Vehicle Corner Module Interface for Rapid Wheel Assembly Swap
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and specialized nature of connecting or removing wheel assemblies with independent suspension, drivetrain, braking, and steering subsystems from vehicle platforms, particularly in fleet-based and shared-mobility vehicles, necessitates the development of simple and quick installation and removal systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Vehicle Corner Modules (VCMs) with specialized connectors and interfaces that facilitate reversible mechanical connections to vehicle platforms, allowing for the integration of drive, steering, suspension, and braking subsystems, along with power supply connections, using clamps, fasteners, and snap-fit engagements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel assemblies with independent suspension, drivetrain, braking, and steering subsystems are connected to vehicle platforms, then vehicle motion regulation capability is improved, but connection complexity and specialization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into a modular corner module that can be independently connected to and removed from the vehicle platform. This modular design allows the complex subsystems (suspension, drivetrain, braking, steering) to be packaged as a single replaceable unit, simplifying the connection process while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner module connection interface is designed to universally accommodate multiple subsystems (suspension, drivetrain, braking, steering) through a single standardized connection point. This multi-functional interface allows the same connection mechanism to handle various types of subsystems, reducing the need for specialized connection procedures for each subsystem type.
2Reliability
If complex subsystems are integrated into wheel assemblies, then vehicle motion control is improved, but installation and removal time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wheel assembly into a self-contained corner module with integrated subsystems, the installation process is reduced to a single connection operation rather than multiple separate installations. The module can be quickly attached to the vehicle platform and immediately functional, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining full motion control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
All subsystems (suspension, drivetrain, braking, steering) are pre-integrated into the corner module during manufacturing, so that during installation, the entire assembly is already prepared and requires no on-site configuration or assembly. This preliminary integration eliminates time-consuming setup steps during installation and removal operations.
3Reliability
If specialized connectors are used for wheel assemblies, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A universal connection interface is designed that can reliably accommodate multiple subsystem types (suspension, drivetrain, braking, steering) through a single standardized mechanism. This interface provides consistent, reliable connections across different subsystem configurations while maintaining simple, straightforward operation procedures that do not require specialized skills for each subsystem type.
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle corner modules (VCMs) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform, for regulating motion of a vehicle. When a wheel is mounted on a wheel-hub assembly of the VCM, a vehicle-connection interface of the VCM is disposed within a cylindrical footprint of the wheel. At least one of the at least one subsystem of the VCM is accommodated between the wheel-hub assembly and the vehicle-connection interface. Vehicle platforms are connectable to the VCMs. The connection of the vehicle platform to the VCM may include connection of subsystems of the VCM to electronic or flow subsystems mounted on the vehicle platform by connection of two portions of a multi-interface connection-element.