Modular Vehicle Chassis Rear Frame Overhang

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing commercial vehicle chassis designs are inflexible and require significant effort to modify, limiting the arrangement of large functional components due to fixed structural configurations, often necessitating the division of large components into smaller ones and requiring cumbersome adapter solutions.

Innovation Solution

A modular and reconfigurable vehicle chassis system with interchangeable modules, featuring a rear support structure with multiple connection nodes and a frame overhang, allowing for adjustable positioning and connection of longitudinal members via brackets and clamping elements, enabling flexible arrangement of axles and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed one-piece continuous longitudinal beam chassis design is used, then structural integrity and stability are ensured, but flexibility and adaptability for different applications are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility for different applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into modular segments including longitudinal beams with integrated connection nodes, allowing the structure to be assembled in different configurations. The connection nodes enable detachable connections between modules, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through standardized joining mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis design transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The detachable connection nodes allow the chassis to be reconfigured between different application requirements, enabling the same basic structure to adapt to various load cases and functional demands throughout the vehicle's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the chassis design is fixed and manufactured, then manufacturing precision and structural consistency are achieved, but subsequent modifications require considerable effort and may compromise structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural consistencyVSAvoidease of modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is segmented into standardized modules with integrated connection nodes that facilitate detachable connections. This segmentation allows modifications to be made by simply disconnecting and reconnecting modules rather than performing complex welding or structural alterations, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling easy modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection nodes are designed with universal functionality to accommodate different configuration requirements. The same connection node design can be used across multiple chassis modules and applications, providing a standardized interface that simplifies both initial manufacturing and subsequent modifications without compromising structural consistency.

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

3Device complexity

If large functional components are mounted on a fixed chassis, then component integration is simplified, but space constraints limit the arrangement of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidarrangement flexibility of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis modules with standardized connection nodes provide a flexible platform for mounting functional components. Large components can be positioned at different locations along the modular chassis structure, and the detachable connections allow for easy repositioning or removal of components to optimize space utilization according to specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular chassis design enables dynamic reconfiguration of component arrangements. As application requirements change or components need to be upgraded, the standardized connection nodes allow for straightforward repositioning of functional components without requiring complex structural modifications, thereby maintaining both integration simplicity and arrangement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3696054B1Modular vehicle chassis with rear frame overhang
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3696054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3696054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3696054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle construction (100), preferably with a plurality of support structures (T1, T2, T3, T4), each forming a vehicle chassis module, with a rear support structure (T4) forming a vehicle chassis module, comprising several connection nodes (K4) and on which a rear axle (41, 42) is mounted, preferably a rearmost rear axle of the vehicle construction (100), and a frame overhang (F) behind the rear support structure (T4).