Hook-Suspended Battery Module Assembly for Heavy Vehicle Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of connecting large and heavy energy storage modules to the frame of heavy-duty vehicles is difficult and time-consuming, requiring a more efficient and simplified assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A hook-suspended energy storage arrangement with two modules, where the first module is hooked onto the second module, which is connected to the vehicle's frame, allowing for easy and secure attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If energy storage modules are made large to contain sufficient energy for heavy duty vehicles, then energy capacity is improved, but weight and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy capacityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage system is divided into multiple modular energy storage modules that can be independently assembled and connected. Each module contains a portion of the total energy capacity, and modules are connected through standardized coupling mechanisms (first coupling mechanism and second coupling mechanism) to form the complete energy storage arrangement, simplifying assembly while maintaining sufficient total capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first energy storage module is suspended from the second energy storage module through hook members that engage with the module structure. This nested arrangement allows modules to be stacked vertically, reducing the horizontal footprint and simplifying assembly operations while maintaining the required total energy capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If energy storage modules are made large to contain sufficient energy, then energy capacity is improved, but the weight of the modules increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy capacityVSAvoidmodule weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The total energy storage capacity is distributed across multiple separate modules rather than concentrated in one large module. This segmentation allows the weight to be distributed throughout the vehicle frame, improving weight management and making installation and maintenance more manageable while achieving the required total energy capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension arrangement where the first module hangs from the second module utilizes gravitational force to secure the connection. The weight of the first module acts as a locking mechanism that maintains firm engagement between modules during vehicle operation, eliminating the need for additional complex fastening systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional connection methods are used for energy storage modules, then structural stability is maintained, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanisms (first and second coupling mechanisms) are pre-integrated into the module structures during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid field assembly where modules simply need to be positioned and engaged, eliminating the need for complex on-site installation procedures while ensuring structural stability from the outset

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hook members and coupling mechanisms act as intermediary elements that simplify the connection process between modules. These standardized interfaces enable quick attachment and detachment operations while maintaining secure structural connections, reducing assembly time without compromising stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If energy storage modules are securely connected to the frame, then reliability is improved, but ease of maintenance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanisms are designed to be dynamically reversible, allowing modules to be easily detached and reattached. The first and second coupling mechanisms can be quickly released and re-engaged, enabling rapid module replacement for maintenance or upgrades while maintaining secure connections during normal operation, thus improving both reliability and maintainability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4631755A1Hook suspended energy storage module
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4631755A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4631755A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4631755A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an energy storage arrangement (1) for a vehicle (100), the energy storage arrangement comprising a first energy storage module (10) comprising a first surface (23), and at least one hook member (24) arranged on the first surface, and a second energy storage module (30) comprising a first wall (43) and a second wall (44), the first and second walls being transversally offset from each other, and a first chassis connecting member (45) arranged on the first wall, wherein the second energy storage module is suspendable to a frame (110) of the vehicle by the first chassis connecting member, wherein the at least one hook member (24) is hooked on a portion of the first wall of the second energy storage module to suspend the first energy storage module to the second energy storage module.