Bus Frame Rigid Rings for Modular Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bus frameworks for public transport vehicles are complex, time-consuming to manufacture, and do not allow for large-scale production while providing a satisfactory habitability/mechanical resistance ratio, limiting design flexibility and increasing production costs.

Innovation Solution

A framework composed of interconnected rigid rings that can be easily assembled and modified, allowing for flexible design and improved mechanical strength by reducing the thickness and weight of the frame, while maintaining mechanical integrity through strategic welding and interconnection methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional bus frame architecture is used, then design flexibility is limited, but manufacturing complexity and time are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bus frame is divided into multiple standardized rigid ring segments that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each ring is a complete structural unit that can be produced separately using industrial robots, enabling modular construction that simplifies manufacturing while allowing flexible configuration through different ring combinations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid rings are designed as universal modular components that can serve multiple functions and be configured in various arrangements. The same ring design can be used across different bus models and configurations, providing design flexibility without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If traditional bus frame architecture is used, then structural strength is adequate, but manufacturing time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid rings are pre-manufactured as complete structural units with all necessary reinforcements and connections already in place. This preliminary preparation allows the final assembly to be performed rapidly using industrial robots, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining full structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple structural functions are merged into the rigid ring design, combining frame support, structural reinforcement, and connection points into a single integrated component. This consolidation maintains mechanical strength while simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of moving object

If frame thickness is reduced to improve habitability, then passenger space increases, but mechanical strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger spaceVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid rings incorporate locally reinforced zones at critical stress points and connection areas, allowing the frame to maintain adequate thickness only where structurally necessary. This enables thinner frame sections in non-critical areas, increasing passenger space while preserving mechanical strength where required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If traditional assembly methods are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but production cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid rings are designed with self-aligning features and integrated connection mechanisms that enable automated robotic assembly without requiring complex manual intervention or specialized tooling. This self-service design reduces labor costs and production complexity while maintaining structural integrity through precise automated positioning and connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3377390B1Optimised structure for a land vehicle for public passenger transport, and vehicle comprising such a structure
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 BLUEBUS
  • EP3377390B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3377390B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3377390B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

The invention relates to a structure (200) for a land vehicle for public passenger transport, particularly a bus-type vehicle, characterised in that it comprises at least two rigid rings (2021-2029) which encircle said structure (200) in the direction of the width thereof, around an interior defined by said structure (200). The invention also relates to a public transport vehicle, particularly a road vehicle, and particularly an electric vehicle, comprising such a structure.