Modular Vehicle Movable Platform Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular vehicles require tedious disassembly, removal, and reassembly operations to change configurations for transporting goods and people, necessitating storage and transportation of removable elements, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a driving position and loading platform featuring movable parts with articulation members that can be deployed or retracted to switch between configurations without removing or adding elements, allowing for easy and quick conversion between driverless and driver-assisted modes, utilizing a flat loading platform that occupies most of the vehicle's upper surface for goods transport and deploying parts to access the driving position and seats for passenger transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If removable elements are added and removed to change vehicle configuration, then the vehicle can be converted between goods transport and people transport modes, but the conversion process becomes tedious and time-consuming requiring disassembly, removal, installation and reassembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The loading platform is designed with movable parts that can be dynamically repositioned between a horizontal position for goods transport and an upwardly deployed position for people transport. This dynamic transformation allows the platform to adapt its configuration without requiring complete disassembly and reassembly, significantly reducing conversion time while maintaining versatility between different transport modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable elements are used for configuration changes, then the vehicle can be adapted to different missions, but additional storage space is required for the removable elements when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The movable parts of the loading platform are designed to nest within or integrate with the vehicle structure when not in use. The platform components can be retracted or folded into the vehicle body, eliminating the need for separate storage spaces for removable elements while maintaining the ability to configure the vehicle for different missions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable elements are used for configuration changes, then the vehicle can be converted between modes, but the elements must be transported separately on board another vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The loading platform and its movable parts are permanently integrated with the vehicle structure, eliminating the need to transport separate removable elements. The platform components are combined with the vehicle body through articulation members, allowing configuration changes without requiring separate transportation of parts on another vehicle, thus simplifying logistics.
4Ease of manufacture
If lifting means are used to handle heavy removable elements, then the elements can be installed and removed, but the operation becomes more complex and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The loading platform utilizes articulation members that enable smooth, controlled movement between positions without requiring external lifting equipment. The dynamic design allows the platform to be repositioned through its own mechanical structure rather than requiring separate lifting means, reducing operational complexity while maintaining assembly capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The modular vehicle (1) comprises a driver compartment (3) and a loading platform (2) comprising movable rigid panels (7). It has two configurations, namely a "transporting goods" configuration and "transporting people" configuration. The vehicle can also assume intermediate configurations. In the "transporting goods" configuration, the loading platform is a flat surface that occupies over half of the upper surface of the vehicle and the driver compartment is located under the loading platform and is inaccessible to a driver. In the "transporting people" configuration, rigid panels can be moved in relation to the "transporting goods" configuration and the driver compartment (3) can be accessed and used by the driver. Seats (4) for passengers are also provided so that they can be freed and used by moving said rigid panels.