Modular Vehicle Trailer Chassis Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle trailers, particularly semi-trailers, are not optimal in terms of ease of repair, economical production, tax legislation, and variability due to their rigid construction, which limits adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modular chassis design with detachable assemblies that can be manufactured separately, surface-treated, and assembled without welding, allowing for greater adaptability, ease of repair, and tax advantages, featuring form-fitting support elements for force distribution and lockbolts for secure connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid one-piece chassis is used, then structural strength is ensured, but ease of repair and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of repair
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into multiple separate assemblies (front assembly, middle assembly, rear assembly) that can be manufactured, treated, and assembled independently. This segmentation enables easier repair by allowing replacement of individual damaged assemblies rather than the entire chassis, while maintaining overall structural strength through proper connection design between assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid one-piece chassis is used, then structural stability is ensured, but adaptability to different requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is segmented into interchangeable assemblies that can be configured differently to meet various requirements. The front assembly can be designed as a gooseneck with raised longitudinal members or with a flatter design, and middle assemblies can be equipped with different chassis and axle groups, enabling adaptability while maintaining structural stability through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis design allows for dynamic reconfiguration by enabling the attachment and detachment of different assemblies based on specific operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability permits the same base structure to serve multiple purposes while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If complete chassis is manufactured and imported, then structural integrity is ensured, but tax advantages are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtax advantages
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into separate assemblies that can be manufactured in different locations and imported independently. This segmentation enables utilization of tax privileges applicable to component imports rather than complete vehicle imports, while structural integrity is maintained through proper design and connection of the assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If welding is used for assembly, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and distortions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces welding with mechanical connection elements for assembling the chassis assemblies. This substitution eliminates the complexity and distortions associated with welding processes while maintaining sufficient connection strength through properly designed mechanical fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2298597B1Vehicle, in particular vehicle trailer
Publication Date: 2013.03.20 HUMBAUR GMBH
  • EP2298597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2298597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2298597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The vehicle (1), particularly vehicle trailer, has a chassis (2) and a carriage (3), where the chassis is formed in modular manner and has two or multiple component groups (7,8,9). The chassis component groups have a positive support (19) at junction point (18).