Degassing Tank Support Layout for Tight EV Wheel Arch Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of a degassing tank within the cramped engine compartment of vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, is complex due to limited space and the need to reuse body components from other vehicle types, making it difficult to accommodate without costly modifications.

Innovation Solution

A compact arrangement using pre- and final positioning means, such as oblong holes, and fastening mechanisms like threaded rods and notches, secures the degassing tank to the wheel arch and side awning reinforcement, allowing it to be pivoted into place, utilizing existing vehicle interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the degassing tank is integrated within the engine compartment, then the heating system function is achieved, but the available space is insufficient and integration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The degassing tank is nested within the wheel arch cavity, utilizing the space inside an existing structural component. The tank fits into the wheel arch's internal volume, effectively nesting one component within another to overcome space constraints in the engine compartment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from two-dimensional planar space utilization to three-dimensional volumetric utilization by positioning the tank within the depth of the wheel arch cavity. This dimensional approach allows the tank to occupy vertical and depth space rather than only horizontal plane space.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If body components from other vehicle types are reused, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel arch is designed with multi-functionality: it serves both its original structural purpose and as a mounting location for the degassing tank. The wheel arch acts as both a body component and a support structure, eliminating the need for dedicated mounting brackets or additional components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure for the degassing tank is merged with the wheel arch itself. Instead of adding separate support components, the wheel arch's existing structure is utilized to provide both structural integrity and tank support, combining multiple functions into a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the degassing tank is positioned in a difficult-to-access space, then space optimization is achieved, but the installation and maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into multiple independent features: the wheel arch receiving means, the main support with pre-positioning means, and the final positioning means. This segmentation allows the tank to be installed in stages, with each feature providing a specific function that simplifies the overall installation process despite the confined location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-positioning means (such as an oblong hole) is provided in advance on the wheel arch, allowing the tank to be temporarily positioned and aligned before final securing. This preliminary action facilitates easier installation by providing guidance and alignment features prior to the final mounting step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4357593B1Support for vehicle passenger compartment heating degassing tank
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 RENAULT SA
  • EP4357593B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4357593B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4357593B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a main support (10) for partially supporting a degassing tank of a heating circuit of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, in particular of an electric motor vehicle, the main support (10) comprising a pre-positioning means (11') and a final positioning means (11") of the degassing tank.