Battery and Gas Tank Bracket Layout for Compact Vehicle Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently packaging large energy storage systems, including batteries and gas tanks, within the limited space of vehicles, particularly heavy-duty vehicles, is exacerbated by the bulky cylindrical shape of gas tanks, leading to difficulties in fitting and servicing these components.
Innovation Solution
A bracket design with a frame attachment portion, battery connecting portion, and gas tank supporting portion, where the gas tank supporting surface is opposite to the frame and battery interface surfaces, allowing for separate and simplified assembly and disassembly of batteries and gas tanks, with optional concave shapes and strap enclosures for secure support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional cylindrical gas tanks are used, then the gas tank can store sufficient fuel, but the gas tank becomes bulky and difficult to fit within limited vehicle space
Solution Approach 1:
The gas tank is nested within the bracket structure, with the bracket's gas tank supporting portion forming an enclosing framework around the tank. This nesting approach allows the gas tank to be integrated into the vehicle frame structure, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining fuel capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket extends in multiple dimensions from the vehicle frame, creating a three-dimensional support structure that accommodates the gas tank in a compact configuration. The bracket's longitudinal and transverse extensions utilize available space efficiently, transforming the packaging problem into a multi-dimensional spatial arrangement.
2Ease of repair
If batteries and gas tanks are connected to the frame separately, then serviceability is improved, but the overall connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into distinct functional portions: a frame attachment portion for structural connection, a battery connecting portion with battery interface surface, and a gas tank supporting portion with gas tank supporting surface. This segmentation allows independent access and serviceability of each component while maintaining an integrated overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single bracket structure performs multiple functions: it attaches to the vehicle frame, supports the battery through the battery interface surface, and supports the gas tank through the gas tank supporting surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining ease of serviceability for each component.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery is positioned below the frame for protection, then the battery is protected from damage, but the bracket structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: frame attachment, battery support with protective positioning, and gas tank support. The battery connecting portion is positioned below the frame attachment portion, providing protection while maintaining structural integration rather than requiring separate protective components.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for supporting a high voltage traction battery and a gas tank of a vehicle, the bracket comprising a frame attachment portion comprising a frame supporting surface configured to be connected to a frame of the vehicle, a battery connecting portion comprising a battery interface surface configured to be connected to, and support, the high voltage traction battery, and a gas tank supporting portion extending from the frame attachment portion to the battery connecting portion, the gas tank supporting portion comprising a gas tank supporting surface configured to support the gas tank, wherein the gas tank supporting surface is arranged on an opposite side of the bracket compared to the frame supporting surface and the battery interface surface, the gas tank supporting surface being shaped to at least partly enclose the gas tank.