Modular Electric Maintenance Vehicle With Interchangeable Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf course and turf care machines are inefficient, noisy, and environmentally unfriendly, requiring multiple machines for different tasks, leading to high costs, energy consumption, and limited utility rates, with a lack of innovation and eco-friendly solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular, scalable, and all-electric machine design with interchangeable components, including a modular electric drive system, positioning system, and servo motors for steerable wheels, allowing for multi-purpose operations and autonomous or manned operation, with interchangeable implements and battery packs for efficient, silent, and sustainable maintenance and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for different maintenance tasks, then task specialization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal maintenance machine with a common chassis that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable implements. The machine can be configured with different attachments such as mowing decks, aerators, and spreaders, allowing a single machine to replace multiple specialized machines while maintaining task-specific capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance machine is divided into modular components: a common chassis/platform and separate interchangeable implements. This segmentation allows the base machine to remain relatively simple while complexity is distributed across multiple swapable attachments, each optimized for a specific task
2Power
If traditional combustion engine machines are used, then power and speed are improved, but environmental harm and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces combustion engines with electric drive systems. Electric motors provide comparable or superior power output while eliminating exhaust emissions and significantly reducing noise levels. The electric powertrain includes motors, controllers, and energy storage systems integrated into the chassis
3Ease of operation
If single-purpose machines are used, then operational simplicity is improved, but productivity and utility rate decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The machine system is made dynamic through the ability to quickly interchange implements based on task requirements. The quick-attach mechanism allows operators to swap between different maintenance implements rapidly, enabling the same machine to adapt to varying operational needs without lengthy reconfiguration processes
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
The solution enables high utility rates, reduced energy consumption, and increased efficiency by performing multiple tasks with a single machine, minimizing turf trampling, and providing year-round operation with reduced noise and emissions, enhancing golf course maintenance and urban transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a modular scalable frame with battery incorporated into on the scalable frame
Implementation Method 2
each drive unit includes a planetary gear, and servo motor for each of the front and rear wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for a modular multipurpose machine or vehicle, including a modular scalable frame with battery incorporated into on the scalable frame; a modular electric drive system; and modular attachments or components for configuring the machine or vehicle for a plurality of maintenance or transportation functions. The modular electric drive system includes a power train with respective drive units for each of the front and rear wheels, each drive unit includes a planetary gear, and servo motor for each of the front and rear wheels. The power train includes steerable or non-steerable wheel power units, housing the respective drive units, and including respective servo controllers for each of the front and rear wheels. The wheel power units are configured for single, double or triple wheel configurations.