Manufacturing of vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a vehicle configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile, the vehicle comprising a skateboard chassis and a load unit, the skateboard chassis comprising a first load bearing structure and the load unit comprising a second load bearing structure, the method includes obtaining the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, comparing the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile to a first load bearing characteristic of the first load bearing structure, determining a second load bearing characteristic of the second load bearing structure using a result of a previous comparison step, obtaining the skateboard chassis having the first load bearing characteristic, obtaining the load unit having the determined load bearing characteristic, manufacturing the vehicle by mechanically coupling the skateboard chassis to the load unit using a predefined interface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to manufacturing of a vehicle comprising a skateboard chassis. The invention also relates to a method and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Road vehicles, in particular load carrying vehicles such as trucks or buses, can generally be seen as comprising a chassis and a load unit. The chassis typically comprises various electrical, mechanical and structural systems, components allowing the vehicle to operate. The load unit is typically configured to hold a target load.

[0003] For electric vehicles having a reduced footprint of the driveline components and where the chassis comprises almost all necessary operational components of the vehicle and sometimes referred to as skateboard chassis, it is even more correct to classify the main parts of the vehicle as comprising a chassis and a load unit.

[0004] In such conventional vehicles, the skateboard chassis and the load unit are typically designed individually and provided in discrete steps. When designing a vehicle, a specific pre-designed chassis is typically matched with another pre-designed load unit.

[0005] This has the disadvantage of creating a number of manufacturing and design inefficiencies. For electric vehicles, this is in particular related to weight.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a method of manufacturing a vehicle reducing manufacturing and design inefficiencies.

[0007] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a solution alleviating or solving the above-mentioned disadvantages. SUMMARY

[0009] The above-mentioned and other objectives are achieved by the subject matter described herein. More advantageous embodiments of the invention are described herein. The invention is set forth in the appended claims. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated herein by reference in this section.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the application, the above mentioned object is achieved by a method of manufacturing a vehicle, the vehicle being configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile, the vehicle comprising a skateboard chassis and a load unit, the skateboard chassis comprising a first load bearing structure and the load unit comprising a second load bearing structure, the method comprising: obtaining the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, comparing the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile with first load bearing characteristics of the first load bearing structure, determining second load bearing characteristics of the second load bearing structure using results of the previous comparison step, obtaining the skateboard chassis having the first load bearing characteristics, obtaining the load unit having the determined load bearing characteristics, manufacturing the vehicle by mechanically coupling the skateboard chassis to the load unit using a predefined interface.

[0011] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the step of comparing the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile further comprises: deriving target load bearing characteristics from the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, determining residual load bearing characteristics as a difference between the target load bearing characteristics and the first load bearing characteristics, and wherein the step of determining second load bearing characteristics further comprises: for use cases in which the first load bearing structure and the second load bearing structure are mechanically coupled via the predefined interface to meet but not exceed the residual load bearing characteristics, dimensioning the second load bearing structure, deriving second load bearing characteristics from the dimensioned second load bearing structure.

[0012] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the target load bearing characteristics are indicative of at least deformation characteristics and vibration characteristics of the vehicle when subjected to usage according to the vehicle usage profile and to load according to the load distribution profile.

[0013] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the step of determining second load bearing characteristics further comprises simultaneously including a selection of any one of minimizing material usage, minimizing assembly time, minimizing cost, minimizing CO2 impact, and minimizing weight.

[0014] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the load distribution profile is indicative of a weight of a target load and a distribution of the target load within a volume defined by an outline of the load unit.

[0015] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the vehicle usage profile is indicative of a transportation application of the vehicle and / or vibrations from a road on which the vehicle is used.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the application, the above mentioned objects are achieved by a computer implemented method for sizing a vehicle configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile, the vehicle comprising a skateboard chassis and a load unit mechanically coupled via a predefined interface, the skateboard chassis comprising a first load bearing structure and the load unit comprising a second load bearing structure, the method comprising: obtaining the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, deriving a target load bearing characteristic from the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, determining a residual load bearing characteristic as a difference between the target load bearing characteristic and a first load bearing characteristic of the skateboard chassis, sizing the vehicle by sizing the second load bearing structure for use cases in which the first load bearing structure and the second load bearing structure are mechanically coupled via the predefined interface to meet but not exceed the residual load bearing characteristic.

[0017] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the target load bearing characteristic is indicative of at least a deformation characteristic and a vibration characteristic of the vehicle 100 when subjected to usage according to the vehicle usage profile and to load according to the load distribution profile.

[0018] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the method further comprises a selection of any one of minimizing material usage, minimizing assembly time, minimizing cost, minimizing CO2 impact, and minimizing weight.

[0019] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the load distribution profile is indicative of a weight of a target load and a distribution of the target load within a volume defined by a contour of the load unit.

[0020] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the vehicle usage profile is indicative of a transportation application of the vehicle and / or vibrations from a road on which the vehicle is used.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the application, the above mentioned objects are achieved by a vehicle configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile, the vehicle comprising: a skateboard chassis comprising at least a first load bearing structure, a load unit comprising a second load bearing structure configured to hold a load, wherein the load unit is vertically stacked on top of the skateboard chassis and further mechanically coupled to the skateboard chassis via a predefined interface, wherein the first load bearing structure of the skateboard chassis and the second load bearing structure of the load unit, when mechanically coupled via the predefined interface, support the usage profile and the load distribution profile of the vehicle.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the application, the predefined interface comprises a plurality of fastening units arranged in a predefined pattern, the plurality of fastening units each matching a corresponding mounting point of the skid chassis and the load unit.

[0023] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the fastening unit comprises a fixed connection.

[0024] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the fastening unit comprises a releasable connection.

[0025] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the load distribution profile is indicative of a weight of a target load and a distribution of the target load within a volume defined by a contour of the load unit.

[0026] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the vehicle usage profile is indicative of a transportation application of the vehicle and / or vibrations from a road on which the vehicle is used.

[0027] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the transportation application is selected from any one of the following: passenger transportation, freight transportation, freight container transportation, bulk freight transportation, mobile shop transportation, mobile workstation transportation, mobile health clinic transportation, mobile library transportation.

[0028] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the skid chassis further comprises a selection of any one of a drivetrain, wheels, energy storage, steering, crash protection, braking system, and suspension system.

[0029] The drawings will be described with reference to the Figures. It should be appreciated that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the figures to identify like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 A vehicle configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 Further details of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure are shown.

[0032] Figure 3 An example of a first load bearing structure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 An example of a second load bearing structure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 An example of a vehicle configured to carry passengers according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 An example of a vehicle configured to carry bulk cargo is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 An example of a vehicle configured to transport cargo containers is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 10 A computer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] A more complete understanding of embodiments of the application will be provided by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing(s). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the present specification and in the corresponding claims, the expression "or" is to be understood as the mathematical or (OR), and not as the exclusive or (XOR), of the listed related items. In the present specification and in the corresponding claims, the indefinite article "a" is not limited to "one" and can also be understood as "one or more", i.e. as a plural.

[0042] In the present disclosure, the expressions "computer" and / or "control arrangement" and / or "device" and / or "system" denote a unit comprising a processor and a memory containing instructions executable by the processor, wherein the unit is configured to perform any of the methods described herein. The control arrangement is generally capable of receiving input data comprised in control signals and controlling other units by sending commands comprised in control signals. In one example, the control arrangement is a general purpose computer or an electrical control unit (ECU).

[0043] In the present disclosure, the expression "vehicle usage profile" denotes a characteristic of the vehicle usage. This can include application data, e.g. passenger transport, bulk transport or cargo / container, flash store, mobile workstation, mobile dentist / clinic or mobile library. The vehicle usage profile can essentially indicate any mobile service application. The vehicle usage profile can further indicate road characteristics indicating, e.g. a specific road condition classification / terrain profile or roughness of the road where the vehicle will carry the load.

[0044] In the present disclosure, the expression "vehicle load profile" denotes the characteristics of the load carried by the road characteristics indicated by the use profile. This can for example include the maximum load of the carried goods and the spatial distribution of said goods.

[0045] Figure 1 A vehicle 100 configured to support a vehicle use profile and a load distribution profile is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle comprises a skateboard chassis 110 and a load unit 130.

[0046] The skateboard chassis 110 comprises all or at least most of the components required for the operation of the vehicle 100. The skateboard chassis essentially comprises essentially all functional systems, subsystems and components required for the operation of the vehicle. Examples of such functional systems can include energy storage / conversion, propulsion module, suspension module and wheels / tracks, steering module, crash protection module and braking system module.

[0047] The load unit 130 is vertically stacked on top of the skateboard chassis 110. In the context of the application, vertically stacked involves positioning the load unit 130 in mechanical contact with the skateboard chassis 110 and / or centered along an axis essentially parallel to the earth's gravity. In other words, the skateboard chassis 110 is typically provided with wheels on the underside in contact with a surface, e.g. a road. The load unit 130 is positioned on / rests on the opposite / upper side of the skateboard chassis 110 such that the skateboard chassis 110 is positioned between the (road) surface and the load unit 130.

[0048] Figure 2 Further details of the vehicle 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0049] In Figure 2 In particular, it is shown that the skateboard chassis 110 comprises a first load bearing structure 111. It is to be understood that the skateboard chassis 110 can comprise a plurality of load bearing structures optionally interconnected without departing from the present disclosure.

[0050] In Figure 2 In particular, it is shown that the load unit 130 comprises a second load bearing structure 131 and is further configured to hold a load. It is to be understood that the load unit 130 can comprise a plurality of load bearing structures optionally interconnected without departing from the present disclosure.

[0051] The load unit 130 is vertically stacked on top of the skateboard chassis 110 and is further mechanically coupled to the skateboard chassis 110 via a predefined interface 120.14. The predefined interface 120 can comprise mounting points in a predefined pattern of the skateboard chassis 110 and / or a plurality of fastening units 121-123 and / or mounting points of the load unit 130 arranged in a predefined pattern matching the corresponding mounting points of the skateboard chassis 110.

[0052] In a non-limiting example, the mounting point is a through hole, and the fastening unit is a bolt and a nut.

[0053] Fastening units 121-123 may include a fixing connection, such as a bolt, clamp or other suitable fixing connection element.

[0054] Alternatively, fastening units 121-123 may include releasable connections, such as actuated hooks, twist locks (typically used as cargo / freight container couplings or other suitable releasable connection elements).

[0055] When mechanically connected via a predefined interface 120, the first load-bearing structure 111 of the skateboard chassis 110 and the second load-bearing structure 131 of the load unit 130 are designed in this disclosure to support the usage profile and load distribution profile of the vehicle 100.

[0056] In one example, the vehicle uses a profile indicating the transport application of vehicle 100 and / or vibrations from the road on which vehicle 100 is used, such as an electrified road in Sweden. In another example, roads in various countries can be classified according to the quality and / or roughness of the vibrations that subject the vehicle to.

[0057] In another example, the load distribution profile indicates the weight of the target load and the distribution of the target load within the volume defined by the profile of the load unit 130.

[0058] In one example, the transportation application is a passenger transport / bus operating in Sweden with a nominal number of passengers. The estimated location of passengers within the load unit or compartment is provided by a load distribution profile. This is about Figure 5 Further description.

[0059] In another example, the transportation application involves bulk cargo, such as box trucks, operating in Sweden, and the total weight, load height, and width are provided by the load distribution profile. This is about Figure 6 Further description.

[0060] In another example, the transportation application involves the transport of goods in standardized containers operating in Sweden, with the total weight, load height, and width provided by a load distribution profile. This is about... Figure 7 Further description.

[0061] Figure 3 An example of a first support structure 111 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0062] The first load-bearing structure 111 is typically included in the skateboard chassis 110 and provides structural support for the components of the skateboard chassis 110 and / or optionally for additional loads.

[0063] In one instance, the dimensions of the first load-bearing structure 111 are set to support the operation of the skateboard chassis 110 itself, without any additional load, such as that derived from carrying cargo.

[0064] Figure 4 An example of a second support structure 131 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The second support structure 131 forms part of the load unit 130.

[0065] The primary function of the second load-bearing structure 131 of the load unit 130 is to support the load carried by the vehicle 100 and the first load-bearing structure 111 of the skateboard chassis 110. In other words, when mechanically connected to the first load-bearing structure 111 via the predefined interface 120, the second load-bearing structure 131 forms an integrated load support.

[0066] Figure 5 Examples of vehicles configured to carry passengers according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0067] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, vehicle 100 is configured for autonomous passenger transport or as a bus. In other words, load unit 130 is configured for passenger transport.

[0068] Vehicle 100 is configured to support specific usage profiles and load distribution profiles.

[0069] In one example, the vehicle uses a profile indicating its application in passenger transport on Swedish roads. Roads in different countries can be classified according to the mass and / or roughness to which the vehicle is subjected to vibration. The load distribution profile indicates the nominal number of seated and standing passengers. Figure 5 As can be seen, seated passengers are located at the ends of the vehicle, while standing passengers are located in the center.

[0070] Figure 6 Examples of vehicles 100 configured to transport bulk cargo according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0071] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, vehicle 100 is configured as a box truck. In other words, load unit 130 is configured for transporting bulk cargo / boxes. This is a typical application for distribution or delivery services.

[0072] Vehicle 100 is configured to support specific usage profiles and load distribution profiles.

[0073] In one example, the vehicle uses a profile indicating bulk cargo application on Swedish roads. Roads in various countries are classified according to the mass and / or roughness to which the vehicle is subjected to vibration. The load distribution profile indicates a uniformly distributed load within the cargo area. Figure 6 As can be seen, the cargo area is basically rectangular, and the boxes can be folded up.

[0074] Figure 7 Examples of vehicles 100 configured to carry passengers according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0075] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, vehicle 100 is configured for transporting goods / freight containers. This is a typical application in ports or freight terminals.

[0076] Vehicle 100 is configured to support specific usage profiles and load distribution profiles.

[0077] In one example, the vehicle uses a profile indicating cargo / freight containers on roads in Sweden. Roads in various countries are classified according to the mass and / or roughness to which the vehicle is subjected to vibration. The load distribution profile indicates the maximum load and uniform load distribution.

[0078] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method 800 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method is a method of manufacturing a vehicle 100 configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile. The vehicle 100 includes a skateboard chassis 110 and a load unit 130. The skateboard chassis (110) includes a first load-bearing structure 111, and the load unit 130 includes a second load-bearing structure 131. The method includes:

[0079] Step 810: Obtain the vehicle usage profile and load distribution profile.

[0080] In one instance, vehicle usage profiles and load distribution profiles are retrieved from a database stored on a cloud server.

[0081] In one embodiment, the load distribution profile indicates the weight of the target load and the distribution of the target load within the volume defined by the profile of the load unit 130.

[0082] In one embodiment, the vehicle uses a profile to indicate the transportation application of the vehicle 100 and / or vibrations from the road on which the vehicle 100 is used.

[0083] Step 820: Compare the vehicle usage profile and load distribution profile with the first load-bearing characteristics of the first load-bearing structure.

[0084] In one embodiment, the step of comparing the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile further includes:

[0085] The target load-bearing characteristics are derived from the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, and the residual load-bearing characteristics are determined as the difference between the target load-bearing characteristics and the first load-bearing characteristics.

[0086] In one example, the target load-bearing characteristics indicate both the static target load (maximum load) primarily derived from the load itself and the dynamic target load derived from vibrations caused by the road surface. The vehicle's task could be, for example, operating as a carrier of a 3-ton bulk cargo, with the load uniformly distributed across the floor of the cargo area and operating on a road with a specific roughness factor, thus causing vibrations within the vehicle. The maximum target load can then be determined as the sum of the 3-ton cargo and the weight of the load cell 130 scaled using the roughness factor, as part of the target load-bearing characteristics. A uniform load distribution can be further assumed as the target load distribution as part of the target load-bearing characteristics.

[0087] Step 830: Use the results of the previous comparison step to determine the second load-bearing characteristics of the second load-bearing structure 131.

[0088] In one embodiment, the step of determining the second load-bearing characteristic further includes:

[0089] For a use case where the first load-bearing structure 111 and the second load-bearing structure 131 are mechanically connected via a predefined interface 120 to satisfy but not exceed the residual load-bearing characteristics, the dimensions of the second load-bearing structure 131 are set, and the second load-bearing characteristics are derived from the second load-bearing structure 131 with the set dimensions.

[0090] Thus, the second load-bearing structure 131 is substantially optimally suited to the use case. In other words, if the vehicle is subjected to loads such as... Figure 7 The configuration shown is for transporting relatively heavy goods / freight containers and is reconfigured as per the description. Figure 6 The image shows the transport of relatively light bulk cargo.

[0091] In one embodiment, the target load-bearing characteristics at least indicate the deformation and vibration characteristics of the vehicle 100 when subjected to use according to the vehicle use profile and load according to the load distribution profile.

[0092] In one embodiment, the step of determining the second load-bearing characteristic further includes simultaneously selecting any one of minimizing material use, minimizing assembly time, minimizing cost, minimizing CO2 impact, and minimizing weight.

[0093] Step 840: Obtain a skateboard chassis 110 with first load-bearing characteristics.

[0094] The skateboard chassis 110 can be obtained, for example, by manufacturing or by retrieving the skateboard chassis 110 from a warehouse.

[0095] Step 850: Obtain a load cell 130 with the determined load-bearing characteristics.

[0096] The skateboard chassis 110 can be obtained, for example, by manufacturing the skateboard chassis 110 to the determined load-bearing characteristics or by retrieving a skateboard chassis 110 with the determined load-bearing characteristics from a warehouse.

[0097] Step 860: The vehicle 100 is manufactured by mechanically connecting the skateboard chassis 110 to the load unit 130 using the predefined interface 120.

[0098] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method 900 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method is a computer-implemented approach for setting the dimensions of a vehicle 100, the vehicle being configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile. The vehicle 100 includes a skateboard chassis 110 and a load unit 130 mechanically coupled via a predefined interface 120. The skateboard chassis 110 includes a first load-bearing structure 111, and the load unit 130 includes a second load-bearing structure 131. The method includes:

[0099] Step 910: Obtain the vehicle usage profile and load distribution profile.

[0100] In one instance, vehicle usage profiles and load distribution profiles are retrieved from a database stored on a cloud server.

[0101] In one embodiment, the load distribution profile indicates the weight of the target load and the distribution of the target load within the volume defined by the profile of the load unit 130.

[0102] In one embodiment, the vehicle uses a profile to indicate the transportation application of the vehicle 100 and / or vibrations from the road on which the vehicle 100 is used.

[0103] Step 920: Derive the target load characteristics from the vehicle usage profile and load distribution profile.

[0104] In one example, the target load-bearing characteristics indicate both the static target load (maximum load) primarily derived from the load itself and the dynamic target load derived from vibrations caused by the road surface. The vehicle's task could be, for example, operating as a carrier of a 3-ton bulk cargo, with the load uniformly distributed across the floor of the cargo area and operating on a road with a specific roughness factor, thus causing vibrations within the vehicle. The maximum target load can then be determined as the sum of the 3-ton cargo and the weight of the load cell 130 scaled using the roughness factor, as part of the target load-bearing characteristics. A uniform load distribution can be further assumed as the target load distribution as part of the target load-bearing characteristics.

[0105] In one embodiment, the target load-bearing characteristics at least indicate the deformation and vibration characteristics of the vehicle 100 when subjected to use according to the vehicle use profile and load according to the load distribution profile.

[0106] Step 930: Determine the residual load-bearing characteristic as the difference between the target load-bearing characteristic and the first load-bearing characteristic of the skateboard chassis 110.

[0107] In one instance, the first load-bearing characteristics of the skateboard chassis 110 are known or predefined and can be retrieved from memory or from an external node, such as a cloud storage device.

[0108] Step 940: For a use case where the first load-bearing structure 111 and the second load-bearing structure 131 are mechanically connected via a predefined interface 120, the dimensions of the vehicle 100 are set by setting the dimensions of the second load-bearing structure 131 to meet but not exceed the residual load-bearing characteristics.

[0109] In one embodiment, step 940 of setting the size of vehicle 100 further includes selecting any one of minimizing material use, minimizing assembly time, minimizing cost, minimizing CO2 impact, and minimizing weight.

[0110] Figure 10 A computer 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The computer may be in the form of, or included therein, an electronic control unit, a server, an airborne computer, a control arrangement, an in-vehicle computer system, or a navigation device.

[0111] A computer can take the form of any hardware or hardware / firmware device implemented using a processing circuitry system, such as, but not limited to, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit, or any other device capable of performing operations electronically in a defined manner.

[0112] The computer may include a processor or processing element 1012 communicatively coupled to a transceiver 1004 configured for wired or wireless communication. Additionally, the computer may include at least one optional antenna (not shown). The antenna may be coupled to the transceiver 1004 and configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals, such as wireless signals including data, in a wireless communication system. In one example, the processor 1012 may be any of a selection of a processing circuitry system and / or a central processing unit and / or processor modules and / or multiple processors configured to cooperate with each other. Furthermore, the computer may include memory 1015. Memory 1015 may contain instructions executable by a processor to perform any of the methods described herein. The memory and / or computer-readable storage media mentioned herein may include substantially any memory, such as ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), or hard disk drive.

[0113] In another embodiment, the computer may also include and / or be coupled to one or more sensors configured, for example, to receive and / or obtain and / or measure physical properties related to system 100 or vehicle 100, and to send one or more sensor signals indicative of the physical properties to processing member 1012.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the computer may further include an input device 1017 configured to receive input or instructions from a user and to send a user input signal indicating user input or instructions to a processor or processing component 1012.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, the computer may further include a display 1018 configured to receive display signals from a processor or processing member 1012 indicating a rendering object (e.g., a text or graphical user input object), and to display the received signals as an object, such as a text or graphical user input object.

[0116] In one embodiment, the display 1018 is integrated with the user input device 1017 and configured to receive a display signal from the processing device 1012 indicating a rendering object (e.g., a text or graphical user input object), and to display the received signal as an object such as a text or graphical user input object, and / or configured to receive input or indication from a user and to send a user input signal indicating user input or indication to the processing device 1012.

[0117] In an embodiment, processing device 1012 is communicatively coupled to a selection of any one of memory 1015 and / or communication interface and / or transceiver and / or input device 1017 and / or display 1018 and / or one or more sensors. In an embodiment, transceiver 1004 communicates using wired and / or wireless communication technologies. Wired or wireless communication technologies may include any one of CAN bus, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM, UMTS, LTE or LTE Advanced Communication Networks, or any other wired or wireless communication network known in the art.

[0118] The control arrangement CA described in this document may include information about Figure 10 The described features are either al or selected. Computer 1000 may be included in the control arrangement CA.

[0119] In one embodiment, a control arrangement is provided, the control arrangement comprising:

[0120] A processor and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processor, thereby allowing the control arrangement to operate to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0121] In one embodiment, a computer program / program product is provided, and the computer program / program product includes instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described herein.

[0122] In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described herein.

[0123] In some implementations, the computer-readable medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a tangible electronic, magnetic, optical, infrared, electromagnetic, and / or semiconductor system, apparatus, and / or device.

[0124] A computer can be any hardware or hardware / firmware device implemented using a processing circuitry system, such as, but not limited to, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit, or any other device capable of performing operations electronically in a defined manner.

[0125] In this embodiment, the communication network uses wired or wireless communication technologies for communication, which may include at least one of the following: Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Global System for Mobile Networks (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). Wi-Fi, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Advanced LTE, IEEE 802.16m, Advanced Wireless MAN, Evolved High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) (formerly Evolved Data Optimized (EV-DO) version C), Fast Low Latency Access with Seamless Handover Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (Flash-OFDM), High Capacity Space Division Multiple Access Mobile broadband wireless access (MBWA) (IEEE 802.20) systems, high-performance radio metropolitan area networks (HIPERMAN), beam division multiple access (BDMA), global microwave access interoperability (Wi-MAX), and ultrasonic communications, but not limited to these.

[0126] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and / or devices described herein may include communication capabilities necessary for performing this solution, in the form of, for example, functions, components, units, elements, etc. Examples of other such devices, units, elements, and functions include: processors, memories, buffers, control logic, encoders, decoders, rate matchers, rate dematchers, mapping units, multipliers, decision units, selection units, switches, interleavers, deinterleavers, modulators, demodulators, inputs, outputs, antennas, amplifiers, receiver units, transmitter units, DSPs, MSDs, encoders, decoders, power supply units, feeders, communication interfaces, communication protocols, etc., which are suitably arranged together to perform this solution.

[0127] Specifically, the processor and / or processing apparatus of this disclosure may include one or more examples of processing circuitry systems, processor modules configured to cooperate with each other, multiple processors, central processing units (CPUs), processing units, processing circuitry, processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other processing logic capable of interpreting and executing instructions. Therefore, the expression "processor" and / or "processing apparatus" may refer to a processing circuitry system that includes multiple processing circuits (e.g., any, some, or all of the processing circuits described above). The processing apparatus may also perform data processing functions for inputting, outputting, and processing data, including data buffering and device control functions, such as invoking processing control, user interface control, etc.

[0128] Finally, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and is incorporated within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a vehicle (100), the vehicle being configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile, the vehicle (100) comprising a skateboard chassis (110) and a load unit (130), the skateboard chassis (110) comprising a first load bearing structure (111) and the load unit (130) comprising a second load bearing structure (131), the method comprising: obtaining the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, comparing the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile to first load bearing characteristics of the first load bearing structure, determining second load bearing characteristics of the second load bearing structure (131) using results of the previous comparison step, obtaining the skateboard chassis (110) having the first load bearing characteristics, obtaining the load unit (130) having the determined load bearing characteristics, manufacturing the vehicle (100) by mechanically coupling the skateboard chassis (110) to the load unit (130) using a predefined interface (120).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of comparing the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile further comprises: deriving target load bearing characteristics from the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, determining residual load bearing characteristics as a difference between the target load bearing characteristics and the first load bearing characteristics, and wherein the step of determining second load bearing characteristics further comprises: for use cases in which the first load bearing structure (111) and the second load bearing structure (131) are mechanically coupled via the predefined interface (120) to meet but not exceed the residual load bearing characteristics, sizing the second load bearing structure (131), deriving second load bearing characteristics from the sized second load bearing structure (131).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the target load bearing characteristics are indicative of at least deformation characteristics and vibration characteristics of the vehicle (100) when subjected to usage according to the vehicle usage profile and to load according to the load distribution profile.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of determining second load bearing characteristics further comprises simultaneously including a selection of any one of minimizing material usage, minimizing assembly time, minimizing cost, minimizing CO2 impact, and minimizing weight.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the load distribution profile is indicative of a weight of a target load and a distribution of the target load within a volume defined by an outline of the load unit (130).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vehicle usage profile is indicative of a transportation application of the vehicle (100) and / or vibrations from a road on which the vehicle (100) is used.

7. A computer-implemented method for sizing a vehicle (100) configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile, the vehicle (100) comprising a skateboard chassis (110) and a load unit (130) mechanically coupled via a predefined interface (120), the skateboard chassis (110) comprising a first load bearing structure (111) and the load unit (130) comprising a second load bearing structure (131), the method comprising: obtaining the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, deriving a target load bearing characteristic from the vehicle usage profile and the load distribution profile, determining a residual load bearing characteristic as a difference between the target load bearing characteristic of the skateboard chassis (110) and a first load bearing characteristic, sizing the vehicle (100) by sizing the second load bearing structure (131) for a use case in which the first load bearing structure (111) and the second load bearing structure (131) are mechanically coupled via the predefined interface (120) to meet but not exceed the residual load bearing characteristic.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the target load bearing characteristic is indicative of at least a deformation characteristic and a vibration characteristic of the vehicle (100) when subjected to usage according to the vehicle usage profile and to load according to the load distribution profile.

9. The method of any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the method further comprises a selection of any one of minimizing material usage, minimizing assembly time, minimizing cost, minimizing CO2 impact, and minimizing weight.

10. The method of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the load distribution profile is indicative of a weight of a target load and a distribution of the target load within a volume defined by a profile of the load unit (130).

11. The method of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the vehicle usage profile is indicative of a transportation application of the vehicle (100) and / or a vibration from a road on which the vehicle (100) is used.

12. A vehicle (100) configured to support a vehicle usage profile and a load distribution profile, the vehicle comprising: a skateboard chassis (110) comprising at least a first load bearing structure (111), a load unit (130) comprising a second load bearing structure (131) configured to hold a load, wherein the load unit (130) is vertically stacked on top of the skateboard chassis (110) and is further mechanically coupled to the skateboard chassis (110) via a predefined interface (120), wherein the first load bearing structure of the skateboard chassis (110) and the second load bearing structure of the load unit (130) support the usage profile and the load distribution profile of the vehicle (100) when mechanically coupled via the predefined interface (120).

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the predefined interface (120) comprises a plurality of fastening units (121-123) arranged in a predefined pattern, which respectively match corresponding mounting points of the skateboard chassis (110) and the load unit (130).

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the fastening units (121-123) comprise fixed connections.

15. The vehicle according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the fastening units (121-123) comprise releasable connections.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the load distribution profile is indicative of a weight of a target load and a distribution of the target load within a volume defined by an outline of the load unit (130).

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the vehicle usage profile is indicative of a transportation application of the vehicle (100) and / or vibrations from a road on which the vehicle (100) is used.

18. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the transportation application is selected from any one of: passenger transportation, freight transportation, freight container transportation, bulk freight transportation, mobile shop transportation, mobile workstation transportation, mobile health clinic transportation, mobile library transportation.

19. The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the skateboard chassis (110) further comprises a selection of any one of: a drivetrain, wheels, energy storage, steering, crash protection, braking system, and suspension system.

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