Adjustable Track Width Off-Road Vehicle Frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles designed as walking aids are not suitable for use on rough or off-road terrain, lacking the ability to support individuals or carry cargo effectively in challenging environments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional vehicle with modular components, including wheel assemblies and a frame, that can be configured as a walker or transport vehicle, featuring adjustable suspension, track width, and wheelbase to navigate various terrains, and equipped with motors for propulsion, allowing for use as a walking aid, transport, and rehabilitation tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is designed with fixed wheelbase and track width, then the structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot adapt to different terrains and user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable wheelbase and track width through mechanical extension mechanisms. The wheelbase can be extended by deploying additional wheel assemblies, and the track width can be adjusted by spreading the lateral frame members. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the vehicle to adapt to different terrains (narrow for tight spaces, wide for stability) without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle frame is divided into modular segments that can be independently positioned. The lateral frame members are separable and can be adjusted relative to each other, allowing the track width to be changed. Similarly, the wheelbase is segmented into adjustable sections that can be extended or retracted, enabling terrain-specific configurations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle uses four-point suspension, then lateral stability is improved, but the chassis becomes more elaborate and harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system allows dynamic switching between three-point and four-point configurations. The lateral frame members can be positioned to create either three or four contact points with the ground, enabling the vehicle to optimize between stability (four-point) and maneuverability (three-point) based on terrain conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is designed for off-road capability, then terrain navigation is improved, but the vehicle size increases making it harder to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs telescopic and extendable mechanisms that allow it to transform from a compact configuration (for transport) to an expanded off-road configuration. The wheelbase and track width can be extended when needed for terrain navigation, then retracted to minimize vehicle size for transportation in cars or vans.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle includes adjustable components for terrain adaptation, then versatility is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system and wheel positioning mechanisms are designed to automatically adjust to terrain conditions. The vehicle can self-regulate its configuration through responsive suspension that adapts to ground variations, reducing the need for manual reconfiguration by the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional off-road vehicle has a frame which includes a left lateral frame member and a right lateral frame member. The two frame members are connected by a crossbar. Four wheel assemblies are connected to the frame. At least two of the wheel assemblies are continuous tracks. The crossbar includes a track width adjustment actuator which extends and contracts a length of the crossbar and thereby changes a track width of the vehicle.