Stowable ATV Implement Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with removable vehicle implements, such as plows, occupy significant garage space when not in use, as they are typically fixed in place for winter months, causing inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A stowable vehicle implement system for ATVs, where the implement is pivotally connected to the frame and can be raised vertically above the vehicle, overlapping with the frame to minimize space usage, using a lifting assembly with a winch and cable to pivot between operational and stowed positions, and biased by a spring and damping assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle implement is fixed to the front or middle of the ATV for winter use, then the implement remains stable and operational during plowing, but it occupies a large portion of garage floor space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The implement is moved from a horizontal storage orientation (occupying floor space) to a vertical orientation (occupying overhead space). The lifting assembly raises the implement from the ground level to a stowed position above the vehicle, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the floor space conflict while maintaining implement stability through controlled lifting and positioning mechanisms
2Area of stationary object
If the vehicle implement is removed from the ATV when not in use, then garage floor space is freed, but the implement must be completely detached and stored separately
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed attachment to a dynamic movable attachment. The implement can be positioned in multiple states: lowered for operation, raised for storage, and fully detached if needed. The lifting assembly provides controlled movement between positions, and the quick-connect mechanism allows easy attachment and detachment, combining the benefits of both fixed and removable systems
3Area of stationary object
If the vehicle implement is pivotally connected and raised vertically above the vehicle, then garage floor space is reduced, but the implement requires a lifting assembly with winch and cable mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-contained lifting mechanisms where the winch winds cable to raise the implement, and spring-damper assemblies automatically control the lowering process. The spring provides counterbalancing force to reduce lifting effort, while the damper controls descent speed. This self-service approach minimizes the need for external lifting equipment or complex manual operation mechanisms
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
The system allows the vehicle implement to be efficiently stored vertically above the ATV, reducing floor space requirements and enabling easy reconnection for use, while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle implement is biased toward a generally vertical position by at least one spring and damping assembly
Implementation Method 2
the vehicle implement is biased toward a generally vertical position by at least one spring and damping assembly
Implementation Method 3
A cable is wound onto the winch. One end of the cable is connected to the at least one arm. Winding the cable around the winch causes the vehicle implement to pivot toward the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized vehicle includes a vehicle implement pivotally connected to one of a front portion and a rear portion of a frame of the vehicle by at least one arm. The vehicle implement is pivotable between a first position and a second position vertically higher than the first position. In the first position, the vehicle implement is disposed forward of the front portion when connected to the front portion, and disposed rearward of the rear portion when connected to the rear portion. In the second position, the vehicle implement is disposed at least partially vertically above the corresponding one of the front and rear portions, and overlaps at least partially longitudinally with the corresponding one of the front and rear portions. The at least one arm is at least partially generally congruent with a portion of the corresponding one of the front and rear portions of the vehicle.