Elongating Bracket for Traction Battery Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face challenges in securing traction batteries within the vehicle structure during impact events, as existing solutions fail to effectively maintain the battery's connection to the vehicle structure, risking detachment and damage.
Innovation Solution
A traction battery securing assembly featuring a platform supported by brackets that elongate in response to a load, allowing the battery to move relative to the vehicle structure while remaining secured, comprising sections that form a unitary structure or include rails for sliding motion, ensuring the battery stays connected during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid bracket is used to secure the battery pack firmly to the vehicle structure, then the battery connection strength is improved, but the bracket may detach or break during impact events
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can change its mechanical properties. The bracket includes a first portion and a second portion that can rotate relative to each other about a pivot point, allowing the bracket to adapt its configuration during impact events while maintaining secure battery attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket changes its physical state during impact by rotating the second portion relative to the first portion. This parameter change (angular position) allows the bracket to absorb impact energy while maintaining its load-bearing function and keeping the battery securely attached
2Stability of the object's composition
If the battery is firmly fixed to prevent any movement, then the battery stability is improved, but the battery cannot accommodate different vehicle platforms and battery sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system provides controlled movement capability through the rotatable second portion, allowing the battery to be firmly secured during normal operation while accommodating movements during impact events. This dynamic configuration enables the same bracket design to work across different vehicle platforms and battery sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is divided into multiple functional portions: a first portion that attaches to the vehicle structure, a second portion that attaches to the battery pack, and a pivot point that enables relative rotation. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while providing overall adaptability
3Device complexity
If a simple rigid bracket is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bracket cannot effectively manage impact loads and prevent battery detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a rotatable second portion that provides dynamic response to impact loads. This relatively simple mechanical feature (rotation about a pivot) enables the bracket to effectively manage impact forces while maintaining battery attachment, without requiring complex active control systems or multiple components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly effectively keeps the traction battery connected to the vehicle structure during impact events, preventing detachment and facilitating secure positioning of various battery sizes across different vehicle platforms, enhancing safety and packaging flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The bracket is configured to move from a less elongated position to a more elongated position in response to a load
Implementation Method 2
the second rail sliding relative to the first rail when the bracket moves from the less elongated position to the more elongated position
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary traction battery securing assembly includes, among other things, a platform to support a battery pack, and a bracket supporting the platform in a position spaced from a vehicle structure. The bracket moves from a less elongated position to a more elongated position in response to a load to permit movement of the platform and the traction battery relative to the vehicle structure. An exemplary traction battery securing method includes, among other things, elongating a bracket in response to a load to permit a traction battery to move relative to a vehicle structure.