Components, which are visually not accessible to the customer or who do not represent emotional value for it e.g. battery or transmission, can be classified as so-called identical parts. These components are mounted in several vehicles of a car manufacturer at the same time. It should not be forgotten here, that this procedure cannot be undertaken arbitrarily. One has to assume, that some components e.g. a body axle, which is to be mounted in two vehicles of differing size at the same time as a system component, among other things also called tuning section, has to be executed. These are components of equal geometry, which consist of different dimensional scales and can hence be larger or smaller. Identical parts are defined as system construction sections, as soon as they are "touched", i.e., if a small modification is made on an identical part, e.g. an additional drilling, a groove or something similar to this, it become to a system construction section. With the use of identical and system construction sections, the potential for large savings is available based on the high volumes of identical or system components, but one does not want to expire into the development of a "uniform automobile", since the customer would like to recognize differentiations in the market.
The so-called constructional kit is not only associated with automobile production, but also in tools, devices, gears or EDP systems. The basic elements of the constructional kit are the "building blocks" which can also be called modules. These devices also include tools, machines, modules or individual components which can be interconnected to each other. Therefore a standardization of the link or interfaces is necessary, so that a total matching system can be developed. The principle of constructional kits may be regarded as a demarcation in modular systems, which enables the integration of building blocks having different functions, which in turn can again be attached to a new building block.
Among other things one can find the following definition in literature and this can be seen as an explanation for the principle of constructional kits:
"... The constructional kit building method or the building block principle, refers to the possibility of arranging products (technical) into one or relatively few standardized building blocks with certain functions so that the building of a limited or an arbitrary number of different technical items of a product area can be made possible with these components".
The realization of a system based on the concept of constructional kits results in a high volume of identical parts consequently reducing the manufacturing cost along with an improvement in testing possibility at an increased level of quality. Besides, one achieves shortened delivery times, smaller storage spaces and a faster availability of spare parts. Thus the concept of the constructional kits has found a place among other things in the building of machine tools, tools, devices and in automotive manufacture.
The platform strategy was used as early as the 20s in automobile development and production. Henry Ford used this as a central element around which a multiplicity of vehicles were produced. A framework within which the chassis was installed also carried the drive train. On such a supporting and already drivable platform, the most diverse superstructures could be installed. Convertibles, sedans and light transporters have been developed using this technique.
A platform is concerned only with the internal structure of a vehicle, while the external appearance is not changed. With this, in comparison to the existing forms, a further freedom in design of the vehicle shape results. Thus a non-identical brand image can be maintained despite identical sections.
The following components figure among platforms:
Aggregates
Engine
Gears
Bearings
Front and Rear axle
Steering element and pedal assembly
Brakes
Fuel system
Wheels and Tires
Heating and Air Conditioning system
Electrical control system (wire harness, battery...)
Seats
Front panel
Central floor panel
Rear module