Three-Point Drive Unit Mounting for Commercial Vehicle Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive storage arrangements for motor vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, are not optimally designed to accommodate electrical drive units, leading to challenges in installation space, assembly, and storage characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A 3-point storage system using a cross carrier construction, where the electrical drive unit is attached from below to the carrier construction using several storage units with support arms and elastomer elements, allowing for quick assembly and preventing static over-determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional drive bearings designed for internal combustion engines are used, then the mounting arrangement is adapted to traditional engine requirements, but the arrangement is not optimally suited for electric drive units with different installation space and assembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to electric drive unitsVSAvoidmounting arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting arrangement uses a universal support frame structure that can accommodate both internal combustion engines and electric drive units. The standardized mounting points and support elements allow the same basic structure to serve multiple drive unit types, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting arrangement allows for parameter adjustments such as mounting point positions, support arm lengths, and fastening configurations to adapt to different drive unit dimensions and weight distributions. This enables the same basic structure to be optimized for specific electric drive unit requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple mounting points are used to secure the drive unit, then the mounting stability is improved, but static overdetermination and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidmounting point complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting arrangement applies different mounting characteristics to different locations. Critical mounting points use rigid securement for stability, while less critical points use more flexible connections. This localized differentiation provides adequate stability without requiring all points to be equally complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting arrangement incorporates elements that can adapt their rigidity, such as elastomeric mounts or adjustable fasteners, allowing the system to transition between rigid and flexible states during assembly and operation. This dynamic capability provides stability while simplifying the overall mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the drive unit is inserted from the rear of the vehicle, then the assembly process is simplified, but insufficient space may prevent proper installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting arrangement is divided into modular components that can be assembled in sections. The support frame includes segmented mounting points that allow the drive unit to be positioned and secured in a staged manner, facilitating rear insertion even in constrained spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting arrangement utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional positioning to accommodate rear insertion. By designing mounting points that extend vertically and laterally from the support frame, the system creates installation pathways in multiple dimensions, allowing the drive unit to be maneuvered into position from the rear despite limited horizontal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution provides a flexible and efficient method for storing and assembling electrical drive units in commercial vehicles, optimizing installation space and simplifying assembly while preventing assembly errors and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The multiple bearing units each have a support arm and at least one elastomer element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one elastomer element is clamped between the support arm and the support structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3539808B1Assembly for drive bearing
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3539808B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3539808B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3539808B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for mounting a drive unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle. The arrangement (10) comprises a support structure (20), in particular a crossbeam structure. The arrangement (10) includes a drive unit (12), in particular an electric drive unit, which is mounted in a 3-point bearing on an underside and/or from below the support structure (20). Advantageously, the drive unit (12) can thus be supplied to the rear of the motor vehicle. The drive unit (12) can be expediently lifted in order to then be mounted on an underside or from below the support structure (20). The 3-point bearing enables quick assembly. In addition, static indeterminacy of the bearing due to too many bearing points (e.g., four or more) is prevented.