Adjustable Transverse Frame Modules for Heavy Goods Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular heavy-duty vehicles face challenges in quickly and inexpensively adjusting their vehicle width to comply with varying regulations and operational requirements, particularly in countries like the USA and Australia, where large widths necessitate costly escort or police vehicle operations for loading but not for unloading, leading to inefficiencies and additional costs.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of variable-length transverse frame modules with telescopically interlocking parts and power devices, allowing for adjustable vehicle width by combining these modules with existing left and right vehicle modules, enabling the vehicle to be set to different widths for loaded and unloaded states, thus optimizing operational costs and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the vehicle width is increased to comply with licensing regulations in USA and Australia, then the vehicle can transport larger loads, but costly escort or police vehicles are required for operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle widthVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable vehicle width through telescopic transverse frame modules that can extend or retract. This allows the vehicle to change its width configuration based on operational needs - wide configuration for loaded transport complying with licensing regulations, and narrow configuration for cost-effective empty return journeys without requiring escort vehicles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle frame is segmented into modular components including left and right vehicle modules connected by transverse frame modules. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of the transverse modules to change overall vehicle width, allowing optimization of operational costs while maintaining compliance capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If the connection units extending in the vehicle width direction are dismantled to reduce width for return journey, then operational costs are reduced, but working time and conversion costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational costsVSAvoidconversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse frame modules are designed with telescopic capability and power device actuation, enabling quick width adjustment without manual disassembly. The powered telescopic mechanism allows rapid transformation between wide and narrow configurations, significantly reducing the time and labor costs associated with conventional dismantling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical disassembly process is replaced with an automated powered telescopic system. The power devices (likely hydraulic or electric motors) automatically extend or retract the transverse frame modules, eliminating the need for manual connection unit dismantling and reducing conversion time and labor costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If variable-length transverse frame modules with power devices are introduced, then vehicle width can be adjusted quickly and cost-effectively, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewidth adjustment speedVSAvoidtransverse frame module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complexity is distributed across multiple independent transverse frame modules rather than one complex system. Each module contains its own power device and telescopic mechanism, allowing independent operation and simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling rapid width adjustment through coordinated module movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick and cost-effective adjustment of vehicle width, reducing operational expenses by allowing the vehicle to be optimized for both loaded and unloaded states, enhancing operational flexibility and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one power device causing the change in length of the transverse frame module being arranged in the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower device energy transformation:

Data Source

PatentEP3105109B1Width-adjustable modular heavy goods vehicle, and transverse frame module for a heavy goods vehicle of said type

Publication Date: 2019.02.20 GOLDHOFER

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AI summary

A modular heavy goods vehicle (10) comprises a left vehicle module (12) and a differently designed right vehicle module (14), each of which includes a longitudinal frame part (20, 24) and at least two wheel subassemblies (22, 26), and two transverse frame modules (16, 18) which extend in the direction of the width (B) of the vehicle and the free ends of which are releasably connected to the longitudinal frame parts (20, 24), the length of the transverse frame modules being adjustable.