Plug-In Hybrid Minivan Layout for Large Battery and Flat Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minivan-type plug-in hybrid electric vehicles require a larger battery, necessitating a reconfiguration of components to accommodate the battery while maintaining a low, flat floor and spacious passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design integrates the engine compartment, power sources, and high-voltage components beneath the floor, positions the battery and fuel tank under the floor, and arranges the exhaust pipe rearward, allowing for a large battery and a flat floor without compromising passenger space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a larger battery is installed in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, then the electric power storage capacity is improved, but the vehicle requires more space for the battery which conflicts with maintaining a low, flat floor and spacious passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the battery from the traditional underfloor position to the rear cargo area, utilizing the third dimension (vehicle length) rather than competing for floor space. This dimensional relocation allows the battery to be positioned in the rearward region behind the second-row seats, preserving the flat floor structure while accommodating the larger battery capacity required for plug-in hybrid operation
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle interior space is segmented into distinct functional zones: the engine compartment at the front, the passenger compartment in the middle with a flat floor, and the rear cargo area containing the battery. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently, with the battery confined to the rear cargo space rather than occupying the passenger compartment floor area
2Shape
If the battery, fuel tank, and exhaust pipe are disposed under the floor panel, then the passenger compartment floor can be kept low and flat, but the arrangement complexity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the underfloor arrangement and relocated to the rear cargo area. This extraction simplifies the underfloor space requirements, allowing the fuel tank and exhaust pipe to be positioned more flexibly beneath the floor panel without the constraint of accommodating the battery, thereby reducing overall component arrangement complexity
3Ease of operation
If the first charging port is disposed on the side surface of the vehicle forward of the front door, then the charging port is easily accessible, but it may be confused with the fuel inlet position
Solution Approach 1:
The charging port and fuel inlet are assigned to different sides of the vehicle (charging port on one side, fuel inlet on the other), creating local differentiation. This spatial separation by side location provides clear visual and operational distinction between the two ports, eliminating confusion while maintaining ease of access to the charging port on its designated side
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
The configuration accommodates a large battery beneath the floor, maintaining a low, flat floor and ensuring a spacious passenger compartment, with charging and refueling ports positioned to avoid confusion and interference with vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vehicle on-board charger configured to convert AC power supplied from outside of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle into DC power and charge the battery with the DC power
Implementation Method 2
a converter including a first charging port configured to be connected to an AC power supply, and configured to convert a voltage of electric power supplied from the battery
Implementation Method 3
an inverter configured to drive the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A minivan-type plug-in hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and a vehicle on-board unit disposed in an engine compartment. The vehicle on-board unit includes a first motor-generator, a second motor-generator, a power control unit, a power split mechanism, and a speed reduction mechanism. A first charging port is disposed on a first side surface or a second side surface of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle so as to be positioned forward of a front door of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.