Electric Drive Unit Mounting via Existing Engine Bearings

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric drive units in motor vehicles, particularly those using fuel cells or batteries, require new mounting structures, which increase costs and weight, and do not efficiently utilize existing engine and transmission mounting points.

Innovation Solution

A high-voltage battery and electric drive motor are integrated into a metal supporting structure that uses existing engine and transmission mounting points, eliminating the need for new holders and allowing for a longer torque lever arm within the vehicle body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If new mounting structures are created for electric drive units, then the electric drive unit can be properly supported, but costs and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidmounting structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using existing engine and transmission mounting points for the electric drive unit, making these structural elements serve multiple functions (supporting both traditional powertrain components and the new electric drive system) without requiring dedicated new mounting structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If new mounting structures are created for electric drive units, then the electric drive unit can be properly supported, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using existing engine and transmission mounting points for the electric drive unit, making these structural elements serve multiple functions (supporting both traditional powertrain components and the new electric drive system) without requiring dedicated new mounting structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Weight of moving object

If existing mounting points are reused, then costs and weight are reduced, but the integration efficiency of electric drive units may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting structure weightVSAvoidintegration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using existing engine and transmission mounting points for the electric drive unit, making these structural elements serve multiple functions (supporting both traditional powertrain components and the new electric drive system) without requiring dedicated new mounting structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8960357B2Motor vehicle with an electric drive unit

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A motor vehicle has a body (1) having a plurality of bearings (5, 6, 7). The bearings (5, 6, 7) are disposed and configured for mounting a supporting structure (14) that houses an electric drive unit (11) that includes an electric drive motor (12) and a high-voltage battery (13) for providing electric energy. The bearings (5, 6, 7) also are disposed and configured for mounting an internal combustion engine (8) and a transmission (9) connected to the internal combustion engine (8). Thus, the motor vehicle does not have to be redesigned depending on whether the motor vehicle is powered by an electric drive unit (11) or an internal combustion engine (8).