Modular Vehicle Chassis with Connection Nodes for Axle Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing commercial vehicle chassis designs are inflexible and require significant effort to modify, limiting the arrangement and integration of large functional components due to their fixed structure, which often necessitates dividing large components into smaller ones and using adaptive solutions.

Innovation Solution

A modular, structurally and functionally interchangeable vehicle chassis with a vehicle axle support structure featuring multiple connection nodes and adjustable components, allowing for the integration of various functional components and enabling the vehicle axle to be centrally or eccentrically positioned, with features like lifting devices, roll stabilizers, and damping systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a fixed, one-piece integrally continuous longitudinal beam chassis is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of modification deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into modular segments including a front chassis module with a first longitudinal beam, a rear chassis module with a second longitudinal beam, and intermediate modules. These segments are connected through connection nodes that allow detachable coupling, enabling the chassis to be segmented into interchangeable modules while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection nodes are designed with universal coupling capabilities that allow different chassis modules to be interconnected in various configurations. The standardized connection interfaces enable the same connection node design to serve multiple functions across different module types, facilitating adaptability while preserving structural strength through consistent connection mechanics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed, one-piece integrally continuous longitudinal beam chassis is used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of modification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into modular segments including a front chassis module with a first longitudinal beam, a rear chassis module with a second longitudinal beam, and intermediate modules. These segments are connected through connection nodes that allow detachable coupling, enabling the chassis to be segmented into interchangeable modules while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The detachable connection nodes enable the chassis to be assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured during the vehicle's service life, allowing modifications without compromising structural stability when properly assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If large functional components are integrated into a fixed chassis, then functional capability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into modular segments including a front chassis module with a first longitudinal beam, a rear chassis module with a second longitudinal beam, and intermediate modules. These segments are connected through connection nodes that allow detachable coupling, enabling the chassis to be segmented into interchangeable modules while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection nodes are designed with universal coupling capabilities that allow different chassis modules to be interconnected in various configurations. The standardized connection interfaces enable the same connection node design to serve multiple functions across different module types, facilitating adaptability while preserving structural strength through consistent connection mechanics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3696056B1Vehicle chassis module with a vehicle axis and connecting nodes

Publication Date: 2023.06.21 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle construction (100) with at least one vehicle axle support structure (T4) that forms a vehicle chassis module and has a vehicle axle (41, 42). The vehicle construction (100) is characterized in particular by the fact that the vehicle axle support structure (T4) has at least two front connection nodes (K4) and at least two rear connection nodes (K4).