Electric Vehicle Front Trunk Sliding Bin and Movable Grille Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with battery electric powertrains lack easy access to the front trunk area, as the space typically reserved for the engine is used for storage, and existing solutions do not maintain the same aesthetic and structural integrity as engine-driven configurations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring a movable grille, slidable and pivotable storage bins within the front trunk, and a lighting system that adjusts intensity based on bin position, providing access and functionality while maintaining a consistent exterior appearance across different powertrain configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the engine compartment is converted to a front trunk for battery electric vehicles, then storage space is improved, but ease of access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front trunk storage space is divided into multiple segments: the main storage compartment and removable bins that can be independently accessed. The grille is segmented into movable and fixed portions, allowing selective access to different areas of the front trunk without requiring complete opening of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grille is designed with movable portions that can dynamically open and close to provide access to the front trunk. The bins are designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing dynamic adjustment of storage configurations. This dynamic design enables easy access to storage space while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the vehicle front end.
2Ease of manufacture
If the same vehicle structure is maintained for various powertrain configurations, then manufacturing cost and aesthetics are improved, but functionality for battery electric vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front end structure with hood and engine compartment is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple powertrain configurations. For battery electric vehicles, the same structural framework is utilized but the engine compartment is repurposed as a front trunk with accessible storage bins. The movable grille design provides multi-functionality by serving both as an aesthetic cover and as an access mechanism to the storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates movable and reconfigurable elements that allow the same physical structure to serve different functions based on powertrain type. The movable grille portions enable the front trunk to be accessed and utilized in battery electric vehicles, while maintaining the same external appearance and structural framework used in engine-driven vehicles.
3Ease of operation
If the movable grille is used to access the front trunk, then ease of access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is divided into movable and fixed segments, allowing selective access to the front trunk without requiring movement of the entire grille assembly. This segmentation reduces the mechanical complexity compared to a fully movable grille while still providing convenient access to the storage space.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a front trunk between fenders, a grille movable to provide an opening to the front trunk, and front and rear bins, slidable out of the front trunk to allow the front bin to pivot on the rear bin. A light is mounted on the front bin such that light projects into the front and rear bins when adjacent and only into the front bin when the front bin is pivoted away.