Expandable Vehicle Chassis with Movable Frame for Variable Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicles cannot efficiently adapt to varying mobility needs, requiring different vehicles for commuting, passenger transport, cargo, and performance, leading to inefficiencies and additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle chassis with a selectively movable frame portion allows for expansion from a compact to a larger configuration, enabling attachment of different vehicle bodies and extension units to meet varying mobility requirements, including passenger and cargo needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a small vehicle is used for urban commuting, then fuel efficiency and ease of maneuvering are improved, but the vehicle cannot accommodate additional passengers or cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis employs a movable second frame portion that can be selectively repositioned between a first position (for compact configuration) and a second position (for extended configuration). This dynamic structural change allows the same vehicle platform to adapt between fuel-efficient compact mode for urban commuting and extended mode for accommodating additional passengers or cargo, directly resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and accommodation capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large vehicle is used for passenger or cargo transport, then capacity is improved, but fuel efficiency and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis allows the vehicle body to be reconfigured by moving the second frame portion to different positions. When extended to the second position, the chassis supports larger vehicle bodies for passenger or cargo transport. When retracted to the first position, it returns to a compact fuel-efficient configuration. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need to choose between capacity and fuel efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicles are used to meet different mobility needs, then adaptability is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is designed as a universal platform that can support different vehicle body configurations for various mobility needs. A single chassis with movable second frame portion can be attached to different vehicle bodies (passenger vehicles, cargo vehicles, etc.) by simply repositioning the frame portion, eliminating the need for multiple specialized vehicles and reducing overall system complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the chassis length is increased for larger vehicle bodies, then passenger and cargo space are improved, but the vehicle size for urban commuting becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis incorporates a movable second frame portion that enables dynamic adjustment of the overall chassis length. When the second frame portion is in the first position, the chassis is compact for urban commuting. When moved to the second position, the chassis extends to provide increased interior compartment space for passengers or cargo, directly resolving the contradiction between vehicle size and interior space.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle chassis includes a vehicle chassis frame. The frame has a first frame portion and a second frame portion operatively connected to the first frame portion. The second frame portion is selectively movable with respect to the first frame portion such that the length of the chassis is selectively variable. The chassis may thus be lengthened to support the addition of an extension unit when additional passenger space or cargo space is desired.