Modular Vehicle Fastening for Quick Reversible Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle construction methods result in complex, time-consuming disassembly and maintenance processes due to the use of screws, which deteriorate quickly and are not ideal for repetitive assembly and disassembly, limiting component sharing and increasing carbon footprint.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle construction system using a central module and peripheral modules connected by a reversible fastening mechanism with internal and external elements and a key, allowing quick and repeatable assembly/disassembly through a quarter-turn rotation of the key, facilitated by safety pins and springs for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw fastening mechanisms are used to connect vehicle components, then effective and long-lasting fixation is achieved, but the support material deteriorates rapidly with repetitive fastening and removal, and the assembly/disassembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is divided into separate components: a fastening element with threaded portion, a separate engagement element with cam surface, and a locking element. This segmentation allows the threaded portion to remain engaged and secure while the engagement element can be quickly locked and unlocked without affecting the threaded connection, enabling rapid assembly/disassembly without deteriorating the support material
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface engagement element provides dynamic locking through rotational movement. The cam surface converts rotational motion of the locking element into linear motion that secures the engagement element to the fastening element, allowing quick lock/unlock cycles without compromising the static threaded connection's reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional vehicle construction methods are used, then functional and indivisible whole vehicles are manufactured, but maintenance operations become time-consuming and component sharing between models is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is divided into modular components (central module and peripheral modules) that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and maintained. Each module can be serviced or replaced separately without disassembling the entire vehicle, significantly reducing maintenance time and enabling component sharing across different vehicle models
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized fastening mechanism with connection surfaces is designed to be universal across different vehicle models and module types. The same fastening elements, engagement elements, and locking elements can be used to connect various peripheral modules (wings, tail, landing gear) to the central module, facilitating ease of repair and component interchangeability
3Stability of the object's composition
If vehicles are designed without foreseeing disassembly needs, then unitary structure complexity increases, but total or partial disassembly for packaging, transport, or maintenance becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is designed as segmented modules from the outset, with standardized connection interfaces. The central module and peripheral modules are designed to be connected through the fastening mechanism, allowing the vehicle to maintain structural stability when assembled while enabling easy disassembly into compact modules for transport or maintenance operations
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to the assembly of modular vehicles, in a temporary or permanent manner. The object of the present invention is a modular vehicle construction system comprising a central module and at least one peripheral module, being the central module and the at least one peripheral module connected to each other by a reversible fastening mechanism to assemble a vehicle body, in which the reversible fastening mechanism comprises an internal element (15), an external element (16) and a key (17). The modular vehicle construction system improves the packaging and transport operations of modular vehicles by providing a quick and precise fixation or release of modular components in a simple and repeatable manner, and also facilitates the maintenance and/or repair of the vehicle body parts, by allowing the user to quickly disassemble any damaged module to repair or replace, thus extending the lifespan of a vehicle body.