EV Tunnel Power Line Routing to Preserve Cabin Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically driven vehicles require space above the passenger compartment for routing electric power lines, which compromises the available space.
Innovation Solution
The electric power line is routed through a rear end opening of a tunnel section located in front of the electrical storage device, with a first cross member having a central portion lower than its end portions, allowing the power line to be connected directly without needing additional space above the tunnel section, and reinforced by a cover section and heat shielding plate for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric power line is routed above the upper surface portion of the front tunnel, then the electric power line can be connected to the electrical storage device, but the passenger compartment space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of routing the electric power line above the tunnel section as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the routing approach by guiding the electric power line below the tunnel section. The line passes through a tunnel floor opening and connects to the electrical storage device from underneath, thereby eliminating the need for overhead routing space and preserving passenger compartment volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of electric power line routing from the vertical space above the tunnel (affecting passenger compartment) to the horizontal plane below the tunnel floor. By utilizing the tunnel floor opening and routing the line through the floor panel, the design transitions the routing path to a different spatial dimension that does not encroach on passenger space.
2Reliability
If the tunnel section is positioned higher to accommodate power line routing, then the power line can be connected, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by positioning the tunnel section higher for structural strength while routing the electric power line below the tunnel section. This allows the tunnel to maintain its structural integrity at a higher position while the power line connection is achieved through the floor opening from below, eliminating the conflict between height requirements and structural strength.
3Volume of moving object
If the electric power line is routed below the tunnel section, then the passenger compartment space is preserved, but the power line may be exposed to water and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tunnel floor opening as an intermediary structure that allows the electric power line to pass through the floor panel while protecting it from water exposure. The opening is specifically designed to guide the line from below the tunnel section to the electrical storage device, providing a protected pathway that maintains both space efficiency and protection from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a grommet as a flexible protective element at the tunnel floor opening. The grommet acts as a flexible shell that protects the electric power line where it passes through the floor panel, preventing water ingress while allowing the line to maintain its routing path below the tunnel section.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically driven vehicle includes a floor panel, a tunnel section, an electrical storage device, and an electric power line. The tunnel section is formed in a vehicle forward/rearward direction in a central portion of the floor panel in a vehicle width direction. The electrical storage device is disposed behind the tunnel section of the vehicle above the floor panel. The electric power line is disposed below the tunnel section and connected to the electrical storage device. The tunnel section has an opening portion formed in a rear end portion of the tunnel section located in front of the electrical storage device of the vehicle and through which the electric power line is inserted.