Vehicle Carrier Recess for Electrical Component Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transition to electrically driven trucks faces challenges such as limited installation space and high development costs, as electrical components require significant space and new part development.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a carrier with a material recess that integrates electrical components, such as high-voltage components and control units, within the vehicle frame, allowing for space-efficient and protected arrangement near the exterior, thereby optimizing installation space without increasing the vehicle's external dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If electrical components are installed in electrically driven trucks, then the vehicle can operate electrically, but installation space is limited and external dimensions must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical operation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates electrical components into a material recess of an existing structural part (carrier attached to vehicle frame). This nesting approach allows electrical components to be housed within the thickness of the carrier rather than requiring additional external volume, effectively solving the space constraint problem while maintaining electrical operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution utilizes the thickness dimension of the carrier (z-direction) by creating a material recess, rather than only utilizing the surface area (x-y plane). This dimensional approach allows electrical components to be arranged in three-dimensional space within the carrier structure, increasing installation capacity without increasing external dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If new truck parts are developed for electric vehicles, then installation space requirements are met, but development costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddevelopment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the carrier serves both as a structural mounting element and as a housing for electrical components through the material recess. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate housings or mounting structures, reducing development costs while providing adequate installation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution merges the structural carrier with the electrical component housing by integrating the material recess directly into the carrier. This consolidation of functions into a single part reduces the number of components that need to be designed, manufactured, and assembled, thereby reducing development costs while maintaining sufficient installation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If electrical components are arranged close to the exterior, then space utilization is improved, but protection of components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcomponent protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Electrical components are nested within the material recess of the carrier, which provides both space efficiency and protection. The recess acts as a protective enclosure that shields components from external harmful factors while maintaining compact arrangement close to the exterior, simultaneously achieving both space utilization and component protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4169813A1Support for an external trim part
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP4169813A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4169813A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4169813A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for a motor vehicle (10), preferably electrically powered, comprising a vehicle frame (16), at least one outer panel (26, 28, 30), and a support (34) attached to the vehicle frame (16) and carrying the at least one outer panel (26, 28, 30). The support (34) has a recess (36) in the material. At least one device (38), preferably electrical, is arranged in the recess (36) and supported by the support (34). Advantageously, this allows for a space-saving and protected arrangement of the at least one device (38).