A method for replacing a first module (30, 40) of a vehicle (1) with a new module (30, 30′, 40). The vehicle (1) includes: at least one drive module (30); and at least one functional module (40). The vehicle (1) has a unique vehicle identity. The method includes: setting (s101) the vehicle (1) into a maintenance mode indicating that the vehicle (1) is not available for operation; and preparing (s102) the vehicle (1) for physical disconnection of the first module (30, 40); when the first module (30, 40) has been physically disconnected from the vehicle (1) and the new module (30, 30′, 40) has been physically connected to the vehicle (1): establishing (s103) an electrical connection between the new module (30, 30′, 40) and the vehicle (1); assigning (s104) the new module (30, 30′, 40) the unique vehicle identity of the vehicle (1); setting (s105) the vehicle (1) into an operational mode; and verifying s106) the electrical connection of the new module (30, 30′, 40).

A drive unit of a robotic vehicle including a top surface having a mounting interface to interchangeably couple with multiple different modular payload structures configured to transport items in a facility, workspace or inventory management environment. The mounting interface is configured to securely engage with a mounting portion of the variety of different payload structures to enable a versatile exchange of the payload structure for different conveyance applications. The drive unit includes an electrical interface to communicatively couple with the modular payload structures. The drive unit is configured to use data communicated via the electrical coupling and interface to identify a type of modular payload structure that is mechanically coupled to the mounting interface and implement a motion profile (e.g., speed and acceleration parameters) associated with the identified modular payload structure.

An embodiment skateboard platform for an electric vehicle includes a skateboard frame including a center module, a front module connected to a front of the center module, and a rear module connected to a rear of the center module, and a battery assembly mounted on the skateboard frame, wherein the battery assembly is detachably connected to the center module.

A leading-edge steering system is provided for a front suspension of an off-road vehicle. The leading-edge steering system is comprised of a spindle assembly that supports a drive axle assembly to conduct torque from a transaxle to a front wheel. A first rod-end joint pivotally couples an upper suspension arm and the spindle assembly, and a second rod-end joint pivotally couples a lower suspension arm and the spindle assembly. A steering rod-end joint pivotally couples a first end of a steering rod with a leading-edge portion of the spindle assembly. A steering gear is coupled with a second end of the steering rod and configured to move the steering rod, such that the spindle assembly rotates with respect to the upper and lower suspension arms. The leading-edge portion is configured to exert primarily tensile forces on the steering rod during travel over rough terrain.

Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density transportation pathways. An example system includes a convoy moving at a first speed, the convoy including a first and second powertrain vehicle, a first land vehicle disposed between the first powertrain vehicle and the second powertrain vehicle, the first land vehicle including a first transit carrier, and a second land vehicle coupled to the first land vehicle, the second land vehicle including a second transit carrier having a first movement system and first stacking couplers, and a transit pod coupled to the second transit carrier, the transit pod having second stacking couplers, the second stacking couplers coupled to the first stacking couplers, and a controller to, in response to a request for a third transit carrier traveling at a second speed to join the convoy, instruct the third transit carrier to join the convoy at the first speed.

An invented all electric powered multi-modular vehicle system consists of a driving module and different types of non-driving vehicle modules, such as enhanced capacity module for more passengers, sports utility module, a truck-bed module, a recreational vehicle module, four-wheel-drive module and cargo truck module etc. When given a command the vehicle modules shall be automatically configured into one vehicle or detached back to individual vehicle modules as commanded. The entire coupling and configuration and decoupling and deconfiguration may be operated with a wireless user device. The modular vehicle system offers users with different options over capacities and functions, as well as cost-saving and more efficient vehicle utilization rate. Vehicle owners may buy a particular set of modules while rent or lease or exchange other non-driving modules via vehicle rental service or a media network connecting owners of the modular vehicles when needed.

An energy storage system for a military vehicle includes a lower support, a battery supported on the lower support, a bracket coupled to the battery, and an upper isolator mount coupled between the bracket and a wall. The upper isolator mount is configured to provide front-to-back vibration isolation of the battery relative to the wall.

An example vehicle frame disclosed herein includes end frames having wheels coupled thereto, and a central frame coupled between the end frames, the central frame positioned at an offset relative to the end frames, the vehicle frame rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame between a first position and a second position, the central frame at a first distance from the ground when the vehicle frame is in the first position, the central frame at a second distance from the ground when the vehicle frame is in the second position, the first distance greater than the second distance.

Land vehicles, powertrain units for land vehicles, and methods of using land vehicles are disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the land vehicles are provided as delivery vehicles and/or utility vehicles. A land vehicle includes a frame structure having a front cage that defines an operator cabin and a rear floor positioned rearward of the front cage. The frame structure supports a plurality of wheels to permit movement of the vehicle relative to an underlying surface in use of the land vehicle. An underside of the frame structure is disposed in confronting relation with the underlying surface.

An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first frame subassembly and a second frame subassembly, each of the first and second frame subassemblies defining a wheel axle of a vehicle, the first frame subassembly including a first bridge portion oriented generally upward relative to the wheel axle, the second frame subassembly including a second bridge portion oriented generally downward relative to the wheel axle, and a central frame couplable to the first frame subassembly via the first bridge portion and couplable to the second frame subassembly via the second bridge portion, the central frame configured for a first ride height when coupled to the first frame subassembly and configured for a second ride height when coupled to the second frame subassembly, the first ride height greater than the second ride height.