AGV Chassis Assembly With Overlapping Panels for Water Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delivery robots are vulnerable to weather conditions such as rain, which can harm electronic parts and electric motors, as well as the payload, due to their exposure during operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an aluminum sheet metal chassis with a skin formed of interlocking, overlapping panels that are fastened from the inside, creating a fastener-free exterior surface for water ingress resistance, and a method of assembly that includes affixing panels to the chassis using hidden fasteners to prevent water entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used to attach panels to the chassis, then the assembly process is simple, but water can ingress through the fastener holes and damage internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fasteners from the exterior surface by fastening panels from the interior side only. This extraction of the fastening function from the exterior eliminates water ingress pathways while maintaining structural integrity. The fasteners are completely hidden inside the cargo compartment, creating a fastener-free exterior surface that is impermeable to water.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach of fastening panels from the exterior side, the patent inverts the fastening direction by attaching panels from the interior side. This reversal allows the fasteners to be hidden inside the cargo compartment while still securely attaching the panels to the chassis, thereby preventing water ingress through fastener holes.
2Reliability
If panels are made interlocking and overlapping to prevent water ingress, then weather protection is improved, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the exterior skin into multiple separate panels that are attached to the chassis. These panels feature interlocking and overlapping edges that create a weather-resistant assembly. The segmentation allows each panel to be manufactured independently and then assembled together to form a complete weather-protection envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple panels with interlocking and overlapping edges to create a unified weather-resistant exterior. The overlapping edges of adjacent panels work together to prevent water ingress, while the interior fastening system unifies the attachment of all panels to the chassis, creating a cohesive protective structure.
3Reliability
If the exterior surface is made fastener-free to prevent water entry, then water ingress resistance is improved, but the method of assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts fasteners from the exterior surface and relocates them to the interior cargo compartment. This extraction eliminates all visible fasteners from the exterior, creating a fastener-free surface that is impermeable to water. The fastening function is preserved but relocated to an hidden position inside the cargo compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A chassis and skin of a delivery Autonomous Ground Vehicle include an aluminum structure and polymer panels affixed to the AGV by fasteners. The panels are mutually overlapping. A method of assembly includes hooks and clips to put and hold the panels in place during assembly.