Modular vehicle and a kit for modular vehicle

Abstract

A kit and a method for assembling a modular vehicle is disclosed. The kit may include: a first unit comprising: a first body; and at least one first connector located at an edge of a first side of the first body; and a second unit, detachably connectable to the first unit, comprising; a second body; and at least one second connector located at an edge of a first side of the second body. The first connector may be hingedly connectable to and detachable from the second connector when an angle between the first side of the first body and the first side of the second body is in a first predefined range.

Description

MODULAR VEHICLE AND A KIT FOR MODULAR VEHICLECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 680,262, filed on August 07, 2024, entitled “MODULAR VEHICLE AND A KIT FOR MODULAR VEHICLE” and from IL Utility Patent Application No. 305856, filed on September 11, 2023, entitled “MODULAR VEHICLE AND A KIT FOR MODULAR VEHICLES The contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to modular vehicles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An off-road vehicle (ORV), is considered to be any type of vehicle that is capable of driving off paved or gravel surfaces, such as trails and forest roads that have rough and low traction surfaces. These vehicles are generally characterized by having large tires with deep, open treads, and a flexible suspension.

[0004] ORVs are tailored for specific missions, such as agricultural missions, industrial missions, medical missions, recreational outdoor activity, military missions and the like.

[0005] Even among agricultural ORV s or military ORV s, each specific mission requires the use of a different ORV. These are usually large vehicles that are hard to deliver and sometimes require the use of heavy trucks and transporters.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a modular ORV or crossover vehicle that can be assembled in the field from two or more units and can be loaded / connected with different types of equipment for maximum flexibility.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Some aspects of the invention may be directed to a kit for assembling a modular vehicle, comprising: a first unit comprising: a first body; and at least one first connector located at an edge of a first side of the first body; and a second unit, detachably connectableto the first unit, comprising; a second body; and at least one second connector located at an edge of a first side of the second body. In some embodiments, the first connector may be hingedly connectable to and detachable from the second connector when an angle between the first side of the first body and the first side of the second body is in a first predefined range.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first unit may include at least one first fastener located on the first side of the first body, and the second unit may include at least one second fastener located on the first side of the second body and configured to be fasten to the at least one first fastener when the first sides of the first and second bodies are attached to each other.

[0009] In some embodiments, at an attached state the first fastener and the second fastener may secure the first body to the second body. In some embodiments, at a connected state the first connector and the second connector allow tilting the first body with respect to the second body. In some embodiments, the first unit may include the second connector located on at an edge of a second side of the first body opposite to the first side of the first body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second unit may include the first connector located on at an edge of a second side of the second body opposite to the first side of the second body. In some embodiments, the first unit may include the at least one second fastener located on a second side of the first body, opposite to the first side, and wherein the second unit comprises at least one-first fastener located on a second side of the second body and configured to be fasten to the at least one second fastener when the second sides of the first and second bodies are attached to each other.

[0011] In some embodiments, the kit may further include an assembling handle detachably connectable to the first unit. In some embodiments, the first unit is a motion unit comprising two wheels, and wherein the first body further comprises one or more electrical motors. In some embodiments, the first side and the second side of the first body may further include: at least one power connector, and at least one communication connector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second unit may be a power unit, and wherein the second body comprises at least one power source. In some embodiments, the first side and the second side of the second body may further include, at least one power connector, and at least one communication connector.

[0013] Some additional aspects of the invention may be directed to method of assembling a modular vehicle, comprising: (a) advancing a first unit towards a second unit of the modularvehicle, the first unit comprising: a first body; and at least one first connector located at an edge of one a first side of the first body; and the second unit, detachably connectable to the first unit, comprising; a second body; and at least one second connector located at an edge of a first side of the second body; (b) lifting the first unit and hingedly connecting the at least one first connector to the at least one second connector; and (c) attaching the first side of the first body to the first side of the second body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first body comprises at least one first fastener located on the first side of the first body and wherein the second body comprises at least one- second fastener located on the first side of the second body and configured to be fasten to the at least one first fastener when the first sides of the first and second bodies are attached to each other. In some embodiments, the method may further include detachably connecting an assembling handle to the first unit, and wherein the advancing and lifting is by using the assembling handle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] Fig. 1 is an illustration of a kit for assembling a modular vehicle according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0017] Figs. 2A-2D are illustrations of various views of a motion unit according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0018] Fig. 2E is an exploded view of showing the braking system and shock absorbing system of the motion unit according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0019] Fig. 2F is an exploded view of showing the steering system of the motion unit according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0020] Figs. 3A-3E are illustrations of various views of a power provision unit according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0021] Figs. 4A-4B are illustrations of connecting systems comprising connectors according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0022] Fig. 5A is a flowchart of a method of assembling a modular vehicle according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0023] Figs. 5B-5I are illustrations of stages in assembling a modular vehicle according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0024] Figs. 6A-6C are illustrations of various views of a modular vehicle according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0025] Figs. 7A-7C are illustrations of modular vehicles with add-ons according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0026] Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a modular vehicles or a kit according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0027] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0028] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

[0029] Some aspects of the invention may be directed to a modular vehicle (e.g., a road vehicle, an ORV, a passenger’s vehicle, or work vehicle) that can be assembled from a kit comprising two or more units on the field / site. The kit may include one or more (e.g., one, two, three, four or more) motion units, each comprising a pair of wheels, an electrical motor, and a steering unit for steering the wheels. The kit may further include at least one power provision unit for providing electrical power to the electrical motor of the motion unit. Upon deploying of the kit (e.g., from any carrier) a user may simply connect the one or more motion units to at least one power provision unit to form a modular vehicle platform or base.

[0030] The user may then connect to the modular vehicle platform with various types of devices and / or equipment. Therefore, a single modular vehicle base according to embodiments of the invention may be used for several different purposes, such as a passenger’s vehicle, when a passenger’s cabin is connected to the modular vehicle base, an agricultural vehicle, when agricultural tools (e.g., harvesting tools) are connected to the modular vehicle base, or any other purpose or missions, requiring the connection of different or dedicated equipment.

[0031] In some embodiments, the kit of the invention may be easily assembled by a single user, optionally with the assistance of an assembling handle.

[0032] Reference is now made to Fig. 1 which is an illustration of a kit for assembling a modular vehicle according to some embodiments of the invention. A kit 1000 may include one or more first unit 100 and at least one second unit 200.

[0033] In a nonlimiting example, when assembled, kit 1000 forms a modular vehicle 1500 (illustrated in Figs. 4A-4C, 6A-6B, and 7A-7B). One or first units 100 may include wheels 105 and may provide the motion to modular vehicle 1500. At least one second unit 200 may include a power source that may provide the power to first unit 100. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in the figures herein the first unit is a motion unit and the second unit is a power unit. Accordingly, the terms motion unit and first unit are interchangeable as also the terms power unit and second unit. Therefore, any disclosure discussing motion unit 100 also refers to first unit 100 and any disclosure discussing power unit 200 is also refers to second unit 200, and vice versa.

[0034] In the nonlimiting example of Fig. 1, two motion units 100 are assembled from each side of power provision unit 200. As should be understood by one skilled in the art kit 1000 may include any required number of M motion units and N power provision units, where M, and N are integers > 1. For example, kit 1000 may include a single motion unit and single power provision unit 200, when power provision unit 200 includes one or more wheels. In another example, kit 1000 may include one power provision unit 200 and three motion units 100, from which two units 100 are to be assembled one after the other from the same side of power provision unit 200, as illustrated in Figs. 4A-4C. In yet another example, kit 1000 may include at least two power provision units 200 and at least two (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or more) motion units 100. In some embodiments, modular vehicle 1500 may include only some of the units of a particular kit 1000, and the user may select which units to connect accoridngto the requirements and / or the mission. In some embodiments, upon a change in the requirements and / or the mission the user may easily disassemble a particular modular vehicle 1500 and reassemble a new modular vehicle 1500 using additional, fewer, or other units 100 and 200.

[0035] In some embodiments, one or more first units 100 and at least one second unit 200 are detachably connectable via, mechanical connection, electrical connection, and communication connection. Therefore, first unit 100 may include a first body 101 and at least one first connector 161 located at an edge of one a first side of the first body 101; and second unit 200 may include a second body 201 and a second connector 262 located at an edge of a first side of second body 201, as shown and discussed with respect to Figs. 4A and 4B, herein below.

[0036] In some embodiments, one or more first units 100 and at least one second unit 200 may further include a hydraulic connection, a pneumatic connection, a power takeoff (PTO) connection, and the like.

[0037] In some embodiments, kit 1000 may further include a controller, illustrated and discussed with respect to Fig. 8. In some embodiments, the controller is located at one or more of, one or more motion units 100, at least one power provision unit 200, and an additional independent unit (e.g., a remote or external control unit).

[0038] In some embodiments, kit 1000 may further include one or more detachably connectable add-on interface units or trays 300 that when assembled are configured to cover at least one of: one or more motion units 100, and the at least one power provision unit 200. In some embodiments, detachably connectable trays 300 comprises one or more interfaces configured to detachably connect at least one add-on device, as discussed with respect to Figs. 6A-6C and 7A-7C. In some embodiments, the interfaces may include mechanical connectors (e.g., rails, clips, etc.) for rapid connection / detachment of the add-on devices. In some embodiments, the interface connectors may be standard connectors. In some embodiments, the interfaces may include electrical connections. The electrical connection may allow the provision of electrical power from at least one power provision unit 200 to one or more tools or equipment of the add-on device.

[0039] Reference is now made to Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D which are illustrations of various views of a first unit, in the form of a motion unit according to some embodiments of the invention, and to Figs. 2E and 2F which are exploded views of a nonlimiting example ofmotion unit 100 according to some embodiments. Motion unit 100 may include a first body 101 and at least one pair of wheels 105. In some embodiments, first body 101 may hold at least one electrical motors 110, a steering system 120, and a braking system 130. In some embodiments, first body 101 may further hold a shock-absorbing system 140.

[0040] In some embodiments, electrical motor 110 may be any suitable electrical motor (e.g., a AC motor) known in the art. For example, motors characterized by 90V-800V and 5KW to 200KW.

[0041] In some embodiments, in the nonlimiting example illustrated in Figs. 2E and 2F, braking system 130 may include, one or more brake master cylinders, one or more brake caliper, one or more brake hose assemblies, one or more brake hose tubes, brake pressure sensors, brake pressure switch configured to control one or more brake master cylinders based on measurements from the brake pressure sensors, and the like.

[0042] In some embodiments, in the nonlimiting example illustrated in Fig. 2E, shock absorbing system 140 may include at least one of, an upper shock absorber and a lower shock absorber, a front shock bridge.

[0043] In some embodiments, in the nonlimiting example illustrated in Fig. 2F, steering system 120 may include, gears, one or more steering tie rods, one or more steering adapters, steering box, power steering unit, one or more steering brackets and any other required element.

[0044] In some embodiments, motion unit 100 may include any number of arms, shafts, bolts, nuts, bearings, greasers, etc., that are required in other to assemble motion unit 100.

[0045] In some embodiments, motion unit 100 may be configured to be detachably connected to at least one power provision unit 200 via, mechanical connection, electrical connection, and communication connection. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in Figs. 2A to 2D and Fig. 4A, motion unit 100 comprises at least one first connection system 160 for detachably connecting motion unit 100 to the power provision unit 200. In some embodiments, at least one motion unit 100 may be connected to another motion unit 100. Therefore, kit 1000 may further include an adaptor, not illustrated, configured to connect, two motion units (e.g., via their corresponding connection systems 160) to each other. Alternatively, motion system 100 may include another connection system 160’ configured to be detachably connected to a connection system 160 of a different motion unit 100.

[0046] In some embodiments, motion unit 100 may include two identical connection systems 160 from two sides for motion unit 100, therefore, motion unit 100 can be connected to power provision unit 200 from any side. According to some embodiments, each motion unit 100 and power provision unit 200 may have a first type of connection system 160, 260 on one side (e.g., a male connection system) and a second type of connection unit 160’, 260’ on a second side (e.g., a female connection system), thus allowing connection any combination of units 100 and 200 to each other in any order, without the need for an adapter.

[0047] In some embodiments, each motion unit 100 may have a first type of connection system 160 on one side (e.g., a male connection system) and a second type of connection unit 160’ on a second side (e.g., a female connection system) while power provision system 200 may have identical connection systems 260 on both sides.

[0048] Reference is now made to Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E which are illustrations of various views of a second unit in the form of a power provision unit 200 according to some embodiments of the invention. Power provision unit 200 may include a second body 201 comprising at least one power source 210 (illustrated in Fig. 7). In some embodiments, the power source is at least one of: a) a battery, b) a fuel cell and hydrogen reservoir; and c) a diesel generator and a diesel reservoir, photo voltaic (PV) panels, and the like.

[0049] In a first nonlimiting example, the power source is a rechargeable battery held inside body 201. In a second nonlimiting example, the power source is a fusil fuel based (e.g., diesel) generator fluidically connected to a fuel (e.g., diesel) tank. In some embodiments, both the fuel based generator and the fuel tank may be held inside body 201. Alternatively, the fuel based generator may be held inside body 210 and the fuel tank may be placed on tray 300. In a third nonlimiting example, the power source is a fuel cell in a fluid communication to a hydrogen source (e.g., a pressurized hydrogen tank, an ammonia source, and the like). In some embodiments, the fuel cell may be a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell or an anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cell. In a fourth nonlimiting example, the power source may be or may include at least one PV panel placed on top of tray 300, optionally connected to a rechargeable battery.

[0050] In some embodiments, power provision unit 200 may include one or more wheels. Therefore, when connected to a single motion unit 100 may provide the required support and movability to the modular vehicle.

[0051] In some embodiments, the power source may not occupy the entire space of body 201. Therefore, body 201 may include a detachably connectable upper cover 202, that when detached from body 201, reviles a space / volume in power provision unit 200, that may be included in a passenger’s cabin, as illustrated in Fig. 6A.

[0052] In some embodiments, power provision unit 200 may be configured to be detachably connected to at least one motion unit 100 via, mechanical connection, electrical connection, and communication connection. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E and Fig. 4B, power provision unit 200 comprises at least one second connection system 260 for detachably connecting power provision unit 200 to motion unit 100. In some embodiments, at least one power provision unit 200 may be connected to another power provision unit 200. Therefore, kit 1000 may further include an adaptor, not illustrated, configured to connect, two power provision units 200 (e.g., via their corresponding connection systems 260) to each other.

[0053] In some embodiments, power provision unit 200 may include two identical connection systems 260 from two sides for power provision unit 200, therefore, power provision unit 200 may be connected to motion unit 100 from two opposite sides.

[0054] Reference is now made to Figs. 4A and 4B which are illustrations of nonlimiting examples of connecting systems according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, first connection system 160 may be included in first unit 100 and second connection system 260 may be included in second unit 260. According to some embodiments, each of units 100 and 200 may include a fist connection system 160 on one side, and a second connection system 260 on another side. First connection system 160 may include at least one first connector 162, located at an edge 103 of a first side 105 of first body 101. Second connection system 260 may include at least one second connector 262, located at an edge 203 of a first side 205 of second body 201. In some embodiments, first connector 162 may be hingedly connectable to and detachable from second connector 262 when an angle a (shown in Fig. 5C) between first side 205 of first body 101 and first side 205 of second body 201 may be in a first predefined range.

[0055] In a nonlimiting example, first connector 162 and second connector 262 may form a snap-fit hinge. In the nonlimiting example, illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B first connector 162 is a U-shape snap-fit that is configured to be pushed against pin-shape connector 262. Insome embodiments, pin-like second connector 262 may be round, or truncated at a specific angle, thereby allowing the insertion of first connector 162 only in a specific angle.

[0056] In some embodiments, at a connected state first connector 162 and second connector 262 may allow tilting first body 101 with respect to second body 201, as shown in Figs. 5C and 5G. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in Figs. 4 A and 4B, first unit 100 includes two clips 162 that are detachably connctable to two small bars 262 on second unit 200. When clicked together, connectors 162 and 262 may allow tilting first body 101 with respect to second body 201.

[0057] In some embodiments, first connection unit 160 may further include at least one first fastener 163 located on first side 105 of first body 101. In some embodiments, second connection unit 260 may include at least one second fastener 263 located on first side 205 of second body 201 and configured to be fasten to at least one first fastener 163 when first sides 105 and 205 of first and second bodies 101 and 201 are attached to each other, as shown in Figs 5D.

[0058] In some embodiments, at an attached state first fastener 163 and second fastener 263 secure first body 101 to second body 201. Therefore, when modular vehicle 1500 is assembled, first unit 100 and second unit 200 remines connected during the entire operation of the vehicle. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B, two first fasteners 163 and corresponding two first fasteners 263 are located on sides 105 and 205 respectively. Fasteners 163 and 263 may be any male-female connectors that allows, detachment, attachments and securing of the connection between first unit 100 and second unit 200.

[0059] In some embodiments, first unit 100 may include second connector 262 located on at an edge 107 of a second side 106 (illustrated in Figs. 5F-5H) of first body 101 opposite to first side 105. In some embodiments, second unit 200 may include first connector 162 located on at an edge 207 of a second side 206 (illustrated in Figs. 5B, and 5F-5H) of second body 201 opposite to first side 205.

[0060] In some embodiments, first unit 100 may include the at least one second fastener 263 located on second side 106 (illustrated in Figs. 5F-5H) of first body 101, opposite to first side 105. In some embodiments, second unit 200 may include at least one-first fastener 163 located on second side 206 (illustrated in Figs. 5B, and 5F-5H) of second body 201 and configured to be fasten to at least one second fastener 263 when the second sides 106 and 206 of the first and second bodies are attached to each other, as shown in Fig. 5H.

[0061] In some embodiments, first connection system 160 may further include at least one electrical connector 164, and at least one communication connector 166. Second connection system 260 may further include at least one electrical connector 264 configured to detachably interconnect with at least one electrical connector 164 (as illustrated in Fig. 8); and at least one communication connector 266 configured to detachably interconnect with at least one communication connector 166 (as illustrated in Fig. 8).

[0062] Electrical connectors 164 and 264 may include any known male-female electrical connectors for the provision of electrical power from the power source to all the electrical consumers in motion unit 100. For example, electrical connectors 164 and 264 may be circular connectors, blade connectors, and the like. Communication connections 166 and 266 may include any connectors configured to transfer communication signals from unit 100 to unit 200 and vice versa. For example, communication connectors 166 and 266 may include coaxial cable connectors, twisted-pair cable connectors, and fiber-optic cable connectors with the twisted pair, RF connectors (e.g., Type -N, TNC, UHF, DNC, etc.) and the like.

[0063] In some embodiments, connectors 162 and 262, electrical connectors 164 and 264, and / or communication connectors 166 and 266 may be directly assembled to first body 101 and second body 201, therefore may not be included in a connection system. For example, communication connectors 166 and 266 may be assembled on the upper portions of first body 101 and second body 201 and interconnected via a communication cable.

[0064] In some embodiments, kit 1000 may include an assembling handle detachably connectable to first unit 100, for example, assembling handle 50 shown in Figs. 5B-5I, and discussed herein below.

[0065] Reference is now made to Fig. 5A which is a flowchart of a method of assembling a modular vehicle according to some embodiments of the invention; and to Figs. 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H and 51 which are illustrations of stages in assembling a modular vehicle according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0066] In step 510, first unit 100 may be advanced towards second unit 200 of a modular vehicle 1500, as illustrated in Fig. 5B. In some embodiments, one or more units 100 and one or more units 200 may be delivered together or apart to the assembling location. In some embodiments, advancing may be performed by detachably connecting assembling handle 50 to first unit 100, as illustrated.

[0067] In step 520, first unit 100 may be lifted to allow first connector 162 (illustrated in Fig. 4A) to be hingedly connected to second connector 262 (illustrated in Fig. 4B). In some embodiments, edges 103 of first body 101 and 203 of body 203 may be brought together, allowing first connector 162 to be hingedly connected to second connector 262. In some embodiments, first connector 162 may be hingedly connectable to and detachable from second connector 262 when angle a between first side 105 of first body 101 and first side 205 of second body 201 is in a first predefined range. For example, a may be between xx° to yy°.

[0068] In some embodiments, the lifting and tilting may be conducted using assembling handle 50, as illustrated.

[0069] In step 530, first side 105 of first body 101 may be attached and secured to first side 205 of second body 201. For example, when first sides 105 and 205 are attached to each other one or more first fasteners 163 may be fasten to the corresponding one or more second fasteners 263, thereby, securing the attachment of the first unit 100 to second unit 200, to form modular vehicle 1500.

[0070] In some embodiments, the attachment may be conducted using assembling handle 50, as illustrated.

[0071] In some embodiments, the method may include connecting additional units 100 and / or 200, using the method discussed herein above.

[0072] In the nonlimiting example illustrated in Figs. 5F, 5G, 5H and 51, an additional first unit 100 may be advanced towards the other side of second unit 200. Additional first unit 100 may be lifted to allow first connector 162 (illustrated in Fig. 4A) located on second side 106 to be hingedly connected to second connector 262 (illustrated in Fig. 4B) located on second side 206. In some embodiments, edge 107 of first body 101 and edge 207 of body 201 may be brought together, allowing first connector 162 to be hingedly connected to second connector 262. In some embodiments, second side 106 of first body 101 may be attached and secured to second side 206 of second body 201. For example, when second sides 106 and 206 are attached to each other one or more first fasteners 163 may be fasten to the corresponding one or more second fasteners 263, thereby, securing the attachment of the additional first unit 100 to second unit 200, to form modular vehicle 1500.

[0073] Reference is now made to Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C which are illustrations of various views of a modular vehicle according to some embodiments of the invention. Modularvehicle 1500 may be assembled using the units in kit 1000. Therefore, modular vehicle 1500 may include one or more motion units 100, at least one power provision unit 200, connected to the one or more motion units 100, and a controller (e.g., controller 150 and / or 250 illustrated in Fig. 8, or an external controller). In some embodiments, modular vehicle 1500 may further include one or more add-on interface units or trays 300 detachably connectable on the top of at least one of: one or more motion units 100, and at least one power provision unit 200. In some embodiments, add-ons may be detachably connectable to tray 300, as discussed with respect to Figs. 7 and 8.

[0074] Reference is now made to Figs. 7A, 7B, and 7C which are illustrations of modular vehicle 1500 assembled with one or more add-ons devices. In some embodiments, the addon may be a passenger cabin 1510, a patina or load cabin 1512, agricultural systems 1550 (e.g., harvesters, trimmers, sprayers, etc.), industrial systems 1560 (e.g., cranes, forklifts, cargo cabin, etc.), medical systems for transporting patients (e.g., ambulances), weaponry systems, and the like.

[0075] Reference is now made to Fig. 8 which is a block diagram of a modular vehicle or an assembled kit according to some embodiments of the invention. The block diagram of Fig. 8 shows the interconnection between the electrical, electro-mechanical, and communication components and the controller(s) in kit 1000 or modular vehicle 1500. The block diagram shows the as-assembled units for clarity reasons only. Kit 1000 or modular vehicle 1500 may include substantially the same elements as kit 1000 or modular vehicle 1500 disclosed herein above.

[0076] In some embodiments, each motion unit 100 may include one or more connection systems 160, for example, two identical connection systems 160 illustrated. Alternatively, motion unit 100 may include a first type of connection system 160 on one side (e.g., a male connection system) and a second type of connection unit 160’ on a second side (e.g., a female connection system), connectable to one another and to first type of connection system 260 and second type of connection unit 260’ of power provision unit 200. Each on of connection systems 160, 160’, 260 and 260’ may include, at least one electrical connector 164, 264, and at least one communication connector 166, 266.

[0077] In some embodiments, motion unit 100 may include a local controller 150, and optionally a local battery 180. Local controller 150 may be configured to locally control at least some of, motor 110, steering system 120, and braking system 130. For example, localcontroller 150 may receive driving instructions from controller 250 or from an external controller and may control the components of motion unit 100 accoridng to the driving instructions. Alternatively, controller 150 may be the main controller and may directly receive / determine the driving instructions. In some embodiments, motion unit 100 may not include a controller (as illustrated in the left unit 100 of Fig. 8), and all the instructions for controlling, motor 110, steering system 120, braking system 130, and / or battery 180 may be received directly from controller 250 or from the external controller, via communication connectors 166 and 266.

[0078] In some embodiments, controller 150 may include a processor 152 (e.g., a chip) and a memory 154 storing thereon instructions, for example, for controlling motor 110, steering system 120, braking system 130, and / or battery 180.

[0079] In some embodiments, local controller 150 may further be configured to locally control battery 180. Battery 180 may be a backup battery for power source 210.

[0080] In some embodiments, power provision unit 200 may include controller 250. Controller 250 may be the master / main controller. In some embodiments, controller 250 may include a processor 252 (e.g., a chip) and a memory 254 storing thereon instructions, for example, for controlling, modular vehicle 1500.

[0081] In some embodiments, the controller may be an external controller (e.g., a remote control) configured to wirelessly communicate with local controllers 150 and / or controller 250 or directly with motor 110, steering system 120, braking system 130, battery 180, and / or power source 210.

[0082] In some embodiments, the controller (e.g., 150, 250 or the external controller) may be configured to identify a connection between one or more motion units 100 and at least one power provision unit 200 and determine a relative position of the motion units and at least one power provision unit. Therefore, the controller may decide which motion unit 100 is e.g., the rear unit. In some embodiments, when at least one motion unit 100 comprises controller 150, and wherein upon connection of two or more motion units 100 to the at least one power provision unit 200, at least one controller 250 or 150 is identified as a main controller and all other controllers are identified as slave controllers.

[0083] In some embodiments, modular vehicle 1500 may be an autonomous vehicle, therefore, kit 1000 or modular vehicle 1500 may further include at least one sensor 400, and wherein the controller is configured to autonomously drive the vehicle based, at least in part,on a signal received from the at least one sensor. In some embodiments, at least one sensor 400 may be selected from, a camera, a GPS sensor, DGPS, a radar, Doppler, a LIDAR detector and the like. For example, sensor 400 may be a video camera located on top of tray 300, and the controller may receive a stream of images, from the surrounding of the vehicle, and drive modular vehicle 1500 based on an analysis of the received stream of images.

[0084] In some embodiments, kit 1000 or modular vehicle 1500 may further include a steering control unit 500 configured to be operated by a user, and wherein the controller is configured to steer the vehicle based on inputs received from the steering control. In some embodiments, steering control unit 500 is one of: an external remote device (e.g., a remote control, a mobile device with steering control application, and the like), and a steering wheel or a steering stick (e.g., a joystick) assembled on the vehicle.

[0085] Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Furthermore, all formulas described herein are intended as examples only and other or different formulas may be used. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof may occur or be performed at the same point in time.

[0086] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0087] Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A kit for assembling a modular vehicle, comprising: a first unit comprising: a first body; and at least one first connector located at an edge of a first side of the first body; and a second unit, detachably connectable to the first unit, comprising; a second body; and at least one second connector located at an edge of a first side of the second body, wherein the first connector is hingedly connectable to and detachable from the second connector when an angle between the first side of the first body and the first side of the second body is in a first predefined range.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first unit comprises at least one first fastener located on the first side of the first body and wherein the second unit comprises at least one second fastener located on the first side of the second body and configured to be fasten to the at least one first fastener when the first sides of the first and second bodies are attached to each other.

3. The kit of claim 2, wherein at an attached state the first fastener and the second fastener secure the first body to the second body.

4. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at a connected state the first connector and the second connector allow tilting the first body with respect to the second body.

5. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first unit comprises the second connector located on at an edge of a second side of the first body opposite to the first side of the first body.

6. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second unit comprises the first connector located on at an edge of a second side of the second body opposite to the first side of the second body.

7. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first unit comprises the at least one second fastener located on a second side of the first body, opposite to the first side, and wherein the second unit comprises at least one-first fastenerlocated on a second side of the second body and configured to be fasten to the at least one second fastener when the second sides of the first and second bodies are attached to each other.

8. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprises an assembling handle detachably connectable to the first unit.

9. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first unit is a motion unit comprising two wheels, and wherein the first body further comprises one or more electrical motors.

10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the first side and the second side of the first body further comprising: at least one power connector, and at least one communication connector.

11. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second unit is a power unit, and wherein the second body comprises at least one power source.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the first side and the second side of the second body further comprise, at least one power connector, and at least one communication connector.

13. A method of assembling a modular vehicle, comprising:(a) advancing a first unit towards a second unit of the modular vehicle, wherein: the first unit comprising: a first body; and at least one first connector located at an edge of one a first side of the first body; and the second unit, detachably connectable to the first unit, comprising; a second body; and at least one second connector located at an edge of a first side of the second body;(b) lifting the first unit and hingedly connecting the at least one first connector to the at least one second connector; and(c) attaching the first side of the first body to the first side of the second body.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first body comprises at least one first fastener located on the first side of the first body and wherein the second bodycomprises at least one- second fastener located on the first side of the second body and configured to be fasten to the at least one first fastener when the first sides of the first and second bodies are attached to each other.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising: detachably connecting an assembling handle to the first unit, and wherein the advancing and lifting is by using the assembling handle.

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