Dual Powertrain Subframe Layout for Electric Utility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically-powered delivery and utility vehicles face limitations in conventional components and systems, necessitating the development of innovative powertrain units and suspension assemblies to enhance performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The land vehicle incorporates a chassis with front and rear powertrain units supported by suspension subframes, where the front powertrain unit is partially surrounded by the front suspension subframe assembly and the rear powertrain unit is arranged beneath the rear suspension subframe assembly without being surrounded, utilizing electric motors for propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the powertrain unit is surrounded by the suspension subframe assembly, then structural protection and stability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension subframe assembly is divided into two distinct configurations: a front suspension subframe assembly that surrounds the powertrain unit for protection, and a rear suspension subframe assembly that positions the powertrain unit beneath it without surrounding. This segmentation allows each subframe to be optimized independently for its specific function and location.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural configurations are applied to different locations of the vehicle: the front suspension subframe assembly uses a surrounding cage structure for enhanced protection, while the rear suspension subframe assembly uses a non-surrounding configuration for simplified design. Each location receives the appropriate structural quality based on its specific requirements.
2Device complexity
If the powertrain unit is positioned beneath the rear suspension subframe assembly without being surrounded, then device complexity is reduced, but structural protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's suspension system is segmented into front and rear assemblies with different structural approaches. The rear suspension subframe assembly adopts a simpler non-surrounding configuration that positions the powertrain unit beneath it, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adequate protection through alternative structural design.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electric motors are used for propulsion, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor, powertrain unit, and suspension subframe assembly are merged into an integrated assembly. The powertrain unit is directly coupled to the wheels through the suspension subframe, combining propulsion and suspension functions into a unified structure that reduces overall vehicle complexity despite using electric motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The powertrain unit serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion through electric motor operation, structural support as part of the suspension assembly, and energy efficiency through electric drive. This multi-functionality justifies the additional components by consolidating multiple system roles into a single integrated unit.
Data Source
AI summary
Land vehicles are disclosed. A land vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of wheels, a first powertrain unit, and a second powertrain unit. The chassis includes a front suspension subframe assembly and a rear suspension subframe assembly spaced from the front suspension subframe assembly in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of wheels includes a pair of front wheels supported by the front suspension subframe assembly and a pair of rear wheels supported by the rear suspension subframe assembly. The first powertrain unit is supported by the front suspension subframe assembly and coupled to the pair of front wheels. The second powertrain unit is supported by the rear suspension subframe assembly and coupled to the pair of rear wheels.