Electric Vehicle Motor Unit Mounting on Engine Block

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for converting internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles require extensive development of new parts to fit the vehicle layout, failing to effectively utilize the original layout.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a preparation step to prepare an engine block capable of accommodating engine parts and a motor unit, and a supporting step to support the motor unit with the engine block, allowing the motor unit to be integrated without replacing the engine block, thereby utilizing the existing vehicle layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the engine is replaced with the motor unit together with the engine block, then the vehicle can be converted to electric power, but a large amount of new parts must be developed to fit the vehicle layout

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle power conversion capabilityVSAvoidnumber of new parts to be developed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the motor unit from the engine block. The motor unit (including motor and motor housing) is extracted as an independent replaceable component, while the engine block remains in place to provide structural support and mounting functions. This segmentation allows the power source to be changed without replacing the entire engine assembly, reducing the number of new parts needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engine block is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vehicle, serves as a mounting platform for the motor unit, and maintains the original vehicle layout. By making the engine block a universal support structure that can accommodate different power units (engine or motor), the invention reduces the need for vehicle-specific customization when converting to electric power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the engine block is replaced along with the engine, then the new motor unit can be properly supported, but the layout of the vehicle before modification cannot be effectively utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor unit support stabilityVSAvoidutilization of existing vehicle layout
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The engine block is prepared in advance as a support structure before the engine is removed. By maintaining the engine block in its original position and configuration, the invention preserves the established vehicle layout while creating a ready-made mounting platform for the new motor unit. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for redesigning the support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The engine block acts as an intermediary between the vehicle chassis and the motor unit. It provides a stable, pre-positioned interface that connects the power source to the vehicle's transmission and mounting systems. This intermediary structure allows the motor unit to be integrated into the existing vehicle architecture without requiring complete redesign of the powertrain mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4640464A1Vehicle manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 JATCO LTD
  • EP4640464A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4640464A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4640464A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[PROBLEMS] To make it possible to effectively utilize the layout of the vehicle before modification when remanufacturing an electric vehicle including a motor from a vehicle including an engine. [SOLUTIONS] A method for manufacturing a vehicle, the method includes: a preparation step of preparing an engine block capable of accommodating engine parts, and a motor unit including a motor and a motor housing accommodating the motor; and a supporting step of supporting the motor unit with the engine block.