Reconfiguration of a Bus Chassis Module Using the Digital Expression for Connectivity between Module Interfaces

Featured Application This featured application can be implemented in the field of bus chassis design and manufacture to meet the customization of bus products, due to the diverse demands of bus operators. Modular design for a bus chassis is a practical solution to address different bus types and their differing powertrains. Physics interfaces are used to connect interacting subsystems in bus chassis modules. There are few studies focusing on the criteria for assessing interface connectivity, with significantly non-standard characteristics, between bus chassis modules. This study proposes criteria for assessing the interface connectivity in bus chassis modules in accordance with the digital expression of the module interface. Criteria for judging the compatibility of the connection between bus chassis modules are proposed and modular reconfiguration methods are provided, based on the criteria. Reconfiguration of the process matrix is constructed to indicate changes in position, shape, and size after the component is modified, based on the connectivity between modules. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the reconfiguration and replacement of the front suspension frame module of a bus chassis. The results demonstrated and proved the effectiveness of this method.