Modular Vehicle Modules with Varying Mount Spacings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle production methods face challenges in efficiently differentiating between various vehicle classes using identical parts, particularly in the front and middle sections of the supporting structure, while minimizing tool and system investments.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves designing a 'front end module' and 'passenger cell module' with standardized interfaces, allowing for combination regardless of design differences, by varying engine mount spacings and seat spacings, and using uniform connection dimensions to accommodate different drive units and interior configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identical parts are used across motor vehicles of different vehicle classes, then manufacturing cost and tool investment are reduced, but the ability to differentiate between vehicle classes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The motor vehicle body shell is divided into multiple modules (front module, middle module, rear module) that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each module can be customized for different vehicle classes while using standardized connection interfaces, allowing differentiation without requiring complete customization of the entire vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connection interfaces and uniform connection dimensions are implemented across all modules, enabling the same connection systems to serve multiple vehicle classes. This universal interface approach allows identical parts to be used across different vehicle configurations while maintaining the ability to differentiate vehicle classes through module selection and arrangement.
2Productivity
If standardized interfaces are provided for combining modules, then production efficiency is improved, but design flexibility for different vehicle classes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
While connection interfaces are standardized for efficiency, the actual module designs maintain local differentiation. Each module can have class-specific characteristics (dimensions, configurations, components) while adhering to universal connection standards, allowing both production efficiency and design flexibility to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter variations within modules (such as dimensions, spacing, configurations) while maintaining standardized connection parameters. This enables the same interface standards to accommodate different vehicle classes by adjusting module-specific parameters rather than changing the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If engine mount spacings and seat spacings are varied, then vehicle class differentiation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the body shell into modular sections, the patent allows engine mount spacings and seat spacings to be varied at the module level without affecting the entire vehicle manufacturing process. Each module can be manufactured with specific spacing characteristics, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to customizing the entire vehicle structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
By combining at least two different vehicle front modules and passenger cell modules, at least two groups of motor vehicles belonging to different vehicle categories can be formed. For this purpose, the two vehicle front modules feature different distances between the engine supports, and the two passenger cell modules feature different distances between the front seats. The individual variants of each of said four modules are designed as identical parts and are manufactured in uniform deep-drawing dies for each module.