Replaceable EV Battery Loading Port With Retractable Deck Overhang
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electricity-driven vehicles with replaceable batteries face challenges in achieving both superior loading efficiency of baggage and superior workability of battery replacement, due to potential battery damage from side collisions and obstruction of the loading port by the deck board, which reduces visibility and loading space.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable overhang portion on the deck board that covers the marginal region between the floor panel and the loading port, allowing baggage to be loaded above it and enabling easy battery replacement by retracting the overhang portion, while the lid opens downward to avoid obstructing the user's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the marginal region is covered by the panel member from above, then the battery is protected from side collisions, but it becomes more difficult for the user to view the periphery of the loading port, resulting in reduction of workability of the battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The deck board is designed with a movable overhang portion that can dynamically change its position between covering and non-covering states. This allows the system to adapt between two functional requirements: protecting the battery when not in use and providing clear visibility during battery replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck board is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable overhang portion. This segmentation allows different parts of the deck board to perform different functions: the fixed portion provides structural support and protection, while the movable overhang portion can be repositioned to facilitate battery replacement operations.
2Ease of operation
If a portion of the panel member which overlaps the marginal region is cut out, then the user can view the periphery of the loading port, but baggage cannot be loaded at the cut-out portion, resulting in reduction of loading efficiency of the baggage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a permanent cutout, the deck board uses a movable overhang portion that can be dynamically repositioned. When battery replacement is needed, the overhang is moved to provide clear access and visibility. When loading baggage, the overhang is positioned to cover the marginal region, maintaining continuous loading surface and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional static cutout to a three-dimensional movable structure. The overhang portion can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, creating a dynamic spatial configuration that resolves the conflict between access visibility and loading surface continuity.
3Ease of operation
If the lid opens upward, then the loading port is easily opened, but the lid obstructs the user's view during battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the lid upward (away from the user), the lid is designed to open downward (toward the user). This inverted opening direction eliminates the obstruction of the user's view while still providing easy access to the loading port. The lid swings downward on a hinge, allowing the user to see the battery replacement area clearly.
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity-driven vehicle includes: a floor panel; a deck board; a battery loading portion; one or more batteries of a replaceable type, that are inserted into and removed from the battery loading portion from a side of the vehicle; a loading port; and a lid that opens and closes the loading port. A marginal region is present between one end of the floor panel in a vehicle width direction, and the loading port. The deck board includes: a deck board body; and an overhang portion which extends to an outer side in the vehicle width direction in relation to the battery loading portion, so as to cover the marginal region from above the marginal region. The overhang portion is movable to a retracted position at which an area above the marginal region is opened.