Modular Autonomous Vehicle Architecture for Payload Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger vehicle architectures used for unmanned autonomous vehicles incur mass and cost penalties, and limit configuration flexibility, making them unsuitable for efficient payload transportation.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle architecture with an autonomous modular drive unit that includes an upper body unit with a battery pack and high-voltage electronics, a lower chassis unit with prismatic cross members, and compartment units, allowing for flexible configuration and re-use of components to form various vehicle configurations, with a control system that enables tailored configurations and communication between modules for coordinated motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional passenger vehicle architecture is used for unmanned autonomous vehicles, then the vehicle can be constructed with existing designs, but it incurs mass and cost penalties and limits configuration flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle architecture is divided into discrete modular components including autonomous drive modules, upper body units, lower chassis units, and compartment units that can be independently configured and assembled. This segmentation enables flexible vehicle configurations without the mass penalties of conventional passenger vehicle architectures, as each module can be optimized for its specific function rather than accommodating general passenger requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional passenger vehicle architecture is used, then existing designs can be leveraged, but it incurs cost penalties and limits configuration flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture employs universal interface standards and common structural elements (such as structural rails, connection mechanisms, and control systems) that can be used across different vehicle configurations and payload types. This universality reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale while maintaining high configuration flexibility, as the same base modules can serve multiple vehicle types.
3Productivity
If passenger vehicle architecture is adopted for payload transport, then existing vehicle platforms are available, but it limits configuration flexibility and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes unnecessary passenger-oriented components from the vehicle architecture, retaining only the essential elements needed for autonomous operation and payload transport. This extraction simplifies the overall vehicle complexity by eliminating superfluous systems while maintaining productivity, as the vehicle is designed from the ground up for its specific function rather than being adapted from a passenger vehicle platform.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular architecture is implemented to maximize component re-use, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but it requires diverse module selection and careful integration
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture implements local quality optimization by designing each module with standardized interfaces and connection protocols tailored to its specific function. This approach reduces integration complexity despite the diversity of modules, as each module's interface is optimized for its local requirements while maintaining compatibility with the overall system. The standardized mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces enable cost-effective assembly while managing integration complexity through localized design solutions.
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
This modular architecture enables cost-effective construction of diverse autonomous vehicle configurations, maximizing component re-use, minimizing complexity, and enhancing safety through redundancy in communication systems, while optimizing payload transport efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
ducts positioned on either side of the upper body unit and ducted upward through a horizontally oriented heat exchanger at a top surface to the upper body unit un-pinged airflow in air flow-path resulting from a lower air pressure at the top surface of the heat exchange while the autonomous vehicle is in motion
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods and systems are provided for forming an autonomous vehicle of an upper body unit configured to consume space in an upward direction to minimize a horizontal footprint and enable a stacking of vehicle components on top of each other in the upward direction; a lower chassis unit configured to oppose the upper body unit and include a structure for supporting the modular unit with prismatic cross members to configure to a range of module unit widths, the lower chassis unit including: a set of structural rails on either side of the lower chassis unit configured in a rigid frame unit with longitudinal members wherein the structural rails can be attached to another corresponding set of structural rails; a plurality of compartment units including: front-compartment, rear-compartment, and mid-compartment units configured to be attached on either side of the lower chassis unit for the forming of the autonomous vehicle.