Bus Chassis Ceiling Structure with Projecting Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bus chassis designs for passenger compartments are complex, reduce space, hinder passenger flow, and restrict accessibility for wheelchair users due to the need for load-bearing pillars and crossbeams, which compromise mechanical strength and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A rigid support frame with a horizontal frame body and lateral reinforcing structures that project beyond the ceiling, providing improved mechanical strength without the need for additional crosspieces, allowing for a more open and accessible interior while supporting loads such as technical equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If load-bearing pillars and crossbeams are added to ensure ceiling support and prevent deflection, then mechanical strength is improved, but device complexity increases and passenger space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the longitudinal beams with the ceiling structure by having the beams project partly beyond the ceiling and delimit a housing open in the upper part. This integration eliminates the need for separate internal load-bearing pillars and crossbeams, as the ceiling itself becomes part of the load-bearing structure, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the load-bearing function into the vertical dimension by having beams project beyond the ceiling plane. This dimensional extension allows the ceiling structure to provide lateral support and prevent deflection without requiring additional internal vertical pillars, thus improving mechanical strength without increasing structural complexity
2Strength
If load-bearing pillars and crossbeams are added to support the ceiling, then mechanical strength is improved, but the passenger compartment space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling is merged with the longitudinal beams to form an integrated load-bearing structure. The beams project partly beyond the ceiling and delimit a housing, allowing the ceiling itself to provide structural support rather than requiring separate internal pillars and crossbeams that would encroach on passenger space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from internal pillars and crossbeams and relocates it to the ceiling structure with projecting beams. This extraction removes the obstructive internal elements while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength, thereby increasing usable passenger compartment space
3Strength
If load-bearing pillars and crossbeams are added to prevent ceiling deflection, then mechanical strength is improved, but passenger flow is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling and longitudinal beams are merged into a single load-bearing unit, eliminating the need for internal pillars and crossbeams that would obstruct passenger movement. This integration maintains ceiling support while creating an open interior space that facilitates smooth passenger flow
4Strength
If load-bearing pillars and crossbeams are added to support the ceiling, then mechanical strength is improved, but wheelchair accessibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is extracted from internal pillars and crossbeams and transferred to the ceiling structure with projecting longitudinal beams. This removal of internal obstructions creates unobstructed access paths throughout the passenger compartment, enabling wheelchair users to move freely while the ceiling structure maintains necessary mechanical strength
5Strength
If load-bearing pillars and crossbeams are added to ensure ceiling support, then mechanical strength is improved, but aesthetics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling is merged with the longitudinal beams to form a unified structural element. The beams project partly beyond the ceiling and delimit a housing, creating clean lines and an open appearance without the visual clutter of internal pillars and crossbeams, thereby improving aesthetics while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~9
Figure 10A~10B
AI summary
The present invention concerns a chassis for a transport vehicle passenger compartment, comprising a rigid support frame (1) arranged to be supported by a plurality of uprights (2), the rigid support frame (1) being suitable and intended to be positioned in the top part of the vehicle passenger compartment. The chassis is characterised in that the rigid support frame (1) comprises: a frame body at least partially contained in a horizontal plane, at least one lateral reinforcing structure (3) extending in a longitudinal direction along at least one longitudinal side (4) of the frame body, the reinforcing structure (3) having a height greater than the height of the frame body.