Removable Frame Assembly for Off-Road Engine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing off-road recreational vehicles face challenges in efficiently handling harsh off-road conditions, particularly in terms of engine accessibility, component durability, and ergonomic design, which affect performance and ease of maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a removable frame assembly, optimized air and cooling systems, and a modular foot well system, along with a straddle seat and ground engaging members, to enhance durability, reduce weight, and improve ergonomic features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the engine is positioned within a enclosed frame structure, then the vehicle structure is more rigid and protected, but engine accessibility for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into removable portions that can be detached to provide access to the engine. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain structural integrity when assembled while enabling easy engine access when needed for maintenance or retrieval.
2Reliability
If the frame structure is made more robust to handle harsh off-road terrain, then vehicle durability is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with removable portions. This allows the frame to be robust when needed for durability while being reducible in mass when the removable portions are detached, optimizing the weight-strength tradeoff for different operational scenarios.
3Ease of manufacture
If the seat structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ergonomic support and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seat structure incorporates varying densities and material properties in different regions to provide targeted ergonomic support where needed while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity. This allows enhanced comfort in critical areas without complicating the entire manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include an off-road vehicle with a straddle seat, a plurality of ground engaging members, a prime mover and a frame having a removable frame portion overlying the prime mover, wherein at least a portion of the engine extends above at least a portion of the removable frame portion, and wherein at least a portion of the straddle seat extends over the removable frame portion and the prime mover.