Vehicle Cabin Battery Layout for Flat Baggage Floor Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cabin structures of vehicles with batteries installed above the floor compromise the height of the baggage compartment and passenger head clearance, especially in low-roof vehicles, and hinder the enlargement of the flat floor surface when seatbacks are forward-folded.
Innovation Solution
A cabin structure with a T-letter shaped arrangement of first and second batteries above the floor, where the first battery is behind the rear seats and the second battery is between the rear seats, allowing for a flat and enlarged baggage compartment floor surface while maintaining sufficient battery volume, and incorporating a middle seatback that folds forward to enhance passenger comfort and vehicle rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the battery for drive is arranged above the rear floor, then the battery volume is sufficient, but the floor surface of the baggage compartment is located at a high level improperly, decreasing the substantial height of the baggage space
Solution Approach 1:
The battery for drive is divided into two separate batteries: a first battery arranged above the baggage compartment floor and a second battery arranged above the floor between the rear seats. This segmentation allows the battery volume to be distributed across different locations, maintaining sufficient total battery capacity while avoiding concentration of battery height in one location that would compromise baggage space
Solution Approach 2:
The batteries are arranged in a T-letter shape configuration in plan view, with the first battery extending in the vehicle width direction and the second battery extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This dimensional redistribution allows the battery system to achieve sufficient volume through spatial optimization rather than increasing vertical height, thereby preserving baggage space height
2Quantity of substance
If the battery for drive is arranged in the space below the rear seat cushion, then the battery volume is sufficient, but the height of the rear seat cushion increases improperly, deteriorating the head clearance of the passenger
Solution Approach 1:
The battery arrangement is extracted from the space below the rear seat cushion and relocated to positions above the floor behind and between the rear seats. This extraction eliminates the interference with rear seat cushion height, thereby preserving passenger head clearance while maintaining sufficient battery volume through alternative spatial configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The battery configuration transitions from a vertical arrangement below the seat cushion to a horizontal T-letter shaped arrangement above the floor in the rear passenger area. This dimensional shift moves the battery volume requirement from the vertical dimension to the horizontal plane, eliminating conflict with head clearance while preserving battery capacity
3Area of stationary object
If the seatback is configured to be forward foldable to enlarge the flat floor surface of the baggage compartment, then the baggage space is enlarged, but the layout of the battery installed above the floor hinders this enlargement
Solution Approach 1:
The first battery is positioned behind the rear seats and fixed to the baggage compartment floor, while the second battery is positioned between the rear seats and fixed to the floor. This localized arrangement creates a T-letter shape that strategically places battery components in areas that do not interfere with the forward-folding motion of seatbacks, allowing the seatbacks to fold forward and form an extended flat surface with the battery tops without obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration allows the seatbacks to dynamically fold forward to enlarge the baggage compartment floor surface, while the stationary battery arrangement in T-letter shape provides a stable base that accommodates this dynamic movement. The batteries are positioned and sized such that they do not impede the folding action, enabling the baggage compartment to adapt its floor surface area as needed
4Quantity of substance
If the battery case is expanded and enlarged forward to increase battery volume, then the battery capacity is improved, but the essential function of the center console is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two separate batteries with distinct functions and positions: the first battery behind the rear seats and the second battery between the rear seats. This segmentation allows the second battery to extend forward into the center console area without compromising console function, as the first battery provides the primary volume while the second battery optimizes the configuration to maintain center console accessibility and functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A first battery provided behind seatbacks of rear seats and a second battery provided between the rear seats are arranged in a T-letter shape in a plan view, right-and-left both end portions of the first battery are fixed to a baggage-compartment part of a floor, a front end portion of the second battery extending forward beyond a kick-up portion toward an inside of a front-seat center console is fixed to the floor, and each back face portion of the respective seatbacks of the rear seats which are positioned in a forward-folded state and an upper face portion of the first battery are configured to form a substantially flat and enlarged floor surface of a baggage compartment.