Modular Four-Wheel Platform With In-Wheel Motors for Rapid Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles are limited in versatility, requiring multiple engines for attachments, are cumbersome to use, and are not suitable for emergency or disaster scenarios due to their size and maneuverability challenges.
Innovation Solution
A modular, stackable, and electric four-wheeled vehicle with in-wheel motors, adjustable steering, and removable attachments that can transform into various forms like ATVs, UTVs, and micro cars, eliminating the need for internal combustion engines and facilitating easy storage and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines are used for multiple purposes with attachments, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to needing duplicate engines for each implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single in-wheel motor system that can power multiple different implements and vehicle configurations. The in-wheel motors provide universal power delivery to various attachments (lawnmowers, snowplows, log splitters, etc.) without requiring separate engines for each implement, thus achieving versatility while maintaining simple engine architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the traditional engine-transmission-drive shaft system and replaces it with direct in-wheel motors. This extraction eliminates the need for duplicate engines and complex intermediate transmission systems, allowing each wheel to be independently powered and enabling easy attachment/detachment of various implements without carrying unnecessary engine components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional implements are bolted onto ATV engines, then attachment functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to being cumbersome and time-consuming to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vehicle into modular components: the base vehicle platform, the in-wheel motor system, and detachable implements. Each implement can be independently attached or detached from the vehicle body without affecting the core vehicle structure or requiring engine disassembly, making operations simple and time-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configurability where the vehicle can quickly transition between different implement configurations. The in-wheel motor system maintains continuous power availability during attachment/detachment operations, and the modular design allows implements to be swapped without fixed mechanical constraints, enabling rapid reconfiguration for different tasks.
3Quantity of substance
If large trucks and vans are used for cargo delivery, then cargo carrying capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty maneuvering through narrow city streets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from traditional large-volume cargo vehicles to a compact four-wheeled platform with optimized geometry. The vehicle achieves enhanced maneuverability through its compact dimensions and independent wheel steering capability, while maintaining practical cargo carrying capacity through efficient space utilization and modular cargo configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the vehicle's steering and wheel configuration, where each wheel can be independently controlled and steered. This asymmetric control system allows the compact vehicle to achieve maneuverability characteristics similar to larger vehicles, enabling tight turning radii and flexible navigation through narrow streets while maintaining adequate cargo capacity.
4Ease of operation
If manual carts and trolleys are used for short-distance movement, then ease of operation is improved, but speed and travel distance capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by equipping the cart-like vehicle with autonomous in-wheel motor systems that provide self-propulsion. The vehicle maintains the simple, manual operation interface of traditional carts but adds electric motor assistance that enables self-driven operation, achieving both ease of operation and enhanced travel speed and distance capability without requiring manual pushing or pulling.
Data Source
AI summary
A versatile, modular, and stackable four-wheeled mobile platform vehicle includes a chassis having a substantially flat deck and an in-built compartment for housing battery module(s). The vehicle includes a steering assembly with a steering column configured to be selectively used in a first configuration, a second configuration, or a third configuration. The vehicle further comprises a relatively flat suspension system, and attachment provisions provided on and around the chassis for removably attaching one or more attachments to transform the vehicle into one or more useful vehicle types. The chassis allows mounting of seat(s) in multiple seating configurations. Further, each of the four wheels is motor-controlled, and is coupled to the chassis to support the chassis for rolling on a surface using a pair of control arms.