Vertical Engine Layout With Drive Shaft Up for Hydrogen Tank Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internal combustion engines in vehicles are inefficient in terms of space utilization and component arrangement, leading to suboptimal design and performance.

Innovation Solution

The internal combustion engine is oriented with the drive shaft positioned above the cylinders, allowing for a more compact and efficient layout that optimizes space for fuel tanks and other components, with a longitudinal arrangement behind the passenger compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the internal combustion engine is arranged with cylinders up and drive shaft down (conventional orientation), then the engine can be positioned in front or center, but the space utilization is suboptimal and hydrogen tank placement is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen storage spaceVSAvoidengine arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional engine orientation by positioning the drive shaft above the cylinders instead of below. This inversion fundamentally changes the spatial arrangement, allowing the engine to be positioned centrally or rearward with optimized space utilization for hydrogen tanks in the front and rear of the vehicle, thereby resolving the contradiction between storage volume and arrangement complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional longitudinal engine placement to a vertical orientation with the drive shaft above cylinders. This dimensional change in engine architecture creates new spatial configurations that optimize both hydrogen storage capacity and vehicle dynamics without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the engine is positioned to maximize hydrogen tank space, then storage capacity increases, but aerodynamic efficiency and weight distribution are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen storage capacityVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the engine orientation and repositioning it centrally or rearward, the patent creates optimal weight distribution that balances aerodynamic performance with maximum hydrogen storage capacity. The inverted arrangement allows sleek bodywork design that reduces drag while accommodating large hydrogen tanks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Volume of moving object

If the engine is arranged with drive shaft up and cylinders down, then space utilization and weight distribution are optimized, but maintenance accessibility may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The inverted engine orientation with drive shaft above cylinders is designed to facilitate maintenance accessibility. This configuration allows technicians to access critical components from the top and sides of the engine, improving ease of repair while maintaining optimal space utilization in the vehicle architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12617264B2Car provided with an internal combustion engine arranged with the drive shaft up

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 FERRARI SPA

AI summary

A car having: two front wheels; two rear drive wheels; an internal combustion engine which is provided with a plurality of cylinders inside which respective pistons slide and with a drive shaft connected to the pistons, and arranged longitudinally in a central or rear position; and a transmission system which connects the drive shaft of the internal combustion engine to the rear drive wheels. The internal combustion engine is oriented vertically with the drive shaft arranged higher than the cylinders.