Modular Vehicle CAB Architecture for On-Demand Service Provision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle-based service provision is limited by high costs, inefficient utilization, and the need for expensive modifications, making it difficult to offer services effectively while driving, especially in the luxury segment, due to the lack of standardized components and high investment requirements.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle architecture comprising a mobile carriage and interchangeable CABs (cabin units) with standardized interfaces for mechanical, energetic, and IT connections, allowing for reversible and secure attachment to provide various services during travel, along with a digital platform for service mediation and on-demand booking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If services are provided in vehicles with customized conversions, then service quality and customer experience are improved, but investment costs and manufacturing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provision capabilityVSAvoidvehicle modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is divided into modular components: a base vehicle platform and separate service modules. The service modules can be independently attached or detached, allowing different services to be provided without customizing the entire vehicle. This segmentation reduces conversion complexity while maintaining service versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base vehicle platform is designed with universal interfaces and standardized mounting structures that can accommodate multiple types of service modules. A single vehicle can provide different services by swapping modules, eliminating the need for separate customized vehicles for each service type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If expensive prime locations are used for stationary services, then service accessibility and customer reach are improved, but operational costs and investment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The service platform transitions from static stationary locations to dynamic mobile deployment. Vehicles can move to different locations based on customer demand, eliminating the need for expensive fixed prime locations while maintaining service accessibility across multiple areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile vehicle acts as an intermediary between stationary service providers and customers. Instead of customers traveling to expensive fixed locations, the service comes to them through the mobile platform, reducing operational costs while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual labor is used for service conversion, then customization flexibility is improved, but conversion time and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice customizationVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion process is segmented into standardized mechanical interfaces and modular service units. This allows service modules to be quickly attached using predefined connection points, reducing the need for manual customization work while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standardized parameters and specifications for mechanical interfaces, electrical connections, and data protocols. This standardization enables rapid service module integration without time-consuming manual adjustments, improving conversion efficiency while preserving customization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3453567B1Driver assistance system, service mobile and method for supporting the provision of a predefined service in a vehicle during the movement of a service mobile
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3453567B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453567B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3453567B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A driver assistance system, a computer program product, a signal sequence, a vehicle, and a method for supporting the provision of a predefined service in a vehicle while the vehicle is traveling on an upcoming route are proposed. The method comprises the following steps: - Automatically determining a criterion for the successful provision of the service, - Determining a driving condition and/or vehicle situation that violates the criterion on the route, and - Avoiding the driving condition and/or vehicle situation to support the provision of the service.