CUSTOMIZABLE MODULAR TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Abstract

An interconnectable motorized module for a customizable modular transport system, characterized in that it comprises: a) a chassis (6) for attaching elements, which integrates mechanical coupling means (11) for longitudinal and transverse connection with other modules; b) a body (1) that is modularly adaptable or removable to facilitate its configuration with accessories or its coupling to external elements; c) a set of wheels (4) with traction, aligned for longitudinal movement and mechanically connected; d) a motorization unit (3) with bidirectional speed control; and e) a power source (5) with a control system.

Description

CUSTOMIZABLE MODULAR TRANSPORT SYSTEM TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention belongs to the mobility and transport sector, specifically to short-distance urban mobility and last-mile transport. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Urban mobility and transport represent a complex and constantly evolving field. In this context, it is possible to classify the different means of transport into the following categories: Vehicles that travel on roadways: Cars, motorcycles, mopeds, buses, trucks, vans, and bicycles. These vehicles, not being the subject of the present invention, are outside the scope of this analysis. Devices and aids for movement in pedestrian areas: These include wheelchairs (manual and motorized), personal mobility aids such as scooters or tricycles, electric scooters used at low speeds, rollators, and strollers. Aids without wheels, such as walking sticks or traditional walkers, are not included in this classification. Equipment designed to facilitate mobility on beaches: These devices allow people with reduced mobility to move around in coastal environments. Currently, beach access usually depends on transferring from personal equipment to publicly available amphibious wheelchairs. Alternatively, there are solutions such as all-terrain wheelchairs, some even equipped with tracks, that allow movement from home to the shore. However, their high cost limits their widespread use. In addition to these categories, other relevant aspects that affect urban dynamics are identified: Logistics and goods distribution: The increasingly frequent subsidies granted for unloading and delivering products have exacerbated the problem of restricted access, along with the parking shortage. These subsidies are essential in areas such as historic city centers, where the use of conventional vehicles is restricted or prohibited, encouraging municipalization or the concession of services to specialized companies. Public service vehicles: Services such as street cleaning, gardening, or emptying litter bins require equipment that travels on roads with heavy loads. Although these are not emergencies, these operations face challenges related to mobility and access in increasingly regulated urban spaces. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems by developing a fully configurable modular system. The Customizable Modular Transport System adapts to both the contents it must transport and the environment in which it operates, offering an efficient and versatile solution for urban and special environment mobility. The basic design of the equipment allows it to move at walking pace, transporting both loads and people in various environments, such as: -Pedestrian zones -Sidewalks -Beaches - Beach access (ramps, paths) To fulfill its purpose, the equipment must meet the following requirements: -Optimal dimensions and maneuverability: Avoiding obstructions or inconveniences on sidewalks and pedestrian spaces. -Variable load capacity, thanks to its modularity. -Adjustable interior capacity: Suitable for people, wheelchairs, or pallets. -Universal accessibility: Ensuring optimal access, even for people with reduced mobility. -Sustainable motorization: Silent and environmentally friendly. -Safety and friendliness: Creating a safe environment for both passengers and pedestrians, integrating in a non-invasive way. The system achieves its objectives through a modular configuration, designed to offer different features depending on its arrangement. Each module includes: -A set of longitudinal wheels with traction. -Motorization for the wheel set. - Bidirectional speed control, with locking and free-spinning wheel options. - Power source required. -A chassis for fixing elements, connecting modules and accessories. -Bodywork designed to facilitate safe and pleasant use. To ensure its operability, the equipment can integrate auxiliary elements such as articulated arms, casters, and others. These facilitate the handling of modules that, despite their compact size, can be heavy. The modules are joined to form the Customizable Modular Transport System: - Longitudinally: The modules can be rigidly or articulated along a horizontal axis, depending on the configuration. This connection can also include a power shaft to transfer energy between the wheels that require it. As modules are joined, the controls are centralized in a single control unit, either mechanical or electronic. Infill modules or platforms can be placed between modules. - Transversely: The rigid connection of modules allows the equipment to be steered by independent speed control between the modules on each side. Platforms, ramps, or other modules can be inserted as needed. The minimum configuration of the unit, consisting of two rigidly and transversely coupled modules, is fully functional thanks to its steerability. As more modules are added and controls are centralized, an optimized modular unit is achieved. This concept allows the Customizable Modular Transport System to be divided to create different configurations with equivalent performance but smaller capacities. In addition to rigid connections between modules and / or Customizable Modular Transport Systems to create new Customizable Modular Transport Systems, we can, with accessories, connect Customizable Modular Transport Systems in an articulated manner, creating trailer trains. This will be especially useful on bike paths, wide sidewalks, and generally where maneuvering is not required. The trajectory of these trains depends both on the guidance provided by the tractor unit and on the speed control of the wheels of the guided Customizable Modular Transport Systems. A specially designed, customizable modular transport system for guidance will be useful, providing both steering and wheel speed control. Optionally, mechanical transmission systems can be used between Customizable Modular Transport Systems, such as sliding cardan shafts, to distribute power regardless of the curvature angle of the assembly. Customizable Modular Transport Systems can be complemented with various accessories for personalization and functionality: -Support wheels, handles, seats, footrests, among others. -Specific solutions for different uses, such as access ramps, moving floors or awnings. -Accessibility options, such as platforms that lower to facilitate access, eliminating architectural barriers. The Customizable Modular Transportation System represents an economical, accessible, and adaptable alternative to traditional public transportation systems, offering significant advantages in last-mile delivery. Its modularity and customization capabilities make it ideal for transporting people and cargo efficiently, safely, and sustainably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure F1a shows an example of a single-seater module and F1b shows its fundamental elements (engine group, bodywork). Figure 2a shows an example of a three-seat module, Figure 2b shows the internal housing of the equipment and Figure 2c shows a detail of the chain transmission that connects the wheels. Figure 3 shows how to assemble the modules directly together to create rigid elements. A horizontal axis hinge could be provided to adapt to changes in frontal level. Figure 4a shows a fully functional Customizable Modular Transport System made from three-seater modules. It is equipped with a central platform that can be raised or lowered using linear actuators or spindles. Figure 4b shows a minimal Customizable Modular Transport System starting from single-seat modules without spacer elements, assembled directly between their chassis and sub-chassis that form part of the body. Figure 5a shows the uses of a single-seat module, which will be manually steered. Figure 5b shows two views of possible configurations and uses, splitting single-seat modules, the difference being the width of the platform that joins the side modules. Figure 6a shows a specific Customizable Modular Transport System for guidance, with embedded and articulated modules. Figure 6b shows several articulated, guided, and differentially controlled customizable modular transport systems. Figure 6c shows guided modules, all with traction, but steering depends exclusively on the guidance system. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The following describes one way of implementing the Personal Modular Transportation System, illustrated in the attached figures. MODULE Figure F1a shows a single-person module designed for transporting one person or cargo. Figure F1b shows its division into main elements: -The bodywork (1): Provides protection, allows assembly and space for more batteries, has a subframe for improved joints and attachment of auxiliary elements. -The power unit (2) comprising: Electric motor and wheel transmission (3) . Wheels, double wheel in this case (4). Provides stability at rest, traction and compatibility with various types of tires. Minimum battery and control system located in protective box (5). Frame (6) for fixing power elements and connections with other modules. The dimensions of this side motorized unit are approximately 40x40x50 cm, with a power of 300-500 W. This module already offers independent functionalities illustrated in figure 5a, such as: -Wheelchair pusher (7): Integrated power unit under the chair. -Assisted wheelchair (8) . -Motorized trolley (9) . - Motorized hoe (10) . It is important to note that these provisions do not have directional capability. EQUIPMENT Customizable Modular Transportation System The assembly of multiple modules (Figure 3a as an example) allows for the configuration of the Customizable Modular Transport System. The main features are: -Longitudinal joints: Made using mechanical joints (11), which allow fixed connections. The mechanical power connection (12) ensures the uniform distribution of energy between the motors of the modules. -Cross joints: These connections, direct or with intermediate platforms, allow modules to be assembled to obtain varied configurations. Centralized control is achieved through the mechanical coupling of the drive systems, so that by adding modules the controls are unified longitudinally, always obtaining a control for each group of side wheels. These possible configurations include: -Narrow, customizable modular transport systems without intermediate elements, with legs exposed to the outside (13). -Intermediate configurations with minimal space to protect the legs inside (14) . -Larger configurations that allow transporting a wheelchair without disassembling it (15). The figures show examples of these assemblies, highlighting the possibility of including accessories such as awnings for sunny environments. ARTICULATED JOINTS of Customizable Modular Transport Systems Although the Customizable Modular Transport System can be of any desired size and capacity, in practice it will be limited by the type of steering. For applications in bike lanes or large spaces, the modules can be joined in an articulated manner (16), along a vertical axis, generating configurations similar to trailer trains (Fig. 6b). The trajectory of the Customizable Modular Transport Systems is determined by the guidance and speed control of the wheels. Although mechanically linking the power supply is not anticipated for regular applications, this option could be implemented for extreme conditions, using sliding cardan shafts between Customizable Modular Transport Systems. The Customizable Modular Transport System used for guidance (17) is a hybrid of the previous cases, as it consists of interlocking modules (18) and articulated modules (19). This ensures that its guiding trajectory is reinforced by the effect of the handlebars and the speed difference of the lateral modules. MODULE TRANSPORT The modules can be transported empty, as illustrated in Figure 6c. It is important to consider that, when transporting loads, the modules must avoid unstable conditions, such as lateral slopes. In this case, steering is solely the responsibility of the tractor unit.

Claims

1. An interconnectable motorized module for a customizable modular transport system, characterized in that it comprises: a) a chassis (6) for attaching elements, which integrates mechanical coupling means (11) for longitudinal and transverse connection with other modules; b) a body (1) that is modularly adaptable or removable to facilitate its configuration with accessories or its coupling to external elements; c) a set of traction wheels (4), aligned for longitudinal movement and mechanically connected; d) a motor unit (3) with bidirectional speed control; and e) a power source (5) with a control system. 2.Interconnectable motorized module according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to adopt different applications by adding or removing accessory elements, comprising at least the following configurations: a) configuration as an electric wheelchair by adding side wheels, a seat, and auxiliary wheels; b) configuration as an assisted wheelchair by adding a seat, auxiliary wheels, and push handles; c) configuration as a motorized handcart by attaching a loading structure with handles to the module; d) configuration as a rotary tiller by adding a handlebar and agricultural implements powered by the engine; e) configuration as a wheelchair pusher by removing the body (1) to allow direct coupling to the chassis of a conventional wheelchair. 3.A customizable modular transport system comprising a union of two or more motorized modules according to claim 1, characterized in that said modules are connected transversely by rigid joints, and in that they are further joined longitudinally by articulated joints about a horizontal axis that allow the assembly to adapt to variations in terrain level.

4. A customizable modular transport system according to claim 3, characterized in that the rigidly joined motorized modules include mechanical power connections (12) configured to transfer and distribute motive power between the wheel sets of adjacent modules. 5.A customizable modular transport system according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises multiple rigid assemblies of modules joined in an articulated manner by means of vertical axis joints (16), configuring a trailer train that incorporates a tractor unit in the first position, and in which the speed of the wheels of each module is independently controllable.

6. A customizable modular transport system according to claim 3, configured as a tractor unit (17), characterized in that it consists of a combination of rigidly assembled modules (18) and articulated modules (19), and in that it incorporates a handlebar-type manual steering control system and in that the speed of the lateral wheel sets is also independently controlled (by the control system). 7.Customizable modular transport system according to claim 5, characterized in that the control system of the towed modules or sets of modules can be deactivated.