Modular EV Chassis Coupling for Range and Body Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles have limited range due to the storage capacity of their energy storage devices, and they often require complex hybrid configurations with internal combustion engines to extend range.
Innovation Solution
The electric vehicle conversion system allows for rapid operable coupling and decoupling of a vehicle body to an electric vehicle chassis, which includes a platform-style chassis with a drivetrain, energy storage devices, electric motors, and communication interfaces. This system enables the physical and operable coupling of the chassis to various vehicle bodies, with adjustable subframes and drivetrains to accommodate different wheelbases and body styles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the storage capacity of energy storage devices is increased to extend vehicle range, then the vehicle range is improved, but the weight and volume of the energy storage devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple energy storage devices distributed across different locations in the vehicle chassis, rather than using a single large-capacity device. This segmentation allows the vehicle to achieve extended range through multiple smaller units while maintaining better weight distribution and structural flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage devices serve multiple functions: they provide electrical energy for propulsion, contribute to vehicle structural support as part of the chassis framework, and enable flexible configuration for different vehicle body styles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components, effectively extending range without proportionally increasing weight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a hybrid electric vehicle configuration with internal combustion engine is used to extend range, then the vehicle range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal combustion engine is completely removed from the vehicle configuration. Instead of creating a complex hybrid system, the patent extracts the ICE component entirely and relies solely on electric propulsion with multiple energy storage devices to achieve extended range, thereby eliminating the complexity of hybrid powertrain integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple energy storage devices autonomously manage their own charge cycles and power distribution through a control system that coordinates their operation. This self-service capability allows the system to extend range without requiring the complex mechanical integration and power management systems needed for hybrid configurations.
3Reliability
If the energy storage devices are placed inside a sealed vessel to protect them and provide controlled environment, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different vehicle body styles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than enclosing all energy storage devices in a single sealed vessel, the system uses multiple smaller energy storage devices that can be individually positioned and protected within the chassis structure. This segmentation allows each device to be integrated into different locations while maintaining protection, and enables flexible adaptation to various vehicle body styles and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis structure with adjustable subframes and drivetrains provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the vehicle to accommodate different wheelbases and body styles. The energy storage devices are integrated into this dynamic framework, enabling the system to maintain both protection and versatility across different vehicle configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable subframes and drivetrains are used to accommodate different wheelbases and body styles, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable subframes and drivetrains are designed as universal components that serve multiple vehicle body styles and configurations. Rather than creating specialized components for each body type, the system uses multi-functional adjustable elements that can accommodate different wheelbases and styles, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to electric vehicles. A modular electric vehicle includes an electric vehicle chassis that includes an energy storage device, chassis control circuitry, and one or more communication interfaces disposed on an upper surface of the chassis. The chassis further includes an electric motor, suspension and drivetrain to provide an operating vehicle. An electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine that drives an electric drive motor for charging a vehicle battery The vehicle may be driven solely by electric power, i.e., the internal combustion engine may provide no drive power to the axles of the vehicle and is used primarily for charging the battery. In some embodiments, electric motors may be coupled to one or both of the vehicle axles and the battery may be coupled to one or both the drive motors under control of a controller.