A corner or end module for assembly on a vehicle body comprises a wheel(s), a frame having connection points for removably securing the corner module to the vehicle body, a drive system capable of providing torque to drive the wheel(s), a brake system connected to the wheel(s) capable of braking the wheel(s), a suspension system located between the frame and the wheel(s), a steering system connected to the wheel(s), capable of providing a steering input for the wheel(s), and a communication system capable of communicating from at least one of a drive controller, brake controller, and steering controller of the corner or end module with one of: another corner or end module, a vehicle controller; an autonomous drive controller; another vehicle, infrastructure, and a wireless data server.

A corner or end module for assembly on a vehicle body comprises a wheel(s), a frame having connection points for removably securing the corner module to the vehicle body, a drive system capable of providing torque to drive the wheel(s), a brake system connected to the wheel(s) capable of braking the wheel(s), a suspension system located between the frame and the wheel(s), a steering system connected to the wheel(s), capable of providing a steering input for the wheel(s), and a communication system capable of communicating from at least one of a drive controller, brake controller, and steering controller of the corner or end module with one of: another corner or end module, a vehicle controller; an autonomous drive controller; another vehicle, infrastructure, and a wireless data server.

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.

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.

A rod-end front suspension is provided for an off-road vehicle. The rod-end front suspension comprises a spindle assembly that is pivotally coupled with an upper suspension arm by way of a first rod-end joint and pivotally coupled with a lower suspension arm by way of a second rod-end joint. A steering rod-end joint coupled with the spindle assembly pivotally receives a steering rod. An axle assembly coupled with the spindle assembly conducts torque from a transaxle to a wheel coupled with the spindle assembly. Each of the first and second rod-end joints comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing. The ball is fastened within a recess between parallel prongs extending from the spindle assembly. A threaded shank extending from the casing is threadably fixated with the suspension arm, such that the spindle assembly may be moved with respect to the casing and the suspension arm.

The invention relates to a method, performed by a first control device, for controlling physically connecting a first and a second module to assemble a vehicle, wherein the first control device is comprised in the first module, the method comprising: activating a sensor device in the first module; identifying an area between the two modules by means of the sensor device; transmitting information about the identified area to the second module; continuously determining the position of the second module in relation to the first module, by means of the sensor device, while the second module is moving towards the first module, and transmitting the determined position to the second module; and physically connecting the modules when the second module has reached the first module.

The invention relates to a method, performed by a first control device, for controlling physically connecting a first and a second module to assemble a vehicle, wherein the first control device is comprised in the first module, the method comprising: activating a sensor device in the first module; identifying an area between the two modules by means of the sensor device; transmitting information about the identified area to the second module; continuously determining the position of the second module in relation to the first module, by means of the sensor device, while the second module is moving towards the first module, and transmitting the determined position to the second module; and physically connecting the modules when the second module has reached the first module.

Vehicle chassis with interchangeable performance packages and related methods. are disclosed herein. An example vehicle chassis disclosed herein includes a frame including a first chassis portion including a cavity, a battery platform coupled to first chassis portion, and a first subframe couplable within the cavity, the first subframe including a first motor and a first suspension assembly, and a second subframe couplable within the cavity, the second subframe including a second motor and a second suspension assembly, the second motor having a greater power than the first motor, the second suspension assembly having a greater stiffness than the first suspension assembly.

Vehicle chassis with interchangeable performance packages and related methods. are disclosed herein. An example vehicle chassis disclosed herein includes a frame including a first chassis portion including a cavity, a battery platform coupled to first chassis portion, and a first subframe couplable within the cavity, the first subframe including a first motor and a first suspension assembly, and a second subframe couplable within the cavity, the second subframe including a second motor and a second suspension assembly, the second motor having a greater power than the first motor, the second suspension assembly having a greater stiffness than the first suspension assembly.

A vehicle includes a multipurpose module replaceably coupled to a luggage zone of the vehicle, and a module fixing device coupled to the multipurpose module and configured to fix the multipurpose module to a vehicle body of the vehicle, in which the module fixing device includes one or more locking assemblies configured to fix the multipurpose module by being matched and inserted into a fixing hole provided in the multipurpose module, and a locking controller configured to control the locking assembly, in which the locking assembly includes a shape memory spring made of a shape memory alloy, a fixing protrusion connected to the shape memory spring and configured to move forward to be inserted into the fixing hole or move rearward to be separated from the fixing hole in accordance with extension or contraction of the shape memory spring, and a heater configured to apply heat to the shape memory spring, and in which the shape memory spring operates the fixing protrusion while being extended or contracted by the applied heat.