Amphibious EV Hull and Propulsion Layout for Land-Water Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle systems are limited to land use and require separate systems for water operations, which is a drawback for applications such as disaster relief, commercial operations, and recreational activities that require access to both land and water.
Innovation Solution
An amphibious vehicle system with a watertight buoyant body structure, propulsion systems for land and water, and adaptable configurations for multiple wheel setups, including a quad-air propeller system for obstacle navigation, and integrated sensors and cameras for navigation and environmental monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate vehicle systems are used for land and water operations, then each system can be optimized for its specific environment, but the overall system complexity increases and requires multiple vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines land and water vehicle systems into a single amphibious vehicle that integrates both terrestrial and aquatic propulsion capabilities. The vehicle merges the functions of separate land vehicles and water vessels, allowing one vehicle to perform operations that previously required multiple specialized vehicles, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining environmental optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The amphibious vehicle is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both land and water environments. It incorporates universal propulsion systems that can function in either medium, along with adaptable features like retractable wheels and adjustable hull configurations, enabling a single vehicle to replace multiple specialized vehicles
2Adaptability or versatility
If amphibious capabilities are added to electric vehicles, then versatility between land and water is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs dynamic components that can change configuration based on the operating environment. Wheels can retract or be raised during water operations, the hull can adjust its angle, and propulsion systems can switch between land-based and water-based modes. This dynamic adaptability allows the vehicle to maintain relatively simple structures in each mode while achieving versatility across environments
Solution Approach 2:
The amphibious vehicle is divided into modular segments that can be independently optimized for land or water functions. The propulsion system is segmented into separate land propulsion components and water propulsion components that can be activated selectively. This segmentation allows the complex amphibious functionality to be managed through coordinated simple subsystems
3Duration of action of moving object
If waterproof battery modules and robust construction are implemented, then duration of action and reliability in water are improved, but the weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle uses thin-film waterproof coatings and flexible sealed structures to protect battery modules and electronic components from water intrusion. Instead of heavy bulk waterproofing, thin protective films provide adequate protection while minimizing additional weight. These thin-film solutions extend operational duration in water without significantly increasing vehicle mass
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless transition between land and water travel, enhanced accessibility for various users, and increased operational capabilities for disaster relief, commercial, and recreational purposes, with extended usage times due to waterproof battery modules and robust construction.
Implementation Method 1
a watertight buoyant body structure that allows operation in water
Implementation Method 2
at least one propeller water propulsion system coupled to a self-contained motor
Implementation Method 3
motor/differential/electromagnetic brake assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclose an amphibious vehicle system including a unibody, one-piece watertight buoyant body structure, filled with closed cell foam to create buoyancy in case of leakage, configured to carry at least one user and cargo, at least one motor drive system having at least one waterproof battery module, replaceable in a watertight compartment, coupled to the watertight buoyant body structure configured to drive at least one propulsion system to propel the amphibious vehicle on land, a twin hulled front portion segueing to a single rear hull housing the motor and differential with water channels to allow water flow to propeller, at least one boat propeller water propulsion system coupled to a pivoting self-contained motor configured to propel the amphibious vehicle through water, wherein the self-contained motor is configured to steer the amphibious vehicle in water, and a steering system configured to control wheels and propellers simultaneously.