Utility Vehicle Frame with Detachable Sub-Frame for Engine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In utility vehicles, the complex structure of existing seat support frames increases costs and makes it difficult for operators to efficiently access the engine for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body frame configuration with a main frame and a detachable sub-frame, where the sub-frame is composed of side pipe elements, pillar pipe elements, and cross members that can be separated from the main frame to create space around the engine, allowing easy access and maintenance while reinforcing the main frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex seat support frame structure is used to enable engine access, then the operator can access the engine for maintenance, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body frame is divided into a main frame and a detachable sub-frame. The sub-frame can be separated from the main frame to provide engine access, and then reattached to restore structural integrity. This segmentation allows the system to switch between two states: enclosed (for structural strength) and open (for maintenance access), resolving the contradiction between cost and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-frame is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable - it can be attached to provide structural reinforcement or detached to enable engine access. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve multiple functions: maintaining structural integrity during normal operation and providing access during maintenance, without requiring a permanently complex design.
2Strength
If the sub-frame is permanently attached to reinforce the main frame, then the structural integrity is improved, but the engine maintenance access is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into permanent main frame components and a detachable sub-frame. The sub-frame attaches to reinforce the main frame when needed, but can be removed to provide access pathways to the engine. This segmentation allows structural reinforcement and maintenance access to be achieved at different times using the same components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-frame connection system enables dynamic reconfiguration of the vehicle body frame. During normal operation, the sub-frame is attached to provide structural reinforcement. During maintenance operations, the sub-frame is detached to create access space. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between maintaining strength and enabling access.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pipe members are arranged to cover the engine, then the vehicle body frame structure is complete, but the maintenance efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe member arrangement is made dynamic through the detachable sub-frame design. When the sub-frame is attached, it provides structural completeness and reinforces the frame. When detached, it creates an open access pathway to the engine, allowing maintenance personnel to work efficiently. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to alternate between structural completeness and maintenance accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame including a main frame including a floor member and a pair of right and left side members and a sub-frame for reinforcing the main frame, each of the side members includes a side pipe element, a first pillar pipe element, a second pillar pipe element and a third pillar pipe element, the sub-frame includes a first cross member provided between and coupled to second pillar pipe elements, one end portion of the first cross member is detachably coupled to one of the second pillar pipe elements and an opposite end portion of the first cross member is detachably attached to the other second pillar pipe element.