Modular Vehicle System With Open-Top Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular vehicle systems face challenges in storing and transporting unused mission modules, as conventional closed containers make it difficult to easily attach or remove these modules without modifications.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle system design featuring a driving module, interchangeable mission modules, and a cuboid container with an open ceiling for easy insertion and removal of mission modules, along with transport means and power/data connections to enable flexible deployment and operation within the container or on the driving module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional closed containers are used to store mission modules, then the container provides protection and secure storage, but the mission modules cannot be easily attached or removed without modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure storageVSAvoideasy attachment and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container is segmented into an open top design, separating the protective enclosure from the access point. This allows the container to provide secure storage through its enclosed structure while enabling easy attachment and removal of mission modules through the open top, eliminating the need for modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If mission modules are stored in containers, then transportability is improved, but the container design must be modified to accommodate module insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidcontainer modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The top closure element is extracted or removed from the container design, creating an open top configuration. This allows mission modules to be directly inserted into the container without requiring modifications to the container structure, while the container still provides protective enclosure on all other sides for secure transportability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mission modules are manufactured separately, then vehicle customization is enabled, but storage and logistics become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle customizationVSAvoidstorage and logistics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed as a universal storage solution that can accommodate multiple different mission modules through its open top design. This single container structure serves multiple functions by being able to store various customized mission modules, simplifying logistics and storage while maintaining vehicle customization capabilities.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3803258B1Modular vehicle system
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 RHEINMETALL LANDSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP3803258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3803258B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3803258B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle system having a driving module, at least one mission module (1) and at least one container (2). The driving module has a receptacle which can receive at least one aforementioned mission module (1). As a result of the receiving possibility, various mission modules (1) can be received, depending on requirement. Thus, the mission is built up modularly in the same driving module. According to the invention, the container (3) is configured to be box-shaped and closed on all sides by walls, with the exception of the top (2). Furthermore, the mission module (1) is configured to be open on all sides, with the exception of the top (2), and the top (2) of the mission module (1) is designed to be closed by a wall. As a result, a modular mission module (1) is produced, which can optionally be received in a container (3) or in the receptacle in the driving module.