Electric Powertrain Layout for All-Terrain Utility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an electric powertrain solution for all-terrain vehicles that addresses the lack of hybrid and electric powertrains in utility and all-terrain vehicles, driven by societal and regulatory pressures towards green technology.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electric powertrain for utility vehicles, featuring a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame, and an electric motor system with dual motors and a battery configuration, along with a cooling system, which allows for efficient power distribution and increased storage availability by eliminating the need for a combustion engine and prop shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a combustion-based powertrain assembly is used in utility vehicles, then the vehicle can achieve sufficient power and torque for off-road travel, but the vehicle generates harmful emissions and fails to meet green technology requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combustion-based mechanical powertrain system with an electric powertrain system consisting of electric motors and battery assemblies. This substitution eliminates emissions while providing sufficient power for off-road travel through high-torque electric motors that can deliver the necessary force without combustion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from combustion-based thermal energy conversion to electrical energy conversion. By using electric motors that convert electrical energy directly to mechanical motion, the system achieves zero emissions while maintaining power output through electromagnetic force generation.
2Quantity of substance
If a combustion engine and prop shaft are installed in the vehicle, then the powertrain can deliver sufficient torque to the ground-engaging members, but the storage availability is reduced due to space occupied by the engine and drivetrain components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the combustion engine and prop shaft from the vehicle architecture. By eliminating these bulky mechanical components, significant space is freed up for storage compartments while the electric motors and battery assemblies occupy considerably less volume, yet still deliver sufficient torque through direct wheel mounting or simplified drivetrain arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redistributes the powertrain components in a different spatial arrangement, placing battery assemblies in the frame structure and mounting electric motors directly to the ground-engaging members or axles. This dimensional reorganization maximizes storage space in previously occupied areas while maintaining effective torque delivery through direct-drive or simplified mechanical connections.
3Productivity
If a dual-motor electric powertrain is implemented, then the vehicle achieves improved power distribution and torque delivery to multiple ground-engaging members, but the device complexity increases compared to a single-motor system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the powertrain into multiple independent motor units, with each motor directly driving a ground-engaging member or wheel. This segmentation allows for improved power distribution and torque vectoring capabilities, enabling independent control of each wheel for enhanced off-road performance. The modular nature of individual motors simplifies the overall system architecture compared to a single complex motor with extensive drivetrain components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal electric motor design that can serve multiple functions: providing propulsion torque, enabling regenerative braking, and allowing independent wheel control for stability and maneuverability. Each motor unit is designed to perform multiple operations, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby managing complexity while maximizing productivity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If electric motors and battery assemblies are used instead of a combustion engine, then the vehicle achieves zero emissions and improved storage capacity, but the energy density and range may be limited compared to combustion-based systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced battery technologies and energy storage systems with high energy density materials to maximize the energy capacity within the available vehicle volume. By using composite battery assemblies and optimized energy management systems, the vehicle achieves zero emissions while extending the operational range and energy efficiency to compete with combustion-based systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides an efficient, environmentally friendly powertrain that enhances storage capacity and stability, while enabling the vehicle to operate effectively on various terrains, meeting the demand for electric solutions in the utility and all-terrain vehicle market.
Implementation Method 1
The battery is operably coupled to each of the first motor and the second motor
Implementation Method 2
The first cooling circuit includes a first radiator and a first conduit fluidly coupled between the first radiator and the electric motor. The second cooling circuit includes a second radiator and a second conduit is fluidly coupled between the second radiator and the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle is provided, comprising a plurality of ground engaging members. A frame is supported by the plurality of ground engaging members, and the frame comprises a first frame portion extending generally rearwardly and upwardly from a front portion of the frame, a second frame portion extending generally rearwardly and downwardly from the first frame portion, and a third frame portion extending rearwardly from the second frame portion. An electric powertrain is supported by the frame, and the electric powertrain comprises a first motor longitudinally aligned with at least a portion of the first frame portion and a second motor longitudinally aligned with at least a portion of the third frame portion. The electric powertrain also includes a battery operably coupled to each of the first motor and the second motor, and the battery is longitudinally aligned with at least a portion of the second frame portion.