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Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside)

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Rivian has patented a set of designs which show the company may have plans to offer a vehicle with swappable and reconfigurable bed modules, depending on an owner's or business' needs.

The patent is titled "Systems and Methods for reconfigurable electric vehicles" and depicts an R1T pickup-like vehicle in several configurations. The flatbed configuration serves as the base upon which different modules can then be installed. Per the patent, the "removable structural models include a removable recreation module; a removable delivery module; a removable open box utility module; a removable flat bed support module; and a removable side rail module.” These modules would be attached via a latch mechanism.

The innovation extends even further, however. Rivian's patent also details a system where depending on the type of module installed, the vehicle will automatically adjust its steering, ride quality (dampening), suspension height and braking to perform best with the new configuration.

This patent (#10,207,757) was filed on January 11, 2017, but it was only recently published, on February 19, 2019.

Here at RivianForums, we've worked up these digital previews to bring Rivian's patent to life and show various configurations possible including the basic flatbed configuration, the cargo box utility module, a topper module, a recreational camper top module and the removable side rail module.


***Please note that the below are unofficial renderings made by RivianForums and this forum and these renderings are not affiliated with the Rivian brand in any way. ***


Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian_patent-module-bed-configuration-1




Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian_patent-module-bed-configuration-2





Animated composite of all modules:

Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian-Modules-Animated-Rivianforums




Base flatbed:
Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian-Modules-1-Rivianforums1


Cargo box utility module:
Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian-Modules-2-Rivianforums1


With recreational caps / toppers:

Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian-Modules-3-Rivianforums1
Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian-Modules-4-Rivianforums1


Side rail module:
Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian-Modules-5-Rivianforums1

Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian-Modules-6-Rivianforums1



Lineup:

Rivian R1T R1S Rivian May Introduce Swappable Module System (Check Our Previews Inside) Rivian-Modules-7-Rivianforums1
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Ranma

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That is really cool. I always get a kick out of what patent applications reveal, like Rivian's auxiliary battery design posted recently.

And AMAZING CGI's showing how the modules would look!
 

Papalock

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Modular vehicles have been done before but they've never had integration with vehicle dynamics and performance like this. Well thought out to have vehicle characteristics automatically change when it detecs a new module. I wonder if this is envisioned to be some new model variant or maybe a commercial flatbed model that businesses can then buy modules for their needs.
 

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Well done. It says ride sharing but I assume it’s not referring to models like Uber or even rental companies for consumer use. I think commercial use makes sense and it would go well with Rivian’s ideas for self driving tours that an adventure type company could use for different types of activities instead of having to buy an entire fleet of vehicles for different purposes.
 

RefugeEV

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Well done. It says ride sharing but I assume it’s not referring to models like Uber or even rental companies for consumer use. I think commercial use makes sense and it would go well with Rivian’s ideas for self driving tours that an adventure type company could use for different types of activities instead of having to buy an entire fleet of vehicles for different purposes.
Yea application discusses a way that Rivian could monitor the use of shared vehicles and reconfiguring the same vehicle to meet two different requests. So this modulular configurability could also be used for a ride sharing program where an individual or business can request that the vehicle be delivered in a certain configuration - i.e. one person could request a version with side rails for transporting motorbikes while another requests a version with a camper topper.

Great seeing the patent designs come to life, good job with the renderings @Administrator!
 

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ACDC

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This is some good thinking which really expands the type of customers possible for Rivian.

I'd personally love an extended battery module or maybe even a solar array panel for extended off-the-grid trips.
 

VSukx

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Fantastic work on the renders! I could see some great use cases for the R1S with something like this, but more in terms of fully removable tops like the Jeep Wrangler. Could have soft/hard tops, campers, etc.
 

sdTom

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These renders are getting a lot of redistribution on other EV sites. I'm sure it's good for drawing attention, but people don't copy the disclaimer about this having nothing to do with official Rivian when they link over. So, hopefully not setting expectations too high.. they may never intend on doing this and filed the patent defensively in case they ever did.
 

Katsudon

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These renders are getting a lot of redistribution on other EV sites. I'm sure it's good for drawing attention, but people don't copy the disclaimer about this having nothing to do with official Rivian when they link over. So, hopefully not setting expectations too high.. they may never intend on doing this and filed the patent defensively in case they ever did.
Yea I've been seeing it posted on multiple EV news sites too. The images are that good they look like they could be from the company, but the admin's post clearly says "Here at RivianForums, we've worked up these digital previews to bring Rivian's patent to life and show various configurations possible..."

Can we get an extended bed module? An extra 2-4 feet would be a must have module.
Best suggestion yet. Solves the issue of companies needing to offer pickups with different length beds in order to capture the widest set of buyers.
 

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sdTom

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Yeah just thinking that to be 'responsible' (who does that on the internet?) the warning/qualification that Rivian has never suggested this is a real thing and these are fan renders of a patent application (also not publicized by rivian).. should of been on the image itself. Cause now, people have copied the image, don't look at this original post, and if you go to electrek or insideeevs are picking these configs apart as if these are real.. examples "The flat bed option will have broken tail lights" , "2 motorcycles won't fit, they must be children motorcycles".. ugh.. *facepalm* :)
 

Craig Marks

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Rivian has patented a set of designs which show the company may have plans to offer a vehicle with swappable and reconfigurable bed modules, depending on an owner's or business' needs.

The patent is titled "Systems and Methods for reconfigurable electric vehicles" and depicts an R1T pickup-like vehicle in several configurations. The flatbed configuration serves as the base upon which different modules can then be installed. Per the patent, the "removable structural models include a removable recreation module; a removable delivery module; a removable open box utility module; a removable flat bed support module; and a removable side rail module.” These modules would be attached via a latch mechanism.

The innovation extends even further, however. Rivian's patent also details a system where depending on the type of module installed, the vehicle will automatically adjust its steering, ride quality (dampening), suspension height and braking to perform best with the new configuration.

This patent (#10,207,757) was filed on January 11, 2017, but it was only recently published, on February 19, 2019.

Here at RivianForums, we've worked up these digital previews to bring Rivian's patent to life and show various configurations possible including the basic flatbed configuration, the cargo box utility module, a topper module, a recreational camper top module and the removable side rail module.


***Please note that the below are unofficial renderings made by RivianForums and this forum and these renderings are not affiliated with the Rivian brand in any way. ***


Rivian_patent-module-bed-configuration-1.jpg




Rivian_patent-module-bed-configuration-2.jpg





Animated composite of all modules:

Rivian-Modules-Animated-Rivianforums.gif




Base flatbed:
Rivian-Modules-1-Rivianforums1.jpg


Cargo box utility module:
Rivian-Modules-2-Rivianforums1.jpg


With recreational caps / toppers:

Rivian-Modules-3-Rivianforums1.jpg
Rivian-Modules-4-Rivianforums1.jpg


Side rail module:
Rivian-Modules-5-Rivianforums1.jpg

Rivian-Modules-6-Rivianforums1.jpg



Lineup:

Rivian-Modules-7-Rivianforums1.jpg
 

Rivet

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Love the option of a flat bed (almost) for forklift loading from back or sides! :like:
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