Integrally Bent ROPS Side Frame for Utility Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ROPS configurations for utility vehicles require a large number of components and manufacturing steps, increasing production time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The ROPS design incorporates right and left side frame units with integrally formed front, upper, and rear pipe portions, reduced by bending a single pipe member, and joint members with semi-elliptical opening edges for longer weld lines, along with cross members coupling straight portions for easier assembly and improved appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ROPS is constructed with multiple separate pipe portions connected by welding or joint pipes, then the structural integrity can be ensured, but the number of components and manufacturing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pipe portions (front pipe portion, upper pipe portion, and rear pipe portion) into a single integrally formed pipe structure. This eliminates the need for separate components and connections between them, reducing the number of parts while maintaining the required structural integrity through continuous material formation
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate pipe portions are used with welding connections, then the manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing time and number of steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple pipe portions into a single integrally formed structure, the patent eliminates multiple welding operations and assembly steps. The single-piece construction reduces manufacturing time and process complexity while maintaining the necessary design flexibility through the integral forming process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the number of components and manufacturing steps, enhances the volume enclosed by the ROPS, and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the front pipe portion, the upper pipe portion, and the rear pipe portion are integrally formed by bending
Implementation Method 2
Joint members are welded onto the outer peripheral surfaces of the lower ends of the front pipe portion and the rear pipe portion
Data Source
AI summary
In a utility vehicle according to the present invention, a ROPS (rollover protective structure) surrounding a riding space includes right and left side frame units, and a plurality of cross members. Each of the side frame units includes a front pipe portion extending upward from near a dashboard, an upper pipe portion extending rearward from the upper end of the front pipe portion, a rear pipe portion extending downward from the rear end of the upper pipe portion, and an intermediate pipe portion extending downward from the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the upper pipe portion. The front pipe portion, the upper pipe portion, and the rear pipe portion are integrally formed by bending.