Modular Vehicle Chassis with Composite Platform and Hollow Chambers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chassis designs for land vehicles lack the combination of high rigidity, ample space, and design flexibility, along with significant weight reduction and increased payload capacity, while also being adaptable for various axle arrangements and storage functions.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting modular chassis with a composite platform featuring a double floor, integrated hollow chambers, and adjustable longitudinal and transverse beams that allow for flexible axle configurations and maximum utilization of space, while maintaining stability through upper and lower platforms reinforced by longitudinal beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional ladder frame chassis is used, then structural strength and rigidity are provided, but weight is excessive and payload capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis employs a composite construction combining a steel ladder frame with aluminum or aluminum alloy side members and platform elements. This mixed-material approach leverages the high strength of steel for the load-bearing frame while utilizing the lightweight properties of aluminum for the platform components, thereby reducing overall chassis weight while maintaining structural integrity and payload capacity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a solid platform construction is used, then rigidity and stability are improved, but available space for storage and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into an upper platform and a lower platform with longitudinal beams positioned between them, creating integrated hollow chambers in the intermediate space. This segmentation allows the platform to maintain rigidity through the beam structure while simultaneously providing valuable storage space and design flexibility by utilizing the voids between the platform layers for hollow chambers, storage compartments, or mechanical component accommodation.
3Volume of moving object
If longitudinal members are made taller to increase hollow chamber volume, then storage space is improved, but driving stability and connection to towing vehicle are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing longitudinal member height in a single vertical dimension, the design creates volume by utilizing the three-dimensional space between the upper and lower platforms. The hollow chambers are formed in the intermediate space between platforms rather than extending the longitudinal members themselves, thereby maintaining low center of gravity and driving stability while still achieving substantial storage volume through horizontal and depth-based spatial utilization.
4Ease of manufacture
If the chassis is designed as a fixed structure, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for different axle arrangements and uses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis incorporates adjustable and configurable elements including the axle arrangement that can be adapted to different configurations (single axle, tandem axle, triple axle), and the platform structure that allows for varying heights and arrangements of upper and lower platforms. These dynamic, adjustable features enable the chassis to be customized for different applications and axle arrangements while still being manufactured using standardized components and processes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a chassis (2) comprising side rails (44) for land vehicles (1). The chassis (2) has a self-supporting modular unit (3) with an attachment construction (14) designed as a platform attachment (17), and one or more integrated hollow chambers (10, 11, 12, 13). The platform attachment (17) has an upper and a lower platform (29, 41) which are interspaced and reinforced by the side rails (44), said platforms (29, 41) protruding laterally beyond the side rails (44) and forming a lateral overhang (51).