Modular Electric Wheel Assembly with Integrated Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle technologies require significant chassis space for drivetrains, steering columns, and other componentry, leading to inefficiencies in space-saving, weight, and construction complexity, while lacking integrated control systems for independent wheel operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric wheel assembly with integral acceleration, braking, steering, and suspension componentry, featuring an electromagnetic interface and electronic control module that communicates with other wheel assemblies for autonomous control, allowing for independent operation and networked traction management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional drivetrain and steering column componentry are used, then vehicle functionality is achieved, but chassis space is significantly encroached upon and construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional centralized drivetrain and steering systems into distributed modular wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly is segmented into independent functional modules (electromagnetic interface, electronic control module, sensors) that can operate autonomously. This segmentation eliminates the need for traditional chassis-mounted drivetrains and steering columns, significantly reducing chassis space requirements while maintaining full vehicle functionality through coordinated wheel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate functions (acceleration, braking, steering, suspension control) into integrated wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly combines electromagnetic propulsion interfaces, braking mechanisms, steering actuators, and suspension elements into a single modular unit. This merging consolidates numerous discrete components into unified assemblies, reducing overall construction complexity while preserving all necessary vehicle functions.
2Weight of stationary object
If drive control componentry is distributed within wheel assemblies, then space and weight are reduced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control module within each wheel assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional unit capable of handling acceleration control, braking regulation, steering actuation, and suspension management. This universal control architecture allows the same hardware platform to perform multiple functions through software configuration, avoiding the need for separate dedicated control systems for each function and thereby limiting the increase in overall control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each wheel assembly incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on wheel position, speed, force application, and operational status to its electronic control module. This distributed feedback system enables autonomous local control decisions at each wheel while maintaining coordination with the overall vehicle control system. The feedback mechanism simplifies control complexity by enabling decentralized intelligence rather than requiring centralized processing of all control signals.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular wheel assemblies with integrated control are used, then manufacturing simplicity improves, but precision control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic interface within each wheel assembly allows for dynamic parameter adjustment of propulsion and braking forces through electrical control signals. The electronic control module can precisely modulate electromagnetic field strength, duration, and timing to achieve exact force applications. This parameter-based control enables high-precision force regulation without requiring mechanical precision in component fabrication, thereby decoupling manufacturing simplicity from control precision requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces chassis space requirements, enhances weight efficiency, and simplifies construction by integrating drive control within the wheel assemblies, enabling autonomous traction control and improved vehicle stability through coordinated wheel operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic interface interfacing the chassis attachment point and the wheel hub; an electronic control module operably controlling the electromagnetic interface
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electric wheel assembly includes integral/in-built acceleration and braking componentry and/or steering and suspension componentry allowing for the modular application thereof. Each modular wheel assembly may receive drive control data from various sensors (such as accelerator and brake pedal position sensors, steering column rotational offset sensors and the like), vehicle control systems or the like so as to be able to independently drive, brake, steer and/or provide active suspension for the vehicle. The wheel assemblies may communicate with each other across a wheel assembly vehicular network, wherein a master wheel assembly may receive drive control data and control the slave wheel assemblies accordingly. The modular wheel assemblies may further communicate with each other to receive various sensor data, including rotational speed sensor data so as to be able to detect loss of traction events and the like so as to substantially autonomously take remedial traction control action.