Electric UTV Battery Assembly Lateral Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) lack efficient electric power solutions that balance power output, weight distribution, and suspension quality, leading to limited range and performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electric UTV with a battery assembly positioned laterally between frame rails, providing structural support and a large battery array that improves power output and reduces the center of gravity, combined with a motor gearbox assembly that allows for independent cooling and reduced space requirements, enabling higher quality suspension and increased travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large battery array is installed to increase power output and range, then the vehicle weight increases and center of gravity rises, but this deteriorates handling and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The battery array is positioned laterally between the frame rails rather than longitudinally or vertically, utilizing the lateral dimension of the vehicle chassis. This dimensional repositioning allows the heavy battery mass to be distributed across the vehicle width, lowering the center of gravity and improving handling while maintaining the required power output and range.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large battery array is installed to extend range, then the battery occupancy space increases, but this reduces available space for other components and passenger comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The battery array is positioned laterally between the frame rails, utilizing the width dimension of the vehicle rather than consuming longitudinal or vertical space. This allows a large 50 kWh battery capacity to be accommodated without compromising passenger cabin volume, cargo space, or overall vehicle dimensions, thereby extending range while maintaining space efficiency.
3Device complexity
If traditional engine mounting is used to simplify structure, then the center of gravity is higher and weight distribution is less optimal, but this deteriorates handling and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The battery assembly is positioned laterally between the frame rails at a low height, utilizing the lateral and vertical dimensions optimally. This positioning lowers the center of gravity and optimizes weight distribution across the vehicle, improving handling and safety while the battery assembly itself provides structural support, thereby not increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power, acts as a structural support element for the vehicle floor, and optimizes weight distribution and center of gravity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, maintaining structural complexity at acceptable levels while achieving superior handling and safety characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility task vehicle (UTV) includes a frame having frame rails and a battery assembly positioned laterally between the frame rails. The battery assembly includes a battery housing and a battery array having a plurality of battery cells. The battery array is positioned within the battery housing and the battery assembly provides support for or is located under a floor of a cabin of the utility task vehicle.