Brake systems integrated into vehicle corner modules and methods of use thereof

A Vehicle Corner Module (VCM) based brake system adapted to be between a wheel assembled to a VCM connectable to a vehicle platform, and the vehicle platform, the VCM-based brake system comprising:

• (a) a brake actuator, adapted to regulate the rotation rate of the wheel assembled to the VCM;
• (b) a fluid-based brake power source, mechanically and fluidly connected to the brake actuator and adapted to provide brake fluid for operating the brake actuator, including:
• (i) a brake fluid source storing the brake fluid;
• and
• (ii) a fluid pump disposed downstream of the brake fluid source in fluid communication with the brake fluid source and with the brake actuator;
• (c) a brake modulator in fluid communication with the brake actuator, the brake modulator adapted to regulate flow of the brake fluid between the brake actuator, the brake fluid source, and the fluid pump;
• and
• (d) a brake-control-circuit, functionally associated with the brake actuator and with the brake power source, and adapted to provide functional inputs to the brake actuator based on a target rotation rate profile desired for the wheel,
• wherein the brake actuator, the brake power source, the brake modulator, and the brake-control-circuit are disposed within the VCM between the wheel and the vehicle platform, and
• wherein the brake fluid source and the fluid pump disposed within the VCM are exposed to airflow.