Electric Delivery Vehicle Cabin Access and Blind-Spot Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically-powered utility and delivery vehicles face limitations in design and functionality, particularly in terms of access, visibility, and safety features, which impact their effectiveness in delivery applications.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a frame structure with an operator cage, wheels, and a body featuring a movable rack system, integrated electric motors, advanced braking systems, impact management, and biometric door locks, along with a cap roof and canopy for enhanced access and visibility, addressing the limitations of conventional vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional door configurations are used in electric delivery vehicles, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but operator access and visibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is divided into multiple access points including first and second doors on opposite sidewalls, allowing operators to access the operator cabin from different sides. This segmentation provides flexibility for different delivery scenarios and improves ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An opera window is added to the second sidewall at a different longitudinal position than the second door, creating a multi-dimensional viewing arrangement. This allows the operator to see around corners and visualize areas not visible through traditional side mirrors alone.
2Loss of information
If traditional viewing systems are used, then device complexity is minimized, but visualization of rear and side areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing system is segmented into multiple components: side mirrors mounted on the cap roof for general side viewing, and opera windows positioned at specific locations for corner and rear area visualization. Each component serves a specific viewing function, collectively providing comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The opera window acts as an intermediary viewing point that allows the operator to see areas that are not directly visible from the operator seat. It mediates the line of sight to include rearward and corner areas that would otherwise be blind spots.
3Productivity
If conventional rack positioning is used, then device complexity is reduced, but delivery efficiency and operator convenience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is made movable along tracks in the operator cabin, allowing it to be positioned dynamically between a stowed position (distant from operator seat) and a delivery position (close to operator seat). This dynamic positioning improves delivery efficiency by allowing operators to easily access items at different locations.
4Reliability
If basic safety features are implemented, then device complexity is minimized, but operator and cargo protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is segmented into multiple independent components: operator cage for operator protection, impact management system for cargo and structural protection, and door locks with fingerprint recognition for security. Each component addresses a specific safety concern independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact management system is positioned forward of the operator cage and is designed to deform during impact events, absorbing collision forces before they reach the operator and cargo areas. This beforehand cushioning protects occupants and cargo from impact forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels supported by the frame structure, and a body supported by the frame structure. The frame structure includes an operator cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the operator cage in a longitudinal direction. The body includes a first sidewall arranged on one side of the vehicle and a second sidewall arranged on another side of the vehicle opposite the first sidewall.