Patent Publication Number: US-8528680-B2

Title: Method of constructing a modular vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/563,642, filed on Sep. 21, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to vehicles and, more particularly, to vehicles constructed in a modular fashion. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Although there are several different categories of vehicles, such as wheeled vehicles, tracked vehicles, marine vehicles and the like, within each category, there are generally large numbers of vehicles that are identical or nearly identical from a performance and operational standpoint. While the production of large numbers of identical or nearly identical vehicles may offer some advantages, the reliance upon large numbers of nearly identical vehicles also brings about a number of inefficiencies. In this regard, nearly identical vehicles may be deployed in a number of different situations with each situation demanding different operational characteristics from the vehicle. Since the nearly identical vehicles are not particularly adapted to the situations the vehicles are to be deployed, the operational characteristics of the vehicles may be somewhat mismatched to the requirements of the different deployment scenarios, thereby leading to inefficiencies. 
     For example, a military vehicle deployed to patrol the streets of a city and a military vehicle deployed to tow a radar unit would be called upon to perform in different manners. In this regard, the vehicle that is deployed to tow a radar unit would be expected to have an engine that is sized and a transmission that is geared in an appropriate manner to provide the power required to tow the radar unit. In addition, the vehicle configured to tow the radar unit may also be expected to act as a power source for the radar unit once the radar unit is deployed and operational. However, if the vehicles that are deployed in the different situations are identical or nearly identical, one design approach may be to design the vehicles to satisfy the most rigorous demands placed upon the vehicles from among all of the various situations in which the vehicles may be deployed. While a vehicle that is designed in such a fashion would be expected to satisfy the operational requirements of the various deployment scenarios, a number of the vehicles that are deployed in some of the less demanding situations would, in effect, have additional and unused capacities or features, thereby resulting in an inefficient design. Alternatively, the vehicles may be designed to have operational characteristics that attempt to strike a balance, or, in other words, satisfy the median requirement for the various situations in which the vehicles will be deployed. While vehicles designed in this fashion will likely not have as many unused resources, the vehicles also may not be able to fully satisfy the operational characteristics demanded by some of the more rigorous situations in which the vehicles will be deployed. 
     Vehicles, such as wheeled or tracked vehicles as well as at least some marine vehicles, are generally constructed by initially selecting the engine and the transmission, such as by selecting a particular size of engine and specific operational parameters for the transmission. The remainder of the vehicle may then be assembled around the engine and transmission. As such, the design of a vehicle may not be readily scaled so as to provide a similar vehicle of a different size. Instead, a different engine and transmission may need to be selected to satisfy requirements of the differently-sized vehicle with the remainder of the differently-sized vehicle then again being constructed about the selected engine and transmission. 
     Additionally, current vehicular design generally utilizes a number of unique interfaces between the various components with the interfaces sometimes differing from one type of vehicle to another type of vehicle. As such, it may be more difficult than desired to reuse or swap components between different types of vehicles. Further, a vehicle designed about a particular engine and transmission may not be readily altered or upgraded to accept a different engine, such as an engine constructed based upon improved technology. Similarly, the design of vehicles about a particular engine and transmission may also limit the adaptability of the vehicles to the demands of the particular situations in which the vehicles are expected to be deployed. 
     It may therefore be desirable to provide an improved technique for the construction of vehicles. For example, it may be desirable to provide an improved technique for the construction of vehicles that are more customized and may therefore by adapted to the demands expected to be placed upon the vehicle once deployed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A method of constructing a modular vehicle is provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. By constructing the vehicle in a modular fashion, the vehicle can be more readily adapted to the demands that are anticipated to be placed upon the vehicle following deployment. Additionally, the modular construction of the vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure may facilitate the scalability of the vehicles by providing a more efficient mechanism for constructing a vehicle of a different size. Further, the construction of a vehicle according to a modular concept in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may facilitate the maintainability of the vehicle by permitting modules to be more readily replaced or swapped and may facilitate the subsequent insertion of different or additional modules that may include improvements that have been introduced since the initial construction of the vehicle. 
     In one embodiment, a method of constructing a modular vehicle is provided that includes providing a chassis that carries a plurality of docking fixtures. At least one of the docking fixtures includes an electrical power connection, at least one of the fixtures includes a fluid connection and at least one of the fixtures includes a data communication connection. The method of this embodiment also includes removably connecting a plurality of modules to respective ones of the docking fixtures. The plurality of modules may include at least an energy supply module, such as a fuel cell, and an energy storage module. In order to removably connect the plurality of modules, an electrical power connection of at least one of the modules may be coupled to the electrical power connection of at least one docking fixture. In addition, a fluid connection of at least one of the modules may be coupled to the fluid connection of at least one docking fixture. In addition, a data communication connection of at least one of the modules may be coupled to the data communication connection of at least one docking fixture. 
     In order to removably connect a plurality of modules to respective ones of the docking fixtures in accordance with one embodiment, the method may facilitate the removable connection of at least one module to a respective docking fixture with at least one guide pin. In addition to removably connecting the energy supply module and the energy storage module to respective docking fixtures, the method of one embodiment may also couple a fluid connection of a cooling module to the fluid connection of a respective docking fixture. Similarly, the method of one embodiment may removably connect a crew component load and/or an external power consumption load to a respective docking fixture. In addition, the method of one embodiment may provide for sharing a common fluid between the plurality of docking fixtures and the plurality of modules. 
     The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently and various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus described embodiments the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a modular vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the underside of the modular vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a plurality of docking fixtures and a plurality of modules in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an energy supply module and an associated docking fixture in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front view of a docking fixture for an energy supply module in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view of the docking fixture of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a side view of the docking fixture of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  which illustrates its connection to an energy supply module; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of two energy supply modules and the associated docking fixtures that are arranged in a parallel configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  is front plan view of a docking fixture for an electrical supply module in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  is a side plan view of the docking fixture of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of a plurality of docking fixtures for respective electrical storage modules in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of the operations performed in accordance with a method of constructing a modular vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, these embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     A modular vehicle  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown, the modular vehicle  10  includes a chassis  12 . Although the illustrated embodiment depicts a chassis  12  for a wheeled vehicle, such as a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), the modular vehicle  10  may be any of a wide variety of other types of wheeled vehicles, including both commercial and military vehicles. In addition, the modular vehicle  10  of other embodiments may be a tracked vehicle, such as a tank, a bulldozer or other construction or military vehicle, or a marine vehicle, such as a ship. In these instances, the modular vehicle  10  would also include a chassis  12 , although the chassis  12  may be configured somewhat differently as known to those skilled in the art in order to support other types of wheeled vehicles, or tracked or marine vehicles. 
     In addition to the chassis  12 , the modular vehicle  10  includes a plurality of docking fixtures  14  carried by the chassis  12  as well as a plurality of modules  16  removably connected to respective ones of the docking fixtures  14 . Typically, the docking fixtures are securely connected to the chassis  12 , such as by bolts, weldments or other types of connectors. On the other hand, modules  16  may be plugged into or otherwise connected to the respective docking fixtures  14  in such a manner that the modules  16  may subsequently be removed without damage to the docking fixtures  14  and generally without requiring extensive, if any, rework or repair of the docking fixtures  14  or the modules  16 . Although the modular vehicle  10  includes a plurality of modules  16 , the number of modules and the type and mix of modules  16  may be determined during the design and construction of the modular vehicle  10 . As such, the modular vehicle  10  may be adapted to more closely satisfy the projected operational requirements for the modular vehicle  10  following its deployment. For example, the plurality of modules  16  may include an energy supply module, such as a fuel cell, a combustion generation module, a MICE engine or the like. Additionally, the plurality of modules  16  may include an energy storage module, such as one or more batteries, e.g., LiIon batteries, and/or a cooling module, such as thermal control system. Additionally or alternatively, the modular vehicle  10  may include modules  16  comprised of a crew compartment load, an external power consumption load or other types of modules. 
     By way of example, the modular vehicle  10  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  includes a pair of energy supply modules in the form of combustion generator modules  16   a , two or more energy storage modules in the form of lithium battery packs  16   b  and an external power consumption load in the form of an exportable power unit  20  for providing power, for example, to various external loads, such as communications equipment, lighting or the like. Additionally, the modular vehicle  10  may include traction motors and transmissions  22  for the front and rear axles which may be powered by the energy supply modules  16   a  and/or the energy storage modules  16   b . Although not depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the modular vehicle  10  may also include various crew compartment loads, such as a heating and air conditioning unit, a radio, windshield wipers or the like, and/or other loads, such as actuators, e.g., electric motors and wheels. 
     As will be described hereinafter, the chassis  12  of the modular vehicle  10  carries docking fixtures  14  for receiving the respective modules  16  and for facilitating the interconnection of the modules  16  in the desired manner. By way of example,  FIG. 3  depicts a plurality of modules  16  and a plurality of associated docking fixtures  14  for interconnecting the modules  16 . In this regard, three different types of modules are depicted, namely, an energy supply module  16   a , a high voltage (HV) power distribution unit (PDU)  16   c  and a cooling module, such as a thermal management system  16   d . In order to receive and appropriately interconnect the various modules  16 , the chassis  12 , such as that depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , carries a plurality of docking fixtures  14 . In this embodiment, the chassis  12  carries a docking fixture  14   a  to interconnect the energy supply module  16   a  with the power distribution unit  16   c  in order to distribute the power generated by the energy supply module  16   a  to various loads, such as crew compartment loads, external power consumption loads or other loads on or off board the modular vehicle  10 . Since the energy supply module  16   a  may require cooling for improved efficiency, reduced signature or the like, the chassis  12  of this embodiment may also carry a docking fixture  14   b  to interconnect the energy supply module  16   a  and the cooling module, such as the thermal management system  16   d . Additionally, the docking fixture  14   b  that facilitates the connection of the energy supply module  16   a  and the cooling module, such as the thermal management system  16   d , to facilitate thermal management of the energy supply module  16   a , such as by the controlled circulation of a cooling fluid or the like through the energy supply module  16   a  in order to remove waste heat or the like. 
     In one embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 3 , each module is removably connected to a respective docking fixture  14 , that is, the power distribution unit  16   c  is connected to a respective docking fixture  14   a , the cooling module, such as the thermal management system  16   d , is connected to a respective docking fixture  14   b  and the energy supply module  16   a  is connected to one or more docking fixtures  14   a . The docking fixtures, in turn, may be interconnected, such as via wiring, conduits or the like carried by or extending through the chassis  12  in order to interconnect the various modules  16 . While the energy supply module  16   a  may be removably connected to a single docking fixture that, in turn, is interconnected to the docking fixture  14   a  of both the power distribution unit  16   c  and the docking fixture  14   b  of the cooling module, such as a thermal management system  16   d , the energy supply module  16   a  may be removably connected to a pair of docking fixtures  14   a ,  14   b  as shown in  FIG. 3  with one docking fixture  14   a  configured to be interconnected to the docking fixture  14   a  of the power distribution unit  16   c  and the other docking fixture  14   b  configured to be interconnected with the docking fixture  14   b  of the thermal management system  16   d.    
     The modules  16  may also be connected to other components in addition to a docking fixture  14 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the cooling module, such as the thermal management system  16   d , may also be connected to a radiator  18  so as to controllably circulate the cooling fluid between the radiator  18  and the energy supply module  16   d . In addition to or instead of circulating coolant, other fluids may be circulated through modules  16  including, for example, fuel and/or other gaseous streams, e.g., air for combustion or exhaust air. 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  as well as the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the modular vehicle  10  may include multiple modules  16  of the same type. With respect to the modular vehicle  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the modular vehicle  10  includes a pair of combustion generator modules  16   a  as well as two or more battery packs  16   b . Similarly, the embodiment of  FIG. 3  depicts the power distribution unit  16   c  being configured to separately interconnect, via respective docking fixtures  14   a , with a pair of energy supply modules  16   a . In the embodiment in which that portion of the modular vehicle  10  depicted in  FIG. 3  includes a pair of energy supply modules  16   a , a second cooling module, such as a second thermal management system  16   d , may also be provided to interface, via appropriate docking fixtures  14   b , with the additional energy supply module  16   a . In embodiments that include multiple cooling modules, such as shown in  FIG. 3 , the radiator  18  may be enlarged or an additional radiator may be provided for fluid connection to the additional cooling module  16   a.    
     By facilitating the optional inclusion of multiple modules  16  of the same type, the modular vehicle  10  of embodiments of the present disclosure may be more closely adapted to the anticipated performance requirements demanded of the modular vehicle  10  once deployed. As such, a common chassis  12  may be provided, but one modular vehicle that will be required to service relatively large power loads, such as external power loads, may include a number of energy supply modules  16   a , typically configured in parallel, while another modular vehicle utilizing the same type of chassis  12  but designed for use in situations demanding much lower power consumption may include only a single energy supply module  16   a . As such, the modular vehicle  10  of embodiments of the present disclosure facilitates the adaptability of the modular vehicle  10  such that resulting modular vehicles  10  more efficiently meet the design objectives and can be more individually tailored to their respective deployment scenarios. 
     Although the modules  16  and the corresponding docking fixtures  14  will vary in construction depending upon the type of module  16  and the type of interconnections that must be facilitated by the docking fixture  14 , one example of an energy supply module  16  and an associate docking fixture  14  is provided by  FIG. 4 . In this regard, the energy supply module  16   a  includes an energy generator or storage device  30 , such as a combustion generator, a fuel cell or the like. The energy generator or storage device  30  may establish a relatively high voltage level on a high voltage bus  32 . This high voltage bus  32  is, in turn, connected via a fuse  34  or other protection device, to the docking fixture  14   a  for further distribution, as described below, to various high voltage loads on or off board the modular vehicle  10 . As shown, the energy generator or storage device  30  may also include a control interface (I/F) or bus management system (BMS)  36  for monitoring and controlling the high voltage bus as well as a temperature sensor  38  for monitoring the temperature of the energy generator or storage device  30 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the energy supply module  16   a  may also include a processor  40 , such as a central processing unit (CPU). The processor  40  is configured to facilitate data communication between the energy supply module  16  and the docking fixture  14   a  and, in turn, with other modules and/or loads with which the docking fixture  14   a  communicates. As shown, for example, the processor  40  of the energy supply module  16   a  may include a serial interface (I/F)  42  for communicating with a corresponding serial interface (I/F)  92  of the docking fixture  14   a  as well as discrete inputs and outputs (I/O)  44  for communicating with corresponding discrete inputs and outputs (I/O) of the docking fixture  14   a . In this regard, the discrete inputs and outputs  44  may include data provided by or to the control interface or bus management system  36  and may be indicative, for example, of the status of the high voltage bus  32 . The energy supply module  16   a  may also include a thermal management unit  46 . The thermal management unit  46  may include a heat sink  48  for temporary storage of heat generated by the energy generator or storage device  30 . The thermal management unit  46  may also include a temperature sensor  50  for monitoring the temperature of the heat sink  48 . As shown, the temperature sensors  38 ,  50  of the energy generator or storage device  30  and the thermal management unit  46  may report to the processor  40 , such as via an analog to digital converter and multiplexer  52 , such that the processor  40  may monitor the temperatures sensed by the temperature sensors  38 ,  50  of the energy generator or storage device  30  and the thermal management unit  46  and facilitate control of the respective temperatures by means of a coolant circulated modules via the docking fixture  14   a . In this regard, the processor  40  may provide information regarding the respective temperatures of the energy generator or storage device  30  and the thermal management unit  46  to the docking fixture  14   a , such as via the serial interface  42  and/or the discrete inputs and outputs  44 . 
     As also depicted in  FIG. 4 , the docking fixture  14   a  associated with the energy supply module  16   a  may include a number of components for communicating with corresponding components of the energy supply module  16   a  and for correspondingly interconnecting the energy supply module  16   a  with other modules  16  and/or components of the modular vehicle  10 . In this regard, the docking fixture  14   a  is configured to receive the high voltage output provided by the energy generator or storage device  30  of the energy supply module  16   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the docking fixture  14   a  includes a filter  54  for filtering the high voltage signals provided by the energy supply module  16   a  prior to providing the high voltage signals to a high voltage to low voltage DC/DC converter  56 , a solid state switch module  58  and a battery and motor interface  60 . As to the high voltage to low voltage DC/DC converter  56 , the high voltage signals are converted to lower voltage signals and are provided, for example, to a power supply  62  that may supply one or more levels of low voltage signals, such as 5 volts, 12 volts and 15 volts in the illustrated embodiment. The power supply may, in turn, provide one or more of the lower voltages to a low voltage DC bus  64  within the docking fixture  14   a  and a low voltage DC bus  66  within the energy supply module  16   a . These low voltage DC busses may then provide appropriate levels of DC power to various components of the docking fixture  14   a  and the energy supply module  16   a . For example, the low voltage DC bus  66  of the energy supply module  16   a  may provide low voltage DC power to the processor  40 , the thermal management unit  46  and the control interface or bus management system  36 . 
     The solid state switch module  58  of the docking fixture  14   a  also receives the high voltage signals and provides outputs at different current levels, such as 10 amps and 50 amps in one embodiment. In this regard, the different current levels may be provided by the solid state switch module  58  to a high voltage bus  68  within the docking fixture  14   a . The high voltage bus  68  of the docking fixture  14   a  may then provide high voltage signals to various vehicle loads, such as the traction motors and transmissions  22  for the front and rear axles as shown in  FIG. 2 , crew compartment loads or the like. In addition, the high voltage bus  68  may provide high voltage signals to the battery and motor interface  60  as well as to a high voltage to low voltage battery charger  70 . In this regard, the high voltage to low voltage battery charger  70  may serve to charge a bootstrap battery  72  which may be connected via an external key switch  74  to the power supply  62 . The battery and motor interface  60  of the illustrated embodiment also receives high voltage signals via the high voltage bus  68  and, in one embodiment, also from the filter  54  in the form of motor power bypass signals. In addition to providing an interface with external battery and motor(s), the battery motor interface  60  may also include a filter, such as an electromagnetic interference filter, and soft start circuit(s). As shown in  FIG. 4 , the battery motor interface  60  may be connected to one or more batteries, such as a vehicle drivetrain battery  76 , and/or one or more motors, such as one or more drivetrain motors  78 , thereby providing the battery and motors with appropriate high voltage signals. 
     The docking fixture  14   a  may also include a thermal management unit  80  including or associated with a cold plate or other heat sink  82 . In the illustrated embodiments in which a cooling fluid is circulated through the energy supply module  16   a  in order to cool the energy generator or storage device(s)  30 , the thermal management unit of the docking fixture  14   a  may include one or more valves  84 , such as servo valves, for controlling the fluid flowing between an external radiator and a pump  86 , the heat sink  48  of the energy supply module  16   a  and a cold plate  82  of the docking fixture  14   a . Additionally, the thermal management unit  80  may include a temperature sensor  88  that facilitates monitoring of the temperature of the cold plate  82  such that the valves  84  may be appropriately controlled in order to circulate a sufficient quantity of coolant to maintain the energy generator or storage device(s)  30  at the desired temperature. 
     The docking fixture  14   a  may also include a processor  90 , such as a central processing unit (CPU), for interfacing with a number of the other components. In this regard, the processor  90  may include a serial interface (I/F)  92  and discrete inputs and outputs (I/O)  94  for facilitating data communication with the serial interface  42  and the discrete inputs and outputs  44 , respectively, of the processor  40  of the energy supply module  16   a . As illustrated, the discrete inputs and outputs  94  can also communicate with the solid state switch module  58 , the power supply  62  and the thermal management unit  80 , such as the valves  84 , in order to appropriately control operation of those components and/or to receive feedback regarding their operation. 
     The docking fixture  14   a  may include a data bus  96  that may be connected to the power supply  62 , the solid state switch module  58  and the thermal management unit  80 , such as the temperature sensor  88 . The processor  90  of the docking fixture  14   a  may also be connected to the data bus  96  and, in the illustrated embodiment, may include an analog to digital (A/D) converter and multiplexer  98  configured to interface with the data bus  96 . As such, the processor can receive information regarding the status of the various components and can provide direction to the components via the data bus  96  and/or the discrete inputs and outputs  94 . The processor  90  of the docking fixture  14   a  may also include a battery port  100  for communicating with the off board vehicle batteries  76 , such as the drivetrain batteries, as well as a control and telemetry interface  102  for communicating, such as via a motor controller  104 , with the off board motor(s), such as drivetrain motors  78 . Further, the processor  90  may include a diagnostic port  106  for facilitating troubleshooting or other maintenance operations for the docking fixture  14   a  and the energy supply module  16   a  connected thereto. Additionally, the processor  90  of the docking fixture  14   a  may be in communication with the vehicle management system  108 . 
     Although one embodiment of an energy supply module  16   a  and associated docking fixture  14   a  is depicted in  FIG. 4  and described above, this embodiment is provided for purposes of illustration and is merely one example with such modules  16  and associated docking fixtures  14  being configured in different manners in other embodiments depending upon the type of module  16  and the type of communication and control desired with respect to the module  16 . In any event, the docking fixture  14  is configured to communicate with the module  16 , such as via data communication, power communication and/or fluid communication, and, in turn, interface the module  16  with other modules or other components either onboard or off board the modular vehicle  10 . 
     In order to facilitate the removable connection of a module  16  to a docking fixture  14 , the docking fixture  14  and the module  16  may include one or more of an electrical power connection, a fluid connection and a data communication connection. With respect to the embodiments of the energy supply module  16   a  and associated docking fixture  14   a  depicted in  FIG. 4 , the energy supply module  16   a  and the docking fixture  14   a  each includes a plurality of electrical power connections, a plurality of data communication connections and a fluid connection. Although the manner in which the connections may be made may widely vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the docking fixture  14   a  of one embodiment for facilitating removable connection with a energy supply module  16   a , such as shown in  FIG. 4 , is depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5C . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the docking fixture  14   a  may include first and second fluid connections  110  that serve to supply cooling fluid to the energy supply module  16   a  and that serve to receive coolant from the energy supply module  16   a  following circulation therethrough. While the fluid connections  110  may be configured in various manners, the fluid connections  110  of one embodiment are quick disconnect fluid connections. The docking fixture  14   a  of the illustrated embodiment also includes electrical power connections  112  for permitting high voltage and low voltage signals to be transmitted between the energy supply module  16   a  and the docking fixture  14   a . Further, the docking fixture  14   a  of the illustrated embodiment may include a plurality of data communication connection  114 , such as the plurality of seven-pin connectors depicted in  FIG. 5A . However, both the electrical power connections and the data communication connections can be constructed in different manners in other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the data communication connections may be CANbus connections,  422  connections,  232  connections or the like. To facilitate the robust nature of the modular vehicle  10 , the docking fixture  14   a  may include an environmentally sealed interface  116  surrounding the electrical power connections  112  and the data communication connections  114 . Additionally, the docking fixture  14   a  may include one or more guide pins  118  for facilitating connection with the respective module  16  in an aligned manner. As will be understood, the energy supply module  16   a  may also include corresponding electrical power connections, fluid connections and data communication connections to mate with the respective connections of the docking fixture. Additionally, the energy supply module  16   a  may include holes positioned inside so as to receive the guide pins  118 , thereby aligning the module  16  with the docking fixture  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , the docking fixture  14  may also include connections to other components. For example, the docking fixture may include a thermal docking port  120  including additional fluid connections for connection to an external radiator and pump  86 . In this regard, the thermal docking port  120  may include a first fluid connection for receiving coolant from the radiator and pump  86  and a second fluid connection for returning coolant to the radiator and pump  86  following circulation through the energy supply module  16   a . Additionally, the docking fixture  14  may include a motor power port  122  including one or more electrical power connections for providing power to an external motor, such as a drivetrain motor  78 . 
     As noted above, the modular vehicle  10  may include any number of modules  16  of the same type. For example, the modular vehicle  10  may include two or more energy supply modules  16   a  with each energy supply module  16   a  being connected in parallel to a respective docking fixture  14   a . By including a selectable number of modules  16  of the same type, such as energy supply modules  16   a , the capacity and performance characteristics of the modular vehicle  10  may be individually tailored. For example, a modular vehicle  10  having multiple energy supply modules  16   a  may be capable of providing more power in anticipation of deployment in scenarios requiring greater power, while other modular vehicles  10  having a single energy supply module  16   a  may be intended to be deployed in scenarios anticipated to require lower power levels. 
     By way of example,  FIG. 6  depicts two energy supply modules  16   a  removably connected to respective docking fixtures  14   a . As will be apparent, each pair of energy supply modules  16   a  and docking fixtures  14   a  is of the type depicted in  FIG. 4  and described above. However, the docking fixtures  14   a  are connected to one another, such as via a parallel port interface  130 , so as to facilitate the transmission of data, power and/or coolant therebetween. Although the interface  130  between the docking fixtures  14   a  may vary, the docking fixtures  14   a  of the illustrated embodiment include data communication connections, such as to provide data from the processor  90  of the docking fixture  14   a  and/or the processor  40  of the associated energy supply module  16   a  to the other docking fixture  14   a . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the discrete inputs and outputs and the control and telemetry interface  102  are connected to the other docking fixture  14   a . Additionally, the high voltage power bus  68  and/or the coolant or other fluid may be shared between the docking fixtures  14   a  for redundancy, reliability or other purposes. The docking fixtures  14   a  may operate in concert and, in one embodiment, one of the docking fixtures may be identified to be the master docking fixture with the other docking fixture being identified to be a slave docking fixture. In this embodiment, the master docking fixture can at least partially control the operation of the slave docking fixture. 
     Although the parallel port interface  130  between the docking fixtures  14   a  may be provided in various manners, the docking fixture  14   a  illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C  may include an expansion port  132  to facilitate interconnection with another docking fixture  14   a , thereby providing for a parallel port interface  130 . In the illustrated embodiment, the expansion port  132  includes electrical power connections and data communication connections. However, the expansion port  132  may also include one or more fluid connections, if so desired. In order to facilitate a further connection with an additional docking fixture, the docking fixture  14   a  depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5C  may include additional expansion ports, such as on opposite sides of the housing. 
     From a mechanical standpoint, the docking fixtures  14   a  and the chassis  12  may include complimentary rails and a rail interface for facilitating mounting of the docking fixtures  14  in a predefined location relative to the chassis  12 . In addition, by utilizing a rail or other elongate mounting structure, multiple docking fixtures  14  may be mounted to the same rail or other mounting structure so as to facilitate the aligned relationship of the docking fixtures  14  such that those docking fixtures  14  that are disposed in a parallel configuration may be more readily interconnected. For example,  FIG. 5C  depicts a rail  134  on which the docking fixture  14   a  may be mounted. 
     One example of a docking fixture  14   a  to be used with an energy supply module  16   a  is depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5C  and is described above. However, as noted, the docking fixture  14  may have other configurations depending upon the type of connections to be made, the type of module  16  with which the docking fixture  14  will mate and the like. As another example,  FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a docking fixture  14   c  for an energy storage module  16   b . As shown in this instance, the docking fixture  14   c  includes multiple fluid connections  140  for facilitating fluid circulation between the energy storage module  16   b  that would be removably connected to the docking fixture and an external radiator  18  or other source of coolant or other fluid. Additionally, the docking fixture  14   c  includes a plurality of electrical power connections  142  and a plurality of data communication connections  144  disposed within an environmentally sealed interface  146  for connection with corresponding electrical power connections and data communication connections of an energy storage module  16   b.    
     A modular vehicle  10  may include a plurality of energy storage modules  16   b  arranged, for example, in parallel with each energy storage module  16   b  removably connected to a respective docking fixture  14   c . As such, the modular vehicle  10  may include a plurality of docking fixtures  14   c  with the docking fixtures  14   c  interconnected to one another as depicted in  FIG. 7C . In this regard, the docking fixtures  14   c  may be interconnected via a parallel port interface shown in  FIGS. 7B and 7C , which may also include a plurality of electrical power connections  152 , data communication connections  154  and fluid connections  150  to facilitate circulation of fluid and power through the various docking fixtures  14   c  in a controlled fashion. In order to facilitate the alignment of a docking fixture  14   c  with a corresponding energy storage module  16   b , the docking fixture  14   c  may include one or more guide pins  148  and/or one or more guide pin holes for mating with corresponding guide pin features of the respective energy storage modules  16   b . In addition, the docking fixtures  14   c  can include guide pins  156  and/or guide pin holes for mating with corresponding guide pin features of other docking fixtures  14   c  to facilitate the parallel alignment and interconnection of adjacent docking fixtures  14   c . In order to further facilitate alignment of the docking fixtures  14 , the chassis  12  may include one or more mounting rails  158  and the docking fixtures  14  may include a corresponding mounting structure  160  that is received within and engaged by the mounting rails  158  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 7C . As such, the mounting rails  158  and associated mounting structure  160  facilitate the aligned positioning of the docking fixtures  14  and the secure affixation of the docking fixtures  14  to the chassis  12 . 
     By utilizing a modular approach, different combinations of modules  16  including different types of modules  16  and different numbers of the same type of modules  16  may be mounted to the same type of chassis  12 , therefore adapting the resulting modular vehicles  10  to the anticipated operational characteristics to be demanded of the modular vehicles  10  following deployment. By relying upon a modular approach with the modules  16  being removably connected to corresponding docking fixtures  14 , the modules  16  may be more readily replaced so as to accommodate improvements in technology, repair and changes in the operational characteristics to be demanded of the modular vehicle  10 . As noted above, the modular vehicle  10  may include any number of energy supply modules  16   a  to supply a modular vehicle  10  with different levels of power. While the plurality of energy supply modules  16  may all be at the same type, the modular vehicle  10  of one embodiment may include different types of energy supply modules including both combustion generator modules and electrical power generation modules so as to provide customizable hybrid vehicles. Additionally, by including controllers within each module  16  and docking fixture  14 , the modules  16  and docking fixtures  14  may be individually managed while taking into account the operation of other related modules  16  so as to provide for efficient operation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a modular vehicle  10  may therefore be readily constructed by providing a chassis  12  that carries a plurality of docking fixtures  14 . See operation  200 . As described above, the docking fixtures  14  may include one of more of an electrical power connection, a fluid connection and a data communication connection. Thereafter, a plurality of modules  16  may be removably connected to respective docking fixtures  14 . See operation  202 . These modules may include an energy supply module  16   a  and an energy storage module  16   b . In one embodiment, the modules also include a cooling module. In order to removably connect the plurality of modules  16  to respective docking fixtures  14 , an electrical power connection of at least one of the modules  16  may be coupled to the electrical power connection of at least one docking fixture  14 . See operation  204 . In addition, a fluid connection of at least one of the modules  16  may be coupled to the fluid connection of at least one docking fixture  14 . See operation  206 . And, the data communication connection of at least one module  16  may be coupled to the data communication of at least one docking fixture  14 . See operation  208 . Thereafter, one or more loads, such as crew compartment loads, external power consumption loads, etc., may be connected to the modules  16  via the docking fixtures  14 . See operation  210 . As such, the modular vehicle  10  may be readily constructed having operational characteristics that may be tailored to the anticipated deployment scenario, thereby resulting in a modular vehicle  10  that is capable the desired performance, but that may deliver such performance in an efficient manner. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.