Modular Military Vehicle Rear Module for Blast-Resistant Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional military vehicles require sequential assembly of components to frame rails, which complicates lifting and increases vulnerability to blast forces, and lack efficient integration of suspension and drive train systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular military vehicle design featuring a rear frame assembly with detachable interfaces, a rear tractive assembly, and a transaxle system integrated with a suspension system that includes gas springs and hydraulic dampers, allowing for efficient lifting and improved blast resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components are sequentially assembled to frame rails, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly complexity and lifting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into modular components (passenger capsule, rear module, front module) that can be independently assembled and detached. The rear module includes a rear frame assembly with bed, tractive assembly, transaxle, and suspension system as integrated sub-modules, enabling sequential modular assembly rather than component-by-component assembly to frame rails
Solution Approach 2:
The rear frame assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the bed, mounts the transaxle and tractive assembly, provides suspension mounting points, and offers detachable interfaces for the passenger capsule. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate structural elements needed
2Ease of operation
If lifting force is applied to frame rails, then vehicle is elevated, but vulnerability to blast forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure is segmented into modular units that can be independently positioned and secured. During lifting operations, only the rear module or specific modules need to be elevated rather than the entire vehicle structure, reducing the exposed surface area vulnerable to blast forces
Solution Approach 2:
The passenger capsule is extracted as a separate detachable module from the rear frame assembly. This allows the capsule to be removed from hazard zones or secured in protected positions while the rear module remains in place, reducing the overall vulnerability of the vehicle system to blast forces
3Strength
If traditional frame rail structure is used, then structural strength is maintained, but strength-to-weight ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear frame assembly is designed as a localized structural module rather than continuous frame rails extending the full vehicle length. This segmentation allows optimization of material usage and weight distribution while maintaining structural strength at critical load-bearing points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction in the frame assemblies and structural components, combining materials with different properties to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratios while maintaining structural integrity under various loading conditions
4Reliability
If suspension and drive train are separately integrated, then component reliability is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system and transaxle are merged into a integrated rear module assembly where the suspension system includes components extending between the transaxle housing and the rear frame assembly. This integration reduces the number of separate mounting interfaces and simplifies system interconnections while maintaining component reliability through standardized mounting protocols
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
The modular design facilitates easier lifting and reduces blast vulnerability while enhancing strength-to-weight performance, abuse tolerance, and life-cycle durability, with improved suspension control and reduced component impact during transport and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of gas springs are configured to adjust a ride height of the military vehicle as load is added to or removed from the military vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The pair of hydraulic dampers are cross-plumbed to provide a hydraulic body roll control function
Data Source
AI summary
A military vehicle assembly includes a rear module. The rear module includes a rear frame assembly, a bed supported by the rear frame assembly, a rear tractive assembly, a transaxle supported by the rear frame assembly and coupled to the rear tractive assembly, and a rear suspension system including at least one component extending between a housing of the transaxle and the rear tractive assembly. The rear frame assembly has one or more upper interfaces and one or more lower interfaces. The one or more upper interfaces are configured to detachably couple to a rear end of a passenger capsule of a military vehicle. The one or more lower interfaces are configured to detachably coupled to a bottom of the passenger capsule. The transaxle is configured to couple to a prime mover and a front differential of the military vehicle.