Vehicle Corner Module Interfaces for Rapid Wheel Assembly Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and specialized process of installing and removing wheel assemblies on vehicle platforms, particularly those with axle-less designs for electric propulsion, poses a challenge in maintenance efficiency for fleet-based and shared mobility vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The development of Vehicle Corner Modules (VCMs) with specialized connectors and interfaces that allow for reversible mechanical connection to a vehicle platform, incorporating sub-frames with wheel-hub assemblies and various subsystems such as drive, steering, and braking systems, enabling quick and simple installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel assemblies are connected to the vehicle platform using traditional methods, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation and removal process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into modular components (wheel hub assembly, brake subsystem, steering subsystem, suspension subsystem) that can be independently connected and disconnected as a complete unit through the corner module interface, eliminating the need for complex step-by-step disassembly while maintaining secure connections
Solution Approach 2:
The corner module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between the wheel assembly and vehicle platform, houses subsystem mounting points, and enables rapid attachment/detachment. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
2Productivity
If wheel assemblies are designed for rapid installation and removal, then maintenance efficiency improves, but the connection interface becomes more complex and specialized
Solution Approach 1:
The corner module is pre-configured with integrated connection interfaces and subsystem mounting points before the wheel assembly is attached to the vehicle. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid installation without requiring complex field assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The corner module acts as a nested interface structure that contains both the connection mechanism and subsystem mounting points within a single integrated component, simplifying the overall connection interface while enabling rapid maintenance operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional wheel assembly installation methods are used, then the connection is stable, but the time required for installation and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wheel assembly into modular units connected through standardized corner modules, the system achieves both stable connections (through robust interface design) and reduced installation time (through simplified attachment procedures)
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.