Side-by-Side ATV Layout With Raised Seats and Under-Seat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side-by-side all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles often lack optimal seating and storage configurations, particularly with the driver seated low or high, which can restrict passenger experience and cargo capacity, and do not efficiently utilize space for powertrain and storage units.
Innovation Solution
The design features a vehicle frame with a raised seat frame, a rearward-positioned powertrain, and a rear suspension system with alignment arms that allow for a larger space between front and rear connection points, enabling better distribution of components and storage under the seats, including an electronic assembly, while maintaining a robust roll cage and cargo storage with tie-downs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the driver sits low in the vehicle, then the vehicle structure is simplified, but the passenger experience and shared viewpoint are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional low-seating arrangement to a raised seating position, effectively changing the vertical dimension of the seating arrangement. This dimensional change allows both driver and passenger to experience elevated viewpoints while maintaining structural feasibility through the use of a raised seat frame supported by the vehicle frame.
2Ease of operation
If the driver sits high in the vehicle, then the passenger experience and shared viewpoint are improved, but the vehicle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driver's seat and passenger's seat into a unified raised seating arrangement, where both seats share the same elevated platform level. This consolidation approach simplifies the overall structure compared to providing separate elevated seating systems, while still delivering the beneficial shared viewpoint experience to both occupants.
3Quantity of substance
If space is allocated for powertrain and storage units, then cargo hauling capability is improved, but available space for seating is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle interior space into distinct functional zones: the raised seating area occupies the upper mid-portion of the vehicle, while storage units are positioned in the lower portion beneath the seats. This vertical segmentation allows both seating and storage functions to coexist without significant space trade-offs, as they utilize different vertical layers of the available volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning storage units underneath the raised seating platform. This three-dimensional space utilization allows the vehicle to accommodate both elevated seating for improved passenger experience and substantial storage capacity below, effectively resolving the space conflict between these two functions.
4Quantity of substance
If storage units are positioned under the seats, then cargo capacity is improved, but access to storage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates removable or accessible seat designs that allow passengers to easily access the storage units positioned beneath the seats. This dynamic configuration enables the seating to be adjusted or removed when storage access is needed, balancing the benefits of under-seat storage with convenient accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A side by side vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame having frame tubes extending from a front to a rear. A vehicle seat frame is positioned in a mid portion of the frame, and positions a seat frame at a raised position relative to the frame tubes. A powertrain is positioned rearward of the vehicle seat frame and is coupled to the vehicle frame. Side by side seats are supported by the seat frame; and one or more storage units are positioned under the side by side seats. The side by side vehicle also has a rear suspension comprising at least one rear alignment arm coupled to each side of a rear of the vehicle frame, where the alignment arms are coupled to the vehicle frame at front and rear connection points. A distance between the front connection points is greater than a distance between the rear connection points, and at least a portion of the powertrain is positioned between the front connection points of the alignment arms.