Four Wheel Roll Steering Chassis for UTV Driver Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art utility task vehicles experience discomfort and fatigue during high-speed turns over rough terrain due to centrifugal forces causing unwanted sway, which is mitigated by sway bars but results in transferring bump forces, leading to driver fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A four-wheel roll steering device with independent suspension and a mechanically pivoting shock mount that laterally rolls the chassis during turns, reducing centrifugal forces and enhancing comfort by distributing steering control and suspension attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If sway bars are added to minimize roll effect, then vehicle stability during turns is improved, but bump forces are transferred from one side to the other side causing driver fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle suspension system is divided into independent left and right sides, with each side having its own shock absorber and spring assembly. This segmentation allows each side to independently absorb bumps and forces without transferring them to the other side, eliminating the driver fatigue caused by sway bars while maintaining vehicle stability through individual side control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If four wheel independent suspension is implemented, then each wheel can independently handle terrain, but the complexity of the suspension system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension and steering functions are merged into a single integrated system. The shock absorbers are pivotally connected to provide both suspension support and steering control capabilities. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining four-wheel independent operation, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving terrain handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber assemblies serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide suspension support, enable steering control, and handle lateral roll forces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full four-wheel independent suspension and steering capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the chassis is rolled laterally into the turn, then centrifugal forces on the driver are reduced, but the steering control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control mechanism is merged with the suspension system through pivotal connections of the shock absorbers. The same mechanical links that provide suspension also control the lateral rolling of the chassis during turns. This integration eliminates the need for a separate complex steering mechanism while achieving the desired chassis rolling effect for driver comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
The four wheel steering vehicle utilizes a cage system that extends along the longitudinal axis to protect the driver coupled to a center rail chassis. Front and Back independent suspension links extend outward along the lateral axis pivotally connected to the wheel assemblies enabling four wheel independent suspension. A centrally located pivoting shock provides both steering control and suspension attachment for the shock and spring. The vehicle is controlled by the driver using a steering wheel, acceleration pedal, and a brake pedal. The invention provides a feeling of integration with the vehicle as the driver rolls into turns with the vehicle, while minimizing fatigue caused by the continuous resistance to centrifugal cornering forces.