Side-by-Side Utility Bed Layout for Spare Wheel Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) lack efficient storage solutions for spare wheels and do not adequately integrate seating, cooling systems, and powertrain components, limiting their versatility and functionality for recreational and cargo hauling purposes.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design includes a frame with a seating area featuring side-by-side seats, a cab frame, a utility bed recessed below the upper surface with a stepped portion for spare wheel storage, a radiator positioned forward of the seating area, and a headlight design that maximizes radiator space, along with a removable tub utility bed and adjustable seating for enhanced comfort and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a utility bed is recessed in the rear body portion to store a spare wheel, then storage capacity for spare wheel is improved, but the utility bed width is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The utility bed incorporates a stepped portion that utilizes vertical dimension (depth) rather than horizontal dimension (width) for storage. The stepped portion creates a recessed area at the rear of the utility bed where the spare wheel is stored vertically, allowing the utility bed to maintain its full width for cargo while providing dedicated spare wheel storage in the depth direction.
2Temperature
If the headlight is positioned forwardly with a notched area to maximize radiator space, then cooling system efficiency is improved, but headlight positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headlight assembly is designed with a notched area that allows the radiator to be nested within the headlight structure. The radiator is positioned forwardly and fits into the notched portion of the headlight, creating a compact integrated assembly where the headlight surrounds the radiator on multiple sides while maintaining optimal cooling airflow paths.
3Ease of operation
If side-by-side seats are used to allow passenger to share driver's viewpoint, then passenger comfort and visibility are improved, but vehicle width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side-by-side seating arrangement uses asymmetric positioning where the driver's seat is positioned slightly forward and the passenger's seat is positioned slightly rearward. This asymmetric configuration allows both occupants to have optimal viewing angles and headroom while minimizing the overall vehicle width compared to a symmetric side-by-side arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle shown herein is a side by side powersports vehicle having a utility bed recessed in the rear body portion below an upper surface, the utility bed forming a stepped portion relative to the rear body portion and having a maximum lateral width greater than a diameter of at least one of the wheels, and a minimum width less than a diameter of at least one of the wheels, whereby a spare wheel may be stored on the stepped portion of the utility bed. As shown herein, the utility bed is defined as a removable tub, which can be removed from the rear body portion. The utility bed has defined troughs in a floor thereof angled rearwardly wherein the utility bed has drains which drain away from any heat source of the vehicle. The seats of the vehicle allow longitudinal movement and tilt capability.