Battery Pack Retention Assembly Lateral Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing battery packs in electrified vehicles is challenging due to limited vertical packaging space and tool clearance issues, making it difficult to attach the pack to the underbody without complex fastener strategies.
Innovation Solution
A retention assembly that transitions between disengaged and engaged positions in response to relative movement between the battery pack enclosure and the battery array, using components like serrated tabs and clips to secure the pack within the enclosure, allowing for secure attachment without external fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fasteners are positioned within a conduit to seal them from the open area, then sealing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fasteners and sealing mechanism from the traditional conduit-based approach and integrates them directly into the retention assembly structure. The retention assembly itself provides the sealing function through its engagement with the battery pack enclosure, eliminating the need for separate conduits and complex fastener positioning strategies.
2Strength
If the battery pack is secured to the underbody using external fasteners, then attachment strength is improved, but tool clearance issues worsen due to limited vertical packaging space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical attachment approach (requiring tool clearance from above) to a lateral engagement approach. The retention assembly engages the battery pack enclosure from the sides through lateral movement, allowing installation without requiring vertical tool clearance while maintaining secure attachment strength.
3Ease of operation
If the retention assembly is disposed entirely within the interior of the battery pack enclosure, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to secure the pack to the underbody worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two functions into a single integrated retention assembly: (1) securing the battery pack enclosure components together through internal engagement, and (2) providing external attachment capability to the vehicle underbody. The assembly acts as both an internal retention mechanism and an external mounting interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An example battery pack retention system includes, among other things, a retention assembly that transitions from a disengaged to an engaged position in response to movement of a portion of a battery pack enclosure relative to a battery array housed within the battery pack enclosure. An example securing method includes, among other things, moving a portion of a battery pack enclosure relative to a battery array that is housed within the battery pack enclosure to transition a retention assembly from a disengaged to an engaged position.