Front Box Structural Member With Integral Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to efficiently house components such as battery assemblies, electric motors, radiators, and cooling components in the front box area of electric vehicles while optimizing space utilization, installation ease, and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
An elongated structural member with integrated fluid channels and rigid frames is used in the front box assembly, providing support and allowing flexible fluid line connections, reducing the need for rigid tubing and enhancing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional rigid tubing is used for fluid lines in the front box assembly, then structural integrity is maintained, but space utilization is reduced and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural member and fluid line into a single integrated component. The extruded structural member incorporates internal fluid passages, eliminating the need for separate rigid tubing and reducing the number of parts. This merging reduces space requirements and simplifies installation by reducing the number of components that need to be assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the front box assembly and acts as a fluid conduit. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and space requirements, as the same component that would traditionally be needed for structural support also handles fluid transport.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the front box assembly, then ease of installation is improved, but structural integrity and space efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member and fluid line are manufactured as a single integrated extrusion, which maintains structural integrity while reducing the number of separate components. The integral construction eliminates potential weak points from multiple connections and assemblies, while the extrusion process allows for efficient manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid tubing is used for fluid lines, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability and space efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of fluid passages within the structural member allows for more flexible routing and connection options. The fluid lines can be accessed at various points along the structural member, providing adaptability for different component arrangements while utilizing space more efficiently than external rigid tubing.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects herein relate to an elongated structural member for use on a front box structure of a vehicle, and a front box structure incorporating the elongated structural member. In some aspects the elongated structural member comprises an elongated rigid frame surrounding an internal space, with a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel within the internal space. The elongated structural has a length, and, in some aspects, the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel extend the length of the structural member and have an open end at each end. In some aspects, the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel are integrally formed with the rigid frame, such as by an extrusion.