Arcuate ATV Frame Design for Clearance and Droop
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with shorter wheelbases face limitations in occupancy area, center of gravity, ride quality, and horsepower compared to longer wheelbase vehicles, and existing frames that increase ride height compromise droop, making them susceptible to 'hang up' on terrain obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An arcuate frame design that supports a substantial portion of the vehicle, providing increased ground clearance without sacrificing droop, and featuring a longitudinal length of approximately 70% of the wheelbase distance, allowing for more droop and protection against obstacles without lowering the drive train.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the frame is raised up to increase ride height and ground clearance, then ground clearance is improved, but droop (axle movement in vertical direction) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The frame employs an arcuate (curved) geometry instead of a flat configuration. The arcuate shape allows the frame to clear obstacles while maintaining the necessary droop travel, as the curved path naturally accommodates vertical axle movement without creating hang-up points that would restrict droop.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat frame to a three-dimensional arcuate structure. This dimensional change allows the frame to achieve ground clearance through its curved elevation while preserving droop through the arc's geometry, effectively solving the contradiction by adding spatial complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If larger wheels and tires are used to increase ground clearance, then ground clearance is improved, but droop is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate frame geometry works in conjunction with larger wheels and tires to maintain droop. The curved frame shape ensures that even with increased wheel size, the frame clearance is optimized while the arc's geometry continues to permit full vertical axle travel without hang-up points.
3Ease of operation
If the transmission is lowered to compensate for lost droop, then droop is maintained, but the vehicle becomes susceptible to hang up points on terrain obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate frame shape creates a smooth curved clearance path that eliminates sharp angles and protrusions that would create hang-up points. This curved geometry allows the transmission to be positioned optimally while ensuring obstacles are cleared smoothly without catching on frame components.
4Ease of manufacture
If a flat frame is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but ground clearance is reduced and droop is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate frame introduces curvature to the traditionally flat frame design. This geometric change increases ground clearance and improves droop while remaining manufacturable through standard bending and fabrication processes, balancing performance improvement with manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An All-Terrain Vehicle with a frame comprising an arcuate shape or an elevated portion with an apex. In one embodiment, the arcuate shape or elevated portion with an apex is located between a rear axis and a front axis such that there is additional clearance over a typical non arcuate frame or a flat frame for a given ride height. The arcuate shape may be a lateral arcuate shape. The frame may also provide for additional structural strength. The frame may also include the ability to attach periphery accessories such as an engine cage, a passenger cage, trailing arms, power train and transmission.