Patent classifications
B60Y2304/076
Apparatus and method for modifying a fuel tank to accept an in-tank fuel pump
A method and apparatus for modifying an existing style fuel tank to add a fuel pump and a baffle assembly in the tank comprises removing an existing fuel sending unit from a sending unit opening and cutting an access hole in the top of the tank. Fuel supply and return lines, and electrical connections for the fuel pump are routed through a replacement cap for covering the sending unit opening and not up through the hole created for insertion of the pump and baffle assembly. The baffle assembly includes a cup for holding fuel around and over the fuel pickup connected to the fuel pump. The cup may be formed from a compressible material to allow it to be compressed before insertion into the tank through the access opening or it may be assembled inside of the tank from segments inserted through the access opening.
ELECTRIC DRIVE SUPPORTING COMPONENT PLATFORM FOR SEMI-TRACTOR AND TRUCK VEHICLES
A platform to replace under-the-hood engine assembly of a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. The platform includes a backbone frame and a tower frame secured to the backbone frame towards a vehicle front. The backbone frame and the tower frame are secured to chassis frame of the vehicle through a three point isolator mounting system. A plurality of electric drive components, such as battery radiators, electric-axle and high-voltage accessories cooling system radiator, air conditioning condenser, cooling fans, brake retarder, DC-DC voltage converter(s), HVAC compressor, inverter(s), low voltage batteries package, air compressor, pumps, etc. are secured to the backbone frame and the tower frame to support the electric motor of the electric vehicle.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING PROPULSION OF A VEHICLE USING SELECTIVELY ATTACHABLE HUB MOTORS AND ROTATABLE AXLES
Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving propulsion of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a vehicle configuration associated with an arrangement of a set of hub motors that are selectively attachable on driven wheels of the vehicle, loading a control setting according to the arrangement to one of a series configuration and a parallel configuration to indicate a power source for the driven wheels as one or more of a motor of the set of hub motors and a central propulsion system. The set of hub motors is structured to be selectively attached to the driven wheels without removing the driven wheels from the vehicle. The method includes managing power delivery to the set of hub motors and the central propulsion system of the vehicle to propel the vehicle according to the control setting.
Fuel to electric reusable conversion kit and a method of converting and reusing the conversion kit
Suitable for frame vehicles, the kit provides a frame to be mounted on the chassis with attachment devices at a head section and at a middle section of the frame that supports an electric motor, a transmission and at least one battery system. Replacement of the conventional engine and transmission by the frame-mounted unit can be fast. The frame can be attached at the middle section using shear bolts to avoid impeding a crumple of the chassis during a front impact.
VEHICLE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE DRIVE MODULES
Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of modules that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.
VEHICLE OPERATION WITH INTERCHANGEABLE DRIVE MODULES
Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of modules that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.
Heat exchanger replacement mounting pin and drill jig
A heat exchanger replacement mounting pin and drill jig for replacing a broken mounting pin of a heat exchanger, which includes the following: a replacement mounting pin portion; a bore defined by the replacement mounting pin portion for guiding a drill to a mounting site of the heat exchanger; and a nut alignment portion extending from the replacement mounting pin portion.
Housing connection for fuel filler port device
The fuel filler neck device is attached to a filler pipe and is opened and closed by a fueling nozzle. The device has a cover member which has an introduction opening for the fueling nozzle and which is engaged with the filler pipe side with engagement parts formed on the filler pipe side being fitted in window holes. Insertion parts are respectively formed adjacent to the engagement parts in the circumferential direction of the filler pipe. The engagement parts can be each disengaged by deforming or breaking the cover member side by inserting a portion of a tool into the insertion part.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RETROFIT ENGINE START/STOP AND IDLE CONTROL
A retrofit engine start/stop control system includes a programmable logic controller, an engine block temperature sensor to measure an external engine temperature, an ambient temperature sensor, an ignition circuit connector, a battery voltage sensor and an engine speed sensor. The programmable logic controller includes computer executable instructions to start the engine when at least one of an external engine block temperature, an ambient air temperature and a battery output voltage fall below a predefined threshold value for startup. A related method for retrofit engine start/stop idle control includes activating a programmable logic controller to control stop and start and idle control functions of an internal combustion engine; measuring an engine block temperature, ambient temperature, and battery system voltage; determining if all of the monitored values exceed corresponding predetermined threshold values for shutdown; and shutting down the engine if all of the monitored values exceed corresponding predetermined threshold values.
Vehicle with interchangeable drive modules
Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of modules that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.