Drive-Shaft-Up Engine Layout for Hydrogen Storage and Rear Diffuser Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engine arrangements lead to suboptimal space utilization and dynamic performance in vehicles, particularly with the traditional orientation of cylinders and drive shaft, which affects hydrogen storage capacity and aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The internal combustion engine is oriented with the drive shaft positioned higher than the cylinders, allowing for a more compact and efficient arrangement that optimizes hydrogen tank placement and reduces the overall width of the engine, while also enabling a larger rear aerodynamic diffuser for improved aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the internal combustion engine uses traditional orientation with cylinders up and drive shaft down, then the engine structure is conventional and easy to manufacture, but the space utilization is suboptimal and hydrogen storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional engine orientation by positioning the drive shaft above the cylinders instead of below. This inversion fundamentally changes the spatial arrangement of engine components, allowing hydrogen tanks to be placed in the previously occupied space above the drive shaft, thereby increasing hydrogen storage capacity while maintaining structural feasibility
2Length of moving object
If the internal combustion engine uses traditional orientation, then manufacturing is straightforward, but the overall width of the engine is larger and dynamic performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement (cylinders above drive shaft) to a vertical arrangement (drive shaft above cylinders). This dimensional reorganization optimizes the engine's width footprint while maintaining compact overall dimensions, improving dynamic performance without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the internal combustion engine uses traditional orientation, then component arrangement is conventional, but aerodynamic efficiency is reduced due to limited space for rear aerodynamic diffuser
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the engine orientation and positioning the drive shaft above the cylinders, the patent creates additional space at the rear of the vehicle for a larger aerodynamic diffuser. This inversion of the traditional layout directly addresses aerodynamic efficiency by enabling more effective airflow management under the rear bumper
4Ease of operation
If the internal combustion engine uses traditional orientation, then the layout is conventional, but accessibility and sound quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical reorganization of engine components places frequently accessed elements in more reachable positions and separates noise-generating components from the passenger compartment. This dimensional rearrangement improves both accessibility for maintenance and acoustic comfort without requiring complex additional systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A car (1) having: two front wheels (2); two rear drive wheels (4); an internal combustion engine (5) which is provided with a plurality of cylinders (18) inside which respective pistons (19) slide and with a drive shaft (20) connected to the pistons (19), and arranged longitudinally in a central or rear position; and a transmission system (6) which connects the drive shaft (20) of the internal combustion engine (5) to the rear drive wheels (4). The internal combustion engine (5) is oriented vertically with the drive shaft (20) arranged higher than the cylinders (18) .