factor is connected to a first support structure of the plurality of support structures and a rear portion of the form factor is connected to a second support structure of the plurality of support structures.

6. The vehicle control system of claim 5, wherein the second support structure is disposed at a lower location than the first support structure, such that the form factor is disposed angularly between the first support structure and the second support structure.

7. The vehicle control system of claim 6, wherein the form factor is movably disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure, such that the disposed angle can be adjusted. ​ 8. The vehicle control system of claim 5, wherein the at least one mounting bracket comprises a plurality of mounting brackets, wherein at least one of the plurality of mounting brackets corresponds to and supports a braking system, and at least another of the plurality of mounting brackets corresponds to and supports a steering system; and wherein each of the plurality of mounting brackets connects the form factor to the first support structure.

9. The vehicle control system of claim 8, wherein a third mounting bracket of the plurality of mounting brackets corresponds to and supports a braking system, and wherein a fourth mounting bracket of the plurality of mounting brackets corresponds to and supports a steering system, and wherein the third mounting bracket and the fourth mounting bracket connect to the second support structure.

10. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the form factor comprises a housing that encloses at least a portion of the steering system and at least a portion of the braking system.

11. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the steering system and the braking system are collocated on the at least one mounting bracket, and wherein the at least one mounting bracket has a steering portion and a braking portion, the steering portion comprises a plurality of steering mounting points at which the steering system is movably connectable to the at least one mounting bracket such that the steering system is movable within the form factor, and wherein the braking portion has at least one braking mounting point configured to connect with a portion of the braking system to secure the braking system to the at least one mounting bracket such that the braking system remains stationary.

12. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the steering system is extendable such that a portion of the steering system is extendable outside of the form factor and is adjustable for a particular occupant.

13. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the steering input device comprises a steering wheel.

14. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the braking input device comprises a brake pedal.

15. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the braking input device is disposed outside of the form factor and is electrically connected to the braking input device and the braking actuator.

16. The vehicle control system of claim 14, wherein the brake pedal comprises a floating brake pedal.

17. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein each of the steering system and the braking system has at least one operable electronic connection between the respective system and the vehicle platform such that the operable electronic connection is not mechanical in nature.

18. The vehicle control system of claim 1, wherein the form factor is removable from an interior cabin of the vehicle.

19. An electric vehicle, comprising: a stand-alone electric vehicle platform; a stand-alone vehicle cabin connected to the stand-alone electric vehicle platform, wherein the stand-alone vehicle cabin further comprises a vehicle control system, the vehicle control system comprising a housing carried within an interior of the stand-alone vehicle cabin, the electric vehicle having at least one vehicle control system support structure located within the interior cabin; at least one mounting bracket configured to engage the at least one vehicle control system support structure; a steering system comprising a steering device carried outside the housing, and a steering feedback actuator carried inside the housing and electromechanically coupled to the steering device, the steering feedback actuator configured to receive an input signal from the steering device, convert the input signal into a series of output signals, and transmit the output signals to one or more motor-wheel assemblies of the electric vehicle, enabling the direction of the wheel assemblies to be steered to direct the position of the electric vehicle, and an operable electrical connection to connect to the electric vehicle; and a braking system comprising a braking input device carried outside the housing, a braking actuator carried inside the housing and electromechanically connected to the braking input device, the braking actuator configured to receive an input signal from the braking input device corresponding to the movement of the braking input device, and electromechanically activate one or more braking components connected to a wheel braking mechanism, such that when the braking actuator is engaged, the wheel braking mechanism engages the wheel rotor, causing the vehicle to stop; wherein the steering system and the braking system are collocated within a single modular form factor that is mountable within a standalone vehicle cabin at different positions along the at least one support structure via the at least one mounting bracket, and wherein the vehicle control system is connected to the standalone electric vehicle platform through a breakable electronic connection point.

20. The electric vehicle of claim 19, wherein the modular form factor is removable from the standalone vehicle cabin and enables the vehicle platform to be autonomously controlled.

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