Stand-On Utility Vehicle Layout for Compact Tool Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery-powered utility vehicles for residential applications are often too large and heavy for single users to maneuver easily, and they lack the ability to efficiently accommodate a variety of tools and systems while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.

Innovation Solution

A residential utility vehicle with a modular frame and adjustable components, including a movable user platform, telescopable user controls, and interchangeable utility devices, along with features like a height-adjustable flat bed and lamp, to enhance versatility and user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the vehicle is designed to be compact and lightweight for easy maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to power and deploy a wide variety of tools and systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maneuverabilityVSAvoidability to power tools and systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle employs a modular platform architecture where components can be dynamically added, removed, or reconfigured based on operational needs. The battery-powered drive system and control electronics serve as a flexible base that can support different utility device configurations without requiring a complete redesign of the vehicle platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle is designed with universal mounting interfaces and power distribution systems that can accommodate multiple types of utility devices (mowers, trimmers, blowers, etc.). The standardized frame structure and electrical system allow a single vehicle platform to perform diverse residential maintenance functions through interchangeable attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle is designed to accommodate a variety of tools and systems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate tools and systemsVSAvoidvehicle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle system is divided into distinct modular segments: a standardized base platform, interchangeable utility devices, and separable mounting hardware. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, manufactured, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle utilizes adjustable parameters such as variable control handle positions, configurable battery capacities, and adaptable mounting configurations to accommodate different utility devices without requiring structural modifications to the base platform, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the vehicle is designed for residential applications with limited space, then ease of storage is improved, but the power and capability of the vehicle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle size for storageVSAvoidvehicle power and capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The utility devices are designed to mount compactly onto the vehicle platform, with components nested or folded to minimize the overall envelope when not in use. The control handles and other accessories can be stowed within the vehicle frame or attached to the utility devices themselves, reducing storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle utilizes vertical space through height-adjustable mounting systems and multi-level component arrangement, allowing utility devices to be configured in three-dimensional space efficiently. This enables compact horizontal footprint for storage while maintaining adequate power and capability when deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4631344A1Residential battery-powered stand-on utility vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 MTD PRODUCTS INC
  • EP4631344A1 patent drawingFigure 1~1A
  • EP4631344A1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4631344A1 patent drawingFigure 2~2A

AI summary

A residential utility vehicle having a frame, a set of drive elements, a first drive motor operationally engaged with a drive element and adapted to provide work thereto to drive or turn the vehicle, a battery operationally engaged with the first drive motor and adapted to provide electrical energy thereto, a user platform operationally engaged with the frame, a flat bed engaged with the frame and adapted for conveying cargo or equipment while the vehicle is in motion, a set of user controls adapted to receive input from the associated standing user, and a utility device operationally engaged with the frame. The set of user controls is sufficient to provide steering, acceleration, and braking commands to the vehicle and is movable with respect to the frame. The user platform defines a surface adapted to convey an associated standing user while said vehicle is in operation.