Off-Road Vehicle Removable Frame and Air Intake Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing off-road recreational vehicles face challenges in design and functionality, particularly in terms of ease of maintenance, adaptability to harsh terrain, and efficient air handling and cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a removable frame assembly for easy access to the engine and transaxle, an optimized air handling, cooling, and exhaust system for muddy and wet conditions, and a configurable foot well system with living hinges for improved structural and aesthetic benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the frame assembly is made removable for easy engine access, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into removable portions and fixed portions, allowing the removable section to be detached for engine access while the fixed portion remains intact. This segmentation enables easy maintenance without requiring complete frame disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable frame portion is extracted as a separate component that can be independently removed. This extraction allows mechanics to access the engine and transaxle by simply removing the frame portion rather than disassembling the entire vehicle structure.
2Reliability
If the air handling system is optimized for muddy and wet conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling system incorporates preliminary protective measures such as elevated air intake positions and waterproof filtering mechanisms that prevent mud and water from entering the engine. This preliminary protection ensures reliable operation in harsh off-road conditions without requiring complex post-contamination cleanup systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the foot well system uses configurable panels with living hinges, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foot well system uses living hinges that allow panels to dynamically adjust between different configurations. The living hinge provides flexible movement and positioning, enabling the foot well to adapt to various rider preferences and terrain conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
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.