Battery Pack Case Structure for Lateral Impact Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges in effectively absorbing impact loads in the lateral direction without increasing the size, number of components, and weight, particularly affecting the electronic component unit during vehicle collisions.
Innovation Solution
The battery pack design incorporates a case member with obliquely intersecting floor and upper surfaces to distribute lateral impact loads, utilizing the inner space efficiently and reducing the need for a large cushioning mechanism, thereby minimizing the size and weight of the pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large cushioning mechanism is provided to absorb impact load, then the impact protection is improved, but the inner space utilization deteriorates and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning function is merged with the floor surface structure of the case member. The oblique second floor surface portion is integrated into the case member itself, eliminating the need for a separate cushioning mechanism while maintaining impact absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor surface is designed with an oblique angle in the lateral direction, transforming the impact absorption approach from vertical cushioning to angled load distribution. This dimensional change allows the structure to absorb lateral impacts more effectively while using less space.
2Reliability
If a separate impact absorbing mechanism is provided, then the impact protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning function is integrated into the existing case member structure through the oblique floor surface design, eliminating the need for separate impact absorbing components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The case member's floor surface serves dual functions: supporting the electronic component unit and absorbing lateral impact loads. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required in the battery pack.
3Reliability
If a separate impact absorbing mechanism is provided, then the impact protection is improved, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning function is combined with the case member structure, eliminating the need for additional impact absorbing components and thereby reducing the overall weight of the battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The case member structure is designed to perform both structural support and impact absorption functions, eliminating the need for separate weighted cushioning components and reducing total battery pack weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes: a plurality of battery cells; an electronic component unit including an electronic component and a housing that accommodates the electronic component; and a case member that accommodates the plurality of battery cells and the electronic component unit. The housing of the electronic component unit has a bottom surface. The case member has a floor surface that supports the bottom surface of the housing, and the floor surface of the case member includes a first floor surface portion extending along a first plane and a second floor surface portion extending along a second plane obliquely intersecting the first plane.