Battery Pack Deflector Stop for Underbody Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle designs fail to adequately protect underbody components, particularly against vertical impacts, while maintaining optimal aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle design incorporating a deflector with a protective stop positioned vertically between the component and the deflector's lower wall, which includes a force transfer wall and fixing lugs, to absorb impact forces and maintain aerodynamic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a protective plate is added beneath the battery to protect against vertical impacts, then the protection level improves, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to altered airflow beneath the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The protective stop is nested within the deflector structure, positioned vertically between the battery and the deflector's lower wall. This nesting allows the protective function to be integrated within the aerodynamic fairing without significantly disrupting airflow, resolving the contradiction between protection and aerodynamics
Solution Approach 2:
The protective stop acts as an intermediary element between the battery and the deflector. It absorbs impact forces while being partially covered by the deflector, thus protecting the battery without significantly affecting the aerodynamic flow beneath the vehicle
2Strength
If a rigid protective structure is used to protect against full vehicle weight impacts, then the protection level improves, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective stop provides localized protection only where vertical impacts are most likely to occur (between the battery and deflector), rather than enclosing the entire battery. This localized approach achieves adequate protection with simpler, lighter construction
Solution Approach 2:
The protective stop is positioned in advance to cushion against vertical impacts before they can reach the battery. The deflector's lower wall is positioned to deform and absorb impact energy, providing beforehand cushioning that protects the battery without requiring a fully rigid protective structure
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
The protective stop effectively absorbs vertical impacts, protecting components like propulsion batteries without compromising aerodynamics by allowing the deflector to deform while ensuring the stop transfers forces to the substructure.
Implementation Method 1
the protective stop comprises a lower end arranged vertically between the component and the lower wall of the deflector... the deflector may deform, but the protective stop ensures the protection of the component
Implementation Method 2
The deflectors positioned beneath the battery tray create an aerodynamic surface or fairing that improves the vehicle's stability while moving and/or reduces drag
Implementation Method 3
the protective stop ensures the protection of the component... the protective stop transfers forces to the substructure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a substructure and at least one member extending beneath the substructure; the vehicle further comprises a deflector (14) extending beneath the substructure; wherein the deflector comprises a lower wall (16) arranged beneath the member; the vehicle further comprises a protective stop (20) for the member, the stop being rigidly attached to the substructure. The protective stop comprises a lower end (22) vertically positioned between the member and the lower wall (16) of the deflector.