Battery Pack Securing Method Using External Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing a battery pack to the underbody of an electrified vehicle is complex due to limited packaging space and requires sealing fasteners within an open area, which can be challenging and complex to manage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a retention feature that transitions from a disengaged to an engaged position by moving the battery pack enclosure relative to the vehicle, using a protrusion and bracket system where the protrusion contacts a pocket floor, and securing with a fastener outside the enclosure perimeter, allowing for horizontal or vertical movement to achieve secure attachment without complex fastening operations.
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 achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fasteners from the confined space within the battery pack enclosure and positions them on the exterior surface. This eliminates the need for conduits and internal routing, achieving sealing without the complexity of internal fastener management. The fasteners are taken out of the enclosed space and placed where they can be accessed and sealed from the outside.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of sealing fasteners from the inside of the battery pack enclosure by routing them through conduits, the patent inverts the approach by positioning fasteners on the exterior surface and sealing them from the outside. This reversal of the sealing direction eliminates the need for complex internal conduit systems while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the battery pack, then retention reliability improves, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retention function into two distinct components: retention features (protrusions and brackets) that provide mechanical retention, and fasteners that provide sealing and additional securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with retention features being simple geometric elements that are easy to manufacture and assemble, while fasteners handle the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces retention features (protrusions and brackets) as intermediary elements between the battery pack enclosure and the vehicle underbody. These intermediaries provide the primary retention function through simple geometric engagement, reducing the burden on fasteners to provide both retention and sealing, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If retention features are positioned outside the perimeter of the battery pack enclosure, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention function with the structural elements of the battery pack enclosure by using protrusions that extend from the enclosure perimeter and brackets that attach to the underbody. This integration allows retention features to be positioned outside the perimeter without requiring separate complex retention systems, as the enclosure itself provides the mounting structure for the protrusions.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary securing method includes securing a battery pack relative to a portion of an electrified vehicle by engaging a retention feature inside a perimeter of a battery pack enclosure, and by fastening the battery pack enclosure to the portion with at least one fastener outside the perimeter. The perimeter is established by a plurality of sidewalls and endwalls of the battery pack enclosure.