Battery Pack Energy Absorption Member for Side Collision Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles face the risk of applying a large collision load on the sidewall of a battery pack during a side collision due to the deformation of the energy absorption member pressing against it.
Innovation Solution
The energy absorption member is designed with an inner sidewall that inclines downwardly in the vehicle height direction as it extends inwardly in the vehicle width direction, and is fixed to the vehicle body using collars and bolts to maintain a distance from the battery pack, thereby reducing the likelihood of contact during deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the energy absorption member is positioned close to the battery pack to maximize collision energy absorption, then the collision energy absorption capability is improved, but the collision load transmitted to the battery pack sidewall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a collar as an intermediary component between the energy absorption member and the battery pack. This collar maintains a predetermined distance between the EA member and battery pack sidewall, preventing direct contact during collision. The collar acts as a mediator that allows the EA member to deform and absorb energy while preventing harmful load transmission to the battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vehicle height direction (vertical dimension) to create spatial separation between the EA member and battery pack. By positioning the collar below the EA member and using the vertical dimension to maintain distance, the design prevents horizontal contact during side collision while preserving energy absorption functionality.
2Device complexity
If the energy absorption member is fixed directly to the battery pack to simplify structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the collision load is directly transmitted to the battery pack
Solution Approach 1:
The collar serves as a simple intermediary fastening component that attaches the EA member to the vehicle body (rocker) rather than directly to the battery pack. This maintains structural simplicity while fundamentally changing the load path to prevent harmful transmission to the battery pack.
3Loss of energy
If the inner sidewall of the energy absorption member is vertical to maximize deformation space, then the energy absorption capacity is improved, but the likelihood of contact with the battery pack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent protects the battery pack by utilizing the vertical dimension (vehicle height direction) to maintain spatial separation. The collar positioned below the EA member creates a vertical buffer zone, allowing the EA member to deform horizontally without contacting the battery pack sidewall.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is pre-positioned to establish a predetermined distance before collision occurs. This preliminary spatial arrangement prevents the EA member from contacting the battery pack during deformation, proactively eliminating the harmful effect before it can occur.
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 effectively absorbs collision energy while minimizing the load applied to the battery pack by preventing direct contact between the energy absorption member and the sidewall, thus enhancing the structural integrity of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
when side collision occurs to the vehicle, the EA member deforms, by which collision energy is absorbed
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may include a vehicle body including a floor panel, a battery pack located below the floor panel, and an energy absorption member located outwardly from the battery pack in a vehicle width direction and fixing the battery pack to the vehicle body. The energy absorption member may be a hollow member extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction and having a constant cross section along the vehicle longitudinal direction. An inner sidewall of the energy absorption member that faces the battery pack may incline downwardly in a vehicle height direction as it extends inwardly in the vehicle width direction.