Underfloor Battery Assistant Module for Side-Impact Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traction battery systems for motor vehicles are inadequately secured against side impacts, as existing designs fail to effectively transmit forces acting on the side surfaces during a crash, particularly in underfloor configurations where the battery assistant system is not suited to handle such forces.
Innovation Solution
A traction battery system with an underfloor battery configuration featuring a battery assistant module and a load-transmitting element extending between the sills, which includes a battery management system and integrated power system, provides a continuous load path to absorb and transmit side impact forces, utilizing a screw connection for secure fastening and potentially incorporating a load-bearing cover or extruded cooling duct for enhanced stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the battery assistant system is arranged next to the traction battery in the central region to implement short connecting paths, then the electrical connection efficiency is improved, but the system cannot effectively transmit side impact forces due to its limited extent in the body transverse axis direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery assistant system with a load-transmitting element that extends in the body transverse axis direction. This merging allows the assistant system to serve dual purposes: maintaining short electrical connecting paths while simultaneously providing structural support for transmitting side impact forces from the battery modules to the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-transmitting element integrated with the battery assistant system performs multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for the battery modules, serves as a structural component for force transmission during side impacts, and contributes to the overall mechanical stability of the battery assembly. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between compact electrical layout and crash protection.
2Volume of moving object
If the battery assistant module is made shorter in the body transverse axis direction to fit within the central region, then the installation space utilization is improved, but the ability to transmit forces acting on side surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the load-transmitting element in the body longitudinal axis direction (between front and rear sills) to compensate for the reduced transverse axis extent. This dimensional shift allows the system to maintain compact transverse footprint while achieving adequate force transmission capability through longitudinal structural engagement with the vehicle body.
Data Source
AI summary
A traction battery system of an electrically operable motor vehicle is configured in the form of an underfloor battery and has at least one first battery module and one second battery module. The traction battery system includes a battery assistant module that is designed for operating the battery modules. The battery modules and the battery assistant module, which have an assistant module housing, are oriented in series in relation to one another in the direction of a body longitudinal axis of a motor vehicle body, and can be arranged between a first sill and a second sill of the body. The battery assistant module has a load-transmitting element for transmitting forces acting on side elements of the body, which load-transmitting element extends from the first sill to the second sill in the direction of a body transverse axis of the body.