Structurally Integrated Battery Modules for Vehicle Crash Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle battery systems face challenges in balancing operational safety and weight reduction, as they often require significant reinforcement or energy absorption measures that increase weight, and existing solutions do not effectively distribute energy absorption and structural reinforcement across the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The motor vehicle incorporates two types of battery modules: one type designed for slideable relative movement to absorb energy and prevent cell destruction, and another type for maximum stability and structural reinforcement, allowing for differential stiffness regions to optimize energy absorption and weight savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery systems are installed in regions exposed to little force, then operational safety is improved, but weight increases due to massive reinforcement measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between force-exposed regions and force-protected regions within the vehicle body. Battery modules are selectively placed in force-protected regions (such as the vehicle center) where structural reinforcement is minimized, while force-exposed regions (front and rear) have enhanced structural design. This allows the battery system to achieve operational safety without uniform weight increase across the entire vehicle structure.
2Quantity of substance
If battery size is increased to improve energy storage capacity, then energy storage capacity is improved, but operational safety deteriorates due to limited space in force-protected regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional placement constraints to three-dimensional utilization of force-protected regions. By utilizing the vehicle center and floor regions vertically and horizontally, the system maximizes battery module placement in force-protected zones without compromising operational safety. This dimensional approach allows increased energy storage capacity while maintaining safety requirements.
3Reliability
If crash profiles and deformation elements are added to protect battery elements, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the structural design by integrating battery module placement into the vehicle's force-protected regions. Rather than adding separate crash profiles and deformation elements around each battery module, the system utilizes the vehicle's existing structural zones (center and floor regions) that naturally provide force protection. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining operational safety.
4Quantity of substance
If battery modules are placed in force-exposed regions, then energy storage capacity is improved, but battery element destruction increases during accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle body into force-exposed regions (front and rear) and force-protected regions (center and floor). Battery modules are selectively placed in force-protected regions to avoid direct exposure to crash forces. This spatial segmentation ensures that energy storage capacity is maximized in safe zones while minimizing battery element destruction during accidents.
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 configuration enhances operational safety by distributing energy absorption and structural reinforcement synergistically, preventing battery element damage and increasing the overall energy storage capacity while reducing weight, particularly by allowing battery placement in previously unsuitable regions.
Implementation Method 1
the battery elements are arranged in an assembly so as to be slideable relative to one another in dependence on a force impact, accompanied by a deformation of the assembly. The shift of the battery elements thus destroys forces and prevents destruction of the individual battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes several battery elements placed in modules of a first type and modules of a second type. The battery elements in each module of first type are grouped together in an assembly such that the battery elements can shift when exposed to a force, while the assembly is deformable. In each module of second type, the battery elements can shift, when exposed to the force, without being damaged while retaining their shape. The modules of first type are installed in a first region of the motor vehicle of a low stiffness compared to a second region, in which a body of the motor vehicle is designed for force-dissipating deformation in the event of an accident, and the modules of second type are installed in the second region, in which the body of the motor vehicle is designed to retain its shape in the event of an accident.