Central Pillar EV Cabin Structure for Pillarless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of side pillars in cars weakens the chassis structure and complicates the installation of seat belt restraint systems, particularly in electric vehicles where structural stiffness and battery protection are critical, while also requiring heavier components to support the battery pack.
Innovation Solution
A central pillar is introduced within the passenger compartment to maintain structural integrity and support seat belt systems, allowing for single side door compartments on each flank without removing the pillars, thus enhancing chassis stiffness and reducing overall weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side pillars are removed to simplify door configuration and improve passenger access, then ease of operation is improved, but chassis structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack enclosure acts as an intermediary structural element that replaces the traditional side pillars. It provides the necessary structural support and strength while allowing for simplified door configuration and improved passenger access, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack enclosure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support replacing the side pillars, houses the battery pack, and contributes to chassis stiffness. This multi-functionality allows the removal of traditional pillars while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If side pillars are removed to create single side door compartments, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to heavier door components
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack enclosure serves as a structural intermediary that assumes the load-bearing function previously performed by side pillars. This allows doors to be lighter and simpler while maintaining overall structural integrity, reducing door component complexity
3Ease of operation
If side pillars are removed to improve passenger access, then ease of operation is improved, but weight increases due to heavier alternative support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack enclosure performs multiple functions including structural support, battery housing, and chassis stiffening. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the need for additional heavy support structures is eliminated, thus improving passenger access without significantly increasing weight
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support function of side pillars is merged with the battery pack enclosure. This integration eliminates the need for separate heavy support structures while maintaining structural integrity, thus reducing overall vehicle weight compared to adding dedicated replacement pillars
4Ease of operation
If side pillars are removed to simplify door configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to weakened chassis structure
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack enclosure acts as a reliable intermediary structure that maintains chassis integrity. It provides robust anchorage points for seat belt restraint systems and ensures structural reliability while allowing for simplified door configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack enclosure serves as a multi-functional structural element that ensures reliability by providing chassis stiffening, supporting seat belt anchorage, and maintaining structural integrity, thus improving door configuration without compromising reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric or hybrid car (1) comprising an outer body (4) having a floor (6); a passenger compartment (5) formed inside said outer body (4) between the front and rear wheels (2, 3); wherein the floor (6) comprises at least two oblique side members (26, 30) converging towards a central portion (27) of the floor (6), which comprises a central node (28) to which an end of each oblique side member (26, 30) is mounted; a central pillar (32) extending within said passenger compartment (5) between said floor (6) and said roof (8) and arranged at an intermediate longitudinal axis (A) of the passenger compartment (5) between said driver's position (15) and said rear passenger's position (16); wherein the central pillar (32) comprises a first end (33) connected to a central node (28) of the floor (6) and a second end (34) connected to the roof (8).