Modular Frame Conversion for Utility Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility vehicles lack the ability to easily convert between four-wheel and six-wheel configurations while maintaining independent suspension systems, which limits their versatility and operational capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable vehicle design featuring a modular frame system that can be removably coupled to a main frame through multiple connections, allowing for conversion between four-wheel and six-wheel configurations, with independent suspension systems and additional features like on-demand spare components for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a utility vehicle is designed with a fixed four-wheel configuration, then the vehicle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the vehicle cannot be converted to a six-wheel configuration, limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle frame is divided into a main frame and a modular frame that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The modular frame includes wheel assemblies and support structures that can be attached to or removed from the main frame, enabling conversion between four-wheel and six-wheel configurations without redesigning the entire vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The main frame is designed with universal mounting interfaces and connection points that can accommodate different modular frame configurations. The same main frame can support various wheel arrangements (four-wheel, six-wheel, or other configurations) by simply changing the modular attachments, making the base vehicle platform multi-functional.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular frame system with multiple connections is used to enable conversion between configurations, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Connection interfaces, mounting brackets, and fastening mechanisms are pre-configured and pre-positioned on both the main frame and modular frame components during manufacturing. Alignment features and guide structures are built-in to ensure proper positioning before final assembly, reducing the skill level and time required for field assembly and disassembly operations.
3Reliability
If independent suspension systems are maintained during configuration conversion, then vehicle stability and performance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into independent suspension units, each associated with a specific wheel assembly. Each suspension unit operates independently with its own shock absorbers, springs, and linkage mechanisms, allowing the suspension to function effectively whether the vehicle has four wheels or six wheels, without requiring a completely different suspension architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a base portion and a modular portion. The base portion may be a four wheel vehicle having an operator area with seating for at least two occupants in a side-by-side arrangement. The modular portion may be coupled to the base portion resulting in a six wheel vehicle. The wheels of the modular portion may be powered by an engine of the base portion.