Patent Application
20220363303
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for controlling the movement of a vehicle. More specifically, this invention is directed to the specific combination of functional and structural elements into modular systems for electric vehicles.
Automobile vehicles in general are comprised of many different structural and functional components. In some instances, they may generally be described in relation to a body or cabin, which are designed to enclose the passengers, and the various electrical, mechanical and structural systems, subsystems and components that allow the vehicle to operate. In traditional automobile design, the body and various functional systems and components are inextricably intertwined. For example, mechanical linkages directly interconnect the steering and brake systems between the wheels and the passenger, and elements such as the motor, transmission system, and cooling systems are disposed in a front enclosure that extends upward into the body of the vehicle. Additional structural components may serve to house certain functional elements essential for vehicle operation.
Recent advances in electric motor and battery technologies have made electric vehicles practical to manufacture. Electric vehicles have a number of advantages over conventional internal combustion vehicles, including the dramatically reduced footprint of the drive train components. Further advancements in signal processing and drive-by-wire technologies means that it is now possible to produce vehicle platforms containing all the necessary functional components of a vehicle. However, despite the potential these advancements represent, most electric vehicles being produced today continue to incorporate designs that have been traditionally used in internal combustion engines. This can be particularly true for the framework and layout of many of the features including the drive motors.
Many embodiments are directed to an electric vehicle and the systems and methods that are used to control the movement of the vehicle. Numerous embodiments of a vehicle control system include a steering system wherein the steering system has a steering device electromechanically connected to a steering feedback actuator where the actuator is configured to receive input signals from the steering device and translate input signals into a series of output signals. The steering actuator can then transmit said output signals to one or more motor-wheel assemblies of the vehicle such that the direction of the wheel assemblies can be manipulated to direct the position of a vehicle and wherein the steering system has an operative electrical connection to connect to a vehicle. Additionally the vehicle control system has a braking system comprising a braking input device electromechanically connected to a braking actuator that receives an input signal from the input device that corresponds to the movement of the input device and wherein the braking actuator electromechanically activates one or more braking components that are connected to a wheel braking mechanism such that when the braking actuator is engaged the wheel braking mechanism engages a wheel rotor causing the vehicle to stop. Additionally, the steering system and the braking system are collocated within a single modular form factor that is mountable within a vehicle cabin.
In other embodiments, the vehicle control system has a vehicle acceleration input system disposed within the form factor wherein the acceleration input system has an acceleration input device electromechanically connected to an acceleration feedback generator such that the acceleration feedback generator generates a signal sent to a drive system of a vehicle to thereby increase the speed of the vehicle.
In still other embodiments, the form factor is movably disposed on a first support structure and wherein the form factor can be positioned at one or more positions on the support structure.
In yet other embodiments, the form factor is disposed in a location selected from a group consisting of left side, right side, and middle.
In still yet other embodiments, the vehicle control system has at least a second support structure wherein a front portion of the form factor is connected to the first support structure and a rear portion of the form factor is connected to the second support structure.
In other embodiments, the second support structure is disposed at a location that is lower than the first support structure such that the form factor is disposed at an angle between the first and second support structures.
In still other embodiments, the form factor is moveably disposed between the first and second support structures such that the disposed angle can be adjusted.
In yet other embodiments, the vehicle control system has at least two mounting brackets wherein at least one of the at least two mounting brackets corresponds to and supports the braking system and at least another one of the at least two mounting brackets corresponds to and supports the steering system, and wherein each of the at least two mounting bracket connect the form factor to the first support structure.
In still yet other embodiments, the vehicle control system has at least a third and a fourth mounting bracket wherein the third mounting bracket corresponds to and supports the braking system, and wherein the fourth mounting bracket corresponds to and supports the steering system, and wherein the third and fourth mounting brackets are connected to the second support structure.
In other embodiments, the form factor comprises a housing that encloses at least a portion of the steering system and at least a portion of the braking system.
In still other embodiments, the steering system and the braking system are collocated on a single mounting bracket and wherein the single mounting bracket has a steering portion and a braking portion, the steering portion comprising at least two mounting points where the steering system can be movably connected to the single mounting bracket such that the steering system can be moved within the form factor, and wherein the braking portion has at least one mounting point configured to connect with a portion of the braking system to secure the braking system to the single mounting bracket such that the braking system remains immoveable.
In yet other embodiments, the steering system is extendable such that a portion of the steering system can extend beyond the form factor and adjust to a particular occupant.
In still yet other embodiments, the steering input device is a steering wheel.
In other embodiments, the braking input device is a brake pedal.
In still other embodiments, the braking input device is disposed outside of the form factor and electronically connected to the braking components of the braking system.
In yet other embodiments, the brake pedal is a floating brake pedal.
In still yet other embodiments, the form factor comprises a housing that encloses at least a portion of the steering system and at least a portion of the braking system, and at least a portion of the acceleration system.
In other embodiments, each of the steering system and braking system only have at least one operative electronic connection between the respective system and a vehicle platform such that the operative connection is not mechanical in nature.
In still other embodiments, the form factor is removable from the cabin of the vehicle.
Other embodiments may include an electric vehicle that has a self-contained electric vehicle platform and a self-contained vehicle cabin connected to the self-contained electric vehicle platform, wherein the self-contained vehicle cabin further comprises a vehicle control system. The vehicle control system has a steering system wherein the steering system comprises a steering device electromechanically connected to a steering feedback actuator where the actuator is configured to receive input signals from the steering device and translate input signals into a series of output signals and transmit said output signals to one or more motor-wheel assemblies of the vehicle such that the direction of the wheel assemblies can be manipulated to direct the position of the vehicle and wherein the steering system has an operative electrical connection to connect to a vehicle. Additionally, the control system may have a braking system with a braking input device electromechanically connected to a braking actuator that receives an input signal from the input device that corresponds to the movement of the input device and wherein the braking actuator electromechanically activates one or more braking components that are connected to a wheel braking mechanism such that when the braking actuator is engaged the wheel braking mechanism engages a wheel rotor causing the vehicle to stop. Finally the steering system and the braking system is collocated within a single modular form factor that is mountable within a vehicle cabin and the vehicle control system is connected to the self-contained electric vehicle platform through a disconnectable electronic connection point.
In yet other embodiments, the form factor is removable from the vehicle cabin and such that the vehicle platform can be autonomously controlled.
Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.
The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures, which are presented as exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the invention, wherein:
Turning now to the drawings, many embodiments include a vehicle control system with additional systems and associated components designed to control the movement of the vehicle. For example, many embodiments include a steering system that has a steering wheel connected to a steering column much in the traditional sense. However, in conjunction with the mechanical steering components, many embodiments include control actuators that translate motion of the mechanical components into electrical and mechanical control and movement of the wheels. In accordance with many embodiments, the form factor of the vehicle control systems is compact such that it can be supported by structures within the vehicle cabin and remains relatively hidden from view of the occupants. In addition to the steering mechanism, many embodiments may incorporate the vehicle braking systems within the same form factor of the steering mechanism such that the various systems have positions that are relatively fixed with respect to each other.
The control of a vehicle can be categorized into several basic functions such as accelerating, steering, and braking. Each of the functions may require one or more components and/or systems that work in alone or in tandem to control the vehicle such that it can move in a desired direction and velocity. Traditionally, vehicles, including electric vehicles, utilize the various systems and subsystems housed behind a traditional dash within the cabin of the vehicle. The dash generally runs laterally from one side of a vehicle to the other and can house a number of different displays for the general use and entertainment of the vehicle occupants. Accordingly, the dash represents a large section of the front of the vehicle used to hide the numerous control mechanisms of the vehicle. This can allow automotive manufactures a large space from which to work in terms of positioning the various components of the respective control systems. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a steering system 100 in accordance with known art of a traditional vehicle. The steering system 100 traditionally consists of a steering wheel 102 connected to a steering column 104 that is mechanically connected to a steering gear system 106. Many such systems utilize a number of universal joints 108 connected to a rack and pinion type gears to transfer the movement of the steering wheel 102 to the wheels 110 and thus control the directional movement of a vehicle. In addition to steering systems, many traditional vehicles use a separate braking system as illustrated in the schematic in
As previously discussed, there are a number of different systems that can be used to control the movement of the vehicle. Additionally, many of those systems are packaged throughout the cabin of the vehicle and are interconnected mechanically with the chassis and underbody components. Moreover, traditional vehicles and traditional vehicle designs tend to design around a large front portion of the vehicle that typically accounts for an engine compartment in internal combustion engine vehicle. Some of the many electric vehicles also tend to follow with the more traditional designs having a larger front portion of the vehicle, even without a need for an engine compartment. Accordingly, such designs tend to position occupants rearward from the front of the vehicle which can allow for the placement of the control components in the cabin and more forward of the occupants. The rearward placement of the occupants and incorporation of a forward engine type compartment, generally can be limiting on the overall adaptability of more advanced vehicle designs. For example, as mentioned, many electric vehicles, that do not require the engine compartment still follow those designs which can be very limiting in the way of occupant placement. Moreover, such traditional configurations continue to rely heavily mechanical connections between the various vehicle control systems which offer a number of different fail points. Additionally, they can be bulky as well as difficult and costly to repair. Moreover, traditional systems and configurations offer very little in the way of adjustability and adaptability.
In contrast, many embodiments described herein, take advantage of the unique freedom that an electric vehicle can offer. For example, many embodiments are adaptable to an electric vehicle platform that can be self-contained. In other words, the electric vehicle platform can house the battery, wheels, drive motors, suspension systems, etc. such that it can be relatively autonomous if needed. Therefore, some embodiments can allow for different seating configurations that can place occupants more forward than a traditional vehicle design. Accordingly, the more forward placement of the occupants can pose various benefits and problems that may need to be addressed with respect to other systems such as vehicle control systems. However, many embodiments can take advantage of the improved spacing which can allow for improved adaptability as well as the use of numerous modular components. For example, many embodiments of vehicle control systems can be adaptable to electric vehicles with a vehicle platform that is wholly separate from a vehicle cabin, thus eliminating the need for bulky mechanical connections between systems. Likewise, the removal of bulky mechanical linkages can reduce maintenance costs as well as improve the overall functionality of the interior of a vehicle.
In many embodiments, the vehicle cabin configuration can be adaptable to any number of different configurations by taking advantage of some of the unique characteristics of electric vehicles. For example,
The use of electronic connections, rather than the traditional mechanical ones can pose certain technical challenges such as safety as well as adequate redundant systems. Notwithstanding the technical challenges, the use of such systems can have a great impact on the overall vehicle weight as well as manufacturing costs. Additionally, such systems can allow for improved packaging within the vehicle. For example, absent the mechanical connections, the control systems can be packaged in nearly any place suitable within the vehicle.
Moving on to
As has been discussed, some embodiments may package the vehicle control system into a single form factor that can collocate subsystems such as steering, braking, and/or acceleration.
In numerous embodiments, the control system 500 may be equipped with a braking system 508. The braking system 508 can be a combination of electrical braking control with some more traditional braking components. For example, many embodiments may have a traditional brake pedal 510 that provides an input of brake pressure from the occupant and is electronically connected to a brake control unit. The brake control unit 511 can measure the amount of pressure from the occupant and subsequently activate the hydraulic braking system which generates hydraulic pressure to each of the wheels of the vehicle. For example, the brake control can unit 511 can receive an electrical signal from the brake pedal actuation unit to determine the pressure to be generated to the wheels of vehicle. In various embodiments, the determined pressure can be transmitted to each of the wheels by hydraulic pressure that corresponds to the respective pressure from the brake pedal or other brake input device. In numerous embodiments, the brake control unit 511 can measure the travel of the brake pedal 510 with a sensor, which can be used to generate a signal to the hydraulic portions of the control system 500 and subsequently activate the braking system on the individual wheels of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the brake control unit 511 may use both a pressure and movement sensor to provide for a redundant system to ensure the braking system continues to work. In many embodiments, the braking system 508 can have a traditional hydraulic pump or master cylinder 512 as well as a reservoir 514 for the hydraulic fluid. As can be appreciated, the collocation of a braking system and a steering system within a single form factor can pose certain packaging constraints that may require unique solutions with respect to the various components such as the braking system 508. For example, numerous embodiments of a braking system may be uniquely configured to reduce the content on the brake pedal actuation including the reservoir and master cylinder. Some embodiments of a braking system may use a uniquely configured reservoir 514 such as an elongated flatter reservoir as compared to a more traditional bulky design. Additionally, the reservoir may take on any number of different shapes to fit within the desired form factor such as an “S” shaped, “U” shaped, or any other shape that may be required. Such embodiments can allow for a more compact and modular configuration of the braking system such that it can fit within a modular form factor that can be installed in a number of different positions, as well as removed completely.
In accordance with numerous embodiments, the braking system may be equipped with a number of different sensors and/or additional control systems to provide redundancy in the system as well as improve the overall function of the brake system. For example, many systems 508 may have vehicle stability control systems, antilock brake systems, regenerative braking systems that can be coupled with the other components, sensors, and controllers to effectively control the speed of the vehicle. As can be appreciated, the vehicle control system can be contained within a single form factor that is easily mountable in a number of different positions within a vehicle. As such, many embodiments may include a number of different mounting brackets 516 that can serve as support structures for the steering, braking, and/or acceleration components as well as provide mounting points 518 to mount the control system 500 to the interior of the vehicle. Although, a specific configuration of a braking system can be illustrated, it should be understood that many embodiments can use alternate configurations of braking components to activate and control the braking system. For example, some embodiments may use a connected braking pedal that is free floating from the system. Other embodiments may use a separate pedal or input device that is solely reliant on an electrical input and is electronically connected to the other components of the braking system.
As can be fully appreciated, placing numerous components of the vehicle control system within a single form factor can allow for a housing or enclosure to be placed around the various components. As illustrated in
As many embodiments may be configured to mount to multiple support structures 702/704 and that the system 700 can be fit within a single form factor, it can be appreciated that numerous embodiments may have a number of different mounting points 718 as illustrated in
The compactability of the systems described above can be very advantageous in accordance with many embodiments to allow for a variety of configurations. For example, such compactability can allow the system to be placed on the left or right side of the vehicle with little to no modifications to the mounting components. Additionally, such systems can be placed at locations completely apart from the driver's seat or compartment and placed in any number of convenient locations. Many embodiments can also allow for a complete remove of the vehicle control system that incorporates occupant interface elements. Accordingly, some embodiments can have a vehicle control system that is absent of any occupant interface such that the vehicle can still be controlled by autonomous control features and elements that lack any human input.
Although not fully illustrated in the figures, many embodiments of a vehicle control system may have various wires and/or hydraulic connections, such as hoses, that can act as connectors to physically connect the control system to a vehicle platform. It should be understood that the “form factor” of the various embodiments can encompass the numerous wires and/or other connections that can be used to create the connection between the control system and a vehicle. Additionally, many embodiments may utilize easily removable or disconnectable connection points such that the control system itself can be removed for repairs or replacement.
The various embodiments described herein illustrate vehicle control systems that can improve the overall function of a vehicle by allowing for more efficient use of space within a vehicle cabin. Additionally, many embodiments allow for improved modularity that can improve the adaptability of a vehicle in a number of different markets. While the current disclosure may divide many of the functional and structural elements of vehicle control systems, it will be understood that any vehicle control system, according to embodiments may combine, include or omit any of the described elements as desired by a specific vehicle control system design.
As can be inferred from the above discussion, the above-mentioned concepts can be implemented in a variety of arrangements in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Specifically, many embodiments include an electric vehicle positioned to take advantage of the potential extra space in such vehicles that do not require bulky internal combustion engines. Accordingly, many embodiments incorporate a packaged form factor of a vehicle control system that may include both the steering and braking systems and components. Achieving such functionality, according to embodiments, involves the implementation of special arrangements/designs between subsystems described above, and their equivalents.
Accordingly, although the present invention has been described in certain specific aspects, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2020/051876 | 9/21/2020 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62903707 | Sep 2019 | US |
