Modular Vehicle Emergency Disconnection for Rapid Module Rescue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular vehicle systems are cumbersome and time-consuming to disassemble and reassemble, and when an emergency occurs, it is difficult to quickly rescue modules or passengers without causing significant environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A safety method using a control device in modular vehicles to detect emergencies, transmit information to a control center, and autonomously disconnect affected modules from the vehicle, moving them to a safe space to minimize environmental impact and facilitate rescue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular vehicle systems are disassembled and reassembled manually, then the vehicle can be customized for different missions, but the process becomes very cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into independent functional modules (drive module, passenger module, cargo module) that can be automatically connected and disconnected. Each module is equipped with automated coupling mechanisms that enable rapid reconfiguration without manual intervention, thus maintaining versatility while dramatically reducing reassembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular vehicle system incorporates automated control mechanisms that enable the vehicle to reconfigure itself autonomously. The control system automatically coordinates the connection and disconnection of modules based on the desired mission configuration, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and reassembly operations.
2Ease of repair
If a failure occurs in one of the known vehicle modules, then the vehicle can be repaired by replacing the module, but it is difficult to replace the failing module and the vehicle may be unusable for a considerable period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system is segmented into independently replaceable modules with standardized interfaces. When a module fails, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire vehicle, and the standardized coupling mechanisms enable rapid module exchange without complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacement modules can be prepared in advance and kept ready for immediate installation. The automated coupling mechanisms are pre-configured to facilitate quick module exchange, allowing failed modules to be rapidly replaced with pre-prepared spare modules, minimizing vehicle downtime.
3Reliability
If modules are manually disconnected in an emergency situation, then the affected module can be separated from the vehicle, but the process is time-consuming and may cause significant environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The modular vehicle incorporates automated emergency disconnection mechanisms that can rapidly separate affected modules without manual intervention. When an emergency is detected, the control system automatically activates the coupling release mechanisms, enabling the affected module to be quickly isolated from the rest of the vehicle, thereby improving emergency response time and reducing environmental impact.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle is designed as a single integrated unit, then structural stability is maintained, but customization for different missions requires a large fleet of vehicles which is very costly
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into stable, standardized modules with robust coupling mechanisms that maintain structural integrity during operation. The modular architecture allows different combinations of modules to be assembled for various missions while maintaining structural stability through standardized interfaces and secure coupling systems, eliminating the need for a large fleet of specialized vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular vehicle system employs universal module designs with standardized interfaces that can be combined in multiple configurations for different missions. A single set of modules can serve multiple purposes (passenger transport, cargo delivery, emergency response) by reconfiguring the assembly, providing mission versatility while maintaining structural stability through consistent coupling mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety method, performed by a control device (16, 70) for a vehicle (2) assembled from a set of modules (1, 6), the vehicle (2) comprising at least two modules (1, 6), including at least one drive module (1) and at least one functional module (6). The control device (16, 70) is comprised in any of the at least two modules (1, 6), and the at least one drive module (1) comprises a pair of wheels (8) and is configured to be autonomously operated, the method comprising detecting (s101) an emergency situation in any of the at least two modules (1, 6) of the assembled vehicle (2), transmitting (s102) information about the detected emergency situation to a control centre (20) and controlling (s103) the module (1, 6) associated with the emergency situation to physically disconnect from the assembled vehicle (2). The invention also relates to a computer program, a computer-readable medium, a control device (16, 70) and a vehicle (2).