Modular Electric Vehicle System With Swappable Rear Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle designs are inflexible, requiring users to choose a single type of vehicle based on their most frequent needs, which is not cost-effective or practical for varying demands, and traditional modular designs are not adaptable due to differences in electric vehicle components like powertrains and chassis structures.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric vehicle system comprising a driving module with operational components and a non-driving module that can be releasably secured and configured in various ways, including adjustable suspension, retractable wheels, and automated coupling systems, allowing for different vehicle configurations and functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single vehicle type is purchased to meet most frequent needs, then cost is reduced, but adaptability to different purposes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into a front driving module and a rear non-driving module that can be separated. The rear module can be swapped to provide different vehicle configurations for different purposes, while the front module remains constant, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The front driving module is designed as a universal platform that can work with multiple different rear non-driving modules, allowing a single front module to serve multiple vehicle purposes through configuration changes rather than requiring multiple complete vehicles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicle types are acquired for different functions, then adaptability is improved, but cost and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the vehicle into separable modules, users can maintain one front driving module and swap rear modules to achieve multiple vehicle functions, reducing the total number of complete vehicles needed from multiple to one base module plus several interchangeable rear modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal front driving module can be paired with different rear modules for different functions (cargo, passenger, specialty), allowing a single vehicle platform to replace multiple specialized vehicles through reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional modular designs are used with gasoline vehicle components, then production standardization is achieved, but adaptability to electric vehicle architectures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front driving module is specifically designed with electric vehicle architecture in mind, with the battery pack integrated into the chassis and the powertrain optimized for electric propulsion, while the rear modules are designed to interface with this electric platform without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric vehicle platform provides a universal interface and power distribution system that can support multiple different rear module configurations, allowing standardized production of the front module while accommodating varied rear modules through plug-and-play connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An invented all electric powered multi-modular vehicle system consists of a driving module and different types of non-driving vehicle modules, such as enhanced capacity module for more passengers, sports utility module, a truck-bed module, a recreational vehicle module, four-wheel-drive module and cargo truck module etc. When given a command the vehicle modules shall be automatically configured into one vehicle or detached back to individual vehicle modules as commanded. The entire coupling and configuration and decoupling and deconfiguration may be operated with a wireless user device. The modular vehicle system offers users with different options over capacities and functions, as well as cost-saving and more efficient vehicle utilization rate. Vehicle owners may buy a particular set of modules while rent or lease or exchange other non-driving modules via vehicle rental service or a media network connecting owners of the modular vehicles when needed.