Utility Vehicle Frame and Pivoting Cargo Box for Heavy Off-Road Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a utility vehicle that can support large/heavy loads while maintaining operator comfort and versatility in off-road conditions, with features such as towing capabilities, cargo transport, and enclosed operator areas.
Innovation Solution
The utility vehicle includes a frame assembly supporting a cargo area with a pivotable cargo box, door assemblies with a door ring and hinge system, and a powertrain with sensors to detect the presence of an operator, allowing decoupling of the powertrain when the operator is not seated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the vehicle is configured to support large/heavy loads and towing capabilities, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the vehicle complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is divided into modular sections including a separate cargo box that can pivot between positions. This segmentation allows the cargo area to be independently configured and positioned, enabling load support without requiring the entire vehicle structure to be unnecessarily complex or heavy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo box is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a cargo container and a structural component that integrates with the vehicle frame. The pivot mechanism allows it to serve multiple positions (first position for cargo transport, second position for aerodynamic efficiency or access), providing versatile functionality without adding separate dedicated components.
2Ease of operation
If an enclosed cab is provided to improve operator comfort, then the operator comfort is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed cab structure is merged with the cargo area and frame assembly into an integrated design. The body panels, doors, and cargo box are coordinated as part of a unified structure, reducing the need for separate enclosing components and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining operator comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cargo box is made pivotable to enhance versatility, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo box is extracted as a separate, movable component from the fixed vehicle body structure. This allows it to be independently positioned between a first position (for cargo access and transport) and a second position (for aerodynamic efficiency or improved access to the cargo area), providing versatility without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo box transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration through the pivot mechanism. This dynamic positioning capability allows the cargo area to adapt to different operational requirements (cargo transport vs. aerodynamic efficiency vs. access) without requiring multiple separate fixed structures, thereby improving versatility with relatively simple mechanical means.
4Reliability
If sensors and controller are added to prevent powertrain engagement without operator, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are implemented to detect operator presence and provide feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine whether to permit powertrain engagement, creating a closed-loop safety system that prevents operation when no operator is detected, thereby improving safety with a relatively simple sensor-controller architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle includes a frame assembly defined by a lower frame assembly and an upper frame assembly coupled to the lower frame assembly. The frame assembly supports a plurality of body panels. A roof, front windshield, rear windshield, and doors may be coupled to the frame assembly to enclose the operator area.