Arc-Shaped Impact Absorbers for Battery Enclosure Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient and lightweight structure to absorb collision energy and minimize deformation of electric vehicle battery enclosures while maintaining limited package space and avoiding weight addition, which affects fuel economy and vehicle design.
Innovation Solution
The use of elongated, arc-shaped impact absorbing members attached to the walls of the battery enclosure, extending horizontally and vertically, with T-shaped guides for retention, forming an integrated impact absorbing assembly that distributes impact forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beams and cross members are added to the battery enclosure, then impact protection is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin wall structures with integrated impact-absorbing features formed directly from the enclosure material. The thin walls incorporate arc-shaped, cellular, or collapsible features that can deform during impact to absorb energy, eliminating the need for heavy additional beams and cross members while maintaining impact protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite wall structures combining different material properties or configurations within the thin wall itself. The walls may include layers or structures with varying densities, flexibilities, and strength characteristics that work together to provide impact absorption without increasing overall weight.
2Reliability
If beams and cross members are added to the battery enclosure, then impact protection is improved, but packaging space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the impact protection function directly into the battery enclosure walls themselves. The impact-absorbing features are integrated as part of the wall structure rather than being separate components, thereby eliminating the need for additional packaging space for separate beams and cross members.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin wall structures with integrated impact-absorbing features provide protection without requiring additional space. The arc-shaped, cellular, or collapsible features are formed within the wall thickness or as surface features, maintaining a compact overall structure.
3Quantity of substance
If the battery enclosure is tightly packed with battery packs, then space utilization is improved, but crush space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thin walls with integrated impact-absorbing features can deform during crush events to absorb energy, providing crush resistance even when the enclosure is tightly packed with battery packs, eliminating the need for additional crush space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the walls by incorporating arc-shaped, cellular, or collapsible features that alter the deformation characteristics. These features allow the walls to undergo controlled deformation that absorbs impact energy, improving crush resistance without requiring additional space.
4Reliability
If traditional impact protection structures are used, then impact energy absorption is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thin wall structures with integrated impact-absorbing features provide effective impact energy absorption through controlled deformation of the wall features themselves, eliminating the need for heavy additional structures that would increase vehicle weight and reduce fuel economy.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite wall structures provide efficient impact energy absorption through the synergistic interaction of different material or structural components within the thin wall, achieving protection without the weight penalty that would adversely affect fuel economy.
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
This solution significantly reduces battery enclosure deformation during collisions, achieving a marked reduction in deformation compared to traditional designs, while maintaining a lightweight and compact structure that does not compromise fuel economy.
Implementation Method 1
elongated impact absorbing members attached to each wall... significantly reduces battery enclosure deformation during collisions
Implementation Method 2
impact absorbing members... extending horizontally and vertically... distributes impact forces effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A battery housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle is disclosed that includes a plurality of elongated impact absorbing members attached to the walls of the enclosure. The impact absorbing members may be integrally formed with the walls of the enclosure. The impact absorbing members include an arcuate wall that is designed to be deformed in the event of an impact to absorb impact forces and protect the battery. The impact absorbing members may be oriented to extend either in a horizontal orientation or vertical orientation. The impact absorbing members may be retained by T-shaped guide on the outer surface of the walls of the enclosure or may be integrally formed in one piece on the outer surface of each of the walls of the enclosure.