Modular Driver Cab Segmentation for Equipment Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The production of driver's cabs for motor vehicles faces challenges in manufacturing and equipping them in a cost-effective and safe manner, particularly due to spatial restrictions and the need for stable construction to ensure occupant safety.

Innovation Solution

A modular design comprising a support module and a roof module, where the support module forms a stable passenger cell with a floor section, front wall, A-pillars, B-pillars, and roof rails, and the roof module attaches to this structure, allowing for easy installation of equipment and adaptation to different vehicle types and configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a driver's cab is constructed as a fully assembled unit with stable framework, then occupant safety is improved, but equipment installation becomes difficult due to spatial restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupant safetyVSAvoidequipment installation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver's cab is divided into two separate modules: a support module containing the stable framework and a roof module. This segmentation allows equipment to be installed in the support module before assembly when accessibility is easier, while still achieving the safety benefits of a stable framework structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Equipment elements are installed in the support module before the roof module is attached. This preliminary action is taken when the workspace is more accessible, avoiding the spatial restrictions that would exist if installation occurred after complete assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a driver's cab is constructed from multiple modules for easier equipment installation, then equipment installation accessibility is improved, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment installation accessibilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cab is segmented into support module and roof module, where the support module contains the complete stable framework necessary for structural integrity. This segmentation enables easy equipment installation while preserving stability through proper functional distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stable framework is extracted as the core support module, separating the stability function from the roof structure. This allows the framework to be independently optimized for both stability and equipment installation accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If equipment elements are adapted to tight spatial conditions in assembled cab, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the cab into support and roof modules, equipment can be installed in the support module with greater spatial freedom during assembly. This reduces the need for complex adaptations to tight spaces while maintaining efficient space utilization in the final assembled configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2615014B1Method of manufacturing a driver's cab for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 ENG CENT STEYR
  • EP2615014B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2615014B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2615014B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3f

AI summary

The cab has a bottom section (15) provided with a fastening device for fastening a carrying module (13) at an undercarriage of a motor car. A front wall section (17) is connected with the bottom section. A front roof pillar (23) is connected with an A-pillar (19). Two lateral roof pillars (25) are connected with the front wall section and the bottom section. A rear wall portion is connected with a roof portion. The carrying module and a roof module form separate components, which are secured together. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a driving cab.