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US 12,371,099 B2Granted
Vehicle corner module and methods for installation thereof
AssigneeRee Automotive Ltd
InventorsTroy Kenion, Gail Marie Prince
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Some embodiments relate to a vehicle corner module (VCM) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform (e.g. for regulating motion of a vehicle). Some embodiments relate to a multi-interface connection-element for connection of multiple electronic or flow vehicle subsystems of a vehicle to a Vehicle Corner Module (VCM). Related methods are disclosed herein.
Claims10
A vehicle corner module (VCM) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform, for regulating motion of a vehicle, the VCM comprising:
- a sub-frame including:
- a base;
- a wall disposed transversely to the base;
- and
- a vehicle-connection interface for reversible mechanical connection of the VCM to the VCM-connection interface of the reference frame;
- a wheel-hub assembly comprising a wheel-hub adapted for mounting of a wheel thereon;
- and
- at least one subsystem of the vehicle, comprising a subsystem unit mounted onto the base of the sub-frame, the at least one subsystem being selected from the group of subsystems consisting of a drive subsystem, a steering subsystem, and a braking subsystem,
- wherein the wall of the sub-frame is disposed between the base of the sub-frame and the wheel-hub assembly.
6 more elements
A method for installing a VCM on a vehicle platform of a vehicle, the method comprising:
- (a) obtaining a vehicle corner module (VCM) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform, for regulating motion of a vehicle, the VCM comprising:
- a sub-frame including:
- a base;
- a wall disposed transversely to the base;
- and
- a vehicle-connection interface for reversible mechanical connection of the VCM to the VCM-connection interface of the reference frame;
- a wheel-hub assembly comprising a wheel-hub adapted for mounting of a wheel thereon;
- and
- at least one subsystem of the vehicle, comprising a subsystem unit mounted onto the base of the sub-frame, the at least one subsystem being selected from the group of subsystems consisting of a drive subsystem, a steering subsystem, and a braking subsystem,
- wherein the wall of the sub-frame is disposed between the base of the sub-frame and the wheel-hub assembly;
- (b) longitudinally aligning the base of the sub-frame of the VCM with the VCM-connection interface, such that a lateral distance exists between the base and the reference frame, and the base is disposed below the reference frame along the Z-axis;
- (c) without changing the longitudinal alignment of the base of the sub-frame with the VCM-connection interface, moving the VCM laterally toward the reference frame until the lateral distance between the sub-frame and the reference frame is closed;
- (d) without changing the longitudinal alignment or a lateral alignment of the base of the sub-frame, moving the VCM upwardly toward the reference-frame until the base of the sub-frame engages the reference-frame;
- and
- (e) mechanically connecting the VCM to the reference frame by engaging the vehicle-connection interface of the VCM with the VCM-connection interface of the reference frame.
12 more elements
A method for installing a VCM on a vehicle platform of a vehicle, the method comprising:
- (a) obtaining a vehicle corner module (VCM) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform, for regulating motion of a vehicle, the VCM comprising:
- a sub-frame including:
- a base;
- a wall disposed transversely to the base;
- and
- a vehicle-connection interface for reversible mechanical connection of the VCM to the VCM-connection interface of the reference frame;
- a wheel-hub assembly comprising a wheel-hub adapted for mounting of a wheel thereon;
- and
- at least one subsystem of the vehicle, comprising a subsystem unit mounted onto the base of the sub-frame, the at least one subsystem being selected from the group of subsystems consisting of a drive subsystem, a steering subsystem, and a braking subsystem, wherein, when the wheel is mounted onto the wheel-hub assembly, the base of the sub-frame is at least partially disposed within a cylindrical footprint of the wheel;
- (b) longitudinally aligning the base of the sub-frame of the VCM with the VCM-connection interface, such that a lateral distance exists between the base and the reference frame, and the base is disposed below the reference frame along the Z-axis;
- (c) without changing the longitudinal alignment of the base of the sub-frame with the VCM-connection interface, moving the VCM laterally toward the reference frame until the lateral distance between the sub-frame and the reference frame is closed;
- (d) without changing the longitudinal alignment or a lateral alignment of the base of the sub-frame, moving the VCM upwardly toward the reference-frame until the base of the sub-frame engages the reference-frame;
- and
- (e) mechanically connecting the VCM to the reference frame by engaging the vehicle-connection interface of the VCM with the VCM-connection interface of the reference frame.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.