Modular Electric Vehicle System With Network Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations in the adoption of electric vehicles in industrial applications stem from the lack of modular and customizable configurations, which restricts their flexibility and size, making them less attractive for commercial use, particularly in mining and other industrial settings where custom configurations often require significant custom manufacturing and are limited by the need for smaller sizes due to ingress constraints.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric vehicle system comprising interchangeable vehicle assembly modules with a central network bus and power bus, allowing for flexible assembly and maintenance, enabling various configurations and sizes by using standardized attachment methods and minimizing the need for custom manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric vehicles are designed with custom configurations for industrial applications, then vehicle functionality and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into standardized modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows custom vehicle setups without custom manufacturing of each component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized modules are designed to serve multiple functions and be compatible across different vehicle configurations. These universal modules can be used in various industrial applications, allowing the same component to adapt to different needs through combination rather than requiring unique custom-manufactured parts for each application.
2Volume of moving object
If electric vehicles are designed with larger sizes for industrial applications, then payload capacity and functionality are improved, but ingress constraints through mine shafts and limited entry points worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is designed as an assembly of separate modular components that can be transported through limited ingress points individually or in smaller groups, then assembled on-site to create larger vehicle configurations. This allows the final vehicle to exceed the size of individual transportable modules, resolving the contradiction between large size and ease of ingress.
3Ease of manufacture
If electric vehicles use predetermined configurations with limited customization, then manufacturing simplicity and cost are improved, but vehicle adaptability to specific industrial needs worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system is segmented into standardized modules that can be manufactured using simple, repeatable processes. These standardized modules can then be combined in various configurations to meet specific industrial needs, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable through standardized interfaces that allow modules to be easily added, removed, or rearranged. This enables the vehicle to adapt to different industrial applications without requiring complex custom manufacturing, as the same standardized modules can be dynamically reconfigured.
4Strength
If electric vehicles are designed as unitary structures, then structural strength and stability are improved, but ease of repair and maintenance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into modular components with standardized connection interfaces that maintain structural integrity when assembled. This segmentation allows individual modules to be easily removed and replaced during maintenance without affecting the overall structural strength of the vehicle, as the standardized interfaces are designed to preserve structural continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular electric vehicle system, allowing for the assembly of many different vehicle configurations using a plurality of interchangeable vehicle assembly modules, including at least two powered vehicle assembly modules in an assembled vehicle each of which has self-contained drive and power systems and controls which can be connected together by a central network bus on the vehicle. At least one of the powered vehicle assembly modules will be a steering module, with the necessary additional controls and components to steer the axle thereon and in turn steer the assembled vehicle. The connection of the network bus and the modules would be done in an interchangeable way so that different modules could be interchangeably placed in the assembled vehicle. Various steering systems, control methodologies and vehicle attachments are also disclosed.