Dynamic Joint Structure for ATV Steering Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) lack a configurable design that can accommodate both sportive and conservative riding experiences, as they typically favor extreme or restrained riding styles, necessitating a mechanism that can seamlessly transition between these modes.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic joint structure (DJS) is introduced, comprising an upper and middle suspension plate connected by a bolt with a restriction unit, allowing the chassis to tilt and translate lateral movements into steering motions for both front and rear wheels, enabling enhanced steering capabilities through adjustable elastic elements and motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed steering mechanism is used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot accommodate both sportive and conservative riding experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic joint structure that allows the steering mechanism to transition between locked and unlocked states. The dynamic joint connects the chassis to the wheel assembly, enabling it to adapt between fixed (conservative riding) and movable (sportive riding) configurations, thus providing versatility without requiring completely separate steering systems for each riding mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rigidity parameter of the steering mechanism by engaging or disengaging the dynamic joint. When locked, the joint provides rigid connection for stable conservative riding; when unlocked, it allows flexible movement for sportive riding. This parameter change enables the same structure to serve multiple riding purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dynamic joint structure with elastic elements is used, then the steering adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of steering control, suspension, and rigidity adjustment into a single dynamic joint structure. The connector assembly integrates the elastic element, locking mechanism, and joint structure together, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing overall system complexity while achieving multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic joint structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a steering connector, provides suspension through elastic elements, enables mode transition via locking mechanism, and adjusts rigidity. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the elastic element restricts bolt movement, then the steering precision is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the suspension plates, providing controlled resistance to bolt movement. This intermediary mechanism enables precise steering control by allowing gradual, controlled movement rather than abrupt changes, while the simple elastic element design keeps the restriction unit structure relatively uncomplicated.
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
The DJS facilitates improved steering and stability by translating chassis tilts into rotational wheel movements, allowing for both sportive and conservative riding experiences by adjusting the rigidity of elastic joints, enhancing the vehicle's ability to navigate various terrains and turn sharply.
Implementation Method 1
a restriction unit comprising an elastic element positioned around an area of the bolt, and a ring element configured and located to surround the elastic element, wherein the at least one connector assembly is configured such that the bolt is to be inserted through the at least one upper and middle openings of the upper and middle suspension plates respectively, wherein the restriction unit is configured and located such as to restrict movement of the bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic joint structure (DJS) for movably connecting a wheel set to a chassis of a vehicle, and a vehicle including a front such DJS and a rear such DJS. The DJS includes an upper suspension plate having at least one upper recess with an upper opening; a middle suspension plate having at least one middle recess with a middle opening; and at least one connector assembly including: (i) an elongated bolt defining an insert axis “Zi” along its longer side; and (ii) a restriction unit configured to restrict the movement of the bolt over an XiYi plane that is perpendicular to Zi, for enhancing translation of tilting movements of the chassis of the vehicle into steering movements of the vehicle's wheels set to which the DJS connects.