ATV Electric Drive Layout for Low-Center Battery Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in converting all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from internal combustion engines to electric motors is the weight and size issues associated with high-voltage batteries, which affect handling characteristics and safety due to their placement outside the chassis, leading to an unwanted high center of gravity and poor weight balance.
Innovation Solution
A drive system for ATVs that incorporates an electric motor, a primary battery located within the chassis's opposing frame rails, a control module, and a throttle device, with the electric motor rotationally connected to the wheel and tire assemblies, and optionally includes a secondary battery and transducer for recharging, allowing for improved weight distribution and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a high-voltage battery is used to provide sufficient electricity for extended travel, then the vehicle can travel a reasonable distance without recharging, but the battery has large volume and weight which is incongruous with small vehicles like ATVs
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is nested within the chassis structure, specifically mounted inside the frame rails between the rider's legs. This nesting approach allows the battery to be integrated into the existing vehicle structure rather than adding external volume, resolving the contradiction between needing large battery capacity for extended travel and maintaining a compact vehicle form factor suitable for ATVs
2Ease of manufacture
If the battery is mounted high above the rear axle to accommodate its size, then the battery can be installed, but the ATV develops an unwanted high center of gravity and poor front to rear weight balance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the battery high above the rear axle as conventionally done, the patent inverts the mounting location to low within the chassis frame rails between the rider's legs. This inversion of the mounting position lowers the center of gravity and improves weight balance while still accommodating the battery's size through integration into the frame structure
3Volume of stationary object
If the battery is mounted outside the space frame chassis, then the battery can be installed with adequate space, but the ATV's handling characteristics and safety are significantly degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The battery mounting location is merged with the chassis frame rail structure, integrating the battery into the vehicle's structural framework rather than mounting it separately outside the chassis. This merging provides adequate space for the battery while maintaining proper weight distribution and handling characteristics through low central placement within the frame
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
This configuration enhances the handling and safety of ATVs by reducing the battery's weight impact on the center of gravity and improving weight balance, while enabling efficient electric power management for extended travel distances without the need for frequent recharging.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor... The electric motor may be rotationally connected to at least one of the wheel and tire assemblies
Implementation Method 2
a primary battery... The control module may be electrically connected to, and configured to receive a charge from the primary battery
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) including an electric motor; a gearbox; four wheel and tire assemblies; a battery; a control module; and a throttle device; the electric motor is electrically connected to, and configured to receive at least a first signal from the control module; the control module is electrically connected to, and configured to receive a charge from the battery; and the throttle device is electrically connected to, and configured to send a second signal to the control module; the electric motor is rotationally connected to the gearbox, wherein at least one drive shaft is rotationally coupled to the gearbox to rotationally connect the gearbox to the four wheel and tire assemblies.