Utility Vehicle Bearing Structure for Tilting and Axial Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility vehicles, particularly tricycles with tiltable frames, face challenges in assembly and disassembly complexity, maintenance, durability, and stability, especially when the front section tilts relative to the rear section, and are costly due to high shipping expenses.
Innovation Solution
A utility vehicle design featuring a combined radial and axial bearing structure that allows easy assembly and disassembly, maintains balance, and facilitates axial force transfer between the front and rear sections, with a detachable bearing structure for shipping and maintenance, and a power transmission system enabling independent wheel rotation for sharp turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bearing structure is used to join the front section to the rear section, then the vehicle can tilt and turn, but the assembly and disassembly becomes complex and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is segmented into modular components that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The front section, rear section, and bearing structure are separated into distinct units that connect through standardized interfaces, enabling easy assembly without complex tools or procedures while maintaining the tilting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing structure is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions: it provides the tilting mechanism, acts as a connection joint between sections, and serves as a maintenance-accessible unit. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the front section is joined to the rear section through a bearing, then turning and leaning into corners is enabled, but the stability of the vehicle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure incorporates localized reinforcement and geometric features at critical stress points to maintain stability during turning. The connection interfaces between front and rear sections are designed with optimized geometry to provide stable support while allowing controlled tilting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing structure enables dynamic adjustment of the front section angle relative to the rear section, allowing the vehicle to adapt to turning conditions while maintaining stability through controlled motion rather than rigid fixation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vehicle is shipped as a complete assembly, then assembly is simple, but shipping costs increase due to high space to weight ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separable modules (front section, rear section, bearing structure) that can be shipped separately in a compact configuration and assembled at the destination. This segmentation reduces shipping volume and cost while maintaining simple assembly through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing structure is designed to nest within or attach compactly to either the front or rear section during shipping, maximizing space efficiency. The modular components can be arranged in a space-saving configuration that reduces shipping costs while enabling simple assembly at the user's location.
4Reliability
If the bearing structure is made as a single integrated unit, then durability improves, but assembly and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is segmented into modular components that maintain durability through robust connection interfaces while enabling easy maintenance. Each module can be independently inspected, serviced, or replaced without affecting the entire system, balancing reliability with ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular bearing structure allows individual components to be replaced or recovered independently. If one module fails or requires maintenance, it can be serviced or replaced without discarding the entire bearing assembly, reducing waste and maintaining durability through selective component replacement.
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
Facilitates easy assembly and maintenance, enhances stability and balance, reduces shipping costs, and optimizes power transmission for efficient maneuverability and cargo transport.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing structure providing a combined radial and axial bearing suspension allowing rotation of the front section relative to the rear section about a rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
The bearing structure also allows transfer of axial force between the front section and the rear section
Implementation Method 3
it may be connected to the steering handle via a dampened suspension structure, e.g. gas dampened
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A utility vehicle (1) comprising a rear section (2) and a front section (3) arranged in front of the rear section in a lengthwise direction, the front section forming a seat (5), a single front wheel rotatable about a wheel axis (8), and a steering handle (7) operatively connected to the front wheel, the rear section forming at least two rear wheels (13, 14), a powered drive (16), and a utility bed (15). To enable good performance and easy assembly and maintenance, the front section (3) is joined to the rear section (2) in a bearing structure (4) providing a combined radial and axial bearing suspension allowing rotation of the front section relative to the rear section about a rotation axis (18) and allowing transfer of axial force between the front section (3) and the rear section (2).