Two-Plate Vehicle Frame for Simple Production and Open Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle frames for mobility vehicles require complex production processes involving multiple pipe bending and bracket attachment steps, limiting design flexibility and obstructing open space behind the saddle tube.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle frame composed of two main plates facing each other and joined by a roof plate, allowing direct component attachment and eliminating the need for additional brackets, with a gusset plate reinforcement to enhance strength and free up space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pipes are welded and bent to form the vehicle frame, then the frame can be assembled, but the production process becomes complex and requires many steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction process simplicityVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle frame is divided into modular components: a base structure with left and right side members, and separate attachment brackets for the saddle tube and seat stay. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled through simple attachment operations, reducing production complexity while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side members are designed with multiple attachment positions and features that can accommodate various components (saddle tube, seat stay, running mechanisms). This multi-functionality allows a single base structure to support different configurations, simplifying the overall frame design and reducing the number of specialized parts needed

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

2Strength

If a large seat stay is provided to reinforce the saddle tube, then the tube strength is sufficient, but open space behind the saddle tube is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaddle tube strengthVSAvoidopen space behind saddle tube
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a large seat stay that extends over a long distance, reinforcement is applied locally at the critical joint between the saddle tube and the base structure. Attachment brackets with reinforcing plates or gussets are positioned precisely where strength is needed, providing sufficient structural support while minimizing the space occupied by reinforcement elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement strategy transitions from a longitudinal approach (large seat stay extending backward) to a lateral/dimensional approach (attachment brackets with reinforcing plates positioned at the joint). This dimensional change allows strength to be added at the connection point without blocking the open space behind the saddle tube

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

Data Source

PatentEP4600133A1Vehicle frame and mobility vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO
  • EP4600133A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4600133A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4600133A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

To provide a vehicle frame and a mobility vehicle that are simple-structured and easily producible, and that allow for great flexibility in design layout. The vehicle frame (100) of the present invention supports a running unit in a mobility vehicle, the running unit including a pivot arm configured to pivot about a pivot shaft, and a wheel mounted to the pivot arm. The vehicle frame includes two main plates (110L, 110R) spaced apart and facing each other, and a roof plate (120) that joins the two main plates.