Electric Vehicle Side Member Cutout with Reinforcing Member for Ramp Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles with a frame structure, it is challenging to install a movable ramp for getting in and out due to the presence of a main battery, which prevents the disposition of a reinforcing member as described in existing vehicle designs.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle structure incorporates side members with collars across the upper and lower walls, cross members supporting the main battery, a cutout part near the doorway for the ramp, and a reinforcing member on the upper surface of the cutout part, allowing the ramp to move through the space and be housed outside the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a main battery is mounted inside the frame structure, then the battery can be supported and secured, but it becomes impossible to dispose the reinforcing member that is normally provided inside the side member
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is repositioned from the interior of the side member to the exterior surface of the cutout part. This spatial relocation allows the reinforcing member to coexist with the main battery inside the frame while still providing the necessary structural reinforcement at the weakened cutout location.
Solution Approach 2:
The side member is segmented by creating a cutout part with reduced height, separating the structure into regions with different functions. The reinforcing member is then applied specifically to the cutout part surface, concentrating reinforcement where needed rather than requiring a complete reinforcing structure throughout the entire side member.
2Ease of operation
If a cutout part is formed to allow the ramp to pass through, then the ramp can be installed and removed, but the structural integrity of the side member is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is pre-installed on the surface of the cutout part before the ramp is installed. This preliminary reinforcement counteracts the potential structural weakness created by the cutout, ensuring that the side member maintains its integrity during ramp installation, removal, and normal vehicle operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ramp moves to the upper side of the main battery when housed, then the ramp can be stored, but it may interfere with the battery space
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp movement path is designed to utilize the vertical space above the main battery rather than encroaching on the battery's horizontal footprint. The ramp passes through the cutout part and stores in the vertical clearance space, allowing full battery capacity to be maintained while providing ramp storage functionality.
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 enables the installation of a movable ramp in electric vehicles with a frame structure, enhancing the vehicle's accessibility for passengers, particularly those with mobility issues, while maintaining structural integrity and supporting the main battery.
Implementation Method 1
lower ends of the collars are joined onto an upper surface of the lower wall of each of the side members by welding
Data Source
AI summary
On both sides under a floor of an electric vehicle, side members are provided, each in a closed cross sectional shape. Collars and the like are provided in the side members. On a lower side of a lower wall of each of the side members, cross members which are fixed by using the collars or the like are provided. Between the side members on both sides, a main battery is provided and supported by the cross members. In the vicinity of a lower side of a doorway of the electric vehicle, a cutout part is formed such that a height of a portion of an upper wall of the side member is relatively lowered. On an upper surface of the cutout part, a reinforcing member is provided. A ramp passes through a space on an upper side of the cutout part.