Vehicle Body Joint Structure With Electromagnetic Modular Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing joint structures for vehicle bodies in purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) are costly to modify for various customized services, as they require changes in the upper body structure, which affects rigidity and vibration insulation.
Innovation Solution
A joint structure comprising a stationary front body module and a variable rear body module with electromagnetic coupling modules, including center roof rails, bulkheads, and rubber bushings, allowing for detachable and reconfigurable upper body designs while ensuring coupling rigidity and vibration absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper body structure is changed to conform to various types of customized services, then the adaptability of the vehicle body is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper body is divided into a front body module and a rear body module that can be independently manufactured and then coupled together. The rear body module is further segmented into multiple detachable configurations (passenger seat assembly, cargo cover assembly, etc.), allowing different service types to be assembled from standardized components rather than manufacturing entirely different upper bodies for each service type.
Solution Approach 2:
The front body module and coupling structure are designed as universal components that can work with multiple different rear body module configurations. The electromagnetic coupling modules and mechanical coupling structures serve multiple functions: structural connection, vibration insulation, and detachable reconfiguration for different services, reducing the need for service-specific manufacturing.
2Ease of operation
If the front part and rear part of the upper body are made detachable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength of the joint structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure uses composite material approaches by combining electromagnetic coupling modules (magnetic fields) with mechanical coupling elements (coupling protrusions and recesses). This hybrid coupling system provides both easy detachability through electromagnetic release and high joint strength through combined mechanical interlocking, overcoming the limitation of purely mechanical or purely electromagnetic coupling systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the front part and rear part of the upper body are made detachable, then the adaptability is improved, but the rigidity of the joint structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure merges multiple coupling mechanisms (electromagnetic coupling modules and mechanical coupling structures) into a unified joint system. This combined approach provides both the reconfigurability needed for adaptability and the structural rigidity required for stable composition, as the merged systems work together to maintain joint integrity while allowing controlled reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure acts as an intermediary between the front body module and rear body module, providing a transition zone that maintains rigidity through its structured design (coupling protrusions, recesses, and supporting members) while enabling reconfiguration through detachable electromagnetic and mechanical connections. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by mediating between the need for rigidity and the need for reconfigurability.
4Ease of operation
If electromagnetic coupling modules are used to attach the rear body module, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the coupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system combines electromagnetic coupling modules with mechanical coupling structures (coupling protrusions, recesses, and supporting members) to create a hybrid connection. The electromagnetic component provides ease of operation for attachment and detachment, while the mechanical interlocking structures provide reliability and structural integrity, ensuring the coupling maintains both operational ease and coupling reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the cost of modifying the vehicle body for different services by maintaining structural rigidity and absorbing vibrations, while blocking electromagnetic waves.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of variable part coupling modules installed on an upper end surface portion of a front edge of the rear body module and coupled to the stationary part coupling modules by an electromagnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment joint structure for a vehicle body includes a front body module that is a stationary part fixable to a front part of an under body of the vehicle body, a rear body module that is a variable part having a preset shape, the rear body module being attachable to and detachable from a rear part of the under body and a rear part of the front body module, a plurality of stationary part coupling modules disposed on an upper end surface portion of a rear edge of the front body module, and a plurality of variable part coupling modules disposed on an upper end surface portion of a front edge of the rear body module and couplable to the stationary part coupling modules by an electromagnetic force.