6-Wheel Electric ATV Steering With Offset Traction Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current all-terrain vehicles are either too expensive, complex, and power-intensive for young operators, limiting their accessibility and usability, especially when powered by petrol or diesel engines, and battery-powered options are impractical due to short battery life and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring offset wheels for enhanced traction, a 6-wheel drive system with electric power, and a powered steering mechanism using joysticks, along with a battery management system to extend operational life, and integrated safety features like a Deadman switch and sensors for obstacle avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If petrol or diesel engines are used to power the vehicle, then sufficient power is available for operation on difficult terrains, but the vehicle becomes too expensive to operate and maintain, and unsafe for young operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical combustion engine system with an electrical power system. The vehicle uses electric motors driven by battery packs, eliminating the need for petrol or diesel engines. This substitution provides sufficient power for difficult terrains while removing the safety hazards and high operational costs associated with combustion engines, making the vehicle suitable for young operators.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If battery power is provided to the vehicle, then operational costs are reduced and safety is improved, but battery life becomes too short and vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery power system into multiple independent battery packs rather than using a single large battery. This segmentation allows the vehicle to carry sufficient total energy capacity for extended operation while distributing the weight across multiple manageable units. The modular battery configuration enables practical battery life for young operators without excessive weight increase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional all-terrain vehicle designs are used, then the vehicle can operate on rough terrain, but the vehicle becomes too expensive and complex for young operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the vehicle with universal components and simplified systems that can be easily maintained and operated by young people. The electric powertrain, modular battery system, and simplified steering mechanism reduce overall system complexity compared to conventional all-terrain vehicles, while maintaining adequate terrain capability through the 6-wheel drive configuration and offset wheel design.
4Reliability
If offset wheels are provided to enhance traction, then grip on surface is improved, but vehicle complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies offset wheel configuration selectively to specific wheels rather than all wheels. The offset is provided on at least one wheel in each set to provide enhanced local traction and grip on the surface, while maintaining a relatively simple overall wheel configuration that does not excessively increase vehicle complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle (2) is provided for use for movement across a surface (18). The vehicle (2) includes a body (4), steering means to allow the selective steering of the vehicle (2) via first and second sets of a plurality of drive wheels (11, 12), a first set (11) mounted on one side (14) of the body (4) and a second set (12) mounted on the opposing side (16) of the body (4) so as to contact with the surface (18). At least one wheel in each set (11; 12) is provided so as to be in greater traction and/or grip with the said surface (18) than the other wheels (11; 12) in the set (12) to thereby achieve an improved steering system which requires low power consumption to achieve the steering and thereby reduce the power demand on the batteries of the vehicle (2) which are provided to drive the vehicle (2) and prolong the time of usage of the vehicle (2) between battery charging being required.