Modular Vehicle Chassis with Variable Extension for Adjustable Wheelbase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers of special vehicles face challenges in logistics and stock management due to the need for production-order-specific chassis with varying wheelbases, which are typically produced in small volumes and require heavy-duty welded assemblies, limiting flexibility and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular chassis assembly featuring a runner and variable extension that allows for adjustable length and wheelbase, with the second set of wheels suspended between suspension supports on the runner and extension, enabling production in large volumes and flexible configuration to meet consumer demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy duty welded chassis assemblies are used to meet load requirements, then strength and reliability are improved, but manufacturing flexibility and adaptability deteriorate because each chassis becomes production order specific
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into a permanent base portion and variable extension portions that can be separately manufactured and assembled. The base portion is produced in large volumes using automated welding, while extension portions are added later to achieve different wheelbases and lengths, resolving the contradiction between mass production efficiency and customization flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis design allows dynamic configuration by adding or removing extension portions based on specific order requirements. This enables the same base chassis to be adapted for different applications (different lengths, wheelbases, and configurations) without requiring complete custom manufacturing for each order.
2Adaptability or versatility
If production order specific chassis are manufactured to meet individual customer requirements, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to small production volumes preventing automated manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the chassis into standardized base portions and modular extensions, the system enables high-volume production of base units using automated welding equipment, while still achieving customization through selective assembly of extension portions, thereby maintaining both productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base chassis portion is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple customer requirements through different extension configurations. This allows a single base design to be produced in large volumes and then adapted for various applications, improving both productivity through standardization and adaptability through modular assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional road truck chassis with bolted assemblies are used, then ease of manufacture and adaptability are improved, but strength deteriorates due to inability to meet heavy duty load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis uses welded construction for the base portion to achieve the required strength for heavy duty applications, while employing bolted connections for the extension portions and attachments. This hybrid approach maintains the strength advantages of welded structures where needed while preserving the ease of manufacture and adaptability of bolted assemblies.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle, comprising: - a chassis assembly, comprising: - at least one runner configured to support a first set of wheels; and - at least one variable extension configured to: - adjust a resulting length of the vehicle; - at least partially support a second set of wheels; and - adjust a wheelbase between the first set of wheels and the second set of wheels; and - wherein the second set of wheels is suspended by a suspension that is arranged between a first suspension support that is arranged on the runner and a second suspension support that is arranged on the extension. The invention further relates to a method of adjusting a length of such a vehicle.