Movable Seat Support Frame for Engine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face difficulty in maintaining the engine unit of four-wheeled utility vehicles due to surrounding frame members that obstruct access, particularly when performing maintenance tasks like belt changes in the belt-drive CVT.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle body frame includes separable seat support frame members that can be moved away from the engine unit, allowing easier access and maintenance by being removably mounted with fastening devices or hinges, thereby reducing obstacles during maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If frame members are arranged to surround the engine unit for structural support, then vehicle body strength is improved, but operator access to the engine unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members surrounding the engine unit are divided into fixed portions and movable portions. The movable portions can be selectively displaced to provide operator access to the engine unit while the fixed portions maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle body. This segmentation allows the frame to simultaneously provide strength and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members transition from a static configuration to a dynamic one, where selected frame members can be moved between a first position (providing structural support) and a second position (providing operator access). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the frame to adapt its configuration based on operational needs.
2Volume of moving object
If frame members are positioned close to the engine unit for compact design, then vehicle compactness is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are designed with movable portions that can be displaced from a first position (maintaining compact vehicle design) to a second position (providing maintenance access). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the vehicle to maintain compact dimensions during operation while providing adequate access space during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is segmented into fixed and movable portions, where the movable portions can be selectively positioned to balance compactness and maintenance accessibility. This segmentation enables the frame to provide structural support in a compact configuration while allowing access when needed for maintenance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If engine unit is surrounded by frame members for structural support, then vehicle stability is improved, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are configured to be movable between a first position (providing structural support and stability) and a second position (providing maintenance access). By moving the frame members to the second position, operators can access the engine unit without completely disassembling the vehicle structure, thereby reducing maintenance time while preserving stability when the members are in the first position.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into fixed and movable portions, allowing selective access to the engine unit by moving only the necessary frame members. This segmentation enables maintenance operations to be performed more quickly by avoiding complete disassembly, thus reducing maintenance time while maintaining vehicle stability through the fixed portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A four-wheeled utility vehicle including an engine unit mounted in the utility vehicle; and a vehicle body frame including a frame member that is disposed in the vicinity of the engine unit and is partially movable relative to the engine unit.