Pre-assembled Electric Power Module for Truck Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to design an electric drive train architecture for trucks that is interchangeable between internal combustion engine and electric motor systems, facilitating conversion while maintaining similar dynamic properties and enabling efficient maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An electric power module with an auxiliary frame mounted to a truck chassis, featuring a front section for mounting an electric power source and a rear section with shock absorbers, allowing it to be installed as a unit in a conventional engine compartment, maintaining driver comfort and facilitating maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a dedicated architecture is designed for electric drive trains, then the benefits of electric motors (zero emission, reduced operational costs) can be fully exploited, but interchangeability of components between different truck types becomes difficult and maintainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a mounting arrangement that can accommodate both internal combustion engines and electric power sources using the same chassis mounts and structural interface. The engine mount structure serves multiple functions: it can secure either an ICE or electric motor, provide shock absorption for both power train types, and maintain proper positioning for both configurations, thereby enabling interchangeability while preserving the benefits of dedicated electric drive architecture
2Productivity
If a dedicated architecture is designed for electric drive trains, then optimal performance of electric components is achieved, but conversion from conventional power train becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement incorporates dynamic shock absorbers that can adapt to the different vibration and weight characteristics of either ICE or electric motor configurations. The shock absorption system is designed to be adjustable or interchangeable, allowing the same basic mounting structure to optimize performance for both power train types while enabling conversion between them
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional chassis mounts are used for mounting electric power module, then conversion from internal combustion engine to electric motor is facilitated, but the mass distribution and dynamic properties may change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the shock absorption characteristics and mounting stiffness to be adjusted based on the specific power source being installed. The mounting arrangement can be configured with different dampening parameters for ICE versus electric motor applications, and the position of the electric power source can be adjusted along the mounting structure to achieve proper mass distribution and maintain desired dynamic properties
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
Enables seamless conversion from internal combustion to electric drive trains without altering the truck's dynamics, enhancing maintainability and quality management, and preserving the conventional truck's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
shock absorbers arranged for absorbing a pitch movement of the auxiliary frame relative to the chassis behind the module mounts
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an electric power module for providing drive power in a truck. The electric power module comprises an auxiliary frame to be mounted to a chassis having a pair of longitudinal chassis members extending between a front axle and a rear axle of the truck. The auxiliary frame comprises a front section arranged for mounting an electric power source unit and a rear section arranged for mounting at least one auxiliary unit. The front section of the auxiliary frame comprises module mounts arranged for suspending the electric power module to the chassis between the pair of longitudinal chassis members near the front axle of the truck. The rear section of the auxiliary frame extends beyond the front section in a cantilevered fashion and comprises shock absorbers arranged for absorbing a pitch movement of the auxiliary frame relative to the chassis behind the module mounts.