Self-Contained EV Platform Layout for Body-Independent Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle platforms often require functional components to extend into and interconnect with the vehicle body, limiting design flexibility and efficiency due to the size requirements of mechanical systems, and retaining traditional design elements like hoods and trunks from internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained vehicle platform with a frame structure, propulsion system, suspension system, energy storage system, and crash protection features integrated within a generally flat planar structure, where all functional components are disposed beneath the drive wheels, allowing for a variety of body designs without altering the platform's components, and featuring a transverse leaf spring that acts as both a ride spring and anti-roll bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If functional components are integrated into the vehicle platform, then the number of interconnections between body and platform is reduced, but the footprint of mechanical systems prevents complete independence from body design
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle platform is segmented into distinct functional modules: propulsion system with motor and transmission, suspension systems with control arm assemblies, energy storage system with battery modules, and steering system. Each module is independently designed and positioned within the frame structure, allowing separate optimization while maintaining overall integration. This segmentation enables the platform to function independently without requiring body extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional vertical stacking of mechanical systems to a two-dimensional planar arrangement where all functional components are disposed within the boundaries of the frame structure and do not extend above the drive wheels. This dimensional reorganization allows complete functional integration within the platform's horizontal footprint, eliminating the need for body interconnections.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical systems are used, then proven reliability is achieved, but design flexibility is limited due to size requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle platform is designed as a universal base that can support multiple different body configurations and vehicle types. The frame structure with standardized mounting points and integrated functional systems provides a reliable foundation that accommodates various body styles without requiring modifications to the mechanical systems. This universality enables the same platform to produce diverse vehicle configurations while maintaining proven mechanical reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If functional components extend into the vehicle body, then space constraints are addressed, but design efficiency and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all necessary functional components from the vehicle body and consolidates them within the vehicle platform. The propulsion system, suspension systems, energy storage system, and steering system are all positioned within the frame structure boundaries, eliminating the need for functional elements to extend into or interconnect with the body. This extraction improves design efficiency by allowing bodies to be designed independently without mechanical constraints.
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 flexibility and efficiency by minimizing interconnections with the vehicle body, allowing for novel interior configurations and improved safety features, while maintaining comfort and safety requirements, and eliminating the need for bulky interconnection bushings.
Implementation Method 1
a transverse leaf spring connected to each of the control arm assemblies and the framework structure through a plurality of connection points and wherein the leaf spring is disposed beneath the drive motor
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle platforms, and systems, subsystems, and components thereof are described. A self-contained vehicle platform or chassis incorporating substantially all of the functional systems, subsystems and components (e.g., mechanical, electrical, structural, etc.) necessary for an operative vehicle. Functional components may include at least energy storage/conversion, propulsion, suspension and wheels, steering, crash protection, and braking systems. Functional components are standardized such that vehicle platforms may be interconnected with a variety of vehicle body designs (also referred to in the art as “top hats”) with minimal or no modification to the functional linkages (e.g., mechanical, structural, electrical, etc.) therebetween. Configurations of functional components are incorporated within the vehicle platform such that there is minimal or no physical overlap between the functional components and the area defined by the vehicle body. Specific functional components of such vehicle platforms, and the relative placement of the various functional components, to allow for implementation of a self-contained vehicle platform are also provided.