Modular Off-Road Vehicle Frame for Fast Suspension Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles require improved suspensions, frames, and modular construction to enhance accessibility and maintenance efficiency without significant time or effort, as existing designs often complicate component replacement and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates removable frame portions, such as lower front and rear subframes, and a rear suspension system with adjustable wishbone trailing arms, allowing for modular removal of components like the engine, transmission, and rear drive assembly, while maintaining the integrity of the rear suspension, and featuring a coil-over configuration for improved torsional force management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If modular construction with removable frame portions is implemented, then ease of repair and maintenance accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle frame is divided into modular sections including removable front and rear subframes. These subframes can be independently removed to access underlying components such as the engine, transmission, and rear drive assembly, enabling maintenance without complete vehicle disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and makes removable specific frame portions (front subframe, rear subframe) from the overall vehicle structure. This allows these sections to be separated and removed independently, providing direct access to components that would otherwise be embedded within the frame structure.
2Ease of repair
If components are made removable for easy maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential structural compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into removable subframes that are designed to maintain structural integrity when attached. The front subframe and rear subframe are engineered as complete modular units that can be removed and reinstalled without compromising the overall frame strength or vehicle safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable subframes are designed with pre-engineered attachment and detachment mechanisms that ensure proper alignment and secure connection. This beforehand preparation prevents improper installation that could compromise structural integrity, allowing easy removal while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wishbone trailing arms are used for suspension, then adaptability and adjustment capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wishbone trailing arms incorporate adjustable features that allow dynamic modification of suspension geometry, specifically camber angle. This enables the suspension system to be adapted for different racing conditions and vehicle setups without requiring complete suspension redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The wishbone trailing arms serve multiple functions: providing suspension support, enabling camber adjustment, and maintaining wheel alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, balancing adaptability with system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An off-road vehicle includes a frame, a front suspension, and a rear suspension. In some examples of the off-road vehicle, the rear suspension includes trailing arms with are pivotally attached to the frame rearward of an operator area. Further, the frame can include a front subframe assembly and a rear subframe assembly which are easily removable from the main frame of the vehicle to permit access to various components of the off-road vehicle.