Electric Vehicle Battery Side-Pack Layout for Handling and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of research on the optimal design and layout for high-performance electric cars, which differ significantly from non-high performance electric cars due to constraints from essential components like batteries and electric motors, and existing research primarily focuses on affordability and comfort rather than aerodynamics and handling.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle design featuring laterally accessible battery packs positioned adjacent to the cockpit sidewalls, separate electric motor assemblies for each wheel, and an aerodynamic underbody arrangement with a continuous channel and adjustable rear wing to enhance downforce and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If batteries are arranged below the cockpit under driver and passenger seats, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility and maintenance of battery packs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the battery pack arrangement from a vertical placement (below the cockpit floor) to a lateral placement (adjacent to cockpit sidewalls). This dimensional change allows battery packs to be positioned in the side spaces between the cockpit and vehicle outer skin, improving accessibility while maintaining space utilization.
2Device complexity
If a single electric motor is used in a similar manner to an IC engine, then device complexity is reduced, but handling and control performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the propulsion system into four separate electric motors, with one motor dedicated to each wheel. This segmentation enables independent control of each wheel, providing superior handling and control performance compared to a single motor system, while the modular nature of individual wheel motors keeps the overall system manageable.
3Ease of operation
If batteries and electric motors are positioned to optimize aerodynamic shape and mass distribution, then high-performance handling is improved, but accessibility and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions battery packs laterally adjacent to cockpit sidewalls rather than below the cockpit, utilizing the side spaces between the cockpit and vehicle outer skin. This dimensional repositioning maintains optimized mass distribution for aerodynamic performance while significantly improving accessibility for maintenance operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If there is no research consensus on optimal design for high-performance electric cars, then design flexibility is improved, but development time and cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modular architecture with four independent wheel motors and laterally positioned battery packs. This segmentation creates a flexible platform that can be adapted to different performance requirements while establishing a proven design paradigm that reduces development uncertainty and time for future high-performance electric vehicles.
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
This configuration improves accessibility and maintenance of battery packs, achieves even mass distribution, enhances aerodynamic performance, and provides controlled operation and handling, particularly at high speeds and during cornering.
Implementation Method 1
an underbody arrangement configured to direct air flowing beneath the vehicle and expand the air to generate downforce
Implementation Method 2
a rear wing positioned rearward of the cockpit and laterally above a rear axle of the vehicle... configured to generate additional downforce on the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6
AI summary
An electric vehicle comprises first front and rear wheels at a first side of the vehicle, second front and rear wheels at a second side of the vehicle, opposite the first side and a chassis defining a cockpit. The vehicle comprises a first battery pack receiving portion adjacent at least a portion of a first side of the cockpit and between the first front and rear wheels. The vehicle further comprises a second battery pack receiving portion adjacent at least a portion of a second side of the cockpit and between the second front and rear wheels. The vehicle further comprises a first battery pack securing means for releasably securing a first battery pack to the first battery pack receiving portion and a second battery pack securing means for releasably securing a second battery pack to the second battery pack receiving portion.