Abstract: A vehicle chassis is controlled remotely using a drive-by-wire system and a propulsion system, such as fuel cell technology. The remote control feature takes advantage of drive-by-wire technology in that the control signals used in powering, driving and controlling a chassis are electrical as opposed to mechanical signals. In this manner, the electrical impulses are used to remotely control the vehicle, which enables remote movement of the chassis during manufacturing, assembly, and shipping, as well as parking and docking and undocking of the chassis with a corresponding body.

Abstract: A chassis having systems responsive to nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes regions optimized for energy absorption from an impact to the chassis periphery. A structural frame defines open spaces within which chassis systems are positioned. Material configured to absorb energy from an impact to the chassis periphery is located between the chassis periphery and the open spaces.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: Various body configurations capitalize upon the interchangeability of vehicle bodies on a flat rolling chassis. The ability to interchange vehicle bodies and exchange modular interior components enables substantial freedom and variation in the types of automobile, trucks, heavy equipment, machinery, RV bodies, etc. that can be interchanged on a rolling chassis. Various seating arrangements may be provided as well as enhanced space utilization, and different types of interior and exterior environments, aesthetics and functionality, including sound, lighting, and other technology enhancements may be provided on a body. Methods and structures facilitate the exchange of modular body components, such as via a removable body floor.

Abstract: A drive-by-wire control console for a vehicle has a transversely movable control module on a transversely movable, elongated beam which is supported on a longitudinally movable support column which supports the elongated beam. The control module includes steering devices and display screens for vital vehicle information.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A quick plastic formed (QPF) engineered body floorpan includes formations thereon to provide structural integrity to support body components and acts as an assembly aid. The body floorpan is formed from a single aluminum alloy sheet.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle includes at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A quick plastic formed (QPF) rigid sheet (belly pan) includes cavities formed therein to facilitate attachment of various components of the energy conversion system, energy storage system, braking system, steering system, etc.

Abstract: A method of designing and manufacturing vehicle bodies includes establishing a common, standardized interface system for attaching vehicle bodies to vehicle chassis wherein connection components are arranged in a predetermined spatial relationship on the bodies and chassis to facilitate selective attachment of any of a plurality of different body types to the chassis. A plurality of different bodies are designed and manufactured having different body types and configured to conform to the standardized interface system for attachment to chassis which also conform to the standardized interface system. The vehicle bodies can be produced independently of the chassis. Eliminating the chassis and its hardware from the body manufacturing process can reduce current vehicle manufacturing plant sizes and system complexity. The result is an enabler to produce many vehicle bodies that can be distributed directly to dealers, customers, etc. either with or without a specified rolling platform.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for releasable engagement with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: A method of assembling vehicles includes providing an X-by-wire chassis and mounting a vehicle body at an upper face of the chassis. The vehicle body includes a body frame, a seating apparatus and one or more body panels, and may include a floor. The vehicle body may include one or more preassembled body modules. The invention contemplates that the body may be operatively connected to the chassis when it is mounted at the upper face of the chassis so that one or more of the systems in the chassis that are responsive to non-mechanical control signals will respond to such signals.

Abstract: Various body configurations capitalize upon the interchangeability of vehicle bodies on a flat rolling chassis. The ability to interchange vehicle bodies and exchange modular interior components enables substantial freedom and variation in the types of automobile, trucks, heavy equipment, machinery, RV bodies, etc. that can be interchanged on a rolling chassis. Various seating arrangements may be provided as well as enhanced space utilization, and different types of interior and exterior environments, aesthetics and functionality, including sound, lighting, and other technology enhancements may be provided on a body. Methods and structures facilitate the exchange of modular body components, such as via a removable body floor.

Abstract: A body panel functions as a hood by at least partially concealing an engine compartment, and functions as a structural load-bearing portion of a vehicle frame by structurally interconnecting vehicle frame members. The body panel preferably includes a hood portion and two fender portions.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel system for a vehicle includes a fuel tank having a fuel inlet for receiving a borohydride fuel into a fuel holding portion of an internal cavity, and a waste inlet arranged to receive the waste liquid generated by an on-board hydrogen reaction process. The waste liquid is received into a waste liquid portion of the internal cavity. An expandable divider element is positioned within the tank to keep the fuel holding portion of the internal cavity separate from the waste liquid holding portion. The waste liquid holding portion can be positioned within the internal cavity so as to allow heat from the waste liquid to preheat the fuel stored in the fuel holding portion.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest system for use in a vehicle includes an armrest having a support portion which is adjustably connected to the vehicle body. The support portion is pivotally mounted to the vehicle body for movement between a first position in which the support portion is generally horizontal and presents itself for use by a vehicle occupant and a second position in which the support portion is stowed in a generally vertical position so as to provide more space to the vehicle occupant. Preferably, the armrest is flush with the vehicle body when stowed in the second position. The armrest may be power-operated by a power mechanism including a motor and at least one linkage.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is characterized by a simplified attachment interface at which a vehicle body is matable with the chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: A driver control input device includes a support post and a steering ring rotatably supported with respect to the support post. A steering transducer is operatively connected between the steering ring and support post to convert mechanical rotation of the steering ring into non-mechanical steering control signals to be sent to a steer-by-wire system. A braking ring and acceleration ring may also be provided for generating non-mechanical braking and acceleration control signals.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least energy conversion system, a steering system and a braking system. The chassis is configured for releasable engagement with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A system for adjustable, reconfigurable foot pedals is also shown for generating driver input to the by-wire braking systems and energy conversion systems and for providing control and comfort for the driver and/or a passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle includes at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A substantially flat and relatively thin vehicle chassis enables compact storage of multiple vehicle chassis. This compact storage is achieved by high density vertical stacking of the vehicle chassis, which improves packaging and shipping efficiency, reduces plant floor usage for storage during or before testing, assembly or shipping processes, and may reduce overall manufacturing, assembly, shipping, and/or vehicle costs.

Abstract: The invention capitalizes upon the absence of an engine compartment forward of the passenger compartment in the vehicle body and provides a frontal impact energy dissipation compartment forward of the passenger compartment. The frontal impact energy dissipation compartment is filled with an energy absorption structure, such as an aluminum honeycomb structure. Alternatively, a bulkhead member extends across the vehicle at the forward end of the passenger compartment to enhance structural integrity of the forward end of the vehicle. The bulkhead member may be integrated with air flow systems, cross-car structural support, safety airbags, slidable driver interface, speakers, etc.