Vehicle Corner Module Interfaces for Fast Wheel Assembly Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and time required for installing and removing wheel assemblies on vehicle platforms, particularly those with axle-less wheel assemblies and independent suspension systems, pose a challenge in maintaining fleet vehicles efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The development of Vehicle Corner Modules (VCMs) with specialized connectors and interfaces that allow for quick and simple installation and removal by engaging a sub-frame with a vehicle-connection interface on the reference frame, accommodating drive, steering, and braking subsystems within a cylindrical footprint of the wheel, and powering these subsystems through integrated connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wheel assemblies with independent suspension systems are installed on vehicle platforms, then vehicle mobility and performance are improved, but installation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into modular components (wheel hub assembly, brake subsystem, suspension subsystem, steering subsystem) that can be independently manufactured, tested, and installed. The sub-frame acts as a carrier integrating these components, allowing the entire assembly to be installed as a single unit rather than individual parts, thus reducing installation time while maintaining the complex functionality required for improved productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-frame serves as an intermediary structure between the wheel hub assembly and the vehicle platform. It provides standardized connection interfaces (first connection interface for mechanical attachment, second connection interface for electrical/fluid connections) that simplify the coupling process. This mediator structure absorbs the complexity of multiple connection points and subsystem integrations, transforming a complex multi-step installation into a standardized interface-based attachment procedure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subsystems (drive, steering, braking, suspension) are integrated into the wheel assembly, then vehicle functionality is improved, but connection and removal complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple subsystems (drive, steering, braking, suspension) are merged into a single integrated wheel assembly unit mounted on the sub-frame. This consolidation allows all subsystems to be connected and disconnected together through standardized interfaces rather than individually, maintaining full vehicle functionality while dramatically simplifying the connection and removal operations. The sub-frame integrates mechanical support, electrical connections, and fluid pathways into unified interface structures
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interfaces designed on the sub-frame serve multiple functions simultaneously: the first connection interface handles mechanical attachment and structural load transfer, while the second connection interface manages electrical connections and fluid pathways for multiple subsystems. This multi-functional interface design allows a single connection action to establish all necessary connections for drive, steering, braking, and suspension systems, improving ease of operation without sacrificing system versatility
3Loss of time
If specialized connectors and interfaces are used for VCM installation, then installation time is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-frame is pre-configured with standardized connection interfaces (first and second connection interfaces) during manufacturing, with all necessary mounting points, electrical connectors, and fluid pathways already in place. This preliminary preparation of connection points allows the wheel assembly to be quickly coupled to the vehicle platform during maintenance operations. The interfaces are designed with alignment features and standardized geometries that reduce installation time while using conventional manufacturing processes, balancing manufacturing simplicity with rapid deployment
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.