Electric vehicle

Abstract

An electric vehicle, multipurpose, modular, and stackable, includes a chassis having a substantially flat platform and a built-in compartment for receiving one or more battery modules. A vehicle includes a steering assembly having a steering column configured to be selectively used for a first configuration, a second configuration, or a third configuration. The vehicle also includes a relatively flat suspension system and attachment providers disposed on and around the chassis for removably attaching one or more accessories to deform the vehicle into one or more useful vehicle types. The chassis allows one or more seats to be mounted in a multi-seat configuration. Further, each of the four wheels is motor-controlled and coupled to the chassis to support the chassis using a pair of control arms to roll the wheels on the surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to electric vehicles. More specifically, it relates to a multi-purpose, modular, and stackable four-wheel electric mobile platform vehicle (also referred to as a "Utility Personal Transporter (UPT)") that can be transformed into one or more useful vehicle types, such as but not limited to an ATV / UTV, a car, a mini-truck, or other work vehicles for performing different jobs to meet user needs. Background Art

[0002] There are different types of specialized vehicles for patrol and recreational use, golfing, adaptive mobility, urban commuting, moving loads from one location to another, farm use, and various other outdoor uses (such as snow plowing and mowing) both within and around us. However, owning one or other such vehicles only meets some specific needs of the vehicle owner.

[0003] In recent years, vehicles for transportation, maneuvering within and around cities, cargo delivery, and other outdoor uses have taken many different forms. These vehicles are generally determined by the environment and the context of use. Typically, trucks, vans, and other large motor vehicles have large cargo areas for carrying loads, but they must stay on the road and may be difficult to navigate through narrow city streets. Additionally, small carts, trolleys, and wheelbarrows can assist with short-distance movement and the delivery of smaller loads. Moreover, typical carts, trolleys, and wheelbarrows are manually pushed or pulled and have limited practical travel distances, cargo-carrying capacities, and limited travel speeds.

[0004] Furthermore, during disasters and emergencies, the normal protocols for social operations and community infrastructure often become challenging. Time is an important factor in providing quick relief and timely delivery of different goods / products (such as food, medicine) by performing rescue operations. In such disaster-stricken areas, it may be very difficult to deploy a large number of trucks, disaster relief vans, etc. Additionally, the road conditions may be highly challenging for traditional vehicles to provide timely rescue at these locations. It may be challenging to provide a large number of traditional trucks and disaster relief vans themselves when needed.

[0005] Typically, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a small open single-rider vehicle with four wheels and is generally designed for off-road use on various types of terrain or rough ground. These vehicles run on low-pressure tires, where the seat is straddled by the operator, and motorcycle-like handlebars are used for steering control. Similarly, a utility task vehicle (UTV) is a slightly larger four-wheel drive vehicle that typically has a conventional steering wheel and provides seating for two or four people in a side-by-side arrangement. UTVs usually have a small truck bed and are thus popular among golf course maintenance crews, parks and recreation departments, and any other users who need to travel over uneven terrain with people and supplies. A typical ATV / UTV is usually powered by an internal combustion engine running on gasoline or other suitable fuels (e.g., propane, diesel, etc.). The engine of the ATV / UTV is typically coupled to a pair of rear drive wheels via the drive shaft of the engine and an intermediate transmission. Some ATV / UTVs even include a wheel drive system. Due to the increasing demand for using ATVs as work vehicles, various tools have been designed to transform ATVs into more useful vehicles, such as lawn mowers, log splitters, snow blowers, etc. However, these tools / attachments typically have significant drawbacks in that they require a separate engine to operate the independent tools, which may or may not be pulled by the ATV, which is very expensive and unnecessarily adds weight to the ATV. Traditional tools are custom-mounted and cumbersome and time-consuming to use because they need to be bolted to the ATV engine and the bolts must be fully unscrewed and removed when the tools are not in use to allow the ATV to operate in its normal function.

[0006] The present inventors hereby propose a multi-purpose, multi-purpose four-wheeled micro-electric vehicle or utility personal transporter (UPT) that can be easily transformed into one or more useful vehicle types for performing different tasks, such as but not limited to ATVs, UTVs, microcars, golf carts, club cars, electric wheelbarrows, electric dump trucks, and micro-trucks or other work vehicles, to meet the various needs of users. In addition, the proposed four-wheeled electric vehicle is stackable and is thus highly suitable for storage, transportation, and delivery to emergency or disaster sites. Summary of the Utility Model

[0007] Therefore, one of the technical problems solved by the present utility model is how to provide a multi-purpose, modular, and stackable four-wheeled mobile platform vehicle that is strong, lightweight, and ideal for search and rescue missions, livestock farm surveillance, eco-tourism, urban commuting, load-carrying, and recreational use.

[0008] Another technical problem of the present utility model is how to provide a multi-purpose, modular and stackable mobile platform vehicle, which has four traction control wheels, and each wheel is controlled by a separate motor. The traction control wheels provide optimal stability and safety, climbing power and towing capacity. The in-wheel motors provide a better braking and stability experience.

[0009] Another technical problem of the present utility model is how to provide a multi-purpose, modular and stackable mobile platform vehicle, which does not require any transmission parts (such as an internal combustion engine running on fuel), thereby reducing the overall cost and weight of the vehicle.

[0010] Another technical problem of the present utility model is how to provide a multi-purpose, modular and stackable mobile platform vehicle, which is powered by at least one battery module. The use of modular batteries facilitates power capacity upgrades and battery replacement in cases where the battery needs to be replaced or the power needs to be upgraded.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present utility model describe an electric vehicle, which is a multi-purpose, modular and stackable four-wheel mobile platform vehicle or a multi-functional personal transportation tool. The electric vehicle includes a chassis, which includes a substantially flat platform having a top surface, and the chassis further includes a built-in compartment for accommodating at least one battery module therein. According to an embodiment, the chassis is preferably cubic in shape.

[0012] In an embodiment, the electric vehicle further includes a steering assembly, which includes a steering column and handlebars mounted on the steering column. The steering column is configured to be selectively used in a first configuration, a second configuration or a third configuration, and the handlebars can be positioned at least on the center line of the chassis, or positioned on the left side of the chassis of the electric vehicle. The height of the steering column is adjustable. The first configuration allows the steering column to be tilted at a predetermined angle for sitting riding of the electric vehicle, the second configuration allows the steering column to be oriented straight at 90 degrees relative to the chassis for standing riding of the electric vehicle, and the third configuration allows the steering column to be fully folded for storage or stackability of the electric vehicle.

[0013] In an embodiment, the handlebars are mounted on the steering column using a frame that is slidable along a track internally installed in the steering column.

[0014] In an embodiment, the steering column of the electric vehicle includes a plurality of U-joints and a plurality of shafts, the plurality of shafts are operatively connected to a third bracket, and the third bracket is in turn connected to a tie rod for transmitting the steering movement to the wheels. One of the plurality of shafts can be selectively slid into a cylinder to adjust the height of the steering column. One of the plurality of shafts is angled and operatively connected to the frame to move the frame along the track within the steering column.

[0015] In an embodiment, the steering column is configured to operate in a first configuration and / or a third configuration at the pivot connection.

[0016] In an embodiment, the electric vehicle further includes a relatively flat suspension system that includes shock absorbers and coil springs wound around the shock absorbers. The suspension system is configured to be substantially in the horizontal direction near each of the four wheels. The suspension system is connected at its first end to one of a pair of control arms using a first bracket and is connected to a second bracket positioned inside the chassis and substantially at the centerline of the chassis. The flat suspension system provides higher off-road / road capabilities for the proposed electric vehicle. The flat suspension system includes double wishbone arms with a stroke of 120 mm.

[0017] In an embodiment, the electric vehicle further includes one or more attachment provisions or attachment points provided on and around the chassis for removably attaching one or more accessories thereto. The one or more attachment provisions are provided in the form of slots and / or tracks to facilitate attaching the one or more accessories using one or more fasteners. When the one or more accessories are coupled to the one or more attachment provisions provided on and around the electric vehicle, the electric vehicle is transformed into one or more useful vehicle types, such as an all-terrain vehicle, a multi-functional work vehicle, a microcar, a golf cart, a club car, an electric wheelbarrow, an electric dump truck, and a micro truck. The accessories are selected from a group consisting of: at least one seat, at least one bumper, one or more fenders for front and rear uses, one or more footrests, at least one container, a snowplow, a micro body, a lawn mower, and a stretcher.

[0018] In an embodiment, each of the four wheels includes an in-wheel motor and is motor-controlled, and is coupled to the chassis to support the chassis for rolling on a surface (e.g., a rough road or an urban road) using a pair of control arms.

[0019] In an embodiment, the chassis includes a cover for covering an internal compartment that holds at least one battery module.

[0020] The technical effects achieved by the present utility model include producing a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle or a multi-functional personal transportation tool that is multi-purpose, modular, stackable, rugged or lightweight, and has optimal stability and safety, climbing ability, towing ability, overall cost, or battery replacement convenience. The various advantages and features of the present utility model are specifically described herein so that those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the present utility model both in terms of how to implement the present utility model and how to manufacture the present utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other features of the present utility model become more apparent in the following description of the preferred embodiments, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A top perspective view of a multi-purpose, modular and stackable four-wheel mobile platform vehicle according to an embodiment of the present utility model is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 And Figure 3 Side and front perspective views of a multi-purpose, modular and stackable four-wheel mobile platform vehicle according to another embodiment of the present utility model are respectively shown.

[0024] Figure 4 A four-wheel mobile platform vehicle according to an embodiment of the present utility model is shown, Figure 1 which has a footrest constructed on either side of the chassis and at least one battery module housed in a compartment of the chassis.

[0025] Figure 5 And Figure 5A Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle, highlighting the presence of a flat suspension system and a pair of control arms connected to each tire.

[0026] Figures 6 to 9 Shows Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle, particularly highlighting the steering mechanism of the vehicle.

[0027] Figure 10 And Figure 11 Show in simplified form a view of a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle according to an embodiment, Figure 1 wherein the cover holding at least one battery module above the compartment is removed.

[0028] Figure 12 And Figure 13 Are cross-sectional views taken from Figure 1 To show the mechanism for changing the wheelbase length of the chassis according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 14 Is a diagram showing the foldability of a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle according to an embodiment of the present utility model, Figure 2 And / or Figure 15 Thereof.

[0030] Figure 15 Shows a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle according to an embodiment, Figure 1 wherein a footrest is constructed on either side of the chassis and a foldable operator's seat is constructed at the rear of the chassis.

[0031] Figure 16 shows a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle according to an embodiment of the present utility model Figure 15 wherein the cover that holds at least one battery module above the compartment of the chassis is removed.

[0032] Figure 17 is an illustration of the stacked form after folding Figure 2 and / or Figure 15 a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle (without footrests) at the cargo area of a truck.

[0033] Figures 18 to 26 shows a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle according to various embodiments of the present utility model Figure 2 and Figure 3 which is deformed into various useful vehicle types for performing different jobs.

[0034] Like reference numerals in the figures are intended to denote like parts, but not every feature in every figure can be referred to by a reference numeral. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0035] In the drawings, for clarity, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated and / or simplified. For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "under", "above", "upper", "front", and "rear" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figures to another element or feature (s). It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "beneath" or "below" or "lower" than another element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" and "lower" can cover both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0036] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Thus, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model, the first element, component, region, layer or part described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0037] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intervening elements or layers. Additionally, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the sole element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there may also be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0038] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and "including", "has", "have" and "having" when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When an expression such as "at least one" is before a list of elements, it modifies the entire list of elements rather than individual elements of the list.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", "along" and similar terms are used only as approximate terms and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, when "may" is used in describing embodiments of the present utility model, it refers to "one or more embodiments of the present utility model".

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 26 and in particular reference Figures 1 to 13 、 Figures 15 to 16, which shows various embodiments of the multi-purpose, modular and stackable four-wheel electric mobile platform vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle 100" or "utility personal transporter (UPT) 100"), the parts and components associated therewith and their functions, will now be described in detail.

[0041] As shown, the vehicle 100 or UPT 100 is preferably configured in the form of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), which is an open single-rider vehicle with four wheels 105 - 108 and is generally designed for off-road use on various types of terrain or rough ground. Although, for simplicity, the seat 120 is not shown in some of the figures (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 ), and the seat 120 is shown in some of the figures (e.g., Figures 15 to 16 ), it should be understood that an ATV typically has a seat 120 (which may be removably attached) straddled by the operator / driver of the vehicle 100 and motorcycle-like handlebars for steering control.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a chassis 102. The chassis 102 has a substantially flat platform 102a (indicated by the line), which has a top surface 102b. The chassis 102 includes a built-in compartment 102c for accommodating at least one battery module 103 therein. In an embodiment, there can be one or up to eight battery modules 103. The chassis 102 includes a removable cover 102d. The cover 102d is used to hide or cover the compartment 102c that holds the at least one battery module 103. In an embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the chassis 102 is generally cubic in shape and has a front end 102f, a rear end 102f' and two sides 102g. In another embodiment, the chassis 102 can be configured in other different shapes that are generally rectangular. In an embodiment, the top surface 102b of the chassis 102 is covered by a pad 102e ( Figure 2 ). The pad 102e covers / hides the cover 102d above the compartment 102c to provide a smooth surface and can also make the chassis 102 waterproof.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the chassis (102) allows at least one seat 120 to be mounted in a plurality of seat configurations. Based on the needs of the vehicle 100 and the form of another useful vehicle that the vehicle 100 is transformed into, the seat configurations can include but are not limited to a side-by-side configuration, a front-to-back configuration, a bench-like seat configuration, an under-seat configuration, a saddle-like seat configuration, etc.

[0044] In an embodiment, the chassis 102 has a fixed wheelbase length, such as at least in Figure 2as seen in. In another embodiment, the chassis 102 may be characterized by having a variable wheelbase length using some mechanical structures, such as in Figures 10 to 11 best seen, and will be described subsequently with respect to Figure 12 and Figure 13 be described.

[0045] According to an embodiment, in addition to the chassis 102, the vehicle or UPT 100 further includes a steering assembly 104. The steering assembly includes a steering column 104a and handlebars 104f mounted on the steering column 104a. The steering assembly 104 is removably mounted (to the left front side of the vehicle 100) on the upper control arm 106b of a pair of control arms 106a, 106b coupled to the chassis 102 of the vehicle 100. However, it should be understood that the steering assembly 104a can be mounted on the right front side of the vehicle 100 on the upper control arm 105b of a pair of control arms 105a, 105b coupled to the chassis 102, rather than on the left front side of the vehicle 100.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the steering column 104a is configured to be selectively used in a first configuration, a second configuration, or a third configuration. The first configuration allows the steering column 104a to be tilted at a predetermined angle (e.g., 30 degrees, 40 degrees) for a sitting posture ride of the vehicle 100. For example, when the vehicle 100 is to be used as a substitute for a small car / microcar for a sitting posture ride. The second configuration allows the steering column 104a to be oriented straight or perpendicular to the chassis 102 at 90 degrees. This position of the steering column 104a is mainly used for a standing posture ride of the vehicle 100, such as in an ATV. The third configuration allows the steering column 104a to be fully folded for storage or stackability after removing or folding any attachments 120 - 128 attached to one or more attachment points 112. Figure 14 The vehicle 100 is shown in a folded state. Specifically, the steering column 104a and the operator seat 120 are shown to be fully folded for easy storage of the vehicle 100. The steering column 104a is fully folded around a pivot joint or connection 104o. Similarly, the standing seat column of the seat 120 is fully folded around the pivot joint 120a so that the vehicle 100 can be folded, as Figure 14 shown, the folded vehicles 100 can be easily stacked together and transported from one location to another. Figure 17 Typically, a plurality of vehicles 100 are shown folded and stacked at the cargo area 202 of a conventional truck 200. Although Figure 17Three vehicles 100 are shown loaded or stacked on the bed 202 of a truck 200, but it should be understood that depending on the size of the truck, a greater or lesser number of vehicles 100 may be transported. The foldability and stackability of the vehicles 100 facilitate the rapid deployment of any number of such vehicles by any agency at any location during disasters and emergencies so that rescue operations can be carried out even when the ground is challenged.

[0047] In an embodiment, the handlebar 104f portion of the steering assembly 104 is made offsettable. This means that the handlebar 104f can be selectively positioned at the centerline of the chassis 102, particularly when the vehicle 100 is used as an ATV, so as to be ridden by a single operator in a sitting or standing position, or if the vehicle 100 is preferably used as a microcar or a small car, then positioned on the left side of the chassis 102 of the vehicle 100. In some other embodiments, if the steering assembly 104 is positioned on the right front side of the vehicle (on the control arm 105b), then the handlebar 104f can be slid to the right side. In particular, the handlebar 104f is mounted to the steering column 104a via a support 104e attached below the handlebar 104f and allows the handlebar 104f to rotate in two directions. As Figure 9 shown, the support 104e is mounted on a frame 104p that can slide along a track 104q internally mounted within the steering column 104a. The cutout section 104d of the column 104a facilitates the sliding of the frame 104p or the support 104e from the centerline to the left.

[0048] Combined Figure 1 and referring Figures 6 to 9 to Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view taken from the front of a four-wheel mobile platform vehicle of

[0049] As Figures 6 to 9 shown, the steering column 104a includes one or more universal joints 104h - 104j, and a plurality of shafts 104k - 104m. Each of the universal joints or U - joints 104h - 104j is used to connect two rotating shafts at an angle. In other words, the universal joint enables the connection of two shafts even if they are not perfectly aligned with each other. It allows the shafts to rotate at different speeds and angles while still transmitting power therebetween. As is well known in the art, universal joints or U - joints are commonly used in vehicles to connect the drive shaft to the transmission, and in industrial machinery, power tools, and other equipment. The shafts 104k - 104m are operatively connected to a bracket 110, which in turn is connected to a tie rod 111 for transmitting the steering motion to the wheels 105 - 108. The shaft 104l can be selectively slid into a cylinder 104n to allow adjustment of the height of the steering column 104a. As shown, the shaft 104k is angled and operatively connected to a frame 104p so as to move the frame 104p along a track 104q within the steering column (104a).

[0050] The steering column 104a is configured to operate in a first configuration (tilt position) and / or a third configuration (fully folded position) at a pivot connection 104o. The pivot connection 104o is selectively aligned with the U - joint 104j to tilt the steering column 104a by a predetermined angle for a sitting - position ride of the vehicle 100, or to fully fold it for storage or stackability of the vehicle 100.

[0051] Further in combination Figures 4 to 5 and referring Figures 1 to 3 , the vehicle / UPT 100 also includes a relatively flat suspension system 109, which is different from other existing vehicles. The flat suspension system 109 provides better stability, better braking ability, and higher off - road / road ability for the proposed vehicle. The flat suspension system 109 includes double - wishbone arms (two control arms on each side) with a stroke of 120 mm. The suspension system 109 includes shock absorbers 109a and coil springs 109b wound around the shock absorbers 109a. The suspension system 109 is configured to be substantially in the horizontal direction near each of the four wheels 105 - 108. As shown, each suspension system 109 (at the four wheels) is connected at its first end to a corresponding control arm 105a or 106a or 107a or 108a using a corresponding bracket 105c or 106c or 107c or 108c, and is connected to another bracket 102h located inside the chassis 102 and substantially at its centerline. Although only one bracket 102h is shown at the front of the chassis 102, it should be understood that there will be another bracket similar to 102h at the rear and inside the chassis 102 to support one end of the suspension system 109 associated with the rear wheels 107, 108.

[0052] In addition, according to another embodiment, as can be seen in Figure 5A , the vehicle 100 can be provided with two suspension systems instead of having four suspension systems 109 ( Figure 5 ), with each suspension system connecting the front wheels 105, 106 together and the rear wheels 107 together to facilitate the lean steering of the vehicle 100, which lean steering is substantially similar to the lean steering provided by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle as best described in US 7487,985. Although Figure 5A only a single suspension system 109 connecting the front wheels 105, 106 using brackets 105c, 106c is shown, it should be understood that a similar arrangement for the suspension system exists for the rear wheels. The suspension system 109 includes a shock absorber 109a and a coil spring 109b wound around the shock absorber 109a.

[0053] In addition, according to an embodiment, the proposed vehicle / UPT 100 having four wheels 105 - 108 includes in-wheel motors (not shown). Each in-wheel motor controls and / or drives a corresponding wheel. Each wheel with a built-in motor is coupled to the chassis 102 to support the rolling of the chassis 102 on a surface (such as an urban terrain, a rough road, etc.). Each wheel with a built-in motor is coupled to the chassis 102 using a pair of corresponding control arms (105a, 105b) or (106a, 106b) or (107a, 107b) or (108a, 108b). The wheels 105 - 108 are thus traction control wheels and provide stability and safety to the vehicle 100 through regenerative braking, maximum traction, climbing power, and towing ability.

[0054] In addition, the proposed vehicle / UPT 100 is provided with one or more attachment provisions 112 which are provided on and around the chassis 102 for removably attaching one or more accessories or tools 120 - 128 thereto, at least as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown.

[0055] In an embodiment, the attachment provisions 112 are provided in the form of slots and / or tracks or any other suitable form such as a strap, etc., to facilitate the attachment of the tool / accessory 120 - 128. One or more fasteners 113 can be used to attach the tool / accessory 120 - 128 to the chassis 102 using the attachment provisions 112. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The vehicle 100 with slots and tracks provided as the attachment provisions 112 is specifically shown, while Figures 2 to 3Vehicle 100 therein typically shows the presence of slots for mounting tools using suitable fasteners. The provided slots 112 can be used to mount different tools 120-128 using different kinds of fasteners (such as nuts and bolts, screws). Similarly, the provided tracks 112 can also be used to hook and optionally slide various tools 120-128. In an embodiment, the tracks 112 are provided at two sides 102g of the chassis 102 and can be used to mount the footrest 123 (or other suitable tool) on either side 102g of the vehicle 104. Additionally, in an embodiment, the tracks 112 allow the chassis 102 to change the wheelbase, as Figures 10 to 11 shown. Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the cross-sectional views taken show a mechanism for changing the wheelbase length of the chassis according to an exemplary embodiment. Four wheels 105-108 are connected to the chassis 102 on the side 102g using respective control arms (105a, 105b) or (106a, 106b) or (107a, 107b) or (108a, 108b). Each of these control arm pairs 108a and 108b is connected to the track using track nuts and bolts 113. In operation, when the operator wishes to change the wheelbase of the chassis, the user can simply loosen the bolts 113 (provided with the control arms) to disengage them from the track nuts 113 set within the track 112, and slide the control arm pairs to the desired distance, and re-fasten the control arm bolts 113 with the track nuts 113 to hold the position of the wheels. This helps to change the wheelbase length of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, in cases where the wheelbase length is not desired to be changed, nut and bolt pairs can also be used instead of using the track 112 and track nuts and bolts, by using the slots 112 provided on the sides of the chassis 102 to connect the control arms.

[0056] The attachment provisions 112 provided on and around the chassis 102 help to deform the vehicle 100 into one or more useful vehicle types for various purposes, as best seen in Figures 18 to 26 . This makes the proposed vehicle multi-purpose and widely acceptable. Useful vehicle types can include but are not limited to ATVs, UTVs, microcars, golf carts, club carts, electric wheelbarrows, electric dump trucks, and micro trucks. The one or more attachments 120-128 can include but are not limited to one or more seats 120, at least one bumper 121, one or more fenders 122 for front and rear uses, one or more footrests 123, at least one container 124 for carrying loads, a snowplow 125 for snow removal, a micro body 126 for urban commuting, a lawn or field mower 127 for agricultural use, and a stretcher 128 for emergency evacuation.

[0057] Figure 18 Shown is a deformable vehicle achieved by connecting fenders 122 to the front and rear of vehicle 100, connecting a pair of bumpers 121 (which can be folded or unfolded) to the front and rear of vehicle 100, and connecting footrests 123 to the side 102g of vehicle 100. These tools are connected using suitable fasteners 113 by means of attachment provisions or attachment points 112 provided on the chassis 102. The ability to connect various tools to vehicle 100 potentially allows the user of the vehicle to use vehicle 100 for different purposes. Tilting the steering assembly 104 and sliding the handlebar 104f to the left (although the handlebar 104f is shown as the centerline) and mounting the seat 120 on top of the rear fender 122 allows the user to use vehicle 100 in a sitting position. In this configuration, the deformable vehicle can be used as a golf cart or UTV. Similarly, as Figure 22 shown, the user / operator can additionally mount a stretcher 128, which is placed on top of the seat 120 and mounted on the front and rear fenders 122. This configuration is very useful for carrying out rescue operations in disaster-prone areas.

[0058] Figure 19 Shown is a deformable vehicle achieved by connecting fenders 122 to the front and rear of vehicle 100, connecting a bumper 121 (which can be folded or unfolded) to the front of vehicle 100, and connecting footrests 123 to the side 102g of the chassis 102. The steering assembly 104 is shown as being straight oriented (without any tilt), and the handlebar 104f is located on the centerline with respect to the chassis 102. Instead of Figure 18 a rear seat, a single operator seat 120 that can be tilted at an angle or fully folded is shown mounted near the rightmost rear wheel 107. The deformable vehicle is similar to a conventional ATV and can be used for normal riding on rough or urban roads, and the front bumper can allow a load to be carried when unfolded.

[0059] Figure 20 Shown is a deformable vehicle achieved by connecting fenders 122 to the front and rear of vehicle 100, connecting a bumper 121 (in the unfolded position) to the front of vehicle 100, and connecting footrests 123 to the side 102g of the chassis 102. In this configuration, a container 124 is shown mounted on the rear fender 122 using suitable fasteners by means of appropriate attachment provisions 112 provided on the rear fender 122. In this configuration, both the container 124 and the collapsible bumper can be used to carry a load. The steering configuration shown is similar to Figure 19 similar. Figure 21Specifically shown is a user riding the transformable vehicle in a standing position for carrying long lumber 150 placed on a flat platform 102a and for carrying a load 152 placed on a container. The flat platform facilitates easy carrying of large logs 150 without any hindrance.

[0060] Figure 23 Shown is a micro body 126 constructed on a chassis 102 for urban use. This construction allows a user (or users) to use the vehicle 100 (as a micro car) under abnormal weather conditions and to commute comfortably in urban areas just like any other small car. Figure 23 The micro car shown can be transformed to include a snow plow 125 (as Figure 24 shown) for removing snow from snow-prone areas, especially snow on public roads.

[0061] Figure 25 Shown is yet another practical aspect of the vehicle 100, where the vehicle 100 is shown to be capable of carrying a load 152 at the front and rear like a truck. The vehicle 100 includes containers 124 placed on mudguards 122 at the front and rear (using attachment provisions provided thereon and using fasteners 113). Additionally, by connecting a trolley / freight car at the rear end 102f' of the vehicle chassis 102 using attachment provisions 112 and suitable fasteners 113, the vehicle 100 can be used to tow any other trolley / freight car 154 (capable of carrying a load 152).

[0062] Figure 26 Shown is yet another practical aspect of the vehicle 100, where, in addition to an agricultural tool / attachment 127 being attached to the front portion of the chassis 102, the vehicle 100 is shown to be constructed as in Figure 3 . The attachment 127 is a lawn or field mower 127 for agricultural use for moving fields. A user is seen riding the vehicle 100 in a standing position like riding an ATV.

[0063] Figures 18 to 26 Only some exemplary transformations are shown, which can be achieved from the vehicle 100 by adding or removing different attachments. There are many other possible configurations conceivable for utilizing the vehicle 100 to convert the vehicle 100 into a vehicle that can be used for some specific purposes. Depending on user requirements, a user can add or remove one or more tools for various purposes / uses.

[0064] It is conceivable that any aspect or any part of an embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented or combined with any other aspect or any part of any other embodiment discussed in this specification, as long as those parts are not mutually exclusive of each other.

[0065] While the present utility model has been described in connection with the presently considered most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present utility model is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, the present utility model is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle, which is a multi-purpose, modular and stackable four-wheel mobile platform vehicle or a multi-functional personal transportation tool, characterized in that, The electric vehicle includes: A chassis including a generally flat platform having a top surface and a plurality of flat suspension systems, the chassis further including a built-in compartment for housing at least one battery module therein, and wherein the chassis allows at least one seat to be mounted in a plurality of seat configurations; A steering assembly including a steering column and handlebars mounted on the steering column, wherein the steering column is configured to be selectively used in a first configuration, a second configuration, or a third configuration, and wherein the handlebars are at least capable of being positioned at the centerline of the chassis or on the left side of the chassis of the electric vehicle; One or more attachment provisions provided on and around the chassis for removably attaching one or more accessories thereto, wherein the one or more accessories deform the electric vehicle into one or more useful vehicle types when coupled to the one or more attachment provisions provided on and around the electric vehicle; and Wherein each of the four wheels includes an in-wheel motor and is motor-controlled, and is coupled to the chassis to support the chassis for rolling on a surface using a pair of control arms.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric vehicle further includes a cover for covering the built-in compartment holding the at least one battery module.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chassis is generally cubic in shape.

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first configuration allows the steering column to be tilted at a predetermined angle for a sitting riding position of the electric vehicle, the second configuration allows the steering column to be oriented straight at 90 degrees relative to the chassis for a standing riding position of the electric vehicle, and the third configuration allows the steering column to be fully folded for storage or stackability of the electric vehicle.

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The suspension system is connected at its first end to one of the pair of control arms using a first bracket and is connected to a second bracket positioned inside the chassis and substantially at the centerline of the chassis.

6. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The handlebars are mounted on the steering column using a frame that is slidable along a track internally mounted within the steering column.

7. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handlebars are mounted on the steering column using at least a chain and sprocket, a belt and pulley system, and a shaft-to-shaft drive assembly.

8. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The steering column is height-adjustable and includes a plurality of U-joints and a plurality of shafts, the plurality of shafts being operatively connected to a third bracket, which in turn is connected to a tie rod for transmitting the steering movement to the wheels; And The steering column is configured to operate in the first configuration and / or the third configuration at a pivot connection.

9. The electric vehicle according to claim 8, wherein The shafts among the plurality of shafts are selectively slidable into a cylinder for adjusting the height of the steering column; and The shafts among the plurality of shafts are angled and operatively connected to the frame for moving the frame along the track within the steering column.

10. The electric vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pivot connector is selectively aligned with a U-joint among the plurality of U-joints to tilt the steering column at a predetermined angle for a sitting posture ride of the electric vehicle, or to be fully folded for storage or stackability of the electric vehicle.

11. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The steering assembly is removably mounted on an upper control arm of the pair of control arms that is coupled to the chassis of the electric vehicle.

12. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The one or more attachment provisions are provided in the form of at least slots and / or tracks to facilitate attachment of the one or more accessories using one or more fasteners.

13. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more useful vehicle types are selected from a group of vehicles consisting of: all-terrain vehicles, multi-functional work vehicles, microcars, golf carts, club cars, electric wheelbarrows, electric dump trucks, and micro trucks.

14. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more accessories are selected from a group of accessories consisting of: at least one seat, at least one bumper, one or more fenders for front and rear uses, one or more footrests, at least one container, a snowplow, a micro body, a lawn or field mower, and a stretcher.

15. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The chassis is configured such that the wheelbase of the electric vehicle can be changed.

16. The electric vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that, The one or more accessories are at least foldable and / or removable to facilitate folding and stacking of the electric vehicle.

17. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one battery module includes up to eight battery modules.

18. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suspension system is configured to be substantially horizontally oriented near each of the four wheels.

19. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the suspension systems is configured to connect two front wheels together and connect two rear wheels together to facilitate leaning steering of the electric vehicle in a leaning steering manner provided by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle.

20. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of seat configurations at least include a side-by-side configuration, a front-to-back configuration, a bench-like seat configuration, a lower seat configuration, and a saddle-like seat configuration.

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