Integrated Condensation Drain Conduit for EV Battery Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condensation water draining systems for electric vehicles are complex, costly, and conflict with the integrity of the high-voltage battery pack, requiring numerous components and posing risks of blockage and crushing, while being superimposed on the battery pack.
Innovation Solution
A condensation water draining system that integrates a conduit within the vehicle's platform, using a metallic draining crossmember with a conduit and outlets, allowing condensation water to be directed away from the battery pack, eliminating the need for rubber pipes and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rubber pipe draining system is used, then the condensation water can be drained from the conditioning unit, but the system conflicts with the battery pack integrity and requires complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The draining system is merged with the vehicle platform structure itself. The platform incorporates integrated draining channels and outlets that directly guide condensation water from the conditioning unit to the exterior, eliminating the need for separate rubber pipes and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining drainage reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle platform serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the battery pack, and simultaneously acts as the draining system through its integrated channels and outlets. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated draining components that would conflict with the battery pack.
2Ease of operation
If rubber pipes are used for draining, then condensation water can be collected and discharged, but the pipes are prone to blockage and crushing
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rubber pipe mechanical system is replaced with a rigid integrated structural system. The platform's own structure forms the draining channels, eliminating the vulnerable rubber pipes that are prone to blockage and crushing while maintaining the drainage function through gravity-based flow paths.
3Ease of manufacture
If the draining system is superimposed on the battery pack, then the drainage path is available, but the integrity of the battery pack is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The draining function is extracted from the battery pack area and integrated into the vehicle platform structure. The platform's channels and outlets provide a separate drainage path that does not interfere with or compromise the battery pack integrity, while still enabling effective condensation water removal.
4Reliability
If a complex draining system with multiple components is used, then complete drainage coverage is achieved, but the assembly becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple draining components are merged into a single integrated platform structure. The platform simultaneously provides structural support, battery housing, and drainage functionality through its built-in channels and outlets, dramatically reducing assembly steps and time while maintaining complete drainage coverage.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
Condensation water draining system (12) for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, having a support structure (2) and a conditioning unit (11), wherein the draining system (12) has a conduit (14) for the condensation water (f) of the conditioning unit (11), made, at least partially, within a hollow portion (8, 18), which is part of the support structure (2).