Electric ATV Battery Placement Within Frame Rails for Stable Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in converting all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from internal combustion engines to electric motors is the weight and volume of high-voltage batteries, which affect handling characteristics and safety due to their high center of gravity and poor weight balance when mounted outside the chassis.
Innovation Solution
A drive system for ATVs that incorporates an electric motor, a primary battery located within the chassis's frame rails, a control module, and a throttle device, with the electric motor connected to the wheel and tire assemblies, and optional features like a step-down converter and transducer for voltage management, allowing for efficient and balanced power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the battery is mounted outside the chassis (high above the rear axle), then the electric motor can receive sufficient power, but the ATV's handling characteristics deteriorate due to high center of gravity and poor weight balance
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the traditional external mounting location (above rear axle) and relocated to a new position within the chassis frame rails, separating the power source from the problematic external mounting while maintaining power delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The battery mounting location transitions from a vertical dimension (high above rear axle) to a horizontal dimension (within frame rails between front and rear axles), changing the spatial arrangement to achieve better weight distribution while maintaining power delivery
2Power
If the battery is mounted outside the chassis, then the electric motor can be powered, but the weight distribution becomes unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the external mounting position and repositioned within the chassis structure, removing the source of weight imbalance while preserving power delivery function
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is positioned asymmetrically within the frame rails (not centered), allowing optimization of weight distribution between front and rear axles while maintaining structural integrity and power delivery
3Duration of action of moving object
If a high-voltage battery is used to provide sufficient electricity, then the vehicle can travel longer distances, but the battery volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery voltage parameter is increased to high-voltage levels, which increases energy density and extends travel distance while the compact form factor mitigates the weight and volume increase through optimized spatial arrangement within the frame rails
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 improves the handling and safety of ATVs by reducing the weight imbalance and providing a more efficient power system, enabling longer travel distances without recharging while maintaining a low center of gravity.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor... The electric motor may be rotationally connected to at least one of the wheel and tire assemblies
Implementation Method 2
a primary battery... The control module may be electrically connected to, and configured to receive a charge from the primary battery
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) comprises an electric motor, at least three wheel and tire assemblies, a primary battery, a control module and a throttle device. The primary battery may be located within at least two opposing frame rails of a chassis of the all-terrain vehicle.