Patent ID: 12214835

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

A modular vehicle is generally presented where the modular vehicle is generally configured to be rearranged into different driving, passenger, and storage configurations using a plurality of different modules that interface with a powered chassis. The vehicle may include a plurality of modules arranged on the powered chassis. The modules may vary in size and shape and may be configured to interface with the chassis. The powered chassis is designed to include all power and drivetrain components as well as the wheel connections and wheels, all within a generally flat platform that is intended to support the vehicle modules.

With reference toFIGS.1-22, a modular vehicle10is generally presented. The modular vehicle10is generally configured to be rearranged into different driving, passenger, and storage configurations using a plurality of different modules12that interface with a powered chassis14. As shown inFIGS.1and2a-h, the vehicle may include a plurality of modules12arranged on the powered chassis14. The modules12may vary in size and shape and may be configured to interface with the chassis14, as described in further detail below.

The powered chassis14or “skateboard” is shown inFIGS.3and4. The skateboard14is designed to include all power and drivetrain components as well as the wheel connections and wheels, all within a generally flat platform that is intended to support the vehicle modules12. For example, the skateboard may house one or more battery packs, to power one or more electric motors that drive the wheels.

As seen through the partially transparent top inFIG.3, the skateboard14may include a frame16. The frame16may support the various components housed within the skateboard14and may facilitate their connection in an optimized and balanced manner, as discussed in further detail below.

As best shown inFIG.4, the skateboard14may include a plurality of connection pads18. The connection pads18may be spaced about a top surface20of the skateboard14and may generally comprise both physical and electrical and communication connections. The physical connections on each connection pad18may include one or more indentations configured to receive similarly shaped protrusions on a module12therein. The physical connections may further include any appropriate type of locking and other connection features. The electrical and communication connections may be embedded into the physical connections to provide electrical and communication connections between the module12and the skateboard14. The connection pads18may be spaced to facilitate numerous configurations of module12arrangements.

It will be appreciated that modules12may vary in size and shape, as well as in use and purpose. Without limitation, the modules12may include cab modules that are configured to provide passenger seating as well as driving components and other traditional cab amenities. As shown inFIGS.5a-5e, cab modules12may vary in size and shape, such as some cab modules12that extend across the entire width of the skateboard14while others extend only for a partial width of the skateboard14. The modules12may further include any other type of storage or functional module12for use in a variety of vehicle purposes. For example, modules12may comprise work modules that are configured to provide storage and other non-vehicle related functions, and other modules12may comprise vehicle modules that are configured to provide optional vehicle related functions. Examples of work modules12may include storage modules, refrigerated storage modules, passenger modules, and the like. Examples of vehicle modules may include HVAC modules, extra heating modules, inverter modules, winch box modules, genset box modules, and reefer box modules, and the like.

In one or more embodiments, the modular vehicle10may be configured to function as a cargo hauling vehicle. In such applications, such as shown inFIGS.6and7, the modular vehicle10may be configured to resemble a semi-tractor-trailer truck including a cab and one or more trailers (storage modules12) connected to the skateboard. The modules12may occupy the entire top surface20of the skateboard14, as shown inFIG.6, or may occupy only a part of the top surface20, as shown inFIG.7.

In an embodiment, the size and shape of one or more modules12may be configured to provide functional benefits. For example, some modules12may be shaped and positioned to increase the aerodynamic shape of the modular vehicle10. As shown inFIG.6, modules12positioned near the front of the vehicle10may be slanted or angled to reduce wind resistance or drag. The angled modules12may still provide other functionality such as to act as storage or other functional use modules12. Likewise, some modules12may be shaped to better conform to the size and shape of storing and hauling given products. In some embodiments, products may be prestored in a module12and configured to be loaded onto a skateboard14in a predetermined configuration.

FIGS.8-11illustrate various unique configurations of a modular vehicle that may be utilized consistent with the designs provided herein.FIG.8illustrates a combined tractor trailer configuration24with a fenced in rear storage area26.FIG.9illustrates a food vending configuration28that includes a front cab module15, two vending modules30with side windows, solar panels32positioned on top of the vending modules30, and a reefer unit34positioned above the cab module12.FIG.10illustrates a mass transit configuration having a bus module36positioned on the skateboard14. The bus module36comprises a bus door, windows, and mass transit seating.FIG.11illustrates an oversized cargo hauler configuration38. The oversized hauler38may be configured to stack and carry storage modules12from a plurality of modular vehicles10on a larger skateboard platform14.

In an embodiment illustrated inFIG.12, the skateboard platform14may be configured to interface with and control existing or third party upfits37. For example, as shown, the platform may power and control a cement mixer upfit37as shown. However, it will be appreciated that the skateboard14may be configured to interface with, control, and support any appropriate upfits37.

The skateboard platform14may also function as powered trailer. For example, the skateboard platform14may be connected to a rig or other towing vehicle to be pulled or steered. However, the skateboard platform14of the powered trailer may provide power for any necessary purpose, such as for driving or propelling the powered trailer forward or backward in the desired direction or for providing power to storage modules housed on the skateboard14. The powered trailer may provide numerous benefits over current trailer designs. First, the powered trailer may allow for low power rigs or trucks to pull or steer the trailer by offsetting the total power needed to move the modules12on the trailer. Second, the powered trailer may provide power for items stored on the skateboard14even when not connected to a rig or other powered vehicle. This may allow trailers with sensitive storage contents to be stored for longer periods of time if necessary. In an embodiment, the powered trailer may further be capable of bidirectional power flow, to allow the skateboard14to both power connected modules12and to receive power from a separate source. The power source may be any appropriate source, such as another vehicle, a building, or a power grid.

The modular vehicles10may utilize different configurations and sizes of battery packs48depending on the size of the vehicle and the power needs of the given configuration. The skateboard14may be designed with any appropriately sized battery pack or packs48, such as one or more 67 KWH packs40, one or more 105 KWH packs42, one or more 134 KWH packs44, or one or more 140 KWH packs46. The skateboard14may be loaded with a plurality of packs to provide the desired power capabilities to run the intended modules12.FIG.13shows a table50that provides ranges of travel for a vehicle based on the battery pack size and/or number of packs.

The skateboard14may be configured to includes various components to monitor and regulate the battery packs. The components may be packaged together, such as in a BHV module52, such as illustrated inFIG.14. The BHV module52may include, without limitation, one or more battery chargers, voltage converters, high voltage coolant heater and/or chiller, traction motor contactors, and high voltage fuses. The skateboard14may optionally further include additional components in a component box54such as a hydraulic power unit, air compressor, ground fault detection, voltage and current monitoring and measuring, and a high voltage bus active discharge circuit, such as shown inFIG.15.

The components housed within the skateboard14, including any battery packs, BHV boxes, component boxes, or the like, may be arranged in a suspended manner within the skateboard14. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.16and17, the components may be connected to portions of the frame16and suspended between frame sections. In a single sided mounting strategy illustrated inFIG.16components may be mounted and suspended on a single side of a frame section. The single sided frame connection56may comprise a frame clamp58and a component connection60pivotally connected on one side of the frame clamp58. The double-sided frame connection62illustrated inFIG.17may comprise a frame clamp58and a component connection60pivotally connected on both side of the frame clamp58, to provide suspended connections on both sides of a section of frame16. It will be appreciated that the illustrated frame clamps58and component connections60are designed to be easily added and removed by clamping or unclamping from the frame without the need for other connection components. The frame clamps58further are able to connect to the frame16without interfering with or compromising the flexibility of the frame16.

FIGS.18-20illustrate various arrangements and configurations of battery packs48and other supporting components on a modular vehicle frame16.FIG.19show various size vehicle frames16.FIG.18illustrates battery packs48suspended from outer frame sections to balance the weight of the battery packs48. The BHV52is positioned on a central frame section between the battery packs48.FIG.19illustrates a three battery pack48configuration. The batter packs48are connected to and suspended in three consecutive frame sections, with the BHV positioned in a rear and central frame section adjacent to the battery packs48.FIG.20illustrates a two battery pack configuration with the BHV module52positioned between the battery packs48and an optional component module54positioned behind the BHV module52. In all of the illustrated configurations, the battery packs48are contained within the footprint of the frame and directly surrounded by the frame16to create added protections for the battery packs48in the event of a collision or other impact event.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.) are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed as “parts by weight” herein also contemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Invention of a range in terms of at “‘x’ parts by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition” also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of “x” in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition.”

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of, or even consist of the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps. All references herein to elements or metals belonging to a certain Group refer to the Periodic Table of the Elements published and copyrighted by CRC Press, Inc., 1989. Any reference to the Group or Groups shall be to the Group or Groups as reflected in this Periodic Table of the Elements using the IUPAC system for numbering groups.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination.

It is therefore intended that the appended claims (and/or any future claims filed in any Utility application) cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination.

It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.