Separable Driver and Propulsion Modules for Modular Vehicle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle manufacturing approach using a common platform is not suitable for smaller mobility vehicles, as it does not allow for easy separation of components into independent units, limiting flexibility in model creation and complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring separable driver and propulsion modules, each with its own frame and components, allowing for independent assembly and connection, thereby enabling flexibility in creating various vehicle models from a limited number of modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a common platform approach is used to reduce the number of parts and simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but flexibility in creating different vehicle models is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separate modular components: a driver module containing the driver module frame, front wheels, front suspension assemblies, and seat; and a propulsion module containing the propulsion module frame, rear wheels, rear suspension assemblies, motor, and energy storage device. These modules can be independently manufactured and then assembled together, providing both manufacturing efficiency and model flexibility.
2Strength
If components are integrated into a unified platform structure, then structural strength is improved, but ease of separation into independent units is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure is segmented into a driver module and a propulsion module that are selectively connectable and separable. Each module maintains its own frame and structural integrity while being designed to connect through standardized interfaces, allowing the vehicle to function as a unified structure when assembled and be easily separated when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed wheelbase and axle track are used for a common platform, then manufacturing consistency is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle dimensions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle design allows for variable wheelbase and axle track configurations by independently positioning the driver module and propulsion module. The modules can be connected at different distances and orientations, enabling the same modular components to create vehicles with different dimensions while maintaining manufacturing consistency through standardized module interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a driver module and a propulsion module selectively connected to the driver module. The modules are separable from each other as independent units. The driver module has a driver module frame, at least one front wheel operatively connected to the driver module frame, at least one front suspension assembly operatively connecting the at least one front wheel to the driver module frame, and a seat connected to the frame. The propulsion module has a propulsion module frame, at least one rear wheel operatively connected to the propulsion module frame, at least one rear suspension assembly operatively connecting the at least one rear wheel to the propulsion module frame, a motor operatively connected to the at least one rear wheel, and an energy storage device operatively connected to the motor.