Modular Electric Vehicle with Interchangeable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles lack versatility in configurations and modes of use, limiting their suitability for different types of routes and driving experiences.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric vehicle design featuring interchangeable modules with coupling devices and steering mechanisms, allowing multiple configurations such as roller skates, scooters, skateboards, and hoverboards, enabling adaptability to various routes and experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a well-defined typology of electric vehicles is used, then the vehicle design is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the versatility and adaptability to different routes and uses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separate modular components (modules with wheels, decks, and coupling devices) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the same basic modules to create multiple vehicle types, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by standardizing the segments while varying their arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling devices are designed with universal functionality to connect modules in various orientations and configurations. The same coupling mechanism can facilitate different vehicle arrangements (side-by-side, end-to-end, angled), enabling one set of components to serve multiple functions and create diverse vehicle types without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configurations are provided to simulate different electric vehicle types, then versatility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the vehicle into standardized modules that can be manufactured separately using the same processes, the system achieves multiple configurations without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity. Each module is designed to be produced through identical manufacturing steps, allowing versatile end-products from standardized production lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different vehicle configurations by changing the arrangement parameters (orientation, connection configuration, module positioning) rather than changing the fundamental design parameters of the modules themselves. This allows multiple vehicle types to be created through reconfiguration rather than redesign, maintaining ease of manufacture while enhancing versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular electric vehicle (1) including a first module (2) and a second module (3) selectively connectable to each other, each module (2, 3) including a support structure (4), a motorized wheel (5) and at least one driven wheel (6) connected to the support structure (4), a top board (7) to support a user's foot, a coupling device (9) to selectively connect the two modules (2, 3) together in a plurality of different configurations, and a rotation mechanism (50) connecting the board (7) to the support structure (4; 204), with possibility of rotation around a vertical axis (a), and including means (76, 63) for selectively locking the board (7) with respect to the support structure (4; 204) in a plurality of discrete angular positions.