Foldable Battery and Suspension Layout for Portable Off-Road EVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-highway vehicles for recreational use, such as ATVs and UTVs, face challenges in portability as they require towing by highway licensed vehicles, which is inconvenient and poses safety risks due to the need for trailers and unfamiliar towing techniques.
Innovation Solution
The development of foldable off-road electric vehicles with a chassis and foldable battery module that can rotate, allowing for a reduced footprint for transport, along with adjustable suspension and frame configurations to facilitate compact storage and easy transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-highway vehicles are designed for recreational use with adequate power and stability, then they can perform off-road functions effectively, but their size and weight increase making them difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separable components including a chassis, battery module, and wheel assembly. The battery module can be detached and carried separately, while the wheel assembly can be removed and stored in the cargo well, allowing the main chassis to be transported more easily despite maintaining full off-road capability when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is designed to collapse vertically into the cargo well beneath the chassis, utilizing the vertical dimension for storage rather than occupying lateral space. This allows the vehicle to maintain full wheelbase for off-road performance while reducing its transport footprint to fit within the vehicle body
2Ease of operation
If non-highway vehicles are equipped with standard towing requirements including trailers and hitches, then they can be transported on public highways, but the complexity and safety risks increase due to unfamiliar towing techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle integrates its own propulsion system with removable battery modules, allowing it to drive itself onto transport vehicles or to designated locations without requiring external towing equipment. The electric motor and battery combination eliminates the need for trailers, hitches, and associated towing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is self-propelled through its integrated electric motor system, capable of moving itself under its own power for short distances to and from transport points. This self-service capability eliminates dependence on external towing services and equipment, simplifying the transport process
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable non-highway electric vehicle (EV) for recreational use. The non-highway EV may include a chassis and a foldable battery module coupled to the chassis. The foldable battery module may fold to a position to allow portable transport of the non-highway EV. Suspension may control movement of the wheels relative to the chassis. The suspension may also be set in a plurality of different configurations, including a configuration where the suspension is set in a transport position. With the battery folded and the suspension set in the transport position, the footprint of the non-highway EV may be significantly reduced, to allow for convenient transportation of the non-highway EV.