Rear Sub-Frame for Electric Drivetrain Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to convert internal combustion engine-powered cars into electric vehicles without modifying the classic car frame or bodywork, while maintaining the original dimensions and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A sub-frame is designed to be mounted on the rear portion of the car's chassis, supporting an electric drivetrain, which includes rear wheel suspension mounts, brackets for connection to the chassis and drivetrain, and a harness to connect the battery to the drivetrain, allowing the electric components to be integrated without altering the car's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an internal combustion engine-powered car is converted to an electric vehicle by modifying the frame or bodywork, then the electric drivetrain can be integrated, but the original dimensions and appearance of the classic car are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the vehicle structure into two independent parts: the original classic car chassis/bodywork and a separate sub-frame assembly. The sub-frame contains all electric drivetrain components (motor, battery, suspension mounts, axles), allowing the electric powertrain to be integrated without modifying the classic car's original structure. This segmentation enables the car to maintain its original appearance while gaining electric vehicle functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-frame acts as an intermediary component between the classic car chassis and the electric drivetrain components. It provides mounting points for the electric motor, battery, suspension, and wheels, serving as a mediator that connects these elements without requiring modifications to the original classic car structure. The sub-frame includes brackets that connect to the existing chassis while supporting all new electric components.
2Shape
If a sub-frame is added to support the electric drivetrain, then the electric components can be integrated without altering the car's dimensions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-frame merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it provides structural support for the electric motor and battery, contains suspension mounting points, includes axles for wheel attachment, and provides brackets for connection to the classic car chassis. By combining these previously separate components into one unified sub-frame assembly, the invention reduces overall system complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-frame is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as: (1) structural support for electric drivetrain components, (2) suspension system mounting structure, (3) axle support, and (4) connection interface to the classic car chassis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structures for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the electric drivetrain is integrated into the classic car without a sub-frame, then the device complexity is reduced, but modification to the classic car frame or bodywork is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the integration process into two independent parts: the original classic car and a separate sub-frame assembly containing all electric components. This segmentation allows the sub-frame to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication techniques, then installed as a complete unit on the classic car, significantly easing the manufacturing and conversion process compared to modifying the original chassis.
Data Source
AI summary
A sub-frame arranged to be mounted on a chassis of a car and to have the rear wheels of the car mounted thereon is arranged to receive an electric drivetrain arranged to drive the car. The sub-frame includes a cage including bars arranged to form an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter and a plurality of struts extending between the upper and lower perimeters; a pair of rear wheel suspension mounts, each rear wheel suspension mount being arranged to have one of the rear wheels of the car mounted thereon; and a plurality of brackets located on the cage and arranged to facilitate connection of the sub-frame to the chassis of the car and/or to the electric drivetrain. A frame and vehicle including such a sub-frame and a method of installing such a sub-frame are also disclosed.