The present disclosure generally relates to an omni-direction wheel system and methods for controlling the omni-direction wheel system. The omni-direction wheel system includes a plurality of suspension systems that operate independently of one another. Each suspension system may include an electromagnetic steering hub configured to rotate a wheel 360 degrees about a vertical axis based on a polarity of an electromagnetic signal applied to the electromagnetic steering hub. The suspension system may further include an in-wheel motor configured to rotate with the wheel and drive the wheel about a horizontal axis.

Generally, a suspension system for a wheel of a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include at least one pair of arms each including a first arm and a second arm. Each of the first arm and the second arm of the at least one pair of arms may have a first end adapted to be rotatably connected to a wheel interface and a second end adapted to be rotatably connected to a reference frame of the vehicle, while the first arm and the second arm may be set across each other and define a mobile steering axis at a virtual intersection therebetween such that the mobile steering axis moves with respect to the reference frame when the wheel interface changes its steering angle relative to the reference frame.

A wheel suspension (1) for a wheel (23) of a vehicle, in particular the rear wheel of a utility vehicle, driven by an electric or pneumatic motor (2), having a swing arm (3) which is mounted pivotably around a pivot axis (7) on the vehicle in a first region (4) and is supported on the vehicle in a second region (8), wherein a third region (10) of the swing arm (3) carries a part of the motor (2) which is rotationally fixed in relation to the swing arm (3) in order to transmit a torque to the wheel using a rotating part of the motor (2).

Disclosed herein is a rear subframe and suspension system. The subframe may be configured to accommodate one or two electric motors for propelling an automobile. The subframe may be configured such that the motor(s) is inserted through the front end of the subframe. The subframe may substantially surround the motor. Braces may be the coupled to the subframe to secure the motor within the subframe. The subframe may further include built-in motor mounts. An independent rear suspension system and rear steering system may also be coupled to the subframe.

A moving system includes a first driving wheel and a second driving wheel associated to a supporting structure and rotatable to move the system forward or backward on a supporting surface. The first and the second driving wheel each include a spherical portion, the first driving wheel being rotatable around a first rotation axis and the second driving wheel being rotatable around a second rotation axis. The moving system further includes an inclination system that varies the inclination of the first rotation axis of the first driving wheel and/or of the second rotation axis of the second driving wheel so as to vary the diameter of the rotation circumference formed by the points of contact with the ground.

A vehicle suspension unit includes a frame module and two wheel supports each connected to the frame module by upper and lower oscillating arms, each arm having a first end portion swivelly connected to the respective wheel support by a first swivel joint and a second end portion swivelly connected to the frame module by a second swivel joint. A suspension spring arrangement includes a single leaf spring, constituting a separate element with respect to the upper and lower arms and arranged transversely relative to a vehicle longitudinal direction, in a symmetrical position relative to a vehicle vertical median plane. The leaf spring has a central portion connected to the frame module and end portions connected to the upper arms. In one version, the central portion is connected to the frame module by a device for adjustment of a position in height of said central portion relative to the frame module.

A rear axle for a two-track vehicle includes a first trailing arm, a first wheel carrier with a first wheel center and a first longitudinal strut, which form a first coupling mechanism that is effective in a longitudinal and/or a vertical direction of the vehicle. A second trailing arm and a second wheel carrier with a second wheel center and a second longitudinal strut form a second coupling mechanism that is effective in a longitudinal and/or a vertical direction of the vehicle, and a crossmember is firmly connected to the first trailing arm and to the second trailing arm and has a shear center. The first coupling mechanism has a first instantaneous center of rotation located on the front side and above the first wheel center, and the second coupling mechanism has a second instantaneous center of rotation located on the front side and above the second wheel center. A two-track vehicle having a chassis or an underbody includes such a rear axle arranged on the chassis or on the underbody.

Vehicle platforms, and systems, subsystems, and components thereof are described. A self-contained vehicle platform or chassis incorporating substantially all of the functional systems, subsystems and components (e.g., mechanical, electrical, structural, etc.) necessary for an operative vehicle. Functional components may include at least energy storage/conversion, propulsion, suspension and wheels, steering, crash protection, and braking systems. Functional components are standardized such that vehicle platforms may be interconnected with a variety of vehicle body designs (also referred to in the art as “top hats”) with minimal or no modification to the functional linkages (e.g., mechanical, structural, electrical, etc.) therebetween. Configurations of functional components are incorporated within the vehicle platform such that there is minimal or no physical overlap between the functional components and the area defined by the vehicle body. Specific functional components of such vehicle platforms, and the relative placement of the various functional components, to allow for implementation of a self-contained vehicle platform are also provided.

A rear axle of a two-track vehicle includes a plurality of wheel-control links with at least one spring link for supporting a bearing spring on a vehicle body of the vehicle, which wheel-control links connect a rear wheel of the vehicle to a rear axle carrier. The rear axle carrier includes at least two longitudinal members oriented at least approximately in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and at least one crossmember oriented at least approximately in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The rear axle carrier is attached to the vehicle body via two bearing points on each side of the vehicle, as viewed with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the vehicle. The spring link and at least one of the wheel-control links are attached to the longitudinal member. The attachment of the spring link to one longitudinal member in each case is arranged, as viewed in the travel direction of the vehicle, upstream of the center of the distance between the bearing points arranged on a common side of the vehicle.

A ridgeline of a bottom surface portion at a rear portion of a rear side member rear at a rear of a fastening portion of rear side members to a rear portion of a rear suspension member is a slope shape which inclines downward toward a vehicle rear. A side member reinforcement, which is a reinforcing member which is against a load in a vehicle length direction, is attached to the rear portion of the rear side member rear. A fragile portion of low rigidity compared to a lower portion is formed at an upper portion of the side member reinforcement.