Foldable Polymer Battery Thermal Protection Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal protection boxes for batteries in land vehicles are rigid and cannot be folded or stored compactly, leading to logistical challenges due to their large size.
Innovation Solution
A thermal protection device comprising a foldable casing with articulated hinges and a lock system, allowing the casing to transition from a storage position to a functional position, made from polymer materials like expanded polypropylene for reduced mass and improved insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thermal protection envelope is made rigid to ensure mechanical strength and thermal insulation, then the structural integrity and thermal protection are improved, but the device cannot be folded or stored compactly, occupying large space
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal protection envelope is divided into multiple modular panels that can be assembled and disassembled. Each panel maintains structural integrity through rigid construction with thermal insulation, while the segmented design allows the entire envelope to be folded or stored compactly when not in use, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strength and reducing storage volume
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope incorporates movable joints and articulation points that allow the rigid panels to relative move against each other. This dynamic capability enables the envelope to transition from a rigid protective structure during operation to a compact folded configuration for storage, while maintaining mechanical strength when deployed
2Stability of the object's composition
If the thermal protection box is made as a complete holding tank in one piece, then the structural integrity and thermal protection are improved, but the device cannot be folded or stored without occupying large space
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic holding tank design is segmented into multiple interconnected panels with articulated joints. This segmentation maintains structural integrity when assembled as a complete enclosure while enabling the structure to be folded or collapsed for storage by articulating the panels relative to each other
Solution Approach 2:
Articulated joints and hinges are incorporated at the connections between panels, allowing the rigid structure to dynamically transition between extended (functional) and folded (storage) configurations while maintaining structural integrity during the transition and when deployed
3Reliability
If the thermal protection envelope is made rigid to ensure mechanical resistance, then the protection capability is improved, but the device cannot be folded
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope is constructed from multiple rigid protective panels that maintain protection capability when assembled, while the segmented modular design with articulated connections enables folding and adaptation to different storage configurations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
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
Enables compact storage and efficient use of space while maintaining mechanical integrity and thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption and accommodating various battery formats.
Implementation Method 1
This hinge provides an axis of rotation to the heat shield, allowing adjacent joint edges to fold down
Implementation Method 2
A thermal protection box, commonly called a cold box, has the function of protecting the battery from overheating generated by the heat of the motor
Implementation Method 3
the edges of each wall, when they come into abutment, can be blocked by interlocking by a lock system
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 2C~2E
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention concerns a thermal protection device made from a polymer material, consisting of two separate elements, a cover and a thermal protection case (12). According to the invention, the thermal protection case comprises at least two foldable portions (12') and (12'') of which the link between the two is articulated about a hinge (3'), the case being capable of switching, by folding and unfolding, from a storage position to an operating position intended, by fixing to the battery support base (11) that maintains the shape of same, to cover a motor vehicle battery, which may be in different formats depending on the characteristics of the vehicle.