Modular Autonomous Vehicle With Interchangeable Cabin Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicles and transport units are inflexible and expensive, requiring complex customization and are not adaptable to changing needs or modern energy sources, nor suitable for shared use between multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A modular transport unit comprising interchangeable cabin and storage compartment modules and an autonomous propulsion module with a frame, suspension unit, and energy source, allowing for easy customization and adaptation to various energy sources and user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vehicles are produced as complete fixed units, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to changing needs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into independent modules including propulsion module, cabin module, and storage compartment module that can be separately produced, combined, and reconfigured based on different transport needs, enabling flexibility without requiring complete vehicle redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion module is designed as a universal base unit that can accommodate different cabin and storage configurations, serving multiple transport functions (passenger transport, goods transport, mixed use) through module interchangeability rather than requiring separate specialized vehicles
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vehicles are customized to meet specific needs, then adaptability improves, but procurement costs and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the vehicle into standardized modules, each module can be mass-produced independently at lower cost, and then assembled into different configurations as needed, reducing both procurement costs and storage costs compared to customizing complete vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
Modules that have completed their function can be easily detached and reused in different vehicle configurations or by different users, extending their service life and reducing the need for additional vehicle production, thereby lowering overall costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex modular systems are implemented, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements and complementary connection elements are pre-designed and pre-positioned on the modules, enabling users to perform assembly and disassembly operations without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools, thus maintaining ease of operation
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 transport unit provides flexibility, reduces procurement and storage costs, and is suitable for shared use, with a high load capacity and robustness, enabling efficient and adaptable transportation solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension unit being attached to the frame element and comprising a plurality of shock absorbing membranes with mutually different diameters
Implementation Method 2
the propulsion element being coupled to the at least one bearing in such a way that the propulsion element is free to rotate about at least one axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a modular transport unit adapted for transporting persons and/or goods and comprising at least one cabin module and/or at least one storage compartment module, and at least one autonomous propulsion module. The autonomous propulsion module may be adapted for simultaneously serving as a flexible, customizable undercarriage of said modular transport unit and, in operation, propelling said modular transport unit. The propulsion module may comprise a propulsion system, a suspension unit, and a housing. The housing may comprise a top cover element comprising at least one connection element adapted for connection with at least one complementary connection element provided on the cabin module and/or the storage compartment module to enable an end user to exchange the cabin module and/or the storage compartment module.