ATV Frame Segmentation for Stability and Compact Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous all-terrain vehicles require a robust and adaptable frame structure to support operational components and traverse unprepared terrain effectively, with existing designs often compromising on stability and component mounting efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A frame structure comprising laterally spaced upper and lower main frame members with inclined forward and rearward portions, sub-frame members, and mounting brackets that define a narrowed lateral dimension and separate component spaces for efficient mounting of operational components like batteries and motors beneath an uppermost mounting plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a robust frame structure is designed to support operational components and traverse unprepared terrain, then stability and strength are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe stabilityVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is divided into multiple main frame members (left and right upper main frame members, left and right lower main frame members) that are laterally spaced and extended in the longitudinal direction. This segmentation provides structural stability while allowing each member to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main frame members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for stability, define mounting surfaces for operational components, establish the uppermost mounting plane, and create component spaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate structural elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining robustness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If operational components are mounted on the frame structure, then component mounting efficiency is improved, but the lateral dimension of the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent mounting efficiencyVSAvoidlateral dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure utilizes the vertical dimension by defining an uppermost mounting plane at the upper main frame members and positioning operational components beneath this plane. This allows components to be mounted efficiently on the frame structure without increasing the lateral dimension, as the mounting surfaces extend vertically rather than laterally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Operational components are positioned within the space defined by the laterally spaced main frame members, nesting them within the frame structure's lateral boundaries. The components are disposed entirely beneath the uppermost mounting plane, utilizing the vertical space within the existing lateral footprint of the frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the frame structure is designed with inclined portions and sub-frame members, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidframe member precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lower main frame members are divided into distinct segments: forward portions inclined upwards, rearward portions inclined upwards, and central portions extended in the lateral direction. This segmentation allows each portion to be manufactured with standard precision tolerances and then assembled to achieve the overall terrain-adaptive configuration, reducing the cumulative precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the frame members have different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions: inclined portions for terrain adaptation, central portions for lateral spacing, and horizontal upper portions for component mounting. This local optimization allows each segment to be manufactured with appropriate precision for its specific role rather than requiring high precision throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10633028B2Autonomous all-terrain vehicle frame structure

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A frame structure for an all-terrain vehicle includes left and right upper main frame members and left and right lower main frame members, each upper and lower main frame member extended in a longitudinal direction of the frame structure. The left and right upper main frame members are horizontally disposed and have upper mounting surfaces. The left and right lower main frame members have forward and rearward portions mounted to the left and right upper main frame members and central portions extended in a lateral direction of the frame structure outward of the left and right upper main frame members. Left and right first sub-frame members are mounted to the forward and rearward portions of the left and right lower main frame members, and are laterally aligned with the left and right upper main frame members in a top view of the frame structure.