A Modular Car Body for Sustainable, Cost-Effective, and Versatile Vehicle Development

Christoph Hartmann,Sven Schreyer,Markus Welm,Wolfram Volk

doi:10.3390/technologies9010013

Christoph Hartmann, Sven Schreyer + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies9010013

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Abstract

Availability, sustainability, and functionality pose particular challenges for the value chain of individual mobility. Therefore, in this work, the typical value chain is broken up and the traditional approaches are extended with an open-source perspective. The focus is on modularity and simplicity in order to enable the broadest possible applicability and fast implementation of local production. Nevertheless, the mobility concept should meet the current standards, especially with regard to safety. A modular vehicle frame is presented as a basis, which meets all regulations, can be built in self-assembly, and is available as open-source.

Highlights

Individual mobility is a big challenge for today’s world in terms of availability, sustainability, and functionality [1,2]
Unconventional materials could be used for example, which suit prevailing climate and infrastructure conditions better and are easier to procure and process than materials commonly used in automotive industry
Technologies 2021, 9, 13 the presented modular car body is to provide a platform for local, cost-effective vehicles that are tailored for each specific region with a high amount of local added value

Summary

Introduction

Individual mobility is a big challenge for today’s world in terms of availability, sustainability, and functionality [1,2]. A promising concept for those areas must meet the specific market requirements of each region and consider the locally available resources. A flexible, easy, and cost-effective open source platform is ideal for incorporating local circumstances and possibilities. In this way, unconventional materials could be used for example, which suit prevailing climate and infrastructure conditions better and are easier to procure and process than materials commonly used in automotive industry. Technologies 2021, 9, 13 the presented modular car body is to provide a platform for local, cost-effective vehicles that are tailored for each specific region with a high amount of local added value

Brief State of the Art

Modular Car Body Design

Aluminum Cast Knots

Cargo Module

Safety of Passengers

Conclusions