UTV Door Assembly With Linked Window Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility all-terrain vehicle doors fail to provide comprehensive protection for passengers from elements and debris due to their limited height, which does not fully seal the vehicle opening.
Innovation Solution
A door assembly for utility task vehicles that includes a pivotable door and a rotatable window assembly, both configured to operate in unison, which together seal the vehicle opening, providing enhanced protection from elements and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional door is used to seal the vehicle opening, then the door provides basic protection, but the door height is insufficient to fully protect passengers from elements and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is divided into two functional segments: a lower door portion and an upper window assembly portion. Each segment can be independently opened or closed, allowing the lower door to provide structural support and the upper window assembly to extend the protective height, thereby fully sealing the vehicle opening against elements and debris
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis rather than pivot vertically like a conventional door. This dimensional change in motion allows the window assembly to sweep upward and seal the upper portion of the opening, extending protection to the full height of the vehicle cabin
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a door is extended to full vehicle height, then comprehensive protection is achieved, but the door becomes too tall to be practical for passenger entry and exit
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly separates the protective function (upper window assembly) from the access function (lower door). The lower door remains at a practical height for passenger entry and exit, while the upper window assembly extends the protective seal to full vehicle height, resolving the contradiction between protection height and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly is designed to rotate about a horizontal axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When closed, it seals the upper opening; when opened, it rotates upward to allow passenger access. This dynamic motion enables the system to provide full-height protection during operation while maintaining ease of entry and exit
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a door assembly is made fully sealable, then protection from elements is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The door and window assembly are integrated into a single unified mechanism where the window assembly is directly coupled to the door structure. The window assembly rotates about a horizontal axis that is mechanically linked to the door's vertical pivot axis, allowing both components to work together as one system to achieve full sealing without requiring separate complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly serves multiple functions: it seals the upper portion of the opening when closed, provides a structural element that couples the door to the vehicle body, and can rotate upward to facilitate passenger entry and exit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving effective sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A utility task vehicle includes a vehicle body including an opening. A door is positioned adjacent the opening. The door is configured to pivot about a first axis between an open position and a closed position. A window assembly is positioned adjacent and operably coupled to the door. The window assembly is configured to pivot about a second axis between an open position and a closed position. Rotation of the window assembly about the second axis is driven by rotation of said door about the first axis. In combination, the door and the window assembly substantially seal the opening of the vehicle body.