Route-Specific Vehicle Assembly with Energy-Matched Drive Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle manufacturing methods result in vehicles being specific to a single purpose, leading to a need for a large and costly fleet to accommodate various tasks, with limited flexibility and efficiency in route-specific operations.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling vehicles from modular components, where drive modules with unique energy parameters are selected based on route information to optimize energy efficiency and performance for specific route segments, eliminating the need for a mechanical gearbox and reducing complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vehicle is manufactured for a specific purpose with fixed components, then the vehicle can reliably perform its designated function, but the fleet size and operational costs increase to accommodate various tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separate functional modules (e.g., cargo module, passenger module) that can be independently attached and detached from the base vehicle. This segmentation allows the vehicle to be reconfigured for different purposes without compromising the reliability of each functional module when properly attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The base vehicle is designed with universal interfaces and coupling mechanisms that can accommodate multiple types of functional modules. This multi-functionality allows a single base vehicle to perform various tasks by simply changing the attached module, reducing the need for multiple specialized vehicles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large fleet of specialized vehicles is maintained to cover all operational tasks, then all functional requirements are met, but the operational costs and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single base vehicle can serve multiple functional roles by attaching different modules for different tasks (e.g., cargo transport, passenger transport, emergency response). This universality eliminates the need to maintain separate specialized vehicles for each function, reducing fleet size and operational costs while maintaining full functional coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic and changeable rather than fixed. Modules can be attached or detached based on real-time operational requirements, allowing the vehicle to adapt its functionality dynamically. This reduces the need to maintain a static large fleet for all possible scenarios.
3Use of energy by moving object
If drive modules are selected to match specific route segments, then energy consumption is reduced, but the vehicle assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is segmented into standardized modules with uniform interfaces. This segmentation allows drive modules to be selectively assembled for different route segments without increasing overall complexity, as each module remains a self-contained unit with standardized connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle configuration parameters (such as drive module power output, torque characteristics) are changed to match route-specific requirements. By selecting modules with appropriate parameters for each route segment, energy consumption is optimized while the modular architecture keeps assembly complexity manageable through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a vehicle from a set of modules for travelling a planned route, wherein the set of modules comprises at least one functional module and a plurality of drive modules. Each drive module comprises a pair of wheels, electrical motor, and an interface releasably connectable to a corresponding interface on another module, wherein each drive module is configured to operate autonomously and has an individual set of energy parameters. The method comprising obtaining route information associated with route segments of the planned route, selecting a first drive module having an individual set of energy parameters matching route information associated with a first route segment and selecting a second drive module having an individual set of energy parameters matching route information associated with a second route segment, and thereafter commanding the drive modules to connect together and with a functional module.