Abstract: An example operation includes one or more of traveling, by a first transport, in a first lane, determining, by the first transport, that a speed of a second transport is greater than a speed of the first transport when the second transport is behind the first transport, determining, by the first transport, that no other transports are ahead of the first transport by a first distance in the first lane and beside the first transport by a second distance in a second lane, maneuvering, by the first transport, to the second lane allowing the second transport to pass the first transport in the first lane, and maneuvering, by the first transport, to the first lane when there are no other transports traveling in the first lane at a third distance behind the first transport and at or near the speed of the second transport.

Abstract: The described systems and methods determine a driver's fitness to safely operate a moving vehicle based at least in part upon observed UVB exposure patterns, where the driver's UVB exposure levels may serve as a proxy for vitamin D levels in that driver's body. A smart ring, wearable on a user's finger, continuously monitors user's exposure to UVB light. This UVB exposure data, representing UVB exposure patterns, can be utilized, in combination with driving data, to train a machine learning model, which will predict the user's level of risk exposure based at least in part upon observed UVB exposure patterns. The user can be warned of this risk to prevent them from driving or to encourage them to get more sunlight exposure before driving. In some instances, the disclosed smart ring system may interact with the user's vehicle to prevent it from starting while exposed to high risk due to deteriorated psychological or physiological conditions stemming from insufficient UVB exposure.

Abstract: A tire force estimator includes a measuring unit configured to measure an acceleration of a vehicle body of a four-wheeled vehicle in a horizontal direction and an acceleration of at least one of four wheels of the four-wheeled vehicle in a vertical direction; and a processing unit configured to estimate a tire force acting on the at least one wheel from a ground surface in the vertical direction based on the acceleration of the vehicle body in the horizontal direction and the acceleration of the at least one wheel in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An operation management apparatus includes a controller configured to determine, in a case in which a first vehicle that has been operated in accordance with a schedule specifying a point in time at which a circulating vehicle is to be replaced becomes inoperable, whether to operate a second vehicle that substitutes for the first vehicle until a replacement time specified by the schedule, the replacement time being a point in time at which the first vehicle is to be replaced.

Abstract: A target vehicle, for example a two-wheeled vehicle, for mounting onto an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) testing platform is provided. The target vehicle comprises one or more sensors and an actuation assembly comprising an actuator. The sensors are arranged to measure a parameter relating to the dynamics of the target vehicle and may for example comprise accelerometers. The actuation assembly adjusts the tilt of the target vehicle in dependence on the output of the sensor(s), for example by means of a control unit. The tilting of the vehicle during cornering may thus be simulated. The measuring of such a parameter and the adjusting of the tilt may be conducted remotely from the testing platform. The sensor(s), control unit and actuator assembly may be self-contained within the target vehicle. A method of modeling a VRU (Vulnerable Road User) for ADAS testing is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle control device configured to control a driving motor coupled to a wheel of a vehicle includes a motor controller and a driving mode determiner. The motor controller is configured to control the driving motor so that the driving motor enters a regenerative state while the vehicle is coasting and stops accelerating. The driving mode determiner is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a first or second driving mode. In the first driving mode, a driving operation strength is low and the vehicle behavior is slow and gentle. In the second driving mode, the driving operation strength is high and the vehicle behavior is quick and active. When the vehicle stops accelerating in the second driving mode, the motor controller is configured to make a regenerative torque of the driving motor smaller than when the vehicle stops accelerating in the first driving mode.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a recognizer configured to recognize a surrounding situation of a vehicle, a driving controller configured to control steering and acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle independently of an operation of a driver of the vehicle; and a mode decider configured to decide on any one of a plurality of driving modes including a first driving mode and a second driving mode as a driving mode of the vehicle. The recognizer recognizes a sign existing within a reference range of a route along which the vehicle travels. The mode decider changes the driving mode of the vehicle from the second driving mode to the first driving mode when the driving mode of the vehicle is the second driving mode and when the number of signs recognized by the recognizer exceeds a first reference value.

Abstract: An acquisition unit acquires pieces of information including information related to a vehicle, information related to the environment inside and outside the vehicle, and information related to a driver on board the vehicle. A determination unit determines priorities of the pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit on the basis of a service or the like used by the driver among services or the likes provided using information accumulated in a server device. A selection unit selects a piece of information to be transmitted to the server device from among the pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit on the basis of the priorities determined by the determination unit. A communication unit transmits the piece of information selected by the selection unit to the server device.

Abstract: A vehicle display control device, includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to cause a display unit provided in a vehicle cabin to display an inducement image requesting that an occupant grip a steering wheel in a case in which it is necessary for the occupant to grip the steering wheel, and cause the display unit to display the inducement image more prominently in a case of requesting that the occupant grip the steering wheel before the vehicle switches from an autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode as the vehicle is continuing to drive autonomously, than in a case of requesting that the occupant continue to grip the steering wheel as the vehicle is continuing to drive autonomously.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for recognizing an intention of a driver for a lane change assistant in an at least partially autonomous motor vehicle, a corresponding system, and a method and computer program. It is provided that steering of a driver does not directly cause lateral acceleration, as is currently the case, but rather serves the vehicle as an input medium for the intention of the driver to imminently initiate lateral acceleration, for example a turn-off procedure or a change of travel lane. As a result of the signal from the control element, a safe, drivable trajectory that will subsequently be traveled automatically by the vehicle is calculated. This may also include more complex driving maneuvers, such as a change of multiple travel lanes. As a result, driving is made more convenient and safer.

Abstract: A guidance device according to the present invention is installed in a movable body, the guidance device includes: an output device including a display device; an input device that receives an operation performed by an occupant of the movable body for starting each of a plurality of driving assistance functions installed in the movable body; and a guidance control device that determines whether the movable body is in a stopping period or in a traveling period, and allows the display device to display a video for explaining any one of the plurality of driving assistance functions when the movable body is in the stopping period.

Abstract: Systems and methods for trajectory planning for an autonomous vehicle, may include: computing features for each of the plurality of candidate trajectories; computing scores for the features of the candidate trajectories, wherein the scores are based on parameter values associated with their corresponding final trajectories; determining, based on the computed scores, a trajectory of the candidate trajectories to be used as a warm-start trajectory for trajectory optimization and applying the warm-start trajectory to develop a final trajectory for the vehicle; and autonomously operating the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the final trajectory.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods to classify a road based on a level of support offered by the road for autonomous driving operations. An example method may involve a computer receiving sensor data from a vehicle, the sensor data containing information about a current functional condition of a road. The computer may predict a future functional condition of the road by using a deterioration model to evaluate the sensor data. The computer may then determine a level of support offered by the road for autonomous driving operations based on the future functional condition of the road, and assign a classification to the road based on the level of support offered by the road for autonomous driving operations. The level of support offered by the road for autonomous driving operations may also be based on items such as road markings, traffic signs, traffic signals, and/or infrastructure elements.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicle model training and validation using low-discrepancy sequences may include: generating a low-discrepancy sequence in a multidimensional space comprising a plurality of multidimensional points; mapping each sample of a plurality of samples of a data corpus to a corresponding entry in the low-discrepancy sequence, wherein each sample of the plurality of samples comprises one or more environmental descriptors for an environment relative to a vehicle and one or more state descriptors describing a state of the vehicle; selecting, from the data corpus, a training data set by selecting, for each multidimensional point of the low-discrepancy sequence having one or more mapped samples, a mapped sample for inclusion in the training data set; and training one or more models used to generate autonomous driving decisions of an autonomous vehicle based on the selected training data set.

Abstract: Techniques relating to performance-based metrics for evaluating system quality are described. In an example, sensor data associated with an environment within which a vehicle is positioned is received. A performance metric associated with a trajectory, indicative of a performed behavior of the vehicle, can be determined and a correctness metric can be determined based at least in part on the performance metric. The correctness metric can represent a correctness of the performed behavior. Modification(s) to component(s) and/or system(s), or portions thereof, of the vehicle can be affected based at least in part on the correctness metric.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for detecting foreign objects using a surfel map. One of the methods includes receiving sensor data representing reflection characteristics of electromagnetic waves in an operating environment of an autonomous vehicle. A surfel map representing a portion of the operating environment of the autonomous vehicle is used to determine that the reflection data includes one or more mismatched reflection characteristics for a particular surfel in the surfel map. In response, a foreign object is detected at a location corresponding to the particular surfel having the one or more mismatched reflection characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a trajectory for an autonomous vehicle based on perceived risk are provided. A trajectory is selected that satisfies objective safety constraints and minimizes an overall cost based at least in part on cost components representing the perceived risk of the trajectory. The vehicle is navigated according to the selected (e.g., optimized) trajectory.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling driving of a vehicle using advance information, the method including acquiring preset local information including a road name, a road section, a road attribute, a location of a building, a lane, a traffic signal, and obstacle information for a predetermined region, acquiring a driving experience value resulting from a previous drive using the local information, and setting a target speed corresponding to the road attribute using the driving experience value, determining a driving state and a driving speed of the vehicle on the basis of the local information, and the target speed, of a current position of the vehicle, and generating a driving control command corresponding to the driving state and the driving speed.

Abstract: The technology relates to determining a source of a horn honk or other noise in an environment around one or more self-driving vehicles. Aspects of the technology leverage real-time information from a group of self-driving vehicles regarding received acoustical information. The location and pose of each self-driving vehicle in the group, along with the precise arrangement of acoustical sensors on each vehicle, can be used to triangulate or otherwise identify the actual location in the environment for the origin of the horn honk or other sound. Other sensor information, map data, and additional data can be used narrow down or refine the location of a likely noise source. Once the location and source of the noise is known, each self-driving vehicle can use that information to modify current driving operations and/or use it as part of a reinforcement learning approach for future driving situations.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a recognizer configured to recognize a position of a vehicle, a driving controller configured to control one or both of acceleration/deceleration and steering of the vehicle and to cause the vehicle to travel in one of a plurality of driving modes in which tasks imposed on an occupant of the vehicle are different, and a mode determiner configured to determine a driving mode which is to be performed by the driving controller. The recognizer recognizes first road information including road marking objects near the vehicle with respect to a position of the vehicle on the basis of a recognition result from an external sensor, recognizes second road information including road marking objects near the vehicle from map information on the basis of position information of the vehicle, and performs a process of recognizing the position of the vehicle through matching between the first road information and the second road information.

Abstract: Modifying railcar embodiments convert the dead weight of empty railcars to productive use. Battery embodiments are charged by regenerative brakes, solar panels, and wind turbines. Freight car wheels, have a plurality of regenerative brakes. A plurality of airfoils, with solar panels, are installed on shipping containers, to counteract drag created by a plurality of wind turbines. Railcar embodiments are used in a mix and match fashion, as desired. Storage battery banks, are shipped and/or charged to replace existing hazardous transmission lines. Storage battery banks, are shipped and/or charged to avoid constructing new transmission lines for solar or wind farms. Factory installed EV batteries, EV batteries, and/or other rechargeable batteries, are shipped and/or charged. After battery embodiment charging is complete, power generated is diverted to train engines. Provisions are made for embodiments not connected to train engines. Embodiment operations are monitored with data displays.

Abstract: A control system for an electrically-operated railroad car end door includes, an actuator, a processor, and a memory storing program instructions that cause the processor to instruct the actuator to begin generating a braking force applied to the railroad car end door in response to an opening of the railroad car end door, and determine whether the railroad car end door is being manually opened by a person based on information related to a state of the railroad car end door while the braking force is being generated.

Abstract: A hopper railcar includes a plurality of hoppers for carrying material laden material, wherein each hopper has a lower discharge chute formed by converging side sheets and end sheets defining a transverse opening; and pivoted transverse door for each transverse opening for selectively opening and closing and closed by a pivoted door, the pivoted door having a pivot axis perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the railcar, and lateral deflectors on lateral sides of the doors with each of the deflectors having a side face extending above an interior facing surface of the doors upon which laden flows with the door in the open position. A method of retrofitting hopper railcars to include deflectors is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a bearing hub assembly of a rail guide wheel apparatus for a rail vehicle. The bearing hub assembly may couple rail wheels to the rail guide wheel apparatus. The rail guide wheel apparatus may be included on a Hi-Rail vehicle or any other vehicle configured to travel along railroad tracks. The bearing hub assembly includes a sensor that is integrally mounted within the bearing hub assembly. The sensor collects information associated with rotation of the rail wheels. Information collected by the sensor may be used to determine a speed, direction, location, and/or distance traveled of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: A train signal system includes a first subsystem, a second subsystem, built by an LUA framework, and a control platform configured to perform communication with the first subsystem by using a first interface, perform communication with the second subsystem by using a second interface, and transmit an LUA script instruction to the second subsystem by using the second interface, so that the second subsystem executes the LUA script instruction.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring device includes a camera or other optical sensor configured to be disposed at a trailing end of a first vehicle system. The camera or other optical sensor is configured to output one or more images or video of a field of view behind the first vehicle system. The monitoring device also includes a controller configured to receive output from one or more sensors and to activate the camera or other optical sensor to output the one or more images or video based on the output from the one or more sensors. The output from the one or more sensors indicates one or more of a change in movement of the first vehicle system, a temperature, an acoustic sound, or movement of a second vehicle system.

Abstract: A railroad car condition monitoring/analyzing includes: a car factor estimation unit configured to estimate car factor evaluation data from car data and evaluation data; an infrastructure factor extraction unit configured to extract infrastructure factor evaluation data from the car data, the evaluation data, and the car factor evaluation data; an infrastructure factor estimation unit configured to estimate individual infrastructure factor evaluation data from the infrastructure factor evaluation data; an infrastructure factor DB construction unit configured to store the individual infrastructure factor evaluation data in an infrastructure factor database; an infrastructure factor analysis unit configured to monitor the individual infrastructure factor evaluation data stored in the infrastructure factor database so as to analyze infrastructure factors; and a car analysis unit configured to analyze a car condition in consideration of analysis information on the infrastructure factor.

Abstract: A device for detecting railway equipment defects, comprising at least three diagnostic modules mounted on a generic railway vehicle: a first module (geometrical module) configured to measure at least a geometrical feature of the track; a second module (acceleration module) configured to measure in at least a point of said vehicle the side and/or vertical accelerations transmitted from the track to said vehicle; a third module (visual module) configured to acquire the images of the track elements and to analyze them to verify the presence of anomalies; said modules being configured to associate with each detection carried out when the railway vehicle passes, on which they are mounted, the position where the detection was carried out and to calculate, for each detection, a severity index representative of the deviation of the detection with respect to the standard condition without defects.

Abstract: A method for identifying properties of rail-guided vehicles uses an axle counter to detect vehicle measurement data as the vehicle crosses. The measurement data are analyzed in a computer and speed and distances between vehicle axles are ascertained. A property of the vehicle is ascertained in a computer based on the ascertained speed and distances between axles. A checking step ascertains a pattern of normal distances between axles in that a normal distance between axles calculated by considering a predefined normal speed is assigned to each ascertained distance between axles, and by considering their order, the normal distances between axles merge to form the pattern. The pattern is compared with reference patterns, and upon identified conformity of the pattern and reference pattern, a type linked to the reference pattern is assigned to the vehicle as a property. An apparatus and computer program determining properties of vehicles are also provided.

Abstract: In an example, the autonomous vehicle (“AV”) can be configured among the other vehicles and railway to communicate with a rider on a peer to peer basis to pick up the rider on demand from a location on a track, like a railway, tram or other track, rather than the rider being held hostage to a fixed, railway schedule. The rider can have an application on his/her cell phone, which tracks each of the AVs. and contact them using the application on the cell phone. In an example, the AV is configured for both on-track and off track operation with different operating parameters for on-track and off track, including speed, degree of autonomy, sensors used etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent train operation adjustment system and method based on real-time passenger flow. The system includes a real-time passenger flow counting module, a real-time passenger flow and transport capacity matching module, and an intelligent train operation adjustment module, the real-time passenger flow counting module counts current real-time passenger flow and inputs the current real-time passenger flow into the real-time passenger flow and transport capacity matching module, the real-time passenger flow and transport capacity matching module matches a current passenger flow demand with a current transport capacity of a line, and the intelligent train operation adjustment module adjusts a working diagram in real time based on the real-time passenger flow and an operation result of the matching module, and adds or removes a train and arranges a path plan for the train with reference to a dispatching plan and device information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide a method and a device for controlling train formation tracking, the method comprising: obtaining a current distance between a first train and a second train in a train formation, wherein the first train is adjacent to the second train and located behind the second train; determining a target tracking mode of the first train based on the current distance, wherein the target tracking mode is one of a speed tracking mode, a distance tracking mode and a braking mode; and tracking the second train, by the first train based on the target tracking mode. Tracking efficiency is improved according to the method of the embodiments of the present application.

Abstract: A method for operating a railway system. Cryptographic data which includes at least one key and/or at least one digital certificate is stored in a storage device of a vehicle of the railway system. The vehicle transmits the cryptographic data to at least one track-side device of the railway system when the vehicle is in communication range of the least one track-side device as part of the train travel. There is also described a corresponding rail vehicle of a railway system.

Abstract: A foldable cart having a rectangular frame composed of a front wall and a back wall which are symmetric with each other, two symmetric side walls, and a bottom frame. Four wheels are disposed at four corners of a bottom surface of the rectangular frame. The front wall has two sliding seats, two vertical tubes, a folding assembly, two upper fixing seats and two lower fixing seats. Each side wall has two X-shaped side assemblies, a middle support tube, and a sliding sleeve slidably disposed around the middle support tube, wherein middle fixing seats are disposed at an upper end and a lower end of the middle support tube respectively, and each X-shaped side assembly is formed by two side cross tubes which are riveted together.

Abstract: An accessory connector includes a disk having an upper end and a lower end, a front side and a back side. A hook is positioned at the upper end of the back side of the disk, and a foot is positioned at the lower end of the back side of the disk, and extending laterally away from the disk. An accessory is positioned on the front side of the disk, so that the accessory can be attached to a cart by attaching the accessory connector to the cart.

Abstract: A nestable shopping cart includes an upright frame, an upper angle support and a pair of tie bars extending out from the upright frame. A tray is pivotally connected to the upright frame. The tray includes a utility position and a nested position. The tray includes a tapered front and at least one side. A slope plate is mounted to at least one side of the tray. In the nested position, the nestable shopping cart is nested with another nestable shopping cart, resulting in a nesting gap of about 11 inches between the shopping carts.

Abstract: A hand truck dolly tool that may be utilized to hold, maneuver, and move objects onto and off of a hand truck. The hand truck tool of the invention includes a long handle and hook that cooperate together to engage an object to allow a user to push, pull or pry the object relative to the hand truck without the need to bend over. The tool is particularly useful for loading and unloading packages onto the hand truck.

Abstract: A handle assembly for an infant carrier is provided. The handle assembly allows the handle to be oriented in one of a plurality of positions, such as a stroller position, and infant carrier position and a car seat position. The handle assembly may include a locking mechanism allowing a handle extension to be extended only when the handle rotated to the stroller position. The handle assembly may also include a blocking mechanism that prevents the handle from rotating from the stroller position if the handle is extended.

Abstract: A telescoping steering column having a lower jacket extending along a central axis between a lower jacket lower end and a lower jacket upper end and an upper jacket extending along the central axis between an upper jacket lower end and an upper jacket upper end, with an actuator configured to impart a pressure between the lower jacket and the upper jacket to move the upper jacket from an extended operating position to a retracted stowed position.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a telescope drive bracket. The steering column assembly also includes a first jacket operatively coupled to the telescope drive bracket. The steering column assembly further includes a second jacket, wherein the first jacket is telescopingly moveable relative to the second jacket. The steering column yet further includes a collapse limiting feature having a cam portion and a blocking portion, wherein the blocking portion defines a first range of travel of the first jacket in a first position, wherein contact between the telescope drive bracket and the cam portion biases the blocking portion out of a first jacket path to allow a second, greater range of travel for the first jacket.

Abstract: A skid-steer delivery autonomous ground vehicle has a drive train and suspension that aids in maneuverability. The AGV has six wheels, each of which is powered by its own motor. The AGV has features that diminish the dragging effect on the wheels, either by choice of wheel features or by taking weight off the front wheels during turning.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory communicably coupled to the processor. The processor sets a target steering angle every predetermined cycle, on the basis of a curvature radius of a first arc passing through a current position of a vehicle, and controls a steering angle on the basis of the target steering angle. The processor sets the target steering angle by obtaining a second arc passing through the current position and tangent to a traveling direction of the vehicle, on the basis of a sum of minimum distances to the first arc from respective target points on a target path. The processor sets the target steering angle in a second cycle following a first cycle, before the vehicle reaches a position corresponding to the farthest one of the target points used for setting of the target steering angle in the first cycle.

Abstract: A framework for offline learning from a set of diverse and suboptimal demonstrations operates by selectively imitating local sequences from the dataset. At least one embodiment recovers performant policies from large manipulation datasets by decomposing the problem into a goal-conditioned imitation and a high-level goal selection mechanism.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a chassis on which vehicle wheels of an axle of the motor vehicle that are rearmost in the vehicle longitudinal direction are rotatably held. The chassis has longitudinal members, which are arranged on the rear of the motor vehicle and are mutually spaced apart in the vehicle transverse direction. The longitudinal members each have at least one length region that runs rearward and inward obliquely to the vehicle longitudinal direction behind the respective center points of the vehicle wheels with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle, comprising a chassis extending between the rear end and the front end of the vehicle, the chassis comprising two frame members having their main directions of extension along the longitudinal direction and being located on a respective side of a longitudinal geometrical centre axis of the chassis. Resilient elements, such as bushings, are provided on the chassis. A collision protection structure is located between said two frame members and is configured to absorb energy by becoming deformed when the chassis is subjected to a rearwardly directed impact force which is greater than a threshold force, wherein the collision protection structure is suspended from the chassis by said resilient elements so as to act as a mass damper under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A protection device for protection of a functional element of a motor vehicle against lateral shocks includes, in a single piece, a protection element and a shock absorber. A method of mounting a protection device in a motor vehicle with electric or hybrid drive including a power supply battery includes the following steps: supplying the power supply battery and at least one protection device. The at least one protection device is configured to protect a functional element of the motor vehicle against lateral shocks and includes, in a single piece, a protection element and a shock absorber, and the functional element comprises the power supply battery.

Abstract: A side frame assembly for a vehicle includes a rocker structure and an inboard stiffening beam. The rocker structure includes a metal sheet that has longitudinal bends along a length of the rocker structure separating the upper wall, the lower wall, and the inner wall of the rocker structure. The inboard stiffening beam is disposed along an inboard-facing surface of the inner wall of the rocker structure. The inboard stiffening beam includes a second metal sheet that is formed to define a tubular shape along a length of the inboard stiffening beam. The tubular shape includes a planar upper wall and/or a planar lower wall, the planar extent of which intersects a portion of the rocker structure, such as the inner wall, to form a lateral load path from the rocker structure to the tubular shape of inboard stiffening beam.

Abstract: An underframe structure for a motor vehicle, the underframe structure comprising a floor (12), and at least two longitudinal side members (14) respectively disposed on each side of the floor (12); the floor (12) is divided into at least one front unit (16) and one rear unit (18) fixed to a transverse heel board (24). The underframe structure also comprises a lateral reinforcement part (26) which comprises at least one elongate body extending from the heel board towards the closest side member, the lateral reinforcement part is fixed on one side to the heel board (24), and on the other side to the front unit (16) of the floor (12) or to a side member (14) in the region of the front unit (16) of the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a modular front drivetrain comprising a single assembly that may be installed onto and removed from a vehicle. The modular front drivetrain comprises a modular chassis supporting a transaxle, a front differential, and a steering gear for operating front wheels of the vehicle. The transaxle, the front differential and drive axles convey torque from an engine onboard the vehicle to the front wheels. A spindle assembly is coupled with each front wheel of the vehicle and pivotally joined with the modular chassis by way of a front suspension system. Steering rods coupled with the spindle assemblies horizontally rotate the front wheels according to operation of a steering wheel onboard the vehicle. The modular front drivetrain advantageously facilitates replacing an entire drivetrain and suspension assembly quickly and easily in the event of a part failure during racing applications.

Abstract: An improved trailer chassis assembly primarily constructed from extruded components including an extruded chassis rail component, a cross member component and a connector component. The component has a wall surface defining an interior channel and an opening in the wall surface extending through the wall surface to the interior channel. The connector component has a first region adapted to engage with the interior space of the chassis rail component, and a second region adapted to engage with the cross member component. The interior space of the chassis rail component is adapted to capture movement of the first region of the connector component in vertical and horizontal planes, and yields movement in the axial plane.