Electric trucks and related systems

Abstract

Various systems and methods related to electric trucks are described. In some embodiments, electric trucks include a safety system that selects and performs safety actions (e.g., deployment of external airbags, activation of internal safety devices) based on detected or identified hazardous events. The safety system may optionally determine a deployment mode for one or more safety devices and, based on the determined deployment mode and / or determined hazardous event (e.g., a potential collision), perform an action to deploy the safety devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 507,602, filed on Jun. 12, 2023, with the title "Electric Trucks and Related Systems", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles (EVs) use an electric motor for propulsion. EVs include electric cars and trucks, trains, electric bicycles and other micromobility devices (e.g., scooters, skateboards, etc.), electric boats, electric aircraft, electric spacecraft, etc.

[0003] Electric (electrical) trucks are particularly useful to people, combining the advantages of electric vehicles (low or zero emissions, low noise) with the practicality of trucks (transportation, storage, power supply, etc.). However, current electric trucks are often just electric versions of gasoline - powered trucks and thus have drawbacks such as being too large for, for example, urban areas and other high - density regions, which can be a factor hindering or limiting user adoption.

[0004] Embodiments of the present technology are described using the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] [Figure 1] Figures 1A - 1B are diagrams showing an exemplary electric truck. Figures 1C - 1D are diagrams showing an exemplary electric truck and cap components. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an external airbag and related safety system for an electric truck. [Figure 3] Figures 3A - 3B are diagrams showing the interaction between the safety system and the components of an electric truck. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the method for performing safe operations. [Figure 5] Figures 5A and 5B are flow diagrams illustrating how to select the safety actions to be taken for an electric truck. [Figure 6] Figures 6A to 6D show a platform for an electric truck. [Figure 7] Figures 7A to 7C show the forward area of ​​the platform for the electric truck. [Figure 8] Figures 8A and 8B show the components of a breakaway configuration for a platform for an electric truck. [Figure 9] Figures 9A to 9E show the implementation of a breakaway configuration for a platform for electric trucks. [Figure 10] Figures 10A and 10B show battery packs for electric trucks. [Figure 11] Figures 11A and 11B show exhaust (vent) systems for electric trucks. [Figure 12] Figures 12A and 12B show a reconfigurable cargo bed for an electric truck.

[0006] In the drawings, some components are not depicted to scale, and in order to illustrate some embodiments of the Art, some components and / or operations may be separated into multiple blocks or integrated into a single block. Furthermore, while the Art is applicable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown as examples in the drawings and described in detail below. However, the Art is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the Art is intended to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms that fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0007] [Detailed explanation] [overview] Various systems and methods related to electric trucks are described. In some embodiments, the electric truck is equipped with a safety system which, based on detected or identified hazardous events (e.g., events that could result in a collision), selects and performs safety actions (e.g., deployment of external airbags, activation of internal safety devices). The safety system may, in some cases, determine a deployment mode for one or more safety devices and, based on the determined mode and / or determined hazardous events (e.g., events that could result in a collision), perform an action to deploy the safety devices.

[0008] In some embodiments, the electric truck is equipped with a breakaway structure at the front, which is configured to work in cooperation with an external airbag or multiple external airbags to break away (collapse or otherwise) in the event of a collision or impact with an object.

[0009] In some embodiments, the electric truck includes, or is supported by, a platform (e.g., a "skateboard" type platform) that supports various structures or areas of the truck. The platform facilitates the configuration or use of different truck modules or components, enabling the truck to provide truck functionality (e.g., a cargo bed for transporting goods, power supply for towing objects) while maintaining a length comparable to that of a vehicle (e.g., 13-14 feet in total length).

[0010] Although this specification describes electric trucks, in some embodiments, aspects of the technology described herein can also be configured or applied to other electric vehicles, such as electric motor vehicles and wheeled micromobility vehicles.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present technology are described below. The following descriptions provide specific details to enable a full understanding and implementation of these embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments can be implemented without using many of these details. Furthermore, well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant descriptions of the various embodiments. The terms used in the following descriptions are intended to be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, even when used in connection with the detailed descriptions of specific embodiments.

[0012] [Example of an electric truck] This specification describes electric trucks and related systems. Figures 1A and 1B show an exemplary electric truck 100. The electric truck 100 includes a front region 110 or subframe, the front region 110 which houses an electric drivetrain or electric motor powered by an electric battery. The electric truck 100 further includes a cab 120 (e.g., a four-door cab), a truck bed 130 (e.g., configurable as described herein), a rear region 140 (which may include components of the electric drivetrain or electric motor), and a frame, chassis, or platform 150 on which the cab 120 and the various components of the electric truck 100 are arranged.

[0013] As described herein, the electric truck 100 may have an overall length similar to that of a typical passenger car, for example, 13 to 14 feet. As illustrated, the forward region 110 of the electric truck 100 does not additionally increase the overall length of the truck, because the drivetrain, battery, and other components are located elsewhere in the truck or below the footwell in the forward region 110.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cab 120 of the electric truck 100 includes vents 160 or airflow openings which help to direct air from the front region 110 of the electric truck 100 to the rear of the truck and discharge it to the outside through the vents 160. For example, as described herein, the vents 160 are positioned at a height suitable for facilitating airflow through the open wheel wells of the front region 110 of the electric truck 100 and for discharging air through the vents 160 located on the sides of the cab 120 of the electric truck 100.

[0015] Figures 1C to 1D show an electric truck 170 fitted with a cap 175 (e.g., a truck bed cap) that covers and protects the truck bed 130. In some cases, as described herein, the truck bed 130 is configurable and the cap 175 can be fitted when carrying certain cargo or articles and / or when used to transport passengers or pets via an additional row of seats.

[0016] [Example of a safety system] As described herein, in some embodiments, an electric truck (e.g., electric truck 100 or 170) may include, or utilize, a safety system that performs actions in response to various events or activities (e.g., hazardous or potentially hazardous events in the environment in which the truck is operating). Figure 2 is a figure 200 showing a safety system 250 for electric truck 100.

[0017] The components and / or modules of the safety system 250 can be implemented by a combination of software (e.g., executable instructions or computer code) and hardware (e.g., at least memory and a processor). Thus, as used herein, "component / module" refers, in some exemplary embodiments, to a component / module implemented by a processor and configured, at least temporarily, by executable instructions stored in memory and / or programmed to perform one or more of the functions described herein, representing a computing device.

[0018] The safety system 250 can be part of or implemented by the computing systems of electric trucks 100, 170. For example, this computing system can implement a Controller Area Network (CAN), i.e., CAN (CAN-HS) or a CAN bus, thereby facilitating communication between various devices or systems such as electronic control units (ECUs). Thus, the ECU of the system (or the ECU implementing aspects of the safety system 250) can communicate via a similar protocol such as CAN or LIN, FlexRay, automotive Ethernet, etc. Additionally, various devices can also utilize 1000Base-T1 communication, GMSL, FPD-Link (e.g., various versions of MIPI CSI-2), DSI, etc.

[0019] The safety system 250 of the electric truck 100 can receive inputs from multiple types of sensors or devices via various communication protocols or communication links and provide instructions or information to various output devices such as actuators using a similar protocol or link.

[0020] The electric truck 100 can include one or more deployable airbags 210 disposed in an external area of the electric truck 100 (e.g., an external surface 230 of the front area of the electric truck 100). The electric truck 100 can further include various sensors 220 (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) imaging radar sensors, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, cameras, imaging sensors, etc.) that monitor the space or environment (e.g., the front area of the truck 100) in which the truck 100 travels and provide the acquired information to the safety system 250. The safety system 250 can use the acquired information to perform operations such as deploying the airbag 210 (e.g., multi-stage deployment) or activating other safety devices disposed inside or outside the truck 100.

[0021] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, the safety system 250 can acquire and utilize information acquired by other devices or sensors 314 in addition to the data acquired by the imaging radar sensor 312. Examples of such information or data include speed or acceleration information, weather or environmental information, GPS or position information, traffic information, vehicle state information (e.g., information indicating wear of the tires or brakes of the electric truck 100), and the like. Using this information, the safety system 250 can selectively deploy the external airbag 310 and / or other safety devices 315.

[0022] Using this variety of information, the safety system 250 can select and execute targeted safety actions based on current or potential events in the electric truck 100, thereby protecting both occupants inside the electric truck 100 and pedestrians or objects outside the electric truck 100. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the safety system 250 can deploy or activate one or more external airbags 310 (e.g., those mounted on or positioned in the front bumper or beam), a seat track load limiter 320 (which limits the acceleration of occupants inside the vehicle), and / or safety cells or internal safety devices 330 (which may include internal crumple zones, internal airbags, safety cells, a foldable steering wheel, seat belt pretensioners, etc.).

[0023] Therefore, even though the electric truck 100 does not have a conventional bonnet structure in the forward area of ​​the electric truck 100, it can provide the occupants with an enhanced and dynamically determined safety deployment by utilizing the safety system 250.

[0024] In some embodiments, the safety system 250 selects and performs a safety action (e.g., deployment of external airbags, activation of internal safety devices) based on a detected or identified hazardous event (e.g., potential collision). The safety system 250 may, in some cases, determine a deployment mode for one or more safety devices and perform an action to deploy the safety devices based on the determined mode.

[0025] Figure 4 is a flow diagram showing method 400 for performing safety actions for electric vehicles such as electric trucks 100. Method 400 can be performed by safety system 250 and is therefore described herein by reference only. It is understood that method 400 can be performed on any suitable hardware.

[0026] In operation 410, the safety system 250 receives Time to Collision (TTC) information from one or more sensors on the electric truck 100. For example, the safety system 250 can receive TTC information about an object in front of the electric truck 100 from a 3D imaging radar sensor located in the forward area of ​​the electric truck 100.

[0027] In operation 420, the safety system 250 determines whether the likelihood of a collision meets a threshold. For example, based on TTC information, the safety system 250 may determine that there is a possibility of collision with an object in front of the electric truck 100 (e.g., a pedestrian, a vehicle, an object on the road, etc.) if the TTC information indicates that the time is less than a threshold for performing one or more safety operations.

[0028] In operation 430, the safety system 250 performs a safety action. For example, in response to the TTC determining that a threshold has been met, the safety system 250 may deploy the external airbags in one or more stages.

[0029] Figures 5A and 5B are flow diagrams illustrating method 500 for selecting a safety action to be performed on behalf of the electric truck. Method 500 can be performed by the safety system 250 and is therefore described herein by reference only. It is understood that method 500 can be performed on any suitable hardware.

[0030] In operation 510, the safety system 250 acquires information about objects present in the vicinity of the electric truck 100. For example, the safety system 250 may receive information that describes or represents objects present in the vicinity of the electric truck 100 (e.g., three-dimensional imaging information such as a 3D point cloud image).

[0031] In operation 520, the safety system 250 determines a potential collision event with the object. For example, as described in relation to Figure 4, the safety system 250 can determine whether the time to contact (TTC) with the object meets a threshold (e.g., less than the minimum TTC required to perform a safe operation).

[0032] In operation 530, the safety system 250 selects a safety action to perform based on the determined collision event and / or object identification. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, the safety system 250 may select one or more safety actions, including:

[0033] Operation 540: Deploying the airbag to its full inflation (maximum inflation state). Airbag deployment with reduced inflation or slower (less rapid) inflation (operation 542) Operation 544 to deploy an airbag having a specific shape or geometric shape (predetermined shape), Operation 546, and / or, deploying multiple airbags (airbag arrays) in full inflation, reduced inflation, or gradual inflation (e.g., multiple ignition charges), Operation 548 for deploying a combination of safety devices as described herein.

[0034] For example, if the safety system 250 determines that the electric truck 100 is about to collide with an object on the road (a guardrail or another vehicle), the safety system 250 may choose to fully deploy the airbags. Alternatively, if the safety system 250 determines that the electric truck 100 is likely to collide with a pedestrian, the safety system 250 may choose to partially inflate the airbags to reduce the severity of the impact on the pedestrian, and also choose to deploy internal devices to protect the occupants of the electric truck 100.

[0035] Therefore, in various embodiments, the safety system 250 may employ or provide an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) that is optimized and / or enhanced for specific key performance indicators (KPIs), including airbag deployment (e.g., single-stage or multi-stage deployment). As described herein, the safety system 250 can determine and / or select a safety action based on information such as Time to Collision (TTC) information (e.g., floating-point representation in milliseconds), Likelihood of Collision (LoC) information (e.g., floating-point value between 0 and 1), Size of Collision (SoC) information (e.g., floating-point value between 0 and 1), Type of Object (ToO) information (e.g., enumeration), Velocity and Orientation of Collision Object (VoC) information (e.g., vector), Amplitude of Deployment (AoD) information (e.g., floating-point value between 0 and 1), Speed ​​of Deflation (SoD) information (e.g., enumeration), and type of airbag material or shape.

[0036] The components, systems, servers, and devices described herein provide a general computing environment and network for implementing the technology. Furthermore, the systems, methods, and technologies introduced herein can be implemented as special-purpose hardware (e.g., circuits), programmable circuits appropriately programmed by software and / or firmware, or a combination of special-purpose circuits and programmable circuits. Accordingly, embodiments may include machine-readable media storing instructions that can be used to program a computer (or other electronic device) to perform a process. Machine-readable media include, but are not limited to, floppy disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), magneto-optical disks, ROM, random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or other types of media / machine-readable media suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0037] Devices or systems can communicate via any network, including wired or wireless local area networks (LANs), wired or wireless wide area networks (WANs), the Internet or other public or private networks, and cellular networks (e.g., 4G, LTE, 5G, 6G networks). While each device and network connection is shown as a separate connection, these connections may be any local, wide-area, wired, or wireless network, whether public or private.

[0038] Furthermore, some or all of the components shown in the diagrams described herein may be supported and / or implemented by one or more computing systems or servers. While not required, various components or aspects of the system are described in the general context of computer executable instructions, such as routines executed by general-purpose computers, including mobile devices, servers or cloud-based computers, and personal computers. The system can also be implemented in other communication, data processing, or computer system configurations, including internet appliances, portable devices (including tablet computers and / or personal digital assistants (PDAs)), various mobile phones or mobile telephones, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and AR / VR devices. In fact, the terms “computer,” “host,” “host computer,” “mobile device,” and “handset” are generally used interchangeably herein to refer to the above-mentioned devices and systems, as well as any data processing devices.

[0039] Aspects of this system may be embodied as special-purpose computing devices or data processing devices specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to execute one or more computer-executable instructions as described in detail herein. Aspects of this system may also be implemented in a distributed computing environment in which tasks or modules are executed by remote processing devices connected via a communication network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0040] Aspects of this system may be stored or distributed on computer-readable media (e.g., physical and / or tangible non-temporary computer-readable storage media), including magnetically or optically readable computer disks, hardwired or pre-programmed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, or other data storage media. Furthermore, computer implementation instructions, data structures, screen displays, and other data relating to aspects of this system may be distributed over a period of time as propagating signals on a propagating medium (e.g., electromagnetic waves, sound waves, etc.) via the Internet or other networks (including wireless networks), or provided over any analog or digital network (packet-switched, circuit-switched, or other methods). Parts of this system may reside on a server computer, and corresponding parts may reside on client computers such as mobile or portable devices. Thus, although specific hardware platforms are described herein, aspects of this system are equally applicable to nodes on a network. In another embodiment, a mobile or portable device may constitute the server portion, and the server may constitute the client portion.

[0041] [Example of a platform for electric trucks] As described herein, in some embodiments, the electric truck includes, or is supported by, a platform such as a "skateboard" type platform or chassis that supports various structures, loads, and / or areas of the electric truck. The platform facilitates the configuration or use of different truck modules or components and allows for the provision of truck functionality (e.g., a cargo bed for carrying goods, a power supply for towing) while maintaining an overall length comparable to that of a vehicle (e.g., 13-14 feet).

[0042] Figures 6A to 6D illustrate a platform 600 for an electric truck. In some embodiments, the platform includes a quarter monocoque structure in which the vehicle chassis is at least partially integrated with the body. For example, as shown, the platform 600 includes four composite wheel wells (e.g., two front wheel wells 610 and two rear wheel wells 608) and linear frame extruders 615 (e.g., aluminum extruders) connecting them. Thus, the platform 600 provides a modular structure or chassis for an electric truck.

[0043] The front wheel well 610, located in the forward region 605 of platform 600, is a rigid structural element of platform 600 (and by extension, the truck or vehicle supported thereby). The front wheel well 610 includes the wheel 604 and connects the frame, front subframe, footwell, MacPherson strut upper, A-pillar, front crash safety components, front bumper, and / or body. The front wheel well 610 is configured to align with the outer circumference of the tire's motion (including space for debris) and can optimize entry and exit from the vehicle by providing horizontal space for occupants in the footwell.

[0044] The front region 605 includes a first front straight frame extruded member 614 connecting the upper part of the right front wheel well 610 and the upper part of the left front wheel well 610, and a second front straight frame extruded member 612 connecting the lower part of the right front wheel well 610 and the lower part of the left front wheel well 610. The front region 605 further includes a third front straight frame extruded member 616 connecting the front end 615A of the right straight frame extruded member 615 and the front end 615B of the left straight frame extruded member 615.

[0045] The steering assembly 625 is positioned and / or mounted on the first front straight frame extruded member 614 and may include various power steering components 627. Furthermore, the motor package 630 is positioned and / or mounted below the second front straight frame extruded member 612.

[0046] Similarly, the rear wheel well 608 located in the rear region 607 of platform 600 is a rigid structural element of platform 600 (and by extension, the truck or vehicle supported by it). The rear wheel well 608 includes the wheel 604 and connects the frame, rear subframe, rear strut upper (in multi-link or four-bar suspension), rear bumper, cargo bed mounting, and / or body mounting. The rear wheel well 608 may be optimized or configured to ensure maximum cargo space and may also include internal or concealed (lockable) cargo or storage compartments.

[0047] The rear region 607 includes a first rear straight frame extruder 609 connecting the rear end of the right rear wheel well 608 and the rear end of the left rear wheel well 608, and a second rear straight frame extruder 611 connecting the inner portion of the right rear wheel well 608 and the inner portion of the left rear wheel well 608. The rear motor package 635 may be positioned or provided between the rear wheel wells 608 and the rear straight frame extruders 609 and 611.

[0048] In some embodiments, the wheel wells (e.g., front wheel wells 610 and / or rear wheel wells 608) may be formed from structural carbon or a similar composite material, and the frame extruded material may be formed from aluminum or a similar metal. However, the wheel wells or portions of the extruded material may also be formed from structural carbon, such as interface portions 608A, 610A, which connect, bond, and / or interface the wheel wells and the frame extruded material.

[0049] The battery package 620, such as a flat-type electric battery, may be located within and / or mounted within the platform 600, such as between the wheel wells and the frame extrusions. The battery package 620 may include mounting structures 621, 623 that facilitate the mounting of seats (e.g., front and rear seats) to the platform 600. Thus, the battery package 620 is housed within the platform 600 such that its upper surface does not protrude above the frame extrusions, providing a support surface for mounting seats or other internal components of the electric truck (e.g., when the battery cells are located on the underside of the platform).

[0050] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the platform 600 allows for the mounting of a front motor package 630 positioned below the front straight frame extruder in the front region (e.g., the second front straight frame extruder 612), a rear motor package 635 positioned between the two rear wheel wells 608 in the rear region 607, and an electric battery or battery package 620 positioned between the right and left straight frame extruders 615A, 615B of the platform 600. As a result, the platform 600 provides powertrain packages in the front and / or rear regions of the electric truck, enabling advantages such as a larger bed shape, for example, a bed with a width of 49 inches at its narrowest point, and a shortened front region.

[0051] In some embodiments, the front region 605 provides a breakaway portion in the event of a collision or other impact event. Figures 7A to 7C illustrate the front region 710 of an electric truck platform 700 having a front impact structure, with Figure 7A being a perspective view, Figure 7B a bottom view, and Figure 7C a top view. The front region 710 includes a front subframe coupled to the linear extruded material 705 of the platform 700 and includes a front impact structure that crushes downwards of the platform 700 upon impact with an object.

[0052] The forward region 710 includes a main bumper beam 715 and a secondary bumper beam 720. The main bumper beam 715 serves as the primary load path for forces applied during a collision or impact when an object strikes the platform 700, while the secondary bumper beam 720, positioned in front of the motor package 725, serves as a secondary load path for these forces. These beams 715, 720 may be formed as aluminum extrusions and may include expanded polypropylene (EPP) layers positioned and / or configured to absorb energy transmitted to the platform 700 during a collision / impact.

[0053] In some cases, the wheel wells (e.g., the right wheel well 722 and the left wheel well 724) are formed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or a similar material and react to forces applied through the forward region 710 to protect the occupant compartment located behind the wheel wells. Thus, the wheel wells are configured to absorb forces and protect occupants during a collision or impact.

[0054] Figure 8A shows a crumple zone 810 in the forward region 710 of platform 700. This crumple zone may have a width of approximately 14 inches (e.g., 13 to 16 inches) and is formed by the relative positional relationship between the front end 812 of the main bumper beam 715 and the occupant compartment firewall 814. In some cases, the size of the crumple zone 810 is configured to provide predetermined performance characteristics in the event of a collision or impact. For example, the components of the forward region 710 attenuate the force applied during an impact, while the crumple zone 810, having a minimum size and formed based on the arrangement of the components, maintains a certain spatial buffer for the occupants of the electric truck even during deformation caused by a collision or impact.

[0055] Therefore, in some cases, the forward region 710 may be configured and / or structured to incorporate a minimum width for a suitable crushing area, and by arranging other components within the forward region 710, the overall length or dimensions of the forward region 710 may be kept to exceed the width of the crushable zone 810 by a minimum. This, in particular, allows the platform 700 to provide electric vehicles or trucks with a desired overall length (e.g., a shorter overall length than a typical truck) without compromising safety or protective functions.

[0056] Figure 8B is a comparison of Figure 805 to Figure 805, showing additional components of the front impact structure in the forward region 710 of platform 700. The main energy absorbers 815, i.e., crush cans (one on each side of platform 700), support the main bumper beam 715 or constitute part of the main bumper beam 715. The secondary energy absorbers 820, i.e., crush cans (one on each side of platform 700), support the secondary bumper beam 720 or constitute part of the secondary bumper beam 720. Each energy absorber may be aluminum extruded and may include crush initiation sections 817 arranged in a staggered pattern within the energy absorber.

[0057] The motor package 825 (which may be, for example, a space-saving traction motor with a low center of gravity) is supported and / or positioned by subframe components 822, 824. The subframe components 822, 824, i.e., the motor mount components, are shearable and / or can move in a controlled fracture mode during a collision or crash (e.g., when a large force is applied). As described herein, the motor package 825 is mounted via the subframe components 822, 824, and as a result, during a collision or impact, the motor package 825 is deflected in a controlled manner or otherwise moved downwards toward the occupant compartment (e.g., the space above the frame extrusion 705).

[0058] The spine 830, or a similar structural element, provides a rigid structure that offers an additional load path for forces applied to the platform 700 during a collision or impact. The spine 830 is coupled to the battery package or frame extrusion via interface 832 and can receive the applied forces while maintaining structural integrity during a collision or impact, thereby protecting the occupant compartment from parts or components that are deflected during a collision or impact.

[0059] Figures 9A to 9E illustrate the implementation of the breakaway configuration 900 for the electric truck platform. In Figure 9A, in response to the detection of a potential collision and / or initial impact (for example, when the safety system 250 takes action in response to a detected hazardous event), the external airbag 910 deploys and collides with the wall 905 (or another object).

[0060] In Figure 9B, the initiation of crushing occurs in the main energy absorber 815 and the secondary energy absorber 820. The EPP layer 915 of the secondary energy absorber 820 can also absorb energy from the impact.

[0061] In Figure 9C, the external airbag 910 completes deceleration, and the subframe components 822 and 824 begin to shear or move in a controlled fracture mode. Then, as shown in Figure 9D, the shearing of the subframe components 822 and 824 causes the motor package 825 to rotate (e.g., clockwise) and translate downward (e.g., partially guided or restricted by the spine 830).

[0062] Finally, as shown in Figure 9E, the motor package 825 (e.g., together with the steering package or components) moves below the occupant compartment of the platform 700, away from the occupants or passengers. Thus, the various components of the crash structure make it possible to provide the electric truck with a structure that is safe against frontal vehicle impacts, while achieving a short or limited crumple zone, i.e., a forward area width.

[0063] Figures 10A and 10B show a battery pack 1000 for an electric truck. The battery pack 1000 can be a flat, space-saving battery package that supplies power to the truck, for example, 300-400 Wh / L or more. In some embodiments, the battery pack 1000 is a Vertical Height Optimized Battery Pack (VHO battery pack) and uses CellLink material to function as a current collector, busbars, data lines, and BMS lines for the battery management system (BMS) of the battery pack.

[0064] The battery pack 1000 may include a plurality of battery modules 1005 (shown in Figure 10B), for example, eight battery modules 1005. Each battery module 1005 may include a contactor 1040, a main board, a BMS, and a plurality of battery cells 1030.

[0065] The upper surface 1010 of the battery pack 1000 may include seat mounts 1020, 1022, or other mounting components, and may have a structure including a frame extruded material 1015, and / or may be coupled to or connected to the frame extruded material of the electric truck platform as described herein. For example, the upper surface 1010 of the battery pack 1000 may include a carbon fiber battery clamshell (e.g., two-piece), which may provide a rigid housing, space for battery expansion, and space for collision protection. Here, the clamshell comprises an integrated seat mounting section, a floor mounting section, and a cargo bed mounting section. The bottom of the clamshell may be aerodynamically efficient, and a skid plate may be mounted flush with its shape.

[0066] In some embodiments, the battery pack 1000 is laser-welded on only one side, thereby freeing the bottom surface for cooling and providing, for example, an additional vertical height of 1 mm relative to the overall battery height. For example, by using material manufactured by CellLink, the battery pack 1000 may have each battery cell 1030 located on the bottom surface of the battery pack 1000 individually fuse-connected.

[0067] In some cases, the battery pack 1000 can be manufactured using a jig or similar structure, which may result in manufacturing efficiency (e.g., the pack is manufactured within the housing). For further details, see U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 542,190, filed 3 December 2021, entitled “Manufacturing of a Battery Pack Using a Welding Jig,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0068] In some cases, the battery pack 1000 includes a small cooling plate for removing heat from the bottom cells 1030 of the pack, and the coolant lines or tubes 1035 enter and exit between modules through the center of the vehicle, rather than on the outside of the vehicle. The cooling plate may use a thin, flat channel optimized for coolant flow, and in some cases, its thickness may be less than 1 cm. In some cases, the battery pack 1000 may include an electrically insulating and thermally conductive material (such as SilPad material or thermal epoxy) between the bottom of the cells and the cooling plate, as well as optimized cell packaging (e.g., a 1 mm gap between cells).

[0069] As described herein, the cab 120 of the electric trucks 100, 170 may include side vents 160 that facilitate airflow from the front of the electric trucks 100, 170 and discharge from the sides of the cab 120. Figures 11A and 11B show a vent (exhaust) system 1100 for an electric truck.

[0070] The cab 120 may include an open air wheel well 1105 that allows air to flow into the forward area of ​​the electric truck. Side vents 1110, or breather vents, are located or positioned at a height above and to the right of the front wheels. For example, their height is based on the wheels and they are located above the wheel wells. For example, the height of the lower end of the side vent 1110 may be about 6 inches above the wheel center, and the height of the center point of the side vent 1110 may be about 16 inches above the wheel center. In some cases, to facilitate airflow, the side vents 1110 may be positioned at a height of 6 to 24 inches above the wheel center.

[0071] The height and / or geometry of the side vents 1110 allow for mixing of turbulent air or vortices trapped within the wheel well with laminar air flowing around the electric truck (e.g., the flow passing through the sides of the cab 120 of the electric truck 100). Thus, by positioning the side vents 1100 at a predetermined height (e.g., a predetermined distance above the wheel center) relative to the open air wheel well, the electric truck is able to efficiently vent (exhaust) and move air so that air passes through the forward region of the truck and is discharged from the side vents on the sides of the cab.

[0072] As described herein, electric trucks may include a reconfigurable cargo bed or rear area. Figures 12A and 12B illustrate a reconfigurable cargo bed 1200 for an electric truck. Figure 12A shows the cargo bed 1200 in a storage configuration, with a storage compartment 1210 located beneath the cargo bed (for example, the cargo bed 1200 functions as a lid for the storage compartment 1210). The storage compartment 1210 may extend across the entire width of the cargo bed (including entrance doors on each side of the truck), and / or the cargo bed may include multiple storage compartments (for example, one on each side of the truck).

[0073] Figure 12B shows a cargo bed 1220 in an occupant configuration with an additional row of seats 1230 (e.g., below the cap as described herein). As shown, the space or opening 1240 below the cargo bed 1220 may provide area for the legs / feet of occupants seated in the seats 1230. In some cases, the storage compartment 1210 may include an upper or roof component which may be removed or recessed to form the opening 1240. Thus, the cargo bed can be configured for both storage and occupant seating by efficiently and easily modifying a portion of the cargo bed using the opening below the cargo bed provided by the platform described herein.

[0074] [Examples of embodiments of the disclosed technology] The electric trucks, systems, and methods described herein may be implemented as follows:

[0075] In some embodiments, an electric vehicle (e.g., an electric truck) comprises a platform or chassis, the platform or chassis comprising a front region including two front wheel wells connected by at least one front straight frame extruder, a rear region including two rear wheel wells connected by at least one rear straight frame extruder, and right and left straight frame extruders connecting the front region of the platform to the rear region of the platform.

[0076] In some cases, the front region includes a first front straight frame extruded material connecting the upper part of the right front wheel well and the upper part of the left front wheel well, and a second front straight frame extruded material connecting the lower part of the right front wheel well and the lower part of the left front wheel well.

[0077] In some cases, the front region includes a third front straight frame extruder connecting the front end of the right straight frame extruder and the front end of the left straight frame extruder.

[0078] In some cases, the forward region further includes a steering assembly attached to a first front straight frame extruder.

[0079] In some cases, the front region further includes a motor package mounted below the second front straight frame extruded material.

[0080] In some cases, the electric vehicle includes a front motor package located below at least one front straight frame extruder in the forward region, a rear motor package located between two rear wheel wells in the rear region, and an electric battery located between the right and left straight frame extruders of the platform.

[0081] In some cases, the electric vehicle includes a main bumper beam, a secondary bumper beam positioned below the main bumper beam, an energy absorber coupled to the main and secondary bumper beams, a motor package positioned near the secondary bumper beam, and a subframe coupled to the motor package.

[0082] In some cases, the electric vehicle includes a spine coupled to right and left straight frame extruders, the subframe including a first shearable component that connects the upper part of the motor package to the spine component, and a second shearable component that connects the lower part of the motor package to the spine component.

[0083] In some cases, when the main and secondary bumper beams are subjected to force during a collision between an electric vehicle and an object, the subframe causes the motor package to rotate and translate toward the bottom region of the platform.

[0084] In some embodiments, the methods performed by the electric truck safety system include determining a potential collision event with an object present in the vicinity of the electric truck, identifying the object present in the vicinity of the electric truck, and performing safety actions based on the identification of the object present in the vicinity of the electric truck.

[0085] In some cases, determining a potential collision event with an object in the vicinity of an electric truck includes determining whether the time to collision (TTC) associated with the object in the vicinity of the electric truck satisfies a threshold TTC value for performing safe operation.

[0086] In some cases, identifying an object in the vicinity of an electric truck involves acquiring information about the object using a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor.

[0087] In some cases, identifying an object in the vicinity of an electric truck includes receiving a three-dimensional point cloud image representing the object, and identifying the object based on the three-dimensional point cloud image.

[0088] In some cases, performing a safety action includes deploying external airbags at a rate based on the identification of the object.

[0089] In some cases, performing a safety action involves deploying multiple external airbags based on the identification of the object.

[0090] In some cases, performing a safety action involves deploying an array of external airbags based on the identification of the object, the deployment including deploying a first airbag at a first time and deploying a second airbag at a second time after the first time.

[0091] In some cases, performing a safety action involves deploying multiple safety devices, including external airbags, seat track load limiters, and internal safety cells.

[0092] In some cases, determining a potential collision event involves determining the collision event based on time to collision (TTC) information associated with the object, likelihood of collision (LoC) information associated with the object, and magnitude of collision (SoC) information associated with the object.

[0093] In some embodiments, the electric truck comprises a platform supporting a motor package, a battery package, a steering package, and a passenger seat; two front wheel wells coupled to the forward region of the platform (the two front wheel wells are open to the front of the electric truck); a cab mounted on the platform; and side vents located on each side of the cab, the side vents positioned at a height of at least 6 inches above the wheel centers of the two front wheel wells.

[0094] In some cases, each side vent has a geometry configured such that turbulent air or vortices trapped within the wheel well mix with laminar air flowing around the electric track.

[0095] [Conclusion] In this specification and in the claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, “comprise,” “comprising,” and similar terms shall be interpreted in an inclusive sense, i.e., “including, but not limited to,” and not exclusive or exhaustive. As used herein, “connected,” “coupled,” or variations thereof, means any direct or indirect connection or combination between two or more elements, which may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, “herein,” “above,” “below,” and similar terms shall refer to the entire application, not to any particular part thereof. Where the context allows, any singular or plural form of a word used in the “detailed description” above shall also include its plural or singular form. Also, the word “or,” used in reference to a list of two or more items, shall include all of the following interpretations: That is, any one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0096] The detailed description of embodiments of the Disclosure above is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings of the Disclosure to the exact forms disclosed above. While specific embodiments and examples of the Disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the Disclosure, as those skilled in the art will understand.

[0097] The teachings of this disclosure provided herein are not necessarily limited to the systems described above, but can be applied to other systems as well. Furthermore, the components and operations of each embodiment described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0098] The patents, applications, and other references mentioned above (including those that may be included in the attached application documents) are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of this disclosure may be modified as necessary to adopt the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references mentioned above, thereby providing further embodiments of this disclosure.

[0099] These and other modifications may be made to this disclosure in light of the detailed description above. While the above description outlines specific embodiments and anticipated best embodiments of this disclosure, the teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in a variety of ways, regardless of how detailed they are described in the text. Details of electric bicycles and bicycle frames may vary considerably in their implementation details, but are still encompassed within the subject matter disclosed herein. As stated above, any specific terms used to describe a particular feature or aspect of this disclosure should not be interpreted as suggesting that the terms are redefined to be limited to the specific characteristics, features, or aspects of this disclosure to which they relate. In general, terms used in the following claims should not be interpreted as limiting this disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless such terms are explicitly defined in the detailed description above. Thus, the actual scope of this disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments but also all equivalent manners of carrying out or implementing this disclosure based on the claims.

[0100] From the foregoing, it should be understood that while certain embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of these embodiments. Accordingly, these embodiments are limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. It is an electric vehicle, Equipped with a platform, The aforementioned platform is A forward region including two front wheel wells connected to each other by at least one front straight frame extruded material, A rear region including two rear wheel wells connected to each other by at least one rear straight frame extruded material, Right and left straight frame extruded members connect the front region of the platform to the rear region of the platform, Electric vehicles, including electric vehicles.

2. In the electric vehicle according to claim 1, The aforementioned forward region is, A first front straight frame extruded material connecting the upper part of the right front wheel well and the upper part of the left front wheel well, A second front straight frame extruded material connecting the lower part of the right front wheel well and the lower part of the left front wheel well, Electric vehicles, including electric vehicles.

3. In the electric vehicle according to claim 2, The front region further includes a third front straight frame extruded material connecting the front end of the right straight frame extruded material and the front end of the left straight frame extruded material, in an electric vehicle.

4. In the electric vehicle according to claim 2, The aforementioned forward region further, An electric vehicle, including a steering assembly attached to the first front straight frame extruded material.

5. In the electric vehicle according to claim 2, The aforementioned forward region further, An electric vehicle including a motor package mounted below the second front straight frame extruded material.

6. In the electric vehicle according to claim 2, further, A front motor package positioned below at least one of the front linear frame extruded material in the front region, A rear motor package positioned between the two rear wheel wells in the rear region, An electric battery is positioned between the right and left straight frame extruders of the platform, Electric vehicles, including electric vehicles.

7. In the electric vehicle according to claim 1, The aforementioned forward region is, Main bumper beam and A sub-bumper beam positioned below the main bumper beam, Energy absorbers coupled to the main bumper beam and the sub-bumper beam, A motor package positioned near the aforementioned sub-bumper beam, A subframe coupled to the motor package, Electric vehicles, including electric vehicles.

8. In the electric vehicle according to claim 7, further, The spines are bonded to the right and left straight frame extruded members, The aforementioned subframe is A first shearable component that connects the upper part of the motor package to the spine, A second shearable component that connects the lower part of the motor package to the spine, Electric vehicles, including electric vehicles.

9. In the electric vehicle according to claim 8, When the electric vehicle collides with an object, the main bumper beam and the sub-bumper beam are subjected to force, The subframe rotates and translates the motor package toward the bottom region of the platform in an electric vehicle.

10. A method implemented by the safety system of an electric truck, The steps include determining a potential collision event with an object located near the electric truck, The steps include identifying the object located near the electric truck, A step of performing a safety action based on the identification of the object present in the vicinity of the electric truck, Methods that include...

11. In the method according to claim 10, The step of determining the potential collision event is: The step of determining whether the time to collision (TTC) associated with the object located near the electric truck satisfies a threshold TTC value for performing safe operation. Methods that include...

12. In the method according to claim 10, The step of identifying the object located near the electric truck is: Steps to acquire information about the object using a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor. Methods that include...

13. In the method according to claim 10, The step of identifying the object located near the electric truck is: The steps include receiving a three-dimensional point cloud image representing the aforementioned object, The steps include identifying the object based on the three-dimensional point cloud image, Methods that include...

14. In the method according to claim 10, The step of performing the aforementioned safety operation is: Steps to deploy external airbags at a rate based on the identification of the object. Methods that include...

15. In the method according to claim 10, The step of performing the aforementioned safety operation is: Steps to deploy multiple external airbags based on the identification of the object. Methods that include...

16. In the method according to claim 10, The step of performing the aforementioned safety operation is: The step includes deploying an array of external airbags based on the identification of the object, The aforementioned development is, The first step is to deploy the first airbag at the first time, A step of deploying the second airbag at a second time after the first time, and Methods that include...

17. In the method according to claim 10, The step of performing the aforementioned safety operation is: Steps to deploy multiple safety devices, including external airbags, seat track load limiters, and internal safety cells. Methods that include...

18. In the method according to claim 10, The step of determining the potential collision event is: The time to collision (TTC) information associated with the aforementioned object, The collision probability (LoC) information associated with the object, The collision magnitude (SoC) information associated with the aforementioned object, A method comprising the step of determining a collision event based on the above.

19. It is an electric truck, A platform supporting the motor package, battery package, steering package, and occupant seats, Two front wheel wells coupled to the forward region of the platform, wherein the two front wheel wells are open to the front of the electric truck, A cab attached to the aforementioned platform, The cab is equipped with side vents located on each side, The electric truck has the aforementioned side vents positioned at a height of at least 6 inches above the wheel centers of the two front wheel wells.

20. In the electric truck according to claim 19, An electric truck, wherein each of the side vents has a geometry configured such that turbulent air or vortices trapped within the wheel well mix with laminar air flowing around the electric truck.

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