Electric Delivery Vehicle Cab Structure for Access and Visibility

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

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 hinder their effectiveness in delivery applications.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a frame structure with an operator cage, movable racks, integrated electric motors, advanced braking systems, impact management systems, and biometric door locks, along with a cap roof and canopy for enhanced access and visibility, supporting a gross vehicular weight rating between 10,001 and 14,000 pounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional electric delivery vehicles are designed with basic access features, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but operator accessibility and visibility are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator accessibilityVSAvoidvehicle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle body is divided into modular sections including operator cabin, cargo compartments, and service areas. Doors are segmented into multiple panels with independent operation capabilities. This segmentation allows operators to access different areas independently and improves overall accessibility without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces side-loading doors and elevated platform access points that provide alternative access routes beyond traditional front/rear entry. This multi-dimensional access approach allows operators to enter and exit the vehicle from multiple locations, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional electric delivery vehicles use standard braking systems, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and operational control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidbraking system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system integrates multiple functions including regenerative braking, friction braking, and hill-hold control into a unified electronic control unit. This merging of functions improves safety and operational reliability while managing complexity through centralized electronic control rather than separate mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional purely mechanical braking systems with an electronically controlled braking system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and electronic actuators. This substitution enables more precise control, improved safety features such as anti-lock braking and emergency brake assist, while allowing for diagnostic and control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Weight of moving object

If conventional electric delivery vehicles use separate mounting for electric motors, then ease of manufacture is improved, but vehicle weight and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle weightVSAvoidmotor integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electric motor assemblies are integrated directly into the wheel hubs, combining the motor, transmission, and wheel into a single unified component. This hub motor integration eliminates separate mounting structures, reduces overall vehicle weight, and simplifies the drivetrain while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where the electric motor is positioned within the wheel assembly, with the motor housing serving as part of the wheel structure. This nesting approach minimizes external mounting requirements and reduces the number of separate components, thereby reducing weight and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Strength

If conventional electric delivery vehicles lack impact management systems, then device complexity is reduced, but structural integrity and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidimpact management system

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle incorporates an impact management system with energy-absorbing structures positioned at the front and rear bumpers, frame rails, and critical structural areas. These structures are designed to deform in controlled ways during impact events, absorbing energy before it reaches the operator cabin and cargo areas, thereby maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250018850A1Land vehicles adapted for use as electric delivery vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 WORKHORSE GROUP INC

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.