Electric Vehicle Chassis Layout for Cargo Space and Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric class B vehicles face range and power limitations due to the 'skateboard' approach, which raises the cargo floor, reduces cargo space, and unevenly distributes battery weight, making them unsuitable for commercial delivery purposes.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design featuring laterally and longitudinally arranged electric drive motors, with batteries and control systems mounted in the space previously occupied by ICE engine peripherals, maintaining weight forward to preserve cargo capacity and using existing drivetrain components for efficient power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are mounted under the cargo floor using the skateboard approach, then the vehicle achieves electric propulsion, but the cargo floor height increases and cargo space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates batteries from the traditional under-floor position to the front engine compartment and side-mounted positions along the vehicle sides. This spatial redistribution in different dimensions allows full battery capacity to be achieved without compromising cargo floor height or cargo volume, as the cargo area remains completely clear of battery components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are mounted under the cargo floor, then electric propulsion is enabled, but weight distribution becomes unbalanced with excessive weight on the rear axle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric weight distribution by placing the majority of battery weight in the front engine compartment rather than symmetrically distributing it under the floor. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with side-mounted batteries, creates a balanced weight distribution across all four wheels, preventing excessive rear axle loading and improving overall vehicle handling and cargo capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the cargo floor is raised to accommodate batteries, then electric propulsion is achieved, but power delivery to rear wheels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating batteries from the under-floor position to the front engine compartment and side-mounted positions, the patent restores the flat cargo floor necessary for mounting large rear drive motors. This spatial reconfiguration in different dimensions enables full power delivery capability to the rear wheels while maintaining electric propulsion, eliminating the power limitation imposed by the raised floor design.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a full battery array is provided for maximum range, then range is improved, but the cargo floor must be raised reducing cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves maximum range with a full battery array by redistributing battery components across the front engine compartment and side-mounted positions along the vehicle sides. This multi-dimensional spatial arrangement provides sufficient volume for complete battery capacity while maintaining a flat cargo floor, thereby maximizing both range and cargo space simultaneously without compromise.
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 design enhances range and power while maintaining cargo capacity, allowing for easier retrofitting of existing ICE vehicles to electric power without altering the chassis, thus addressing commercial acceptance issues.
Implementation Method 1
The chassis configuration includes first and second electric drive motors and an array of electric batteries for providing primary drive energy for the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A chassis design for a commercial delivery vehicle is disclosed. The chassis design includes one or two forward mounted motor drives. The drive motors include a lateral drive motor and/or a longitudinal drive motor, such that the motors could drive one or both sets of wheels while maintaining most of the drive unit weight forward of the vehicle centerline to allow cargo carrying capacity similar to internal combustion engine configurations.