Modular Commercial Vehicle Chassis with Detachable Beam Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing commercial vehicle chassis are inflexible and require significant effort to modify after assembly, limiting the arrangement and integration of large functional components, often necessitating cumbersome adaptations such as dividing large tanks into smaller ones.

Innovation Solution

A modular vehicle chassis design featuring detachable front and rear axle modules with interchangeable functional modules, each with support structures and connection nodes, allowing for flexible reconfiguration and replacement of components post-assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional one-piece integral continuous longitudinal beam chassis is used, then the structural integrity and strength are maintained, but the adaptability and ease of modification are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis longitudinal beam structure is divided into multiple longitudinal beam segments that can be detachably connected. This segmentation allows the chassis to be modified by adding, removing, or replacing segments without compromising the overall structural integrity, as each segment maintains load-bearing capacity through the connection nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis transitions from a static one-piece structure to a dynamic modular structure where longitudinal beam segments can be detachably connected and reconfigured. This enables the chassis to adapt to different functional requirements while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection nodes that preserve load paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If functional components are integrated into a fixed chassis design, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ease of operation and reconfiguration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoidchassis structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is segmented into modular longitudinal beam segments with standardized connection nodes, enabling functional components to be reconfigured by detaching and reattaching segments. This modular approach simplifies reconfiguration operations while the standardization of connection nodes prevents excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized connection nodes serve multiple functions: structural connection, load transmission, and reconfiguration interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, maintaining ease of operation while managing structural complexity through universal interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If large functional components are arranged on a traditional chassis, then the functional requirements are met, but the device complexity and modification difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional flexibilityVSAvoidchassis structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Large functional components are accommodated by dividing the chassis into segments that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of functional components along the longitudinal axis without requiring complex custom chassis designs, as standardized segments can be combined in various configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the chassis is modified after assembly, then the functional adaptability is improved, but the loss of time and effort required for modification increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional flexibilityVSAvoidmodification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis enables dynamic reconfiguration after assembly through detachable connection nodes that allow segments to be quickly detached and reattached. This dynamic capability permits functional adaptations without extensive disassembly or custom fabrication, significantly reducing modification time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized connection nodes are pre-designed and pre-positioned on longitudinal beam segments before final chassis assembly. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces enables rapid reconfiguration later, as the connection points are already in place and require only simple detachment and reattachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3597515B1Commercial vehicle chassis with modular structure and preferably modular functions
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3597515B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3597515B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3597515B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle construction (100), preferably a vehicle chassis (100) with a longitudinally (L) load-bearing structure and preferably a functionally modular design, comprising a front axle module (1) and a rear axle module (2). The vehicle construction (100) is characterized in particular by the fact that at least two functional modules (3, 4) are arranged between the front axle module (1) and the rear axle module (2), and that the functional modules (3, 4) each have a load-bearing structure (T3, T4) with longitudinal beam segments (3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.4) spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle construction (100), wherein the longitudinal beam segments (3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.4) of the load-bearing structures (T3, T4) form chassis longitudinal beam structures spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle construction (100).