Underfloor Battery Pack Upper Case Support for Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery pack designs struggle to effectively suppress vibrations of the upper case, relying on insulating layers that are insufficient in damping noise, heat, and vibration.

Innovation Solution

The battery pack incorporates a support member to centrally support the upper case, combined with elastic members like rubber, sponge, or springs between the upper case and the lower surface, and additional support structures such as ribs and reinforcements to absorb and distribute vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If insulating layers are provided between the lower surface of the body floor and the upper case of the battery pack, then heat insulation and sound insulation are improved, but vibration suppression is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat insulation and sound insulationVSAvoidvibration suppression
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining an insulating layer (foam material) and an elastic member (rubber, sponge, or spring) to achieve both insulation and vibration suppression functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between thermal/sound insulation and vibration control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the upper case is supported from below with a support member at the central portion, then vibration suppression is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration suppressionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into two distinct components: a support member for mechanical support and vibration suppression, and an insulating layer for thermal and acoustic insulation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while keeping the overall structure manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the rigid support member and the upper case, providing both vibration damping and insulation functions, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple support members and elastic members are provided in front-rear and width directions, then stability of upper case support is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of upper case supportVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple support members arranged in the front-rear direction and width direction, with elastic members positioned between adjacent support members. This segmentation provides stable multi-point support while maintaining organizational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adjacent support members and elastic members are merged into integrated support units that work together to provide both mechanical support and vibration damping, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 significantly reduces upper case vibrations, enhancing stability and noise insulation while maintaining heat management, thereby improving the overall performance and durability of the battery pack.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member disposed on a surface of the upper case and sandwiched between the upper case and a lower surface of the floor... by using the elastic member on one side instead of sandwiching the upper case with rigid bodies from both sides, vibrations generated in the upper case can be absorbed by the elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an insulating layer for sound insulation, heat insulation, and vibration damping is provided between the lower surface of a body floor and the upper case of the battery pack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3680953B1Battery pack
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3680953B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3680953B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3680953B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The battery pack (200) according to the present disclosure is a battery pack (200) mounted under a floor (102) of a vehicle (100). The battery pack (200) comprises a lower case (300) fixed under the floor (102) and on which a battery stack (900) is placed, an upper case (210) attached to the lower case (300), and a support member (390) extending upwardly from a rigid body provided inside the lower case (300) to support a back surface of the upper case (210). The battery pack (200) may further comprise an elastic member (231, 232) disposed on a surface of the upper case (210) and sandwiched between the upper case (210) and a lower surface of the floor (102). In such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the upper case (210) of the battery pack (200) from vibrating.