Modular Vehicle Chassis with Interchangeable Subframes for Ride Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle chassis designs require multiple frames or extensive modifications to achieve different ride heights and performance requirements, leading to increased complexity and part count, which is impractical for varying vehicle types and models.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle chassis with interchangeable performance packages and modular components, including reversible frames, multi-position wheel assembly mounts, and scalable chassis designs, allowing for configurable ride heights and performance adjustments through interchangeable subframes and electric motorized wheel assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frames or extensive modifications are used to achieve different ride heights and performance requirements, then vehicle performance adaptability is improved, but device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle chassis is divided into modular subframes that can be independently selected and assembled. Each subframe contains specific components (suspension, steering, powertrain) configured for particular performance requirements, allowing the main frame to remain simple while achieving adaptability through modular assembly rather than complex integrated designs
Solution Approach 2:
The main vehicle frame is designed with universal mounting interfaces and attachment points that can accommodate multiple types of subframes. This multi-functional design allows a single frame structure to support various performance configurations through subframe interchangeability, reducing the need for multiple specialized frame designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frames or extensive modifications are used to achieve different ride heights and performance requirements, then vehicle performance adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the chassis into standardized subframes, each subframe can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for its specific components. This segmentation allows parallel manufacturing of subframes and simplifies assembly, as each subframe is pre-configured and tested as a module before integration to the main frame
Solution Approach 2:
Subframes are pre-assembled and pre-configured with their specific components (suspension systems, steering mechanisms, powertrain elements) before being integrated to the main frame. This preliminary preparation of modular units simplifies the final assembly process and reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing standardized interfaces and attachment procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle chassis with interchangeable performance packages and related methods. are disclosed herein. An example vehicle chassis disclosed herein includes a frame including a first chassis portion including a cavity, a battery platform coupled to first chassis portion, and a first subframe couplable within the cavity, the first subframe including a first motor and a first suspension assembly, and a second subframe couplable within the cavity, the second subframe including a second motor and a second suspension assembly, the second motor having a greater power than the first motor, the second suspension assembly having a greater stiffness than the first suspension assembly.