A subframe assembly for a vehicle, including: a straight arm; and a side bracket including a base coupled to an outboard side of the straight arm; wherein the outboard side of the straight arm defines a recess; and wherein an inboard side of the base of the side bracket includes a protrusion that nests conformally within the recess defined by the outboard side of the straight arm. Top and bottom edges of the outboard side of the straight arm, the recess, the inboard side of the base of the side bracket, and the protrusion are chamfered. The chamfered portions of the top and bottom edges of the outboard side of the straight arm, the recess, the inboard side of the base of the side bracket, and the protrusion are welded to join the side bracket to the outboard side of the straight arm.

A subframe assembly for a vehicle, including: a straight arm; and a side bracket including a base coupled to an outboard side of the straight arm; wherein the outboard side of the straight arm defines a recess; and wherein an inboard side of the base of the side bracket includes a protrusion that nests conformally within the recess defined by the outboard side of the straight arm. Top and bottom edges of the outboard side of the straight arm, the recess, the inboard side of the base of the side bracket, and the protrusion are chamfered. The chamfered portions of the top and bottom edges of the outboard side of the straight arm, the recess, the inboard side of the base of the side bracket, and the protrusion are welded to join the side bracket to the outboard side of the straight arm.

A subframe assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The subframe assembly includes a crossmember, a straight arm, and a side bracket. The crossmember includes an end bracket disposed at an end thereof. The straight arm is received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember. The side bracket includes a base, and a rear bracket arm. The base is metallurgically bonded to a side of the straight arm adjacent to the end of the crossmember. The rear bracket arm extends from an end of the base and defines a hole adapted to receive a screw or pin for connecting a control arm of a wheel suspension to the subframe assembly. The rear bracket arm is at least partially received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember.

A subframe assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The subframe assembly includes a crossmember, a straight arm, and a side bracket. The crossmember includes an end bracket disposed at an end thereof. The straight arm is received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember. The side bracket includes a base, and a rear bracket arm. The base is metallurgically bonded to a side of the straight arm adjacent to the end of the crossmember. The rear bracket arm extends from an end of the base and defines a hole adapted to receive a screw or pin for connecting a control arm of a wheel suspension to the subframe assembly. The rear bracket arm is at least partially received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember.

A modular chassis is provided for an off-road vehicle to improve assembly, servicing, and repairing of a drivetrain of the off-road vehicle. The modular chassis includes a chassis to support components of the off-road vehicle. A front frame module couples with a front of the chassis, and a rear frame module couples with a rear of the chassis. The front frame module supports lower suspension arms of the off-road vehicle by way of inboard bushing joints. The front frame module supports at least a steering gear and a front differential of the off-road vehicle. The rear frame module is a tube-frame structure that supports components of the off-road vehicle. A lower portion of the rear frame module extends rearward and acutely upward to a top frame member that couples with upper side portions of the chassis. Several cross-members impart structural integrity to the rear frame module.

A modular chassis is provided for an off-road vehicle to improve assembly, servicing, and repairing of a drivetrain of the off-road vehicle. The modular chassis includes a chassis to support components of the off-road vehicle. A front frame module couples with a front of the chassis, and a rear frame module couples with a rear of the chassis. The front frame module supports lower suspension arms of the off-road vehicle by way of inboard bushing joints. The front frame module supports at least a steering gear and a front differential of the off-road vehicle. The rear frame module is a tube-frame structure that supports components of the off-road vehicle. A lower portion of the rear frame module extends rearward and acutely upward to a top frame member that couples with upper side portions of the chassis. Several cross-members impart structural integrity to the rear frame module.

The invention relates to a chassis, suitable for use in electric vehicles, characterized in that it comprises: a substantially planar loading bed, suitable for receiving a load on top of same, which is located between at least two front wheels and at least one rear wheel of an electric vehicle; wherein said loading bed comprises a channel the chassis also comprises a central shaft housed in said channel; wherein the loading bed is connected so as to pivot relative to said central shaft; wherein the loading bed comprises a plurality of battery housings distributed symmetrically; and the chassis comprises a rear traction and steering assembly and a front suspension and inclination assembly. The invention likewise relates to an electric vehicle comprising said chassis.

A tandem wheel assembly for a work vehicle includes a tandem wheel housing having a center opening extending along a pivot axis and wheel end openings extending along associated wheel end axes. The tandem wheel housing is pivotally mounted to a chassis of the work vehicle about the pivot axis. A center sprocket is rotatably disposed within the tandem wheel housing. Wheel end assemblies are disposed at the wheel end openings and each includes a wheel end sprocket, a wheel end gear train, and a wheel end hub. A pair of reaction bars are being pivotally coupled at first ends to the chassis and at second ends to a component of the respective wheel end assembly. A pivot dampening system is positioned, at least in part, axially between the tandem wheel housing and either the chassis or the component of at least one of the wheel end assemblies. The pivot dampening system is configured to dampen the pivoting of the tandem wheel housing tandem wheel housing relative to the chassis.

A wheeled vehicle includes a vehicle body, a vibration absorbing element, an auxiliary arm, a wheel, and a driving member. The vibration absorbing element includes a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed to the vehicle body. The auxiliary arm includes a connecting end and a free end. The connecting end is connected to the vehicle body. The free end is configured to swing relative to the connecting end. The free end is fixed to the second end. The wheel includes an axle, and the axle is pivotally connected to the free end. The driving member is fixed to the vehicle body and configured to drive the wheel.

A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly for an amphibian comprising an actuator, a retraction linkage assembly movable between a protracted position and a retracted position, a suspension assembly at least partially connected to the retraction linkage assembly and movable between a protracted position and a retracted position, and at least one wheel and/or track drive, wherein when the retraction linkage assembly and the suspension assembly are protracted then the retraction linkage and/or suspension assembly supports and/or holds at least one wheel and/or track drive in a ground engaging position for use on land.