Modular Rough Terrain Vehicle Leveling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles designed for off-road use experience tilting and discomfort for operators when traversing uneven terrain, leading to fatigue and potential rollover risks due to fixed wheelbases and rigid frames.
Innovation Solution
A modular rough terrain vehicle with pivotable frame arms and adjustable cross-members, equipped with rotatable wheels and length-adjustable members, along with an automatic leveling system to maintain the vehicle body in a level orientation, utilizing pivot axles and stabilizer arms for lateral stability and a hydraulic control system for precise adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame and fixed wheelbase are used, then structural strength is improved, but vehicle body stability on uneven terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle frame is divided into multiple articulated segments including front frame arms, rear frame arms, and a central pivot connection. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently to adapt to terrain variations while maintaining overall structural integrity and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle employs dynamic frame arms that can pivot and adjust their orientation in real-time based on terrain conditions. The front and rear frame arms are connected through a central pivot, enabling the vehicle to dynamically reconfigure its geometry to maintain stability on uneven surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle body tilts to match the terrain slope, then wheel-ground contact is improved, but operator comfort and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated frame mechanism acts as a counterbalancing system that offsets the terrain-induced tilt. By dynamically adjusting the frame geometry through pivot movements, the system counteracts the tilting effect to maintain a level operator platform while preserving wheel contact with the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses dynamic geometric adjustment through articulated frame arms that can change their relative positions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the vehicle to adapt to terrain slopes while maintaining operator platform levelness, resolving the conflict between wheel contact and operator comfort.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed wheelbase is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to uneven terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelbase is segmented into multiple articulated frame arms rather than being a single fixed structure. This segmentation provides manufacturing simplicity through standardized pivot connections while enabling adaptability as each segment can independently adjust to terrain variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelbase transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic articulated structure. The front and rear frame arms can pivot relative to each other, allowing the wheelbase length and orientation to adapt dynamically to uneven terrain while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer including a plurality of rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of said main frame, each of which includes a tandem with a plurality of wheels mounted thereto; a U-shaped cross member for maintaining said main frame level from side to side; at least one length-adjustable member operatively connected to said main frame and at least one of said plurality of frame arms; selective movement of said length-adjustable member causing said distal end of at least one of said plurality of frame arms to move up or down; and an automatic leveling system for moving each said length-adjustable members and each said corresponding frame arm such that said main frame is maintained in a relatively level orientation when said trailer encounters uneven terrain.