Patent number: 9102331
Abstract: A multi-functional electric module (eModule) is provided for a vehicle having a chassis, a master controller, and a drive wheel having a propulsion-braking module. The eModule includes a steering control assembly, mounting bracket, propulsion control assembly, brake controller, housing, and control arm. The steering control assembly includes a steering motor controlled by steering controllers in response to control signals from the master controller. A mounting feature of the bracket connects to the chassis. The propulsion control assembly and brake controller are in communication with the propulsion-braking module. The control arm connects to the lower portion and contains elements of a suspension system, with the control arm being connectable to the drive wheel via a wheel input/output block. The controllers are responsive to the master controller to control a respective steering, propulsion, and braking function.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 20, 2013
Date of Patent:
August 11, 2015
Assignees:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventors:
William J. Bluethmann, Thomas M. Waligora, Nathan Fraser-Chanpong, Ryan Reed, Akinjide Akinniyi Akinyode, Ivan Spain, Andrew D. Dawson, Joshua M. Figuered, Eduardo Herrera, Mason M. Markee, Robert L. Vitale, Chunhao J. Lee, Lucien Q. Junkin, Ross Briant Winn, James Jonathan Rogers, Raymond Guo
Publication number: 20150083508
Abstract: A multi-functional electric module (eModule) is provided for a vehicle having a chassis, a master controller, and a drive wheel having a propulsion-braking module. The eModule includes a steering control assembly, mounting bracket, propulsion control assembly, brake controller, housing, and control arm. The steering control assembly includes a steering motor controlled by steering controllers in response to control signals from the master controller. A mounting feature of the bracket connects to the chassis. The propulsion control assembly and brake controller are in communication with the propulsion-braking module. The control arm connects to the lower portion and contains elements of a suspension system, with the control arm being connectable to the drive wheel via a wheel input/output block. The controllers are responsive to the master controller to control a respective steering, propulsion, and braking function.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 20, 2013
Publication date:
March 26, 2015
Applicants:
The U.S.A As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
William J. Bluethmann, Thomas M. Waligora, Nathan Fraser-Chanpong, Ryan Reed, Akinjide Akinniyi Akinyode, Ivan Spain, Andrew D. Dawson, Joshua M. Figuered, Eduardo Herrera, Mason M. Markee, Robert L. Vitale, Chunhao J. Lee, Lucien Q. Junkin, Ross Briant Winn, James Jonathan Rogers, Raymond Guo