Electric ATV Battery Layout With Convertible Cargo Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for electric utility and all-terrain vehicles that can efficiently traverse various terrains while reducing environmental impact, as traditional combustion-based powertrains are less common in these vehicles and not aligned with current societal and regulatory trends towards green technology.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electric vehicle with a frame supporting front and rear ground engaging members, an electric powertrain, and a cargo area, featuring batteries integrated into the vehicle structure, with a powertrain assembly that includes motors and inverters to provide mechanical power to the wheels, and seating areas that can accommodate passengers with foldable seatbacks to increase storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an electric powertrain is used instead of a combustion engine, then environmental impact is reduced and green technology compliance is improved, but vehicle weight increases due to battery integration
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is integrated into the lower frame portion of the vehicle, nesting the power source within the existing structural framework. This placement utilizes otherwise unused space and incorporates the battery as part of the vehicle's structural assembly, thereby managing the weight penalty of electrification more effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is positioned in the vertical dimension within the lower frame portion, below the upper frame and cargo area. This vertical arrangement allows the battery to occupy space in a different dimension rather than extending the vehicle's length or width, optimizing the weight distribution and spatial utilization
2Area of moving object
If batteries are integrated into the vehicle structure, then space utilization is improved and component count is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is merged with the lower frame portion to form an integrated powertrain assembly. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall vehicle architecture, making the vehicle easier to manufacture despite the initial complexity of battery integration
Solution Approach 2:
The lower frame portion serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the battery, and forms part of the powertrain assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated battery compartments or mounting structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing
3Volume of stationary object
If cargo area space is maximized, then storage capacity is improved, but seating area space may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle space is segmented into distinct zones: the upper frame portion contains the cargo area and seating area, while the lower frame portion houses the battery. This vertical segmentation allows the cargo area to be maximized in the upper space without compromising the seating area, as the battery occupies the lower volume that would otherwise be unusable for cargo or seating
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
This configuration enables efficient off-road capability, reduces environmental impact, and provides versatile storage solutions by integrating batteries into the vehicle design, enhancing both performance and cargo capacity.
Implementation Method 1
one or more batteries electrically coupled to at least one inverter that is configured to supply a selected power to at least one motor that is configured to transfer via at least one gearcase mechanical power to at least one of the front and rear ground engaging members
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include an electric powertrain drivingly coupled to at least one of a plurality of ground engaging members. The vehicle may include an operator area supported by the frame and at least one of a front cargo area positioned forward of the operator area and a rear cargo area positioned rearward of the seating area. The rear cargo area may include a cargo box and at least one storage compartment. The at least one storage compartment may be arranged vertically below at least a portion of a floor panel of the cargo box and may include a plurality of discrete interior regions. The vehicle may include seating having extendable panels to form along with seat backs a support surface of a storage area in one arrangement. The storage area may include the floor of the cargo box.