Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Mohsen D Shabana

Christopher E Borroni-Bird

Adrian B Chernoff

Robert Louis Vitale

Tommy E White

Joseph F Szczerba

James Thomas Embach

Edward Frank Ryntz

Wolfgang Oelerich

Julien Montousse

Bryan J Stewart

Bruce Edward Zemke

Tucker J Johnson

Thomas S Moore

Kevin G Kolpasky

David A Young

Steven P Balgaard

Lawrence K Baker

Jason W Buelow

Doanh T Tran

Philip Walter Leistra

A mounting system for a pressure vessel is disclosed. The mounting system includes a first retention cap, a second retention cap, and a plurality of fastening bands coupled to the first retention cap and the second retention cap, wherein the first retention cap and the second retention cap each include a concave inner surface and a mount, the concave inner surface substantially corresponding to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the pressure vessel to secure the pressure vessel between the first retention cap and the second retention cap.

High pressure vessel with integrated mounting features

A mounting system includes a pressure vessel having a longitudinal axis, a retaining strap disposed around the pressure vessel, a carrier element having an aperture formed therein to receive the retaining strap therethrough to secure the carrier element to the pressure vessel, and a mounting element coupled to the carrier element and adapted to be coupled to a mounting point to secure the pressure vessel, wherein the longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel is disposed at an non-horizontal resting angle.

Angular mounted high-pressure vessel

A wheel module is configured for use on a vehicle chassis. A drivable vehicle includes a wheel module operatively connected to a vehicle chassis. The wheel module includes at least one non-rotating structural unit, a rotatable wheel controllably connected to the structural unit, a vehicle attachment interface operatively connected to the non-rotating structural unit including a load-bearing vehicle retention coupling and a control signal receiver. The wheel module further includes chassis components including at least one of a brake system, steering system, motor and suspension system operatively connected to the non-rotating structural unit and to the wheel, and operatively connected to the control signal receiver for controlling the wheel in response to non-mechanical control signals received through the control signal receiver.

Wheel module

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.

Driver control input device for drive-by-wire system

A display apparatus for a hybrid drive vehicle includes a screen that depicts a first icon, a second icon, and a third icon to represent energy sources and energy destinations. The appearance of the screen is variable to indicate the flow of energy between energy sources and energy destinations. In a preferred embodiment, changes in color, changes in icon size, and movement of elements are used to indicate energy flow.

Hybrid vehicle display apparatus and method

A chassis having systems responsive to a nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes preassembled modules to enhance ease and simplicity of chassis assembly. The chassis is preferably configured to minimize the possibility of a preassembled module being incorrectly positioned within the chassis. Methods for advantageously employing preassembled modules to assemble vehicle chassis are also provided.

Modular chassis with simplified body-attachment interface

A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a rotatable wheel having a selectively adjustable steering angle. A steering actuator is operatively connected to the wheel and is configured to selectively adjust the steering angle of the wheel and not any other wheels. The wheel assembly allows independent control of the steering angle of the wheel. The wheel assembly also facilitates modular construction of vehicles by enabling the packaging of mechanical steering components in a preassembled wheel module with simple electrical connections to a vehicle chassis.

Vehicle wheel system

Various vehicle body business processes are described which 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 are described for facilitating the exchange of modular body components, such as via a removable body floor.

Vehicle body business methods

A vehicle development process is characterized by enhanced market responsiveness by decoupling the development of the chassis from the development of vehicle bodies. The chassis and bodies are provided with a common, standardized interface system so that a single chassis design or a family of chassis designs may receive any of a variety of different body types thereon. Accordingly, the chassis are designed to enable the bodies to be designed and produced independently. The bodies are designed and manufactured all over the world to meet different consumer desires. Designers are able to redesign vehicle bodies without re-engineering the entire vehicle. The freedom to design, develop and distribute vehicle bodies more quickly with greater design freedom enables the manufacturer to be more responsive to local, regional and global market needs.

Vehicle development process characterized by market responsiveness

A vehicle chassis includes a frame defining a cavity, and a tank configured to store compressed hydrogen gas. The tank is at least partially located within the cavity, and is longitudinally oriented with respect to the frame to maximize the fuel-storage capability of the vehicle chassis. In an exemplary embodiment, a floorpan includes a concavity to accommodate at least a portion of the tank, with a corresponding protuberance in the passenger compartment floor surface of the vehicle chassis.

Fuel cell vehicle architecture

Methods are provided for conducting a vehicle business transaction with a customer. Possession of a vehicle chassis is offered and/or granted to a customer in a first financial transaction for consideration. Possession of a vehicle body for engagement with the chassis is offered and/or granted in a second financial transaction for consideration independently of the vehicle chassis, wherein the chassis and body are separately priced. The body may be selected from an inventory of vehicle bodies each having a chassis attachment interface engageable with the chassis. The chassis may be financed for an extended period of time, such as 20 years, while various bodies are interchanged with the chassis.

Methods of conducting vehicle business transactions

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. Further, the chassis is configured for automatic engagement of its body connection components with complementary connection components on a vehicle body when a body is sufficiently positioned against the chassis.

Vehicle body connection system

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.

Reconfigurable by-wire foot pedals

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.

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Mohsen D Shabana