CHASSIS-MOUNTED ASSEMBLIES FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLES

Abstract

In one embodiment, a hybrid or electric truck includes a chassis comprising first and second rails and a plurality of crossmembers spanning between the first and second rails, a component comprising first and second portions, and a support structure comprising first, second, and third support structures. The component spans substantially across the width of the truck. The first support structure is configured to support the first portion and attach to the first rail. The second support structure is configured to support the second portion and attach to the second rail. The third support structure is attached to one of the crossmembers and at least one of the first or second portions.

Description

CHASSIS-MOUNTED ASSEMBLIES FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLES BACKGROUND Commercial electric or hybrid vehicles, such as Class 6-8 trucks with electric or hybrid powertrains, have considerable battery requirements. Given the large number of batteries included in these commercial vehicles, battery placement is not a trivial matter. Weight distribution, non-interference with other components, and other factors are also relevant for the batteries used to store the electrical energy used by the electric or hybrid motors. In some cases, the chassis of a large commercial vehicle may be configured to be torsionally flexible. Chassis flexibility, among other things, allows the vehicle to travel over uneven terrain while maintaining tire contact with the ground for stability and traction. When components such as battery storage systems are mounted on a torsionally flexible chassis, the battery storage system is also subject to movement originating from the chassis. Such movement or flexing of the battery storage system is undesirable. Batteries and / or battery-supporting structures subjected to movement or flexing originating from the chassis may experience, among other things, performance degradation, component deterioration, component failure, or possibly electrical discharge, and in extreme circumstances, may cause a fire and / or explosion.While batteries can be replaced well before the end of their lifespan to address premature wear associated with chassis movement, the high cost of premature replacement is prohibitive. Frequent servicing and battery replacement also cannot eliminate potential performance issues or fire or explosion hazards that may be present while the battery is mounted on the chassis. Therefore, it is desirable that a component, such as a chassis-mounted battery storage system, be configured to address undesirable chassis movement or flexibility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION This brief description is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are described below in the Detailed Description. This brief description is not intended to identify the key characteristics of the claimed subject matter. In some embodiments, a vehicle component assembly having a chassis includes a component configured to extend substantially across the width of the vehicle, wherein the chassis is configured to be flexible in the presence of a torsional force, and a support structure including a plurality of supports, wherein each support of the plurality of supports is configured to hold the component and to attach the component to the chassis, wherein the support structure is configured to maintain the component at a greater rigidity than the chassis in the presence of the torsional force. In some embodiments, a hybrid or electric truck includes a chassis comprising the first and second rails and a plurality of cross members extending between the first and second rails; a component comprising first and second portions, wherein the component extends substantially across a width of the truck; and a support structure comprising first, second, and third support structures, wherein the first support structure is configured to support the first portion and join to the first rail, the second support structure is configured to support the second portion and join to the second rail, and the third support structure is attached to a cross member of the plurality of cross members and at least one of the first or second portions. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. The foregoing aspects and many of the concomitant advantages of the claimed subject matter will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 represents a bottom view of an exemplary vehicle in accordance with some modalities of this disclosure; Figure 2 represents a top perspective view of a portion of the vehicle in Figure 1 in accordance with certain modalities of this disclosure; Figures 3A-3C represent top perspective, bottom perspective, and partial side views, respectively, of a battery assembly in accordance with some modalities of this disclosure; Figure 4 shows examples of battery subpacks of a first battery subassembly of the battery assembly of Figures 3A-3C in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 5A represents a perspective view of a portion of the battery assembly in accordance with some modalities of this disclosure; Figure 5B represents a perspective view of the first and second battery subassemblies in relation to the chassis frame rails in accordance with some modalities of this disclosure; Figures 6A-6D represent perspective views of various hangers and mounting brackets associated with hangers in accordance with some modalities of this disclosure; Figures 7A-7B depict battery assemblies implemented in vehicles that include a drivetrain in accordance with some modalities of this disclosure; and Figure 8 represents an example of a block diagram of components included in a vehicle located or positioned in a modular implementation in accordance with some modalities of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The embodiments of a system and apparatus for assemblies of rigid components mounted on a vehicle chassis are described in this document. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects. References in this description to “an embodiment” or “embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the occurrences of the phrases “in an embodiment” or “in the embodiment” in various places throughout this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or functions may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Figure 1 represents a bottom view of an exemplary vehicle (100) in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. The vehicle (100) comprises, without limitation, a Class 6-8 truck, a truck including an electric or hybrid propulsion system, an electric truck, a hybrid truck, a vehicle class other than Class 6-8, a commercial vehicle, a vehicle including batteries capable of powering at least a portion of a drive axle of the vehicle, and / or the like. At opposite ends of the vehicle (100) are located a front axle (101) and rear axles (103), each spanning the width of the vehicle (100). Front wheels or tires (102) are mounted at the ends of the front axle (101), and rear wheels or tires (104) are mounted at the ends of the rear axles (103). In some embodiments, the vehicle (100) includes a battery assembly (106) located approximately below the cab area (e.g., below the cab area and behind the chassis fairing). The battery assembly (106) spans across (or substantially across) the width of the vehicle (100) beneath the chassis frame rails, as will be described in detail below. The battery assembly (106) is configured in a hinged, fold-down configuration.The battery assembly (106), also known as rechargeable batteries, battery packs or the like, comprises a component capable of storing electrical energy and using electrical energy to drive or power at least a portion of a drive shaft (112) of the vehicle (100). In some embodiments, the vehicle (100) may comprise a series hybrid vehicle that includes at least one power source, such as an internal combustion engine (ICE) or turbine, coupled to an electric generator. The power source causes the electric generator to produce electrical energy (or in the case of a fuel cell, for example, the power source may directly generate electricity), which is stored in the battery pack (106). The electrical energy stored in the battery pack (106) is used to power a traction motor (108). The traction motor (108) may comprise one or more motors. A transmission (110), arranged between the traction motor (108) and the drive shaft (112), is configured to receive the torque produced by the traction motion (108).The transmission output (110) feeds the drive shaft (112), and the drive shaft (112), in turn, feeds the rear axles (103) (and wheels (104)). The wheels (104), therefore, are not directly mechanically coupled to the power source. Instead, the wheels (104) are considered to be electrically or indirectly coupled to the power source. This implementation is also known as a series hybrid configuration. Although not shown, the vehicle (100) also includes a plurality of other components such as, among others, a chassis, a charger, a control system, a fuel tank, a compressor, a cooling system and / or the like. Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a portion of the vehicle (100) according to some embodiments of this disclosure. At least a portion of a chassis (200) included in the vehicle (100) is shown together with the battery assembly (106). The chassis (200) comprises a vehicle frame or frame assembly (100) and includes rails (202), (204) spaced apart and extending the length (or substantially the length) of the vehicle (100). In some embodiments, the rails (202), (204) are co-plane and parallel to each other. Each of the rails (202), (204) may comprise an I-beam, C-beam, or the like. The battery assembly (106) is configured to be physically coupled to the chassis (200). Figure 2 shows the battery assembly (106) positioned to be mounted on the chassis (200) from the lower part.The width of the battery assembly (106) is greater than the distance between the rails (202), (204). As will be described later, the battery assembly (106) is mechanically coupled to each of the rails (202), (204) and also to a side or transverse member of the chassis (200) that extends perpendicularly between the rails (202), (204). Figures 3A-3C represent top, bottom, and partial side perspective views, respectively, of the battery assembly (106) in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the battery assembly (106) comprises first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) (also referred to as left and right battery subassemblies or a pair of battery housing assemblies (BHAs)) together with associated reinforcement and / or mounting components. The first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) may be identical or substantially identical to each other, symmetrical, or mirrored about a centerline extending the length of the vehicle (100). The first battery subassembly (300) comprises a plurality of batteries housed within a plurality of battery housings (304), a low-voltage battery (308), a battery control module (not shown), a control electronics module (310), a pair of brackets (312), (314) and associated operating components (e.g., coolant lines, cables, control logic, electrical coupling lines, electrical connectors, etc.). The plurality of batteries included in the battery housings (304) comprises rechargeable batteries such as, but not limited to, lithium-ion batteries. Each battery in the battery plurality may comprise one or more batteries. Each battery in the battery plurality is also referred to as a battery sub-pack. In some embodiments, three rows of battery housings (304) are provided in a first layer (the layer closest to the mounting brackets (312), (314)), and one row of battery housings (304) is provided in a second layer arranged above the first layer and farther from the vehicle centerline (100).The particular battery housing (304) stacked on top of the battery housing (304) in the first layer (also known as the stacked battery housing, shown on the left side of Figure 3A) may contain fewer batteries than each of the remaining battery housings (304) in the first battery subassembly (300). The stacked battery housing (304) may also contain components such as the battery control module. The stacked battery housing (304) may have a shorter longitudinal length than the other battery housings (304) in the first battery subassembly (300), with the remaining space occupied by the low-voltage battery (308). Figure 4 shows an example of n / Qfr I η / 77Π7 / Β / YΙΛΙ the seven battery sub-packs (400) of the first battery sub-assembly (300), arranged in the same way as in Figure 3A with the four battery housings (304) omitted. As shown in Figure 4, the battery sub-packs (400) associated with a given battery housing (304) are coupled to one or more cables, coolant lines, control logic, electrical couplings, and / or the like (collectively referred to as operating couplings (402)). The operating couplings (402) are accessible through an access panel (306) included in each of the battery housings (304) (see Figure 3A). In some embodiments, each of the battery housings (304) may comprise a square tube, rectangular tube, longitudinal box-beam structure, or the like. The plurality of battery housings (304) of the first battery sub-assembly (300) are interconnected with each other. In some embodiments, each of the battery housings (304) and / or the battery sub-pack (400) may be independently interchangeable or disconnected from each other. In some embodiments, four sides of the first battery subassembly (300) are flanged and secured to one or more components. A first side of the first battery subassembly (300) closest to the front of the vehicle (100) is flanged and secured to the support (312). This first side, also referred to as the front side or end, comprises a set of longitudinal ends of the battery housings (304) located in the first layer. A second side of the first battery subassembly (320), adjacent to the first side and on an outer side of the vehicle (100), is flanged and / or secured to a beam, support, control electronics module (310), and / or the like. This second side is also referred to as the outer side or left outer side. A third side of the first battery subassembly (300), opposite the first side and on the rear side or end of the vehicle (100), is flanged and secured to the support (314).The third side, also known as the rear side or rear end, comprises the set of longitudinal ends of the battery housings (304) located in the first layer that are opposite the longitudinal ends comprising the first side. A fourth side of the first battery subassembly (300), opposite the second side and on an inner side of the vehicle (100), is bordered and secured to the hangers (334). The fourth side is also known as the inner side or left inner side. The second battery subassembly (320) is similar to the first battery subassembly (300), except that it is configured to be symmetrical to the first battery subassembly (320) about the (imaginary) centerline extending the length of the vehicle (100) and includes supports (322), (324) instead of supports (312), (314), respectively. In some embodiments, the plurality of battery housings (304) of the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) are collectively bordered on all four sides by a frame-like structure. The frame-like structure may resemble a bottomless tray (see Figure 3B). The batteries included in the first and second battery sub-assemblies (300), (320) (e.g., a total of 14 battery sub-packs (400)) are electrically coupled to each other.As an example, the first and second battery subsets (300), (320) combined may have a capacity of approximately 100 kilowatt hours (kWh), 650 volts (V) or similar. In some embodiments, the supports (312) and (314), respectively, located on the front and rear portions of the first battery subassembly (300), are configured to engage with the respective frame supports (342), (344) (as shown in Figures 3A and 3B). The frame support (342) is configured to attach to the rail (202) and includes an inwardly facing support flange on its lower edge (e.g., toward the first battery subassembly (300)).The bracket (312) is configured to attach to the front end of the plurality of battery housings (304) located in the first layer of the first battery subassembly (300), and includes an outward-facing flange on the upper edge (e.g., facing outward away from the first battery subassembly (300)) and an inward-facing support flange on the lower edge (e.g., toward the first battery subassembly (300)). The outward-facing flange on the upper edge of the bracket (312) aligns with, and is positioned over, the inward-facing support flange of the frame bracket (342), such that the frame bracket (342) supports at least the front side of the first battery subassembly (300). One or more bushings are included between the flanges of the frame bracket (342) and the bracket (312). Figure 3C represents a partial side view of the vehicle (100) illustrating an example of coupling between the frame support (342) and the bracket (312). As shown, an upper portion of the frame support (342) is attached, secured, connected, mounted, welded, bolted, or similarly to an outer side of the rail (202). The lower edge or portion of the frame support (342) includes an inward-facing support flange (360). The bracket (312), which is attached, secured, connected, mounted, or similarly to one end of the battery housings (304), includes an outward-facing flange (362) on the upper edge / portion and an inward-facing support flange (368) on the lower edge / portion. The inward-facing support flange (368) can be configured to support or hold the plurality of battery housings (304).The outward-facing flange (362) is aligned with, and positioned over, the inward-facing support flange (360). A bushing (364) is located between the flanges (362) and (360). A bushing (366) may also be provided below the flange (360). The stack or interlock formed by the flange (362), bushing (364), flange (360), and bushing (366) is coupled together using a fastening mechanism such as, but not limited to, nuts and bolts (not shown) or the like. n / Qfr I η / 77Π7 / Β / YILI The bracket (314) and the rack bracket (344) have a similar shape and coupling to each other on the rear side of the first battery subassembly (300). Alternatively, the flange direction may be reversed from those described above at one or both ends of one or more of the bracket (312), bracket (314), rack bracket (342), and rack bracket (344). The frame supports (342), (344) and the brackets (312), (314) may comprise metallic materials such as, but not limited to, steel, a material having a stiffness or hardness in the range of 200 gigapascals (GPa) and / or similar. One or more of the frame supports (342), (344) and the brackets (312), (314) may include one or more trimmed portions to reduce material and / or weight requirements, while maintaining a desired level of stiffness, hardness, and / or structural integrity. The bushings (362), (366) comprise rubber, polyurethane, or other materials configured to accommodate torsional movement of the chassis, while also dissipating vibrations and minimizing or reducing wear on adjacent components. The brackets (322), (324) and the frame brackets (352), (354) of the second battery subassembly (320) are similar to the brackets (312), (314) and the frame brackets (342), (344), respectively, except that the frame brackets (352), (354) are attached to the outer side of the rail (204). The outward-facing flanges of the brackets (322), (324) are supported and secured to the inward-facing flanges of the frame brackets (352), (354), respectively. As with the first battery subassembly (300), the bushings are arranged between and / or surrounding the flanges, which are joined together. The flange direction at one or both ends of the flange may also be reversed from those described above. Therefore, the battery assembly (100), comprising the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320), includes a plurality of fastening portions / components for securing the battery assembly (100) to the chassis (200). In particular, the battery assembly (100) is supported and mounted on the rails (202), (204) of the chassis (200) at four locations: two locations on the front side of the battery assembly (100) (e.g., via brackets (312), (322)) and two locations on the rear side of the battery assembly (100) (e.g., via brackets (314), (324)). Figure 5A represents a perspective view of a portion of the battery assembly (100), and in particular, the hangers (334) and the first battery subassembly (300) in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. The hangers (334) are arranged adjacent to the inner sides of the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) (e.g., the inner side of the battery housing (304) nearest to the center of the vehicle (100)). The hangers (334) comprise a pair of hangers—first and second hangers—associated with the respective first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320). In some embodiments, each of the first and second hangers is substantially configured in an inverted V shape and is identical in shape and size to the other. The first hanger comprises arms (505) and (506) and a central portion revealed between arms (505), (506). The first hanger is attached to the inner side of the first battery subassembly (300). The ends of arms (505), (506) opposite the ends nearest the central portion (507) are attached to the lower inner front and rear corners, respectively, of the first battery subassembly (300). The central portion (507) is connected to a cross member of the chassis (200) via a bracket, as will be described later in relation to Figures 6A–6C.Similarly, the second support comprises arms (500) and (502) and a central portion (504) disposed between arms (500) and (502). The second support is attached to the inner side of the second battery subassembly (320). The ends of arms (500) and (502) opposite the ends nearest the central portion (504) are attached to the inner lower front and rear corners, respectively, of the second battery subassembly (320). The central portion (504) is connected to a chassis crossmember (200) via a bracket, as described later in relation to Figures 6A-6C. The upper portions of the central portions (504) and (507) can be configured to be attached to the support via a clamping mechanism (508). Therefore, each of the first and second hangers allows the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) to move independently of each other, such as during chassis rotation events. Each of the first and second hangers is configured to move independently of each other, such as pivoting independently around a common axis in the central upper portion, so that the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) can also move independently of each other. The first and second hangers are configured to at least reduce, isolate, dampen, or absorb the forward movement of the battery assembly (106), while allowing the chassis (200) to rotate along the vehicle. In some embodiments, a flexible material (also called a wear plate) may be disposed between the first and second hangers. The flexible material, such as comprising high-density polyethylene, facilitates the reduction of frictional forces between the subassemblies (300), (320). Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) in relation to the rails (202), (204) according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the chassis (200) comprises the rails (202), (204) and a plurality of cross members (510) distributed along and extending perpendicularly between the rails (202), (204). The chassis (200) may therefore also be referred to as a ladder frame. The hangers (334) are configured to attach to one of the cross members (510). In some embodiments, the dimensions and contours of the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) are configured to fit or “wrap” around the chassis (200). For example, the distance between the inner sides of the stacked battery housings (304) of the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) is slightly larger than the width of the chassis (200). The relative positions of the chassis (200) and the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) are also such that a crossmember (510) is aligned to be secured to the mounting bracket associated with the hangers (334). Whereas the battery assembly (106) is shown mounted below the rails (202), (204) in Figure 5B, in alternative embodiments, the battery assembly (106) can be mounted co-planar with, or higher than, the rails (202), (204). Figures 6A-6C represent perspective views of various mounting brackets associated with hangers in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 6A illustrates a mounting bracket (600) attached to the hangers (334) and also configured to be joined to a crossbar (510). The mounting bracket (600) is aligned with and secured to the center portions (504), (507) of the hangers (334) by means of, for example, a nut and bolt or other fastening mechanisms. Figures 6B and 6C illustrate alternative mounting brackets (612), (622), each configured to be joined to a crossbar (510) and a pair of hangers. Each of the hangers (610), (620) comprises two hangers, similar to the first and second hangers included in the hangers (334).Although not shown, one or more bushings are included between and / or around any of the mounting brackets (600), (612), or (622) and hangers near the joint location to address undesirable movement, twisting, damage, wear, and / or the like. Such bushings may provide isolation, damping, and / or absorption functions similar to those described above for bushings (364) or (366). In some embodiments, the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) are installed from opposite sides of the vehicle (100), and portions of the battery assembly (106) may be installed or assembled at different times relative to each other. For example, the attachment of the brackets (312), (314) to their respective supports (342), (344) is independent of the attachment of the brackets (322), (324) to their respective supports (352), (354). The first and second hangers included in the hangers (334) may be attached to one or both of the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) and then to the crossmember (510). Alternatively, the hangers η / οίτίη / ζζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ can be attached to the crossbar (510) and then the brackets can be attached to one or both of the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320). Referring to Figures 3A-3B, the end links (330), (332) are configured to fasten or “tie down” the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) to each other (after the brackets (334) are arranged between the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320)). Each of the end links (330), (332) comprises, for example, a square-shaped ring, a square-shaped disc with a central cutout, a square disc, a rectilinear shape, or the like. Each of the end links (330), (332) includes four fastening locations (for example, at or near the outer corners). The end link (330) is located collinearly with the brackets (312) and (322) and along the (imaginary) centerline extending the length of the vehicle (100). The end link (330) is configured to join to the inner ends of the supports (312) and (322).In Figure 3A, the end link (330) is shown connected to the inner upper and lower ends of the supports (312), (322) (e.g., a total of four fastenings) using fastening mechanisms such as, but not limited to, nuts and bolts, screws, or the like. The end link (332) is similar to the end link (330), except that the end link (332) is associated with the brackets (314) and (324). The end link (332) is configured to connect to the upper and lower inner ends of the brackets (314), (324) using fastening mechanisms such as, but not limited to, nuts and bolts, screws, or the like (see Figure 3B). One or more bushings are included at the fastening locations between and / or surrounding the end link (330) and the brackets (312), (322), and also between and / or surrounding the end link (332) and the brackets (314), (324). The bushings provide additional resistance to movement, twisting, and lateral rolling, or the like, originating from the chassis (200) and propagating to the batteries. In some embodiments, the hangers (334) and end links (330), (332) comprise materials similar to those of the supports (312), (314), (322), (324). The bushings associated with the hangers (334) and end links (330), (332) also comprise materials similar to those of the bushings (362), (366). The chassis (200) comprises a structural material such as, but not limited to, steel, carbon fiber, materials having a stiffness or hardness in the range of 200 GPa, or similar materials. Thus, the supports (312), (14), (322), (324), end links (330), (332), and hangers (334) comprise a support structure for the component to be included in the vehicle (100); in this case, the plurality of batteries (400) located within the battery housings (304). This support structure is configured to provide, without limitation, the following functionalities: securing or containing the component to the vehicle (100); providing mechanisms for securing the component to the chassis (200); and reduce, isolate or avoid movements, turns, side-to-side movements, front-to-back movements, back-to-front movements, up-or-down movements, combination movements, low-frequency resonance modes and / or similar movements associated with the chassis (200) by maintaining / providing the component with greater rigidity / hardness than the chassis (200).It is desirable that the component's support structure have a stiffness that results in the structure having a first natural mode of vibration above 20 Hertz (Hz), which places the first natural mode of vibration associated with the structure above the typical input excitation frequencies associated with the vehicle's suspension, such as axle hop and displacement, and chassis rebound modes, which generally occur in the 6 to 15 Hz range. It is envisaged that the battery assembly (106) may be partially or fully pre-assembled and then mounted in the chassis (200). Furthermore, the coupling associated with one or more of the brackets (312), (322), (324), end links (330), (332), or hangers (334) may comprise a selective coupling / dismounting mechanism (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) or a permanent (or semi-permanent) coupling mechanism (e.g., glue, welding, etc.). Figures 6B-6D illustrate alternative embodiments of the hangers (334), in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure. In Figure 6B, the hangers (610) comprise two hangers having a different shape than the first and second hangers of the hangers (334). Each arm of the two hangers comprising the hangers (610) may be nonlinear compared to any of the arms (500), (502), (505), or (506) and includes a curve along its length. In some embodiments, center portions, such as the center portions (504) and (507) of the hangers (334), may be omitted for the hangers (610). In Figure 6C, the hangers (620) comprise two hangers attached to the subassemblies (300) and (320) at different attachment locations from the first and second hangers of the hangers (334). Figure 6C shows hangers (620) that have a smaller angle between their arms than hangers (334) or (610).The ends of the hanger arms (620) can therefore be attached to the inner sides of the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) from the lower inner front and rear corners. Figure 6D shows hangers (630) that also comprise two hangers, but have a smaller angle between their arms and exclude the center portions compared to hangers (620). Mounting brackets (600), (612), and / or (622) can be used in combination with different hangers than those shown in Figures 6A–6C. η / οίτίη / ζζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ In alternative embodiments, any of the hangers (334), (610), (620) or (630) may comprise a single hanger (instead of two hangers) with bushings disposed between the single hanger and each of the subassemblies (300), (320) to allow the subassemblies (330), (320) to move independently of each other. In other embodiments, the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) may be included in a parallel hybrid vehicle configuration. In a parallel hybrid configuration, the vehicle's driveshaft (e.g., driveshaft (112) in Figure 1) may be driven directly or indirectly by the vehicle's power source (e.g., ICE). A mechanical coupling may exist between the power source and the driveshaft so that the power source directly drives the driveshaft, and an electrical coupling may also exist between the power source and the driveshaft via a generator / motor and batteries. The mechanical coupling between the power source and the driveshaft may comprise at least one drivetrain extending between (or substantially between) the power source and the driveshaft, connected to a rear axle that drives the rear wheels. Figures 7A-7B represent partial front views of block diagrams of a battery assembly included in a vehicle implemented in a parallel hybrid configuration, in accordance with some modalities of this disclosure. A battery assembly similar to battery assembly (106) may be implemented, except as follows. In Figure 7A, the battery assembly comprises first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) mounted on respective rails of a chassis (e.g., rails (202), (204)), hangers (700), (720), a first end link (730), and a second end link (not shown) similar to the first end link (730). The first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) are separated from each other by a gap that is greater than the width of a drivetrain (732).The first end link (730), located at the front of the mounting assemblies (300), (320), and the second end link, located at the rear of the subassemblies (300), (320), are collinear with each other. The first end link (730) and the second end link are similar to their respective end links (330), (332), except that the width of the first and second end links is sufficient to allow the drive train (732) to pass through the center cutouts or openings in the first and second end links. Accordingly, the first and second end links may comprise rectangular rings. The brackets (700), (720) may be attached to one or more cross members of the chassis and the respective inlet sides of the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320) via the mounting brackets. η / οίτίη / ζζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ In other embodiments, a battery assembly comprising the first and second battery subassemblies (300), (320), hangers (334) (with associated mounting bracket), and end links (330), (332) may be mounted on a chassis above the drivetrain (732). The vehicle cab may be raised higher relative to the cab location in the vehicle (100) to provide sufficient space for the battery assembly above the drivetrain (732). In still other configurations, the drive train (732) may be located above the battery assembly. In such a configuration, the first and second hangers (334) may be configured in a Y shape (with respect to a front view of the vehicle) with the drive train (732) positioned between the two upper legs of the “Y”. Figure 8 represents an example of a component block diagram included in a vehicle (800) located or positioned in a modular implementation in accordance with some modalities of this disclosure. In a modular implementation, spaces for specific vehicle (800) components are designated or reserved in such a way that the same spaces previously designated for specific components can be used for different configurations of the vehicle (800), such as the vehicle (800) implemented in a series hybrid configuration, parallel hybrid configuration, electric configuration, or similar.For example, if the vehicle (800) is designed to be a series hybrid vehicle with an ICE (830) as the power source, then the spaces (820), (822) reserved for the fuel tank assemblies (1), (2) (e.g., for fuel cells) can be used to accommodate additional rechargeable batteries beyond the rechargeable battery space (810), (812) already reserved for the battery assemblies (1), (2). The spaces (810), (812), (820), (822) can include locations where the outer portions of the battery assembly (106) can be arranged. Components such as the ICE (830), gearbox (832), and generator (814) can be mounted on top of the battery assembly (106). In alternative configurations, the battery pack (106) can be implemented in the vehicle (100) configured as an all-electric vehicle. In this case, components such as internal combustion engines or fuel cells can be omitted, and additional batteries can be located in those places if, for example, a longer driving range is desired. Although battery assemblies with greater rigidity / hardness than the chassis on which they are mounted are described, the component assemblies that can benefit from the support structures described herein are not limited to batteries. In some embodiments, any of a variety of substantially large components and / or rigid component assemblies that require and / or would benefit from not being subject to chassis movement or rotation can be mounted to the vehicle using the brackets (312), (314), (322), (324), hangers (334) (with associated mounting bracket), and / or end links (330), (332). A substantially large component comprises a component that spans approximately the entire width of the chassis or approximately the width of the vehicle.As the size of an assembly increases, so does the relative displacement of the mounting features and the loads that displacement induces on the assembly. If an assembly size approaches the width of the vehicle or chassis, significant isolation between the assembly and the chassis frame is beneficial for the longevity, performance, and / or safe operation of the component included in the assembly. Examples of other rigid component assemblies include, but are not limited to, a high-pressure tank assembly, an assembly of large electronic modules, fuel cells, or similar components. The following are illustrative examples of the various types of devices and systems described in this document. One type of device or system may include any one or more, and any combination thereof, of the examples described below. 1. A vehicle component assembly having a chassis, comprising: a component configured to extend substantially across the width of the vehicle, wherein the chassis is configured to be flexible in the presence of a torsional force; and a support structure including a plurality of supports, wherein each support of the plurality of supports is configured to hold the component and attach the component to the chassis, wherein the support structure is configured to maintain the component at a greater rigidity than the chassis in the presence of the torsional force. 2. The assembly of components according to claim 1, wherein each support of the plurality of supports includes an outward-facing to inward-facing flange at a first end, configured to engage with a respective inward-facing or outward-facing flange attached to a chassis rail, and a respective inward-facing or outward-facing flange at a second end opposite the first end, configured to support the component. 3. The component assembly in accordance with any of clauses 1 and 2, wherein the support structure includes one or more hangers located near a center of the component, wherein the one or more hangers are configured to attach to a crossmember of the chassis. 4. The assembly of components in accordance with any of clauses 1-3, wherein the one or more hangers comprise the first and second hangers, the first hanger attached to a first portion of the component and the second hanger attached to a second portion of the component, and wherein the first and second hangers are configured to facilitate independent movement of the first and second portions of the component relative to each other. 5. The assembly of components in accordance with any of clauses 1-4, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of end links, wherein each end link of the plurality of end links is collinear with, and attached to, the ends of a pair of supports of the plurality of supports. 6. The assembly of components in accordance with any of clauses 1-5, wherein the vehicle comprises a series hybrid vehicle, a parallel hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. 7. The set of components in accordance with any of the clauses 1-6, where the component assembly is arranged co-planar with or below the chassis. 8. The assembly of components in accordance with any of clauses 1-7, wherein the vehicle comprises a Class 6-8 vehicle, a truck, or a commercial vehicle. 9. The assembly of components in accordance with any of clauses 1-8, wherein the component comprises a plurality of batteries configured to store electrical energy to power a vehicle drive shaft, a high-pressure tank, an electronic module, fuel cells, or an assembly of components to be at a higher rigidity than the chassis. 10. The component assembly in accordance with any of clauses 1-9, wherein the component comprises first and second portions and the support structure comprises first and second support structures, and wherein the first support structure is configured to retain the first portion and attach the first portion to the chassis and the second support structure is configured to retain the second portion and attach the second portion to the chassis. 11. The assembly of components in accordance with any of clauses 1-10, wherein a first support of the plurality of supports is arranged on one side of the component adjacent to a front part of the vehicle and a second support of the plurality of supports is arranged on one side of the component adjacent to a rear part of the vehicle. 12. A hybrid or electric truck, comprising: a chassis including first and second rails and a plurality of crossbeams extending between the first and second rails; a component including first and second portions, wherein the component extends substantially across a width of the truck; yn / Qfr I η / 77Π7 / Β / YILI a support structure including first, second and third support structures, wherein the first support structure is configured to support the first portion and join to the first rail, the second support structure is configured to support the second portion and join to the second rail, and the third support structure is attached to a crossmember of the plurality of crossmembers and at least one of the first or second portions. 13. The truck according to claim 12, wherein each of the first and second support structures includes an outward-facing / inward-facing flange at a first end, configured to engage with an inward-facing / outward-facing flange attached to the respective first and second chassis rails, and an inward-facing / outward-facing flange at a second end opposite the first end, configured to retain the first and second portions, respectively. 14. The truck in accordance with any of clauses 12-13, wherein the third support structure is situated between the inner sides of the first and second portions, and further comprising a mounting bracket disposed between the first support structure and the crossbeam of the plurality of crossbeams. 15. The truck in accordance with any of clauses 12-14, wherein the first support structure comprises first and second supports, wherein the support structure includes a fourth support structure, and wherein the fourth support structure is collinear with, and attached to, the ends of the first and second supports. 16. The truck in accordance with any of clauses 12-15, wherein the truck comprises a series hybrid truck, a parallel hybrid truck, or an electric truck. 17. The truck in accordance with clause 12, wherein the truck comprises a Class 6-8 vehicle or a commercial vehicle. 18. The truck in accordance with any of clauses 12-16, wherein the component comprises a plurality of batteries configured to store electrical energy to power a truck drive shaft, a high-pressure tank, an electronic module, fuel cells, or an assembly of components to be at a rigidity greater than that of the chassis. 19. The truck in accordance with any of clauses 12-17, wherein the first support structure is arranged on one side of the component adjacent to the front of the truck and the second support structure is arranged on one side of the component adjacent to the rear of the truck. η / οίτίη / ζζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ 20. The truck in accordance with any of clauses 12-19, wherein the support structure is configured to maintain the component at a higher rigidity than the chassis subjected to a torsional force. The foregoing description of the illustrated embodiments of the claimed subject matter, including that described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. While the specific embodiments of, and examples of, the claimed subject matter are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications within the scope of the claimed subject matter are possible, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. These modifications may be made to the claimed subject matter in light of the detailed description above. The terms used in the following claims shall not be construed as limiting the claimed subject matter to the specific forms disclosed in the description. Rather, the scope of the claimed subject matter shall be determined in its entirety by the following claims, which shall be interpreted in accordance with the established doctrines for the interpretation of claims.

Claims

1. A hybrid or electric truck, comprising: a chassis including first and second rails and a plurality of crossmembers extending between the first and second rails; a component including first and second portions, wherein the component extends substantially across a width of the truck; and a support structure including first, second, and third support structures, wherein the first support structure is configured to support the first portion and attach to the first rail, the second support structure is configured to support the second portion and attach to the second rail, and the third support structure is attached to a crossmember of the plurality of crossmembers and at least one of the first or second portions.

2. The truck according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second support structures includes an outward-facing / inward-facing flange at a first end, configured to engage with an inward-facing / outward-facing flange attached to the respective first and second chassis rails, and an inward-facing / outward-facing flange at a second end opposite the first end, configured to retain the first and second portions, respectively.

3. The truck according to claim 1, wherein the third support structure is located between the inner sides of the first and second portions, and further comprising a mounting bracket arranged between the first support structure and the crossbar of the plurality of crossbars.

4. The truck according to claim 1, wherein the first support structure comprises first and second supports, wherein the support structure includes a fourth support structure, and wherein the fourth support structure is collinear with, and attached to, the ends of the first and second supports.

5. The truck according to claim 1, wherein the truck comprises a series hybrid truck or a parallel hybrid truck or an electric truck.

6. The truck according to claim 1, wherein the truck comprises a Class 6-8 vehicle or a commercial vehicle.

7. The truck according to claim 1, wherein the component comprises a plurality of batteries configured to store electrical energy to power a truck drive shaft or a high-pressure tank, or an electronic module, or fuel cells, or an assembly of components to be at a higher rigidity than that of the chassis.

8. The truck according to claim 1, wherein the first support structure is arranged on one side of the component adjacent to the front of the truck, and the second support structure is arranged on one side of the component adjacent to a side of the truck opposite the front of the truck.

9. The truck according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is configured to maintain the component at a higher rigidity than the chassis subjected to a torsional force.

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