Unitary Machined Model Vehicle Sections for Rapid Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The creation of full-size, dimensionally accurate model vehicles is a laborious and costly process, requiring numerous individual components and extensive man and machine hours, even with digital data-based modeling techniques.
Innovation Solution
A streamlined method using low-cost, high-strength materials to form model vehicle components, where a reduced number of large sections are unitarily machined and assembled, with a base structure that eliminates the need for significant bracing or layering, and specialized fasteners for interlocking sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If digital data-based modeling techniques are used to create model vehicle components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to requiring numerous individual components and extensive assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual model vehicle components (hood, roof, deck lid, pillars, doors, fenders, quarter panels, etc.) into fewer integrated sections. Each section is unitarily machined from a single block of material, combining what would traditionally be multiple separate components into one piece, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining dimensional accuracy through CNC machining
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the model vehicle into a limited number of large sections (e.g., dividing the vehicle body into front, middle, and rear sections, or left and right sides). This segmentation reduces the total number of components compared to traditional methods while still allowing modular construction and assembly, balancing complexity reduction with manufacturing flexibility
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional clay modeling techniques are used, then ease of manufacture is improved for conceptual models, but manufacturing precision and duration of action worsen due to time consumption and skill requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual clay modeling techniques with automated CNC (computer numerical control) machining. The CNC machines automatically machine the model sections from solid blocks of material based on digital CAD data, eliminating the need for manual sculpting skills while achieving high dimensional accuracy and consistency that cannot be obtained through traditional clay modeling
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous individual components are assembled to form the model vehicle, then adaptability is improved for modifying individual parts, but productivity worsens due to extensive man and machine hours required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small components into fewer large integrated sections that are unitarily machined. This reduces the number of assembly operations required significantly, improving productivity. The integrated sections can still be modified by remachining the entire section if design changes are needed, maintaining adaptability while reducing assembly time
4Reliability
If a multi-piece base platform is constructed, then reliability is improved for supporting model components, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to requiring multiple base components and bracing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple base platform components into a single unitary base structure that is machined from one piece of material. This eliminates the need for separate base pieces and bracing elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining the structural stability and support reliability needed for mounting model vehicle sections
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of rapid model vehicle construction. The invention substitutes large and unitary model vehicle sections for the greater number of individual model vehicle components used in known model vehicle construction techniques. Further, substantially the entire exterior of a model vehicle is created from the collective non-machined or substantially non-machined exterior portions of interlocked model vehicle sections.