Universal Midfloor Module for Multi-Propulsion Vehicle Platforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle platforms, such as the MEB, are limited in their adaptability to different propulsion types and require separate safety and crash testing for each configuration, leading to reduced profitability and inflexible production.

Innovation Solution

A midfloor module that accommodates various energy stores like fuel tanks or batteries, allowing for flexible platform use across propulsion types, with a design that meets crash requirements and enables pre-assembly for easy integration into vehicles, accommodating different energy needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a platform is designed for a specific propulsion type (e.g., purely electric vehicles), then the platform can be optimized for that specific application, but the platform becomes unsuitable for other propulsion variants and requires separate development

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform optimization for specific propulsion typeVSAvoidplatform suitability for different propulsion variants

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The midfloor module is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different energy stores (traction batteries, fuel tanks, hydrogen tanks) and propulsion systems (electric, hybrid, combustion) within the same structural framework. The module's housing and mounting structures are configured to support multiple energy store types without requiring platform redesign, enabling a single platform to serve multiple propulsion variants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate safety and crash tests are conducted for each propulsion configuration, then the safety requirements are met for each specific application, but the development time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety requirement complianceVSAvoiddevelopment time for safety testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The midfloor module is pre-designed and pre-tested as a complete assembly unit with integrated energy stores, housing, and mounting structures. By performing safety and crash tests on the standardized module configuration before vehicle integration, the need for repeated testing for each propulsion variant is eliminated, as the module's safety performance can be assumed consistent across different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If dedicated production lines are established for different propulsion types, then each production line can be optimized for its specific vehicle type, but production flexibility and responsiveness to market changes are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction line efficiencyVSAvoidproduction flexibility for different vehicle types

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The midfloor module is designed as a self-contained, pre-assembled unit that can be produced independently of the final vehicle configuration. This segmentation allows the module to be manufactured in standardized batches and then integrated into different vehicle platforms according to market demand, enabling production lines to maintain efficiency while adapting to different propulsion types without requiring complete reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12459346B2Midfloor module for a motor vehicle, corresponding motor vehicle, and method for manufacturing the latter

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A midfloor module (10, 11) for a motor vehicle has a frame structure (10) with a battery frame (10). The battery frame (10) has multiple battery modules (11), and multiple tank volumes (1, 2, 2+) that can be used optionally for fuel. A motor vehicle that is equipped with such a midfloor module (10, 11) also is provided as well as a method for manufacturing the midfloor module (10,11).