Vehicle Outside Air Intake Layout for Front Trunk Battery Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles, the temperature in the storage space at the front part of the vehicle body increases due to solar radiation, affecting the storage of baggage and the efficiency of the battery cooling system, as the space is not optimally utilized for both storage and cooling air passage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle outside air intake structure that includes an outside air intake port, a first air passage formed between the front hood and an opening-and-closing lid, and a second air passage extending rearward to communicate with the underfloor space, using synthetic resin plates to direct outside air for cooling and heat management, preventing overheating and water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the front part of the vehicle body is used as a storage space, then the storage capacity is improved, but the temperature control deteriorates due to solar radiation and proximity to the engine room
Solution Approach 1:
The front trunk space is divided into two distinct regions: an upper storage space for baggage and a lower battery cooling passage for air flow. This segmentation allows the storage function and cooling function to coexist in the same spatial zone without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The front trunk chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides storage space for baggage in the upper region and acts as a cooling air passage for the battery in the lower region. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same space serve both storage and thermal management purposes.
2Quantity of substance
If the front trunk is used for storage, then the storage capacity is improved, but the air passage configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space and cooling air passage are merged into a single integrated structure within the front trunk chamber. The air passage is formed by the battery cooling device itself, which occupies the lower portion of the front trunk, eliminating the need for separate complex air passage configurations and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The front trunk chamber serves as both a storage space and an air passage route for battery cooling. By making the storage space itself function as part of the cooling system, the invention reduces the need for additional dedicated air passages, thereby simplifying the overall air passage configuration.
3Quantity of substance
If the opening-and-closing lid is positioned high, then the storage capacity is improved, but water may ingress into the air passage during washing
Solution Approach 1:
A water discharge hole is introduced as an intermediary feature in the air passage structure. This hole allows water that enters the air passage during vehicle washing to be discharged to the outside, preventing water accumulation and potential damage to the battery while maintaining the high position of the opening-and-closing lid for optimal storage capacity.
4Temperature
If the air passage is positioned in the front trunk, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front trunk chamber is segmented into an upper storage space and a lower cooling air passage region. This vertical segmentation allows both functions to coexist, with the battery cooling device occupying the lower portion and the storage space utilizing the upper portion, thereby maintaining cooling efficiency while preserving storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air passage is arranged in the vertical dimension (lower portion of the front trunk) rather than occupying the horizontal storage space. By utilizing the vertical space and positioning the cooling passage below the storage area, the invention achieves effective battery cooling without significantly reducing the storage space volume.
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 structure effectively manages temperature in the storage space, prevents overheating, and ensures efficient cooling of the battery, while preventing water ingress to maintain battery functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The outside air introduced from the outside air intake port is to be blown through the first air passage and the second air passage into the underfloor space
Implementation Method 2
The opening-and-closing lid configured to block an upper surface opening of the front trunk so as to be openable
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle outside air intake structure configured to supply an outside air to an in-vehicle battery to be stored in an underfloor space of a vehicle body of a vehicle includes: an outside air intake port at a front part of the vehicle body; a front trunk in a chamber of the vehicle body; an opening-and-closing lid configured to block an upper surface opening of the front trunk so as to be openable; a first air passage communicating with the outside air intake port, and provided between a front hood of the vehicle body and the opening-and-closing lid; and a second air passage communicating with both of the first air passage and the underfloor space, and provided rearward of the front trunk. The outside air introduced from the outside air intake port is to be blown through the first air passage and the second air passage into the underfloor space.