Modular Utility Vehicle with Pivotable Cargo Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current utility vehicles lack modularity to easily convert between four-wheeled and six-wheeled configurations, limiting their operational flexibility and adaptability for different tasks.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle features a modular design with a main frame and cargo platforms that can be modified by adding or removing subsections, allowing conversion between four-wheeled and six-wheeled configurations through pivotable and non-pivotable couplings, and adjustable cargo platforms that can extend or change configuration to accommodate various loads and accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is designed with a fixed four-wheeled configuration, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different tasks requiring six-wheeled configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into modular sections including a main body and detachable subsections with ground engagement members. These segments can be connected or separated independently, allowing the vehicle to reconfigure between four-wheeled and six-wheeled configurations. The cargo platform is also segmented into movable portions that can be repositioned or removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle incorporates dynamic elements such as pivotable couplings that allow subsections to be attached or detached, and movable cargo platform portions that can shift position. These dynamic features enable the vehicle to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cargo platform is made fixed and rigid, then structural integrity is maintained, but flexibility to accommodate various loads and accessories is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo platform is divided into a main platform and movable portions that can be independently positioned or removed. This segmentation allows the platform to be reconfigured for different cargo types while the main platform structure maintains structural integrity. The detachable portions can be stored when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo platform is designed with universal coupling mechanisms and mounting points that can accommodate various accessories, cargo configurations, and attachment devices. The same platform structure serves multiple functions including cargo carrying, accessory mounting, and configuration adjustment.
3Reliability
If subsections are permanently attached to convert to six-wheeled configuration, then operational stability is improved, but ease of conversion between configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanisms between the main body and subsections are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than permanently fixed. Pivotable couplings allow the subsections to be easily attached or detached, and the movable cargo platform portions can be repositioned without permanent installation, enabling quick configuration changes while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediary coupling devices and mounting mechanisms serve as mediators between the vehicle body and subsections. These intermediaries allow for easy attachment and detachment while ensuring stable connection during operation, facilitating quick configuration changes without permanent modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple embodiments are disclosed which display modularity for accomplishing multiple modes of operation for a utility vehicle. The utility vehicle (100) may include a rear cargo platform (450), a plurality of connection points (460) disposed in matrix and adapted to couple an item to the rear cargo platform, and three or more couplings (490) for adding a subsection (470) in a non-pivotable manner or pivotably coupling the rear cargo platform. The vehicle may be a four-wheeled vehicle that coverts to a six-wheeled vehicle by the addition of the subsection. The utility vehicle may include a subsection cargo platform which may be coupled to the rear cargo platform and may pivot rearward. The utility vehicle may include couplings for adding a second subsection.