Modular Cargo Bicycle With Interchangeable Load Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport solutions, such as bicycles, scooters, and motor vehicles, are inefficient for transporting varying quantities and sizes of goods due to their fixed configurations, requiring multiple vehicles and resources, and existing modular systems lack flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular cargo vehicle comprising a towing bicycle, a front load module, and a trailer load module, allowing for various configurations including a scooter and bicycle mode, with electric drive options, enabling flexible transport of different loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple different transport vehicles are used for different goods, then transport efficiency is improved, but fleet size and parking facilities requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into a towing bicycle unit and multiple interchangeable load modules (front load module, trailer load module). This segmentation allows a single towing unit to serve multiple delivery scenarios by attaching different load modules, eliminating the need for multiple complete vehicles in the fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing bicycle is designed as a universal platform that can operate in multiple configurations: as a standalone vehicle, with a front load module attached, with a trailer load module attached, or with both modules. This multi-functionality allows one vehicle to replace multiple specialized vehicles in the fleet.
2Ease of operation
If a towing bicycle is used, then access to narrow roads is improved, but energy consumption increases compared to motor vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
An electric motor is introduced as an intermediary power source to assist the rider. The motor provides supplemental power during pedaling, reducing the physical effort and energy consumption required from the rider while maintaining the bicycle's ability to access narrow roads that motor vehicles cannot reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery characteristics are changed by introducing electric assistance. The system can dynamically adjust the power output based on terrain, load weight, and rider input, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining mobility in narrow road environments.
3Device complexity
If fixed configuration vehicles are used, then vehicle design is simplified, but adaptability to different load sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system is segmented into standardized interface components: the towing bicycle has defined attachment points, and load modules have corresponding coupling mechanisms. This segmentation maintains relatively simple individual component designs while enabling high adaptability through standardized interfaces that allow various load modules to be interchangeably attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic through the ability to attach and detach different load modules based on delivery requirements. The towing bicycle can transition between different operational states (standalone, with front module, with trailer module, with both), providing adaptability without requiring complex reconfiguration of each individual component.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
A modular cargo vehicle for transporting loads by a driver, wherein the cargo vehicle comprises a towing bicycle (1), the towing bicycle (1) comprising a front axle with a front wheel (2) and a rear axle with one or two rear wheels (3), the towing bicycle (1) comprising a driver's seat (4), the towing bicycle (1) being driven by the driver by a pedal crank (5), the cargo vehicle comprising a front cargo module (6), the front cargo module (6) and the towing bicycle (1) being configured such that the rear end of the front cargo module (6) is coupling to the front end of the towing bicycle (1), the front cargo module (6) comprising a front axle with a front wheel (7) and a load-bearing surface (8) and not comprising a rear axle, the cargo vehicle comprising a trailer cargo module (9), the trailer cargo module (9) and the Towing bicycle (1) are trained tothat the front end of the trailer load module (9) can be coupled to the rear end of the towing bicycle (1), wherein the trailer load module (9) comprises an axle, preferably axially central, with two wheels (10) and a load-bearing surface (11).