Vehicle corner modules (VCMs) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform, for regulating motion of a vehicle. When a wheel is mounted on a wheel-hub assembly of the VCM, a vehicle-connection interface of the VCM is disposed within a cylindrical footprint of the wheel. At least one of the at least one subsystem of the VCM is accommodated between the wheel-hub assembly and the vehicle-connection interface. Vehicle platforms are connectable to the VCMs. The connection of the vehicle platform to the VCM may include connection of subsystems of the VCM to electronic or flow subsystems mounted on the vehicle platform by connection of two portions of a multi-interface connection-element.

A fastening assembly for fastening an axle support on a vehicle body. The axle support is screwed onto the vehicle body on multiple attachment points. On at least one of the attachment points, a bearing bracket for mounting a unit for the axle drive is arranged between the axle support and the vehicle body and also screwed on. A method for installing and fastening an axle support on a vehicle body in the mass production of motor vehicles is further disclosed.

A fastening assembly for fastening an axle support on a vehicle body. The axle support is screwed onto the vehicle body on multiple attachment points. On at least one of the attachment points, a bearing bracket for mounting a unit for the axle drive is arranged between the axle support and the vehicle body and also screwed on. A method for installing and fastening an axle support on a vehicle body in the mass production of motor vehicles is further disclosed.

An air management system for a vehicle having a first pneumatic circuit and a second pneumatic circuit, in which the first and second pneumatic circuits are pneumatically connected in a neutral position via a cross-flow mechanism. The first pneumatic circuit includes a first leveling valve configured to adjust independently the height of a first side of the vehicle. The second pneumatic circuit includes a second leveling valve configured to adjust independently the height of a second side of the vehicle. The first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the second side of the vehicle.

Hub lifting and pick-and-place equipment includes a fixed plate. The lower portion of the fixed plate is connected with a vertical plate. One side of the bottom of the vertical plate is fixedly connected with a fixed frame. The bottom of the vertical plate is hinged with a safety plate. The safety plate and the vertical plate are also connected with each other through shielding oil cylinders. A wire holder is mounted on one side of the vertical plate.

Vehicle corner modules (VCMs) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform, for regulating motion of a vehicle. When a wheel is mounted on a wheel-hub assembly of the VCM, a vehicle-connection interface of the VCM is disposed within a cylindrical footprint of the wheel. At least one of the at least one subsystem of the VCM is accommodated between the wheel-hub assembly and the vehicle-connection interface. Vehicle platforms are connectable to the VCMs. The connection of the vehicle platform to the VCM may include connection of subsystems of the VCM to electronic or flow subsystems mounted on the vehicle platform by connection of two portions of a multi-interface connection-element.

Vehicle corner modules (VCMs) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform, for regulating motion of a vehicle. When a wheel is mounted on a wheel-hub assembly of the VCM, a vehicle-connection interface of the VCM is disposed within a cylindrical footprint of the wheel. At least one of the at least one subsystem of the VCM is accommodated between the wheel-hub assembly and the vehicle-connection interface. Vehicle platforms are connectable to the VCMs. The connection of the vehicle platform to the VCM may include connection of subsystems of the VCM to electronic or flow subsystems mounted on the vehicle platform by connection of two portions of a multi-interface connection-element.

A mobile robot having a removable wheel-drive assembly, comprising a mobile base having a chassis and a first wheel well member with a flange. There is a removable wheel drive assembly with a mounting bracket. There is a motor drive unit disposed on the mounting bracket and a wheel/tire connected to the motor drive unit via an axle. There is a second wheel well member on the mounting bracket and positioned between the motor drive unit and the wheel. The second wheel well member includes a central section having an aperture through which the axle passes and a top surface. The top surface of the central section of the second wheel well member engages with the flange of the first wheel well member of the mobile base.

A mobile robot having a removable wheel-drive assembly, comprising a mobile base having a chassis and a first wheel well member with a flange. There is a removable wheel drive assembly with a mounting bracket. There is a motor drive unit disposed on the mounting bracket and a wheel/tire connected to the motor drive unit via an axle. There is a second wheel well member on the mounting bracket and positioned between the motor drive unit and the wheel. The second wheel well member includes a central section having an aperture through which the axle passes and a top surface. The top surface of the central section of the second wheel well member engages with the flange of the first wheel well member of the mobile base.

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.