Stowable Arm System for ATV Implement Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with removable vehicle implements, such as plows, face inconvenience due to the difficulty in easily removing and reattaching them, leading to space occupancy issues in garages during the winter season.
Innovation Solution
A stowable arm system is integrated into the ATV, allowing the arm to pivot between a connected position for the vehicle implement and a stowed position, utilizing a locking mechanism and a lifting assembly with a winch and cable system to facilitate easy removal and reattachment, ensuring the arm is complementary in shape with the vehicle's frame for space-efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plow is permanently bolted to the ATV, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the ATV occupies excessive garage space throughout the winter season
Solution Approach 1:
The plow assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to pivot between a lowered working position and a raised stowed position. The arm assembly with pivot points and locking mechanisms enables the plow to be dynamically repositioned rather than fixed in one location, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and space efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If the plow is made easily removable, then garage space is optimized, but the connection and reattachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plow assembly is segmented into multiple components including the plow body, push frame, and arm assembly with separate pivot points. This segmentation allows the plow to be divided into removable sections that can be easily detached and reattached, reducing the complexity of the overall connection process while maintaining ease of removal
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly includes pre-positioned pivot points, locking mechanisms, and alignment features that are prepared in advance. These preliminary structural arrangements simplify the connection and reattachment process by providing predetermined mounting locations and engagement points, reducing the complexity of the assembly operation
3Ease of operation
If the arm is positioned horizontally for implement connection, then the implement can be easily attached, but the arm cannot be stowed vertically to save space
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly is designed to dynamically change its orientation from a horizontal position during implement attachment to a vertical stowed position. Multiple pivot points and locking mechanisms enable this dynamic repositioning, allowing the arm to assume different configurations based on operational requirements versus storage needs
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal plane configuration during attachment to a three-dimensional vertical arrangement during stowing. This dimensional change allows the implement connection function to be maintained while the storage footprint is minimized by utilizing vertical space instead of horizontal space
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 easy and efficient removal and reattachment of vehicle implements, reducing storage space requirements by allowing the implement to be vertically stowed above the vehicle, thus optimizing garage space usage.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is abutting the frame and the at least one arm. The spring biases the at least one arm toward the first position.
Implementation Method 2
A lock is disposed on at least one of the at least one arm and the frame. The lock locks the at least one arm in the second position.
Implementation Method 3
The lifting assembly includes a winch disposed on the one of the front portion and the rear portion of the frame. A cable is wound on the winch. The cable is engaged with the at least one arm.
Implementation Method 4
A cable is wound on the winch. The cable is engaged with the at least one arm. Winding the cable around the winch causes the at least one arm to move toward the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one arm, adapted to connect to a vehicle implement, is pivotally connected to one of front and rear portions of a frame of a motorized vehicle. The at least one arm is pivotable between a first position and a second position vertically higher than the first position. A lock, disposed on at least one of the at least one arm and the frame, locks the at least one arm in the second position. When in the first position, the at least one arm is in a position for connection with the vehicle implement. When in the second position, the at least one arm is in a stowed position. The at least one arm has a shape at least partially generally complementary with a portion of a corresponding one of a front portion and a rear portion of the vehicle. A vehicle implement assembly is also provided.