Off-Road Side-by-Side Vehicle Engine Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) face challenges in maximizing passenger and cargo capacity without increasing vehicle size or weight, as engine and fuel tank placement in the cockpit area reduces available space for passengers and storage.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design positions the engine, airbox, and fuel tank longitudinally rearward of the cockpit area, allowing for additional seating and storage by relocating these components behind the rear suspensions, while maintaining efficient access and balance through strategic placement and suspension systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the engine and fuel tank are disposed in the cockpit area to reduce vehicle size, then the overall vehicle dimensions are reduced, but the passenger and cargo storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the engine and fuel tank from the horizontal cockpit space to the vertical space beneath the cargo box, utilizing the unused volume under the cargo storage area. This dimensional transition allows the components to occupy space that would otherwise be wasted, thereby maintaining compact vehicle dimensions while freeing up cockpit space for additional passengers or cargo.
2Quantity of substance
If additional seats and storage are added to increase passenger and cargo capacity, then the utility and recreational usability are improved, but the vehicle size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By placing the engine and fuel tank in the vertical space beneath the cargo box rather than in the horizontal cockpit area, the patent enables additional seating and storage capacity without increasing the vehicle's external dimensions. The components utilize the unused volume under the cargo storage area, allowing the vehicle to accommodate three or four passengers while maintaining a compact footprint.
3Quantity of substance
If the engine and fuel tank are relocated rearward to increase cockpit space, then the passenger and cargo capacity are improved, but the vehicle weight distribution and balance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the engine and fuel tank beneath the cargo box in the rear portion of the vehicle, which strategically locations these heavy components to maintain proper weight distribution. This placement contributes to rearward weight bias suitable for off-road vehicles while still maximizing cockpit space for passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cargo box design that replicates or mirrors configurations from utility vehicles, providing structural support and defining the space for engine and fuel tank placement. This standardized cargo box structure ensures proper weight distribution and balance while accommodating the relocated components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a frame, a left and right front wheel, and a left and right rear wheel. A left front suspension operatively and a right front suspension operatively respectively operatively connect the left and right front wheels to the frame. A left and right rear suspension, respectively operatively connect the left and right rear wheels to the frame. At least one seat, connected to the frame and having a seat base, is disposed longitudinally rearward of the left and right front suspensions. An engine is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. An air induction system fluidly, which includes an airbox, and a fuel tank fluidly communicate with the engine. The engine, the airbox and the fuel tank are disposed longitudinally forward of the rear suspensions and longitudinally rearward of the seat base of the at least one seat.