Modular Transport Vehicle Coupling for City and Highway Maneuverability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems, such as road trains, are not suitable for navigating small streets or semi-pedestrian areas and are not optimized for transporting cargo, especially in last mile delivery, and do not improve dynamics when vehicles are connected.
Innovation Solution
A transport system comprising two vehicles with a main and secondary axis, allowing standalone and combined configurations, where the vehicles can connect 'back to back' for increased stability and efficiency, with adaptable wheelbases and steering capabilities, and include features like docking units, tilting, and energy transfer between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vehicles are connected to form road trains, then transport capacity is improved, but maneuverability and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into independent modular vehicles that can operate separately or combine. Each vehicle maintains its own stability characteristics while being part of a larger system, allowing the train to navigate curves and uneven terrain better than traditional rigid road trains.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between vehicles is dynamic rather than rigid, allowing relative movement and adjustment. This enables the vehicle train to adapt to road conditions, maintain stability during transitions, and improve overall maneuverability while preserving transport capacity.
2Productivity
If large vehicles are used for efficient transport, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to restricted areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Large transport tasks are divided into multiple smaller vehicle units that can individually navigate restricted areas. When large vehicles are permitted, multiple units can combine to form a train with the required capacity, providing flexibility to adapt to different area restrictions while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vehicle unit is designed to be universally applicable for both independent operation in restricted areas and combined operation in areas requiring higher capacity. This multi-functionality allows the same vehicle to serve different purposes based on route requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If vehicles operate in combined configuration, then transport capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicles combine to form a train with shared propulsion systems and energy sources. The combined configuration allows multiple vehicles to draw from a single energy source or coordinate energy usage, reducing total energy consumption compared to multiple independent vehicles operating separately for the same transport task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables energy recovery and redistribution between vehicles in the train. Excess energy from one vehicle can be transferred to another, and energy consumption is optimized by having the train operate as a unified system rather than independent units.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
It is disclosed a transport system comprising two vehicles, each vehicle comprising: a main axis and a secondary axis; the vehicle having a forward and a rearward moving direction; a control unit; wherein the vehicles are configured to operate in a standalone configuration, in which each vehicle operates independently from the other one, and in a combined configuration, in which the vehicles are rigidly connected to each other, thereby forming an aggregated vehicle, so that the main axes of the connected vehicles are arranged at distal ends of the aggregated vehicle; the control units of the vehicles being configured to operate them synchronously; and the control units of the vehicles being configured to adapt the power outputs and maximum speed of the vehicles depending on whether the vehicles operate in the standalone or in the combined configuration. It is also disclosed a method for transporting cargo and/or passengers.