Electrified Vehicle Array Plate Housing Electronic Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicle battery packs face challenges in efficiently housing electronic modules and managing thermal energy generated during operation, which affects packaging space and thermal energy exchange.
Innovation Solution
An array plate with a cavity that houses electronic components, such as a battery electronic control module, where the component is mounted to the floor and covered by a plate, allowing thermal energy to be communicated to a heat exchanger plate for efficient cooling and protection from environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic modules are housed separately from the array plate, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but packaging space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electronic module housing directly into the array plate structure by forming a cavity within the array plate itself. This merging of functions allows the array plate to simultaneously serve as a structural support element and an electronic component housing, eliminating the need for separate housing structures and reducing overall packaging space while maintaining ease of installation and maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The array plate is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural support for battery cells and as a housing for electronic modules. The cavity formed within the array plate allows it to accommodate electronic components while maintaining its primary structural function, thereby optimizing space utilization without compromising operational accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If electronic modules are exposed to the environment, then ease of access for maintenance is improved, but protection from environmental factors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module is nested within a cavity formed in the array plate, which is itself nested within the battery pack structure. This nested configuration provides environmental protection by enclosing the electronic component within the structurally robust array plate, while the cavity design ensures that access remains feasible through the array plate's integrated structure.
3Device complexity
If thermal energy is not actively managed, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control and operational reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The array plate itself serves as a thermal management component by conducting heat away from the electronic module through its inherent thermal conductivity. The electronic module is thermally coupled to the array plate, which acts as a heat sink and conducts thermal energy to dedicated heat exchanger plates, enabling passive thermal management without requiring additional active cooling systems for the electronic components.
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 configuration reduces packaging space requirements and facilitates effective thermal energy exchange, protecting electronic components while maintaining efficient operation and reducing the thermal footprint of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
communicating thermal energy from the electronic component through the array plate to the heat exchanger plate
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary assembly includes an array plate, and an electronic component held within a cavity of the array plate. An exemplary method includes housing an electronic component within a cavity of an array plate, and holding a battery cell of an array with the array plate.