Wireless Charging Pad Support Structure for Curb Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless charging pads mounted under electrified vehicles are vulnerable to damage when the vehicle drives over high curbs, as they are not adequately protected from scraping against the undercarriage.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising longitudinal and transverse structural support members made of rigid materials, such as stainless steel, is integrated into the vehicle's frame to position the wireless charging pad in a way that it clears the curb, preventing damage by absorbing the impact with the support members rather than the pad itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless charging pad is positioned behind the front subframe, then it can be mounted on the underside of the electrified vehicle, but it could be damaged if the vehicle drives off a high curb and scrapes the undercarriage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the wireless charging pad and the curb. It includes a first support member extending forward of the charging pad and a second support member extending rearward, creating a protective framework that intercepts curb contact before it reaches the charging pad itself
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are positioned to engage the curb before the wireless charging pad would contact it. The first support member extends forward of the pad's front edge and the second support member extends rearward of the pad's rear edge, creating preliminary protective action that prevents direct curb contact with the charging pad
Data Source
AI summary
An electrified vehicle includes a frame with first and second longitudinal members and first and second transverse members, and a front subframe located forwardly of the frame. A wireless charging pad is located rearwardly of the front subframe between the longitudinal and transverse members of the frame. A support structure for preventing damage to the wireless charging pad includes first and second structural support members extending along opposite sides of the wireless charging pad, and a transverse structural support member extending between the first and second structural support members.