Modular Chassis with Adjustable Frames for Vehicle Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current production processes for motor vehicles lack versatility to meet customer-specific customization needs, particularly in the sports car market, resulting in high costs for achieving desired driving and aesthetic solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular chassis with adjustable frames and suspension systems, allowing for customizable track width, pitch, and internal space configurations, facilitated by attachment plates with multiple holes for screw or bolt adjustments, enabling various propulsion and ancillary system arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current production processes are used for motor vehicles, then manufacturing efficiency is maintained, but versatility for customer-specific customization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into modular components including a passenger compartment cell, front frame, and rear frame that can be independently configured and assembled. This segmentation enables different combinations to meet specific customer requirements while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The frames are designed with universal attachment capabilities through multiple preset positions and standardized mounting interfaces. This allows the same frame structure to accommodate various propulsion systems, suspension configurations, and body styles, providing multi-functionality without requiring completely different production lines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frames are made adjustable in width with multiple preset positions, then track width customization is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates adjustable longitudinal members that can be positioned at multiple preset transverse locations along the passenger compartment cell. This dynamic positioning capability allows track width customization while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that doesn't require complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire frame movable, the adjustment is achieved by selecting from discrete preset positions along the longitudinal axis. This transforms a potentially complex continuous adjustment problem into a simpler discrete selection problem, reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If suspension attachment positions are made adjustable along longitudinal members, then pitch customization is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple preset attachment positions are pre-defined and pre-positioned on the longitudinal members during frame manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly, as the correct position is already prepared and marked for precise attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch is adjusted by changing the attachment position parameter along the longitudinal members rather than modifying the members themselves. This allows pitch customization through simple repositioning of attachment points at predefined locations, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable frames and suspension systems are implemented, then customization options increase, but production costs may increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the chassis into standardized modular components with universal interfaces, the patent enables customization through different combinations of the same basic parts rather than requiring completely custom-built components for each configuration, thereby controlling production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Customization is achieved by changing parameters such as attachment positions and component configurations rather than by creating entirely different component designs. This approach allows multiple configurations to be produced using the same base components and manufacturing processes, minimizing cost increases.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a chassis (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a passenger compartment cell (2), a front frame (3) and a rear frame (4), which are arranged along a longitudinal direction (100) of the chassis (1). The frame front (3) and the rear frame (4) each comprise two longitudinal members (31, 32; 41, 42) and a cross member (35; 45) forming a substantially C-shaped structure. The chassis (1) allows the adjustment of the track width and/or the pitch of the motor vehicle. To adjust the track width, the chassis (1) is adapted for the attachment of each longitudinal member (31, 32; 41, 42) of a frame (3, 4) to the passenger compartment cell (2) at a plurality of positions that are spaced apart in the transverse direction, in such a way as to allow an adjustment of the transverse distance between the two longitudinal members (31, 32; 41, 42). To adjust the pitch, each longitudinal member (31, 32; 41, 42) of a frame (3, 4) is provided with at least one attaching assembly (53) for attaching a suspension (7) of a respective wheel of the motor vehicle. The attaching assembly (53) is adapted for attaching the suspension (7) at a plurality of positions that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, in such a way as to allow an adjustment of the longitudinal distance of the suspension (7) from the passenger compartment cell (2).