Removable Electric Powertrain Layout for Monocoque Utility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current powertrain devices and systems for land vehicles face limitations, including weight constraints, inefficient energy distribution, and complex internal components that complicate manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A land vehicle design featuring a monocoque frame structure with a powertrain unit that includes two electric drive units aligned along a lateral axis, removable from the underside of the frame, eliminating the need for an internal combustion engine and central drive shaft, allowing for independent wheel rotation and simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an internal combustion engine and central drive shaft are used, then power can be transmitted to wheels, but the design complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the powertrain into separate modular units - individual electric motors are mounted independently on each side of the vehicle frame, eliminating the need for a central drive shaft and differential assembly. This segmentation reduces design complexity while maintaining power transmission capability to all wheels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical internal combustion engine and drive shaft system with electric motors that can be independently mounted and connected to wheels, eliminating complex mechanical power transmission components while achieving the same functional result
2Power
If an internal combustion engine is used, then power can be provided to wheels, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain is segmented into independently removable electric motor units that can be accessed and serviced without disassembling the entire vehicle chassis, unlike integrated internal combustion engines that require extensive teardown for maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motors are extracted from the traditional engine bay location and mounted on the vehicle frame sides, making them externally accessible for maintenance without requiring removal of other critical vehicle components
3Strength
If a monocoque frame structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monocoque frame is constructed from modular composite panels and structural elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing the complexity of creating a complete monolithic structure while maintaining the structural strength benefits
4Weight of moving object
If electric motors are mounted on the frame, then weight distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motors are mounted asymmetrically on opposite sides of the vehicle frame rather than centrally, improving weight distribution and balance while the modular mounting design keeps the added complexity manageable through standardization
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, land vehicles are provided as delivery vehicles and/or utility vehicles. A land vehicle includes a frame structure having a front cage that defines an operator cabin and a rear floor positioned rearward of the front cage. The frame structure supports a plurality of wheels to permit movement of the vehicle relative to an underlying surface in use of the land vehicle. An underside of the frame structure is disposed in confronting relation with the underlying surface.