Modular Drivetrain Platform with Unified Mounting Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle transmission systems are large, heavy, noisy, and inflexible, limiting the design and configuration of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, as they require specific mounting interfaces and do not efficiently adapt to changing technological demands or power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular drivetrain platform with interchangeable single-motor and multiple-motor drive units, featuring a unified housing configuration and common mount patterns, allowing for flexible powertrain configurations and easy swapping of components, including motors, batteries, and power sources, to optimize power transmission and reduce weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional transmission systems are used, then power transmission function is provided, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission system with the drivetrain into a unified modular platform, integrating multiple functions (power transmission, motor mounting, differential housing) into a single structure. This merging eliminates separate transmission components and reduces overall weight while maintaining power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular drivetrain platform is designed with universal mounting interfaces and common patterns that can accommodate different motor configurations (single-motor or multiple-motor). The standardized interface allows the same platform to serve multiple vehicle configurations, reducing the need for vehicle-specific transmission designs and minimizing weight.
2Power
If conventional transmission systems are used, then power transmission function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drivetrain is segmented into modular components (motor units, gearbox assemblies, differential sections) that can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by breaking down complex transmission functions into manageable modules with standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized mounting interfaces and common patterns create a universal platform that works across different vehicle configurations. This universality reduces design complexity by eliminating the need for custom transmission designs for each vehicle model, while still providing adequate power transmission for various motor setups.
3Reliability
If conventional transmission systems are used, then mounting function is provided, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal mounting interfaces with standardized patterns that can accommodate different motor types and configurations. The same interface design works for both single-motor and multiple-motor setups, providing reliable mounting while enabling high adaptability for different vehicle designs and powertrain configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular platform allows dynamic reconfiguration of the drivetrain system. Components can be easily added, removed, or repositioned based on different vehicle requirements, while maintaining reliable mounting through standardized interfaces. This dynamic adaptability enables the same platform to serve multiple vehicle models and configurations.
4Power
If planetary gear reduction is added to electric vehicles, then torque matching is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear reduction is merged with the motor housing and differential assembly into an integrated modular unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate gearbox housings and mounting structures, reducing overall weight while maintaining the torque-matching function. The gear reduction becomes an integrated part of the drivetrain platform rather than an add-on component.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular gearbox unit and drive system are provided. The modular gearbox unit and drive system may be part of a vehicle platform having multiple drivetrain mount areas including identical mount features disposed at each mount area. Each drivetrain mount area can receive a modular single-motor drive unit or a modular multiple-motor drive unit using the same mount or bolt pattern and features. These modular single-motor and multiple-motor drive units have a common bolt pattern and mating features that correspond to the mount features of the vehicle platform and/or vehicle frame. The modular gearbox unit and drive system allows a vehicle powertrain to be reconfigured, during or after assembly, quickly and easily using the same mount points.