Title: Modular architectures for future alternative vehicles

Authors: M. Luccarelli; D.T. Matt; P. Russo Spena

Addresses: Faculty of Design and Art, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, piazza Università 1, Bolzano 39100, Italy ' Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, piazza Università 5, Bolzano 39100, Italy ' Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, piazza Università 5, Bolzano 39100, Italy

Abstract: This short review highlights challenges and methodological approaches regarding the design for changeability in future alternative vehicle design and production and, in particular, the methods that address interchangeability of vehicle components. Modularity is an appealing design approach that supports vehicle manufacturers in the use of different interchangeable technologies, involving both production processes and products. The concepts of modularity in design, modularity in production, modularity in use and technical modularity are referred to herein. Some interesting case studies and a conceptual model are presented in this study to describe in detail the above-mentioned types of modularity in current automotive engineering.

Keywords: modular design; alternative vehicles; interchangeable architectures; platforms; technological change; future cars; vehicle design; modular architectures; design for changeability; component interchangeability; vehicle components; modularity; conceptual modelling; automotive engineering; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2015.070412

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2015 Vol.67 No.4, pp.368 - 387

Received: 28 Oct 2013
Accepted: 31 Oct 2014
Published online: 05 Jul 2015 *

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