Modular Support Frame Structure for Lightweight Service Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for service vehicles lack flexibility and strength, are often heavy, and do not allow for easy adaptation or accessibility of storage modules, posing challenges in securing equipment during impacts and reducing fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A support frame with elongated elements forming a hollow box shape, featuring rectangular cross sections, undercut grooves, and repeated openings for flexible module arrangement and secure fastening, made from bent sheet metal to provide a lightweight yet robust structure that can be easily rearranged within the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid large metal sheets secured by bolts are used, then strength and stability are improved, but weight increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into multiple elongated elements (at least six) that can be independently arranged and configured. Each element is a separate component that can be positioned at different locations and orientations to create modular support structures, replacing monolithic rigid metal sheets with segmented, reconfigurable elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the elongated elements to adapt to different storage needs and vehicle configurations. Elements can be repositioned, removed, or rearranged without permanent modifications, enabling the system to change its structure based on operational requirements while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If rigid large metal sheets secured by bolts are used, then strength and stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of reconfiguration decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated elements are designed with universal features including fastening means at their ends and connection means along their sides, allowing each element to serve multiple functions: as support columns, as shelf supports, as structural connectors, or as modular building blocks. This multi-functionality enables a single set of elements to adapt to various storage configurations and applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If traditional heavy metal structures are used, then strength is improved, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The elongated elements are constructed from composite materials combining aluminum profiles (providing structural strength and light weight) with plastic components (providing fastening and connection features). This composite construction achieves the required strength-to-weight ratio more efficiently than traditional solid metal structures, reducing vehicle weight and associated fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The design optimizes the structural parameters of the support frame by using hollow aluminum profiles with specific dimensions and wall thicknesses, combined with strategic placement of fastening and connection features. This parameter optimization provides sufficient strength for cargo securement while minimizing material usage and overall weight, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If modules are made of rigid large metal sheets, then protection during impacts is improved, but accessibility and flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection during impactsVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2448448B1Support frame for arranging module units in a service vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.02.28 MODUL SYST HH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a support frame (10) for arranging module units in a service vehicle (26), wherein four elongated elements (1) form four corner columns (17) of said support frame (10), wherein each of said elongated elements (1) comprise four element sides (2, 3, 4, 5) forming a generally rectangular cross section of said elongated element (1). Said first element side (2) and said fourth element side (5) adjacent said first element side (2) comprise fastening means (8, 16) for arranging a module device at said support frame (10).