Lateral Flexible Cover for Recreational Utility Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational utility vehicles (RUVs) with open cockpit areas pose risks to drivers and passengers due to the lack of protection during off-road use, necessitating a solution that enhances safety without enclosing the cabin.
Innovation Solution
A lateral flexible cover system for RUVs, comprising flexible straps and mesh panels, is integrated with the roll cage and frame, allowing easy ingress and egress while providing protection by selectively extending across the lateral passages, secured via a buckle and attachment points, and featuring stretchable portions for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full enclosed cabin is used to protect riders, then safety is improved, but the enjoyment of off-road riding and open design is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral cover is designed to be selectively deployable rather than permanently fixed. It can be extended across the lateral passage when protection is needed and retracted when open access is desired, allowing the system to dynamically adapt between protected and open configurations based on riding conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral cover utilizes flexible mesh material that can conform to the vehicle structure while allowing visibility and airflow. This flexible barrier provides protection without the constraints of rigid enclosed cabin structures, maintaining the open feel while improving safety
2Ease of operation
If lateral passages remain open for easy ingress and egress, then ease of operation is improved, but protection during riding is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral cover transitions between open and closed states dynamically. During ingress and egress, the cover is retracted to allow easy access. Once the rider is positioned, the cover extends to provide protection, thus achieving both ease of operation and protection at different operational phases
3Reliability
If a rigid protective structure is installed, then protection is improved, but the open design and airflow are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral cover employs mesh material that acts as a flexible barrier. This material provides structural protection while allowing wind and air to pass through, maintaining ventilation and the open design aesthetic without compromising rider safety
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh construction of the lateral cover creates a porous structure that physically blocks hazards while permitting airflow. This allows the system to provide protection without creating a sealed environment, preserving natural ventilation during off-road riding
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a cockpit area and lateral passages for the ingress and egress of a rider to and from the cockpit area. At least one lateral flexible cover selectively extends at least partially across at least one of the lateral passages. The cover has at least one upper attachment point connected to the roll cage, at least one lower attachment point connected to one of the frame and the roll cage, and a forward attachment point selectively connected to one of the frame and the roll cage. When the forward attachment point is connected to the one of the frame and the roll cage, the at least one lateral flexible cover extends forwardly and downwardly from the at least one upper attachment point to the forward attachment point, and forwardly and upwardly from the at least one lower attachment point to the forward attachment point.