UTV Chassis Layout for Protection, Cooling, and Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current off-road vehicles, such as UTVs, face issues with frame protection, bulky brake and steering assembly mounts, lack of secure tie-down points, radiator heat management, and serviceability of drivetrain components, which affect durability and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a skid plate with extended edges for enhanced frame protection, a streamlined brake and steering assembly mount with fewer components, integrated tie-down points, a deflection shield to reroute radiator heat, and accessible channels for fluid lines and propeller shaft servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection mounts for brake and steering assemblies are used, then the assemblies can be mounted, but the structure becomes bulky and requires multiple brackets and couplers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate mounting components (brackets and couplers) are merged into a single integrated connection mount structure that combines the functions of multiple parts, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the ability to securely mount both brake and steering assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mount is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: mounting brake assemblies, mounting steering assemblies, and providing structural support, thereby replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UTV is secured to a hauling trailer using various straps, then the UTV can be transported, but there is no easy connection point for coupling the straps to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
Connection points are pre-installed on the UTV frame during manufacturing, eliminating the need to create or locate appropriate attachment points during the strapping process. These pre-positioned points provide immediate and easy access for coupling transport straps
3Use of energy by moving object
If the radiator is positioned near the seating area, then the radiator can be efficiently cooled, but heated air is blown into the seating area causing undesired temperature elevation
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator assembly is segmented into functional zones: a cooling section for heat dissipation and a separation section (shield) that divides the hot air flow path from the seating area. This segmentation allows the radiator to maintain cooling efficiency while preventing heated air from entering the passenger compartment
4Reliability
If fluid lines are positioned below the floor of the UTV, then the lines are protected, but serviceability and protection of these lines are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Fluid lines are repositioned from a horizontal configuration below the floor to a vertical configuration within channels on the side walls of the passenger compartment. This dimensional change provides both protection through elevated positioning and improved serviceability through accessible locations near the vehicle exterior
5Reliability
If multiple components are removed from the UTV to service the drivetrain, then the drivetrain can be accessed, but the service process becomes labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Service access points and removable panels are pre-configured on the vehicle body during manufacturing, providing direct access to drivetrain components. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to remove multiple components during service operations, as the access paths are already established
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle shown herein is a side by side utility vehicle having a skid plate positioned beneath a frame, wherein at least a portion of an edge of the skid plate extends upward above a lowermost portion of the frame. The vehicle may further or alternatively include a brake and steering mount coupled to the frame, at least one tie down integrated into the frame, at least on deflection shield positioned between a radiator of the vehicle and a seating area of the vehicle, a floor having at least one channel, and/or a propeller shaft accessible through a console of the floor of the vehicle.