U.S. patent application number 13/024610 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for modular architecture for combat tactical vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALCOA INC.. Invention is credited to Daniel Bergstrom, Matthew P. Kiley, Miloslav Novak, Gregory L. Peer, Deryck H. Serrano, Jeffrey M. Shoup, Edward A. Timko.
Application Number | 20110175398 13/024610 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41567973 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110175398 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kiley; Matthew P. ; et
al. |
July 21, 2011 |
MODULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR COMBAT TACTICAL VEHICLE
Abstract
A combat tactical modular vehicle structure including a center
frame module comprising a front bulkhead a cab portion and a rear
bulkhead where the center frame module includes an integrated armor
so that the integrated armor is a part of center frame module or
the center frame module has at least one piece of armor attached to
the center frame module, a front frame module comprising an engine
subframe where the front frame module is connected to the front
bulkhead by a plurality of mechanical coupling devices, and a rear
frame module comprising a gearbox subframe where the rear frame
module is connected to the rear bulkhead by the plurality of
mechanical coupling devices for selectively connecting and
disconnecting the front frame module to the front bulkhead without
substantially affecting the connection and the rear frame module to
the rear bulkhead without substantially affecting the
connection.
Inventors: |
Kiley; Matthew P.; (Allison
Park, PA) ; Novak; Miloslav; (Glenshaw, PA) ;
Peer; Gregory L.; (Delmont, PA) ; Timko; Edward
A.; (Jeannette, PA) ; Bergstrom; Daniel;
(Sarver, PA) ; Shoup; Jeffrey M.; (Delmont,
PA) ; Serrano; Deryck H.; (Greensburg, PA) |
Assignee: |
ALCOA INC.
Pittsburgh
PA
|
Family ID: |
41567973 |
Appl. No.: |
13/024610 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12178738 |
Jul 24, 2008 |
7905540 |
|
|
13024610 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/193.04 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 7/044 20130101;
F41H 7/048 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; B62D 63/025 20130101;
F41H 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/193.04 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
B62D 31/00 20060101
B62D031/00; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 24, 2009 |
US |
PCT/US2009/051692 |
Claims
1. A vehicle structure comprising: a center frame module comprising
a front bulkhead, a cab portion, and a rear bulkhead; wherein the
center frame module has at least one piece of armor attached to the
center frame module; a front frame module comprising an engine
subframe, the front frame module being connected to the front
bulkhead by a plurality of mechanical coupling devices; a rear
frame module comprising a gearbox subframe, the rear frame module
being connected to the rear bulkhead by the plurality of mechanical
coupling devices; and wherein the plurality of mechanical coupling
devices provide for selectively connecting and disconnecting the
front frame module to the front bulkhead without substantially
affecting the connection, wherein the plurality of mechanical
coupling devices provide for selectively connecting and
disconnecting the rear frame module to the rear bulkhead without
substantially affecting the connection, wherein the vehicle
structure is for a combat tactical vehicle.
2. The vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
mechanical coupling devices are a plurality of mechanical
fasteners.
3. The vehicle structure of claim 2, wherein the plurality of
mechanical fasteners are located in at least a substantially
longitudinal direction and a substantially lateral direction when
connecting the front frame module to the front bulkhead of the
center frame module.
4. The vehicle structure of claim 2, wherein the plurality of
mechanical fasteners are located in at least a substantially
longitudinal direction and a substantially lateral direction when
connecting the rear frame module to the rear bulkhead of the center
frame module.
5. The vehicle structure of claim 2, wherein the plurality of
mechanical fasteners comprising a plurality of bolts.
6. The vehicle structure of claim 5, further comprising a plurality
of corresponding nuts to each bolt.
7. The vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the front bulkhead is
made of a cast or forge aluminum alloy.
8. The vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the front bulkhead is
made of a sheet or plate aluminum alloy product.
9. The vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the rear bulkhead is
made of a cast or forge aluminum alloy.
10. The vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the rear bulkhead is
made of a sheet or plate aluminum alloy product.
11. The vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the rear frame module
is made of a plurality of extruded aluminum longitudinal beams.
12. The vehicle structure of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
extruded aluminum longitudinal beams of rear frame module are
connected by nodes.
13. The vehicle structure of claim 12, wherein the nodes are made
of aluminum extrusions, forgings or castings.
14. The vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the cab portion
comprises a plurality of frame rails and a floor.
15. The vehicle structure of claim 14, wherein the plurality of
frame rails are made of aluminum alloy.
16. The vehicle structure of claim 14, wherein the floor is made of
an aluminum alloy sheet or plate.
17. A modular vehicle comprising: a first modular section having a
plurality of securing features and a system integrated therein
having a connector, and a second modular section having a plurality
of securing features connected to the first modular section
securing features, and a system integrated therein having a
connector connected to the first modular section system connector,
whereby the first modular section and the second modular section
can be assembled and disassembled for replacement or repair without
adversely affecting vehicle structural or systems integrity of
remaining secured modular sections.
18. The modular vehicle according to claim 17, further comprising:
a third modular section having a plurality of securing features
connected to either the first modular section securing features or
the second modular section securing features, and a system
integrated therein having a connector connected to either the first
modular section system connector or the second modular section
system connector, whereby the first modular section, the second
modular section, and third modular section can be assembled and
disassembled for replacement or repair without adversely affecting
vehicle structural or systems integrity of remaining secured
modular sections.
19. A method of assembling a modular vehicle comprising the steps
of: providing a first modular section and a second modular section,
wherein each modular section comprises: a system integrated therein
having connectors, and a plurality of features for securing to
another modular section, securing the first modular section to the
second modular section, and connecting the first modular section
system connector to the second modular section system connector
such that the first modular section system cooperates or
communicates with the second modular section system.
20. The method according to claim 19 further comprising the steps
of: providing a third modular section comprising: a system
integrated therein having a connector to connect to either the
first modular section system or the second modular section system,
and a plurality of features for securing the third modular section
to either the first modular section or the second modular section,
securing the third modular section to either the first modular
section or the second modular section, and connecting the third
modular section system connector to either the first modular
section system or the second modular section system such that the
third modular section system cooperates or communicates with either
the first modular section system or the second modular section
system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/178,738 filed Jul.
24, 2008, entitled, "MODULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR COMBAT TACTICAL
VEHICLE"; and is related to and claims priority to PCT Application
No. PCT/US09/51692 filed Jul. 24, 2009 "MODULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR
COMBAT TACTICAL VEHICLE", each of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a modular architecture for
combat tactical vehicle. More particularly, the present invention
relates generally to combat tactical vehicle having a center frame
module, a front frame module and rear frame module where the front
and rear frame modules are selectively connected to the center
frame module by a plurality of mechanical coupling devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention applies the general concept of using
modules or assemblies in the manufacturing of combat tactical
vehicles. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a
combat tactical vehicle structure comprising a center frame module
comprising a front bulkhead, a cab portion, and a rear bulkhead
where the center frame module includes an integrated armor so that
the integrated armor is a part of center frame module, a front
frame module comprising an engine subframe, the front frame module
being connected to the front bulkhead by a plurality of mechanical
coupling devices, and a rear frame module comprising a gearbox
subframe, the rear frame module being connected to the rear
bulkhead by the plurality of mechanical coupling devices. The front
frame module is selectively connected and disconnected to the front
bulkhead by the plurality of mechanical coupling devices without
substantially affecting the connection. The rear frame module is
selectively connected and disconnected to the rear bulkhead by the
plurality of mechanical coupling devices without substantially
affecting the connection.
[0004] In one embodiment, the mechanical coupling device comprises
a plurality of mechanical fasteners. In another embodiment, the
plurality of mechanical fasteners are located in at least a
substantially longitudinal direction and a substantially lateral
direction when connecting the front frame module to the front
bulkhead of the center frame module. In a further embodiment, the
plurality of mechanical fasteners are located in at least a
substantially longitudinal direction and a substantially lateral
direction when connecting the rear frame module to the rear
bulkhead of the center frame module. In another embodiment, the
plurality of mechanical fasteners comprising a plurality of bolts.
In one embodiment, further comprising a plurality of corresponding
nuts to each bolt.
[0005] In one embodiment, the front bulkhead is made of cast
aluminum alloy, forged aluminum alloy, sheet aluminum alloy
product, or plate aluminum alloy product.
[0006] In another embodiment, the rear bulkhead is made of cast
aluminum alloy, forged aluminum alloy, sheet aluminum alloy
product, or plate aluminum alloy product.
[0007] In one embodiment, the rear frame module is made of extruded
aluminum longitudinal beams. In another embodiment, the extruded
aluminum longitudinal beams of rear frame module are connected by
nodes. In a further embodiment, the nodes are made of aluminum
extrusions, forgings or castings.
[0008] In still another embodiment, the cab portion comprises a
plurality of frame rails and a floor. In one embodiment, the
plurality of frame rails are made of aluminum alloy. In another
embodiment, the floor is made of an aluminum alloy sheet or
plate.
[0009] In a further embodiment, a combat tactical vehicle structure
comprising a center frame module comprising a front bulkhead, a cab
portion, and a rear bulkhead where the center frame module has at
least one piece of armor attached to the center frame module, a
front frame module comprising an engine subframe, the front frame
module being connected to the front bulkhead by a mechanical
coupling device and a rear frame module comprising a gearbox
subframe, the rear frame module being connected to the rear
bulkhead by the mechanical coupling device. The front frame module
is selectively connected and disconnected to the front bulkhead by
a mechanical coupling device without substantially affecting the
connection. The rear frame module is selectively connected and
disconnected to the rear bulkhead by a mechanical coupling device
without substantially affecting the connection.
[0010] In one embodiment, the mechanical coupling device comprises
a plurality of mechanical fasteners. In another embodiment, the
plurality of mechanical fasteners are located in at least a
longitudinal direction and a lateral direction when connecting the
front frame module to the front bulkhead of the center frame
module. In a further embodiment, the plurality of mechanical
fasteners are located in at least a longitudinal direction and a
lateral direction when connecting the rear frame module to the rear
bulkhead of the center frame module. In another embodiment, the
plurality of mechanical fasteners comprising a plurality of bolts.
In one embodiment, further comprising a plurality of corresponding
nuts to each bolt.
[0011] In one embodiment, the front bulkhead is made of cast
aluminum alloy, forged aluminum alloy, sheet aluminum alloy
product, or plate aluminum alloy product.
[0012] In another embodiment, the rear bulkhead is made of cast
aluminum alloy, forged aluminum alloy, sheet aluminum alloy
product, or plate aluminum alloy product.
[0013] In one embodiment, the rear frame module is made of extruded
aluminum longitudinal beams. In another embodiment, the extruded
aluminum longitudinal beams of rear frame module are connected by
nodes. In a further embodiment, the nodes are made of aluminum
extrusions, forgings or castings.
[0014] In still another embodiment, the cab portion comprises a
plurality of frame rails and a floor. In one embodiment, the
plurality of frame rails are made of aluminum alloy. In another
embodiment, the floor is made of an aluminum alloy sheet or
plate.
[0015] Accordingly, it is one embodiment of the invention to
provide a modular architecture for a combat tactical vehicle.
[0016] These and other further embodiments of the invention will
become more apparent through the following description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is
made to the following description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawing(s), in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a combat
tactical vehicle having a front module, center module and rear
module in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the center module of combat
tactical vehicle of FIG. 1 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front bulkhead of the
center module of FIG. 1 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rear bulkhead of the
center module of FIG. 1 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the front module of
combat tactical vehicle of FIG. 1 in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the rear module of
combat tactical vehicle of FIG. 1 in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a combat tactical vehicle
having a front module, center module without the cab frame and rear
module in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0025] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the combat tactical vehicle
assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present invention provides a modular architecture for a
tactical combat vehicle.
[0027] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms
"upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top",
"bottom", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention, as
it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be
understood that the invention may assume various alternatives and
step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
It is also to be understood that the specific elements and
processes illustrated in the drawings, and described in the
following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the
invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not
to be considered limiting.
[0028] The followings are the definitions of the terms used in this
application.
[0029] As used herein, the term "chassis" means the base or
underbody upon which a vehicle is built.
[0030] As used herein, the term "frame module" means a load bearing
structure having provisions for the mechanical attachment of
subassemblies, wherein each frame module includes provisions for
the attachment of body sheet panels.
[0031] As used herein, the term "module" means a fully assembled
unit, either front, center, or rear, that is comprised of "frame
module", body panels and armor, and stuffed with automotive and
other systems (i.e. front module outfitted with engine,
cooling/heating, electrical wiring harness, front exhaust, brake
booster, etc.).
[0032] As used herein, the term "center frame module" means a frame
module corresponding to the crew compartment ("the cab") of the
vehicle including provisions for connectivity to a front frame
module and a rear frame module. Both front and rear bulkheads are
integral parts of the center module.
[0033] As used herein, the term "front bulkhead" may be composed of
a metal, such as an aluminum alloy, and may be a casting, forging
or a sheet/plate product.
[0034] As used herein, the term "cab portion" may be referred to as
the portion of the center frame module between the front bulkhead
and the rear bulkhead that ultimately provides the crew compartment
of the vehicle.
[0035] As used herein, the term "rear bulkhead" may be composed of
a metal, such as an aluminum alloy, and may be a casting, forging
or a sheet/plate product.
[0036] As used herein, the term "front frame module" means a load
bearing structure to which a plurality of subassemblies may be
attached, including but not limited to an engine subframe.
[0037] As used herein, the term "rear frame module" means a load
bearing structure to which a plurality of subassemblies may be
attached, including but not limited to a gearbox subframe.
[0038] As used herein, the term "monolithic component" means that
the component referred to is produced as a single piece rather than
in multiple pieces.
[0039] As used herein, the term "substantially" means to a great
extent or degree.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a combat tactical vehicle 10 comprising
a center frame module 11, a front frame module 12 and a rear frame
module 13 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention is shown. Front frame module 12 includes a distal end 12a
and a proximal end 12b. Proximal end 12b of front frame module 12
may be attached to center frame module 11 of combat tactical
vehicle 10 substantially in one step, significantly increasing the
efficiency of assembling combat tactical vehicle 10. Rear frame
module 13 includes a distal end 13a and a proximal end 13b.
Proximal end 13b of rear frame module 13 may be attached to center
frame module 11 of combat tactical vehicle 10 substantially in one
step, significantly increasing the efficiency of assembling combat
tactical vehicle 10.
[0041] In one embodiment, proximal end 12b front frame module 12
and proximal end 13b of rear frame module 13 are attached to center
frame module 11 by a mechanical means, for instance, by the use of
nuts and bolts, rivets, and the like are used to attach the various
elements described in this disclosure, and may include rubber
isolation mounts (i.e., bushings), where necessary, to minimize
vibration between elements.
[0042] In one embodiment, the rear frame module is formed of
longitudinal beams, wherein each of the longitudinal beams is
provided by extruded aluminum. In one embodiment, the connectivity
of the longitudinal beams is provided by nodes, wherein the nodes
may comprise extrusions, forgings or castings of aluminum.
[0043] The center frame module 11 includes a cab portion 14 between
a front bulkhead 16 and a rear bulkhead 17 that ultimately provides
the crew compartment of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 2. In one
embodiment, the center frame module 11 includes an integrated armor
so that the integrated armor is a part of center frame module 11.
In another embodiment, center frame module 11 has armor attached to
the center frame module 11.
[0044] Cab portion 14 is designed for survivability of the crew;
both bulkheads 16 and 17 are designed to defend against ballistic
and mine blast threats. In the current vehicles, both bulkheads 16
and 17 are very difficult or impossible to be up-armored from the
A-kit armor for lower level threats to B-Kit armor that is commonly
installed/bolted on for upper level threats that occur during
combat missions, and thus, B-Kit capabilities are commonly built in
each vehicle which then has to carry more weight even during
non-combat missions.
[0045] In one embodiment, cab portion 14 is provided by frame rails
composed of a metal, such as an aluminum alloy. In one embodiment,
the floor of the cab portion 32 is provided by a metal sheet or
plate, such as an aluminum alloy. In one embodiment, the cab
portion 14 of center frame module 11 is connected to the front and
rear bulkheads 16 and 17 mechanically, such as by mechanical
fasteners.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of front bulkhead 16 of center
frame module 11. Front bulkhead 16 may include a first side facing
an engine compartment of the combat vehicle and a second side
facing a passenger compartment of the combat vehicle. Front
bulkhead 16 serves as the base structural component that supports
front frame module 12. The front frame module 12 is attached to
center frame module 11 with multiple mechanical fasteners (i.e.
bolts and nuts, Huck type fasteners, etc.), creating structural
bolted joints designed to transfer all the pertinent structural
design loads between modules. In one embodiment of the present
invention, a plurality of bolted joints 15 are located in at least
two directions, longitudinal and lateral as shown in FIG. 3. Note
that only some of the bolted joints 15 are shown in FIG. 3. In one
embodiment, bolted joints 15 surrounds the periphery of the
proximal end 12b of front frame module 12.
[0047] In one embodiment, front bulkhead 16 provides attachment
points to front frame module 12. Preferably, the front and rear
modules 12 and 13 are attached to respective bulkheads 16 and 17
using mechanical fasteners that allow for a quick disassembly and
replacement of either module with the new one, thus significantly
reducing time of repair in the field service station, or service
depot. Preferably, front bulkhead 16 is a thick aluminum plate
(design drivers are ballistic and mine blast threats). In one
embodiment, front bulkhead 16 includes mounting provisions for the
front windshield frame, such as windshield support pillars. In
another embodiment, front bulkhead 16 is made of an aluminum alloy
casting or aluminum alloy forging.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of rear bulkhead 17 of center
frame module 11. Rear bulkhead 17 may include a first side facing a
gearbox compartment of the combat vehicle and a second side facing
a passenger compartment of the combat vehicle. Rear bulkhead 17
serves as the base structural component that supports rear frame
module 13. The rear frame module 13 is attached to center frame
module 11 with multiple mechanical fasteners (i.e. bolts and nuts),
creating structural bolted joints designed to transfer all the
pertinent structural design loads between modules. In one
embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of bolted joints
20 are located in at least two directions, longitudinal and lateral
as shown in FIG. 4. Note that only some of the bolted joints 20 are
shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, bolted joints 20 surrounds the
periphery of the proximal end 13b of rear frame module 13.
[0049] In one embodiment, rear bulkhead 17 provides attachment
points to rear frame module 13. Preferably, the front and rear
modules 12 and 13 are attached to respective bulkheads 16 and 17
using mechanical fasteners that allow for a quick disassembly and
replacement of either module with the new one, thus significantly
reducing time of repair in the field service station, or service
depot. Preferably, rear bulkhead 17 is a thick aluminum plate
(design drivers are ballistic and mine blast threats). In one
embodiment, rear bulkhead 17 includes mounting provisions for the
rear door frame, such as door support pillars. In another
embodiment, rear bulkhead 17 is made of an aluminum alloy casting
or aluminum alloy forging.
[0050] FIG. 5 shows a partial perspective view of front frame
module 12 that includes a front chassis 18, a steering box mount
assembly 19, a left side shock tower frame 21, a right side shock
tower frame 22, a left side bumper system 23, a right side bumper
system 24 and an engine subframe 25 (see FIG. 7). An engine (not
shown) is preferably bolted onto front engine subframe 25 that is
bolted on front frame module 12 in a conventional way used to build
motor vehicles. In one embodiment, the front shock tower, steering
box, and bumper beam are each preferably monolithic components made
of an aluminum casting or aluminum forging or machined from
aluminum plate. Each of these components could also consist (be
sub-assembled using welding, structural adhesive bonding,
mechanical fastening, or combination of these joining techniques)
of multiple aluminum cast, forged, extruded, or machined plate
components or any combination of those.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of rear frame module 13
that includes a rear chassis 26, left side shock frame 27, a right
side shock frame 28, a left side bumper system 29, a right side
bumper system 30 and a gearbox subframe 31. A gearbox (not shown)
is preferably bolted onto rear gearbox subframe 31 that is bolted
on rear frame module 13 in a conventional way used to build
automobiles. The rear shock towers, gearbox subframe, and bumper
beam are each preferably monolithic components made of an aluminum
casting or aluminum forging or machined from aluminum plate. Each
of these components could also consist (be sub-assembled using
welding, structural adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or
combination of these joining techniques) of multiple aluminum cast,
forged, extruded, or machined plate components or any combination
of those.
[0052] FIG. 7 shows combat tactical vehicle 10 where a chassis 32
of center frame module 11 is shown. Here, engine subframe 25 and
gearbox subframe 31 are more clearly shown.
[0053] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the
present invention of how a combat tactical vehicle 100 is
assembled. Combat tactical vehicle 100 is assembled by bringing all
three modules together as shown by arrows A. Here, a front frame
module 112 and a rear frame module 113 are attached to a central
module 111 by structural fasteners 115. Front frame module 112
includes an engine subframe 125. Rear frame module 113 includes a
gearbox subframe 131.
[0054] While specific embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that various modifications and alternatives to those details
could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are
meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of
the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended
claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
* * * * *