Vehicle Body Joint Structure for Modular Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The vehicle industry faces high costs when changing the structure of purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) to accommodate various customized services, as existing solutions do not efficiently allow for modular and cost-effective conversion of vehicle body types.
Innovation Solution
A joint structure for the vehicle body comprising a front body module, a rear body module, and a joint unit that connects them, allowing for easy detachment and reconfiguration along the vehicle width and vertical directions, with specific brackets and sealing members for enhanced structural integrity and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper body structure is changed to accommodate various 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 assembled together. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific functions while enabling cost-effective production through standardized manufacturing processes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint unit is designed as a universal connecting mechanism that can accommodate different combinations of front and rear body modules for various customized services. This multi-functional joint structure enables the same basic platform to serve multiple purposes without requiring complete redesign, thereby maintaining low manufacturing costs while achieving high adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the upper body is made detachable and reconfigurable, then the ease of operation for service conversion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the upper body into detachable front and rear modules with a standardized joint unit, the system enables easy reconfiguration for different services while keeping the overall complexity manageable. Each module can be independently assembled and disassembled without requiring complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint unit acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between front and rear body modules. This standardized intermediate structure enables easy detachment and reconfiguration operations while preventing the complexity from propagating throughout the entire vehicle body system.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple joint connection is used between body modules, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint unit merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated structure that simultaneously provides structural strength and ease of assembly. By combining the connecting, sealing, and reinforcing functions in one component, the design achieves both manufacturing simplicity and structural integrity without requiring multiple separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint unit employs composite construction combining high-strength materials with sealing elements to achieve both structural integrity and ease of manufacture. The composite design allows for simple assembly while providing the necessary strength and sealing performance, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and structural robustness.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment joint structure of a vehicle body includes a front body module connected to a front part of an under body of the vehicle body, a rear body module connected to a rear part of the under body of the vehicle body, and a joint unit connecting an outside and an inside of the front body module and the rear body module in a front-to-back direction of the vehicle body.