Integrated Pipe Unit in Vehicle Lower Body Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles face challenges with pipe interference and complex layouts due to multiple pipes for cooling systems, leading to increased costs and difficulty in applying automated processes for pipe fixation, especially with the integration of high-capacity batteries.
Innovation Solution
A lower vehicle body structure with a pipe unit that includes a hollow pipe member, a length variable member with bending and bellows portions, and a fixing member, integrated within a side member and connecting member, which simplifies pipe layout and reduces the need for separate brackets, allowing for automated installation and sufficient battery mounting space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pipes are used for cooling systems in conventional electric vehicles, then the cooling function is improved, but pipe interference and layout complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pipes into a single integrated pipe unit that houses multiple cooling circuits (battery cooling and motor cooling) within one structure. This merging approach maintains the cooling functions of multiple systems while eliminating the interference and layout complexity associated with multiple separate pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple pipe members (first pipe member for battery cooling, second pipe member for motor cooling) are arranged concentrically or in nested configurations within the single pipe unit. This nesting allows multiple cooling circuits to coexist without interference while simplifying the overall layout.
2Reliability
If separate brackets are used to fix each pipe to the vehicle body, then pipe fixation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and automated processes become difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pipe fixation functions into a single integrated pipe unit that can be fixed to the vehicle body as one component rather than requiring separate brackets for each pipe. This reduces the number of fixation points needed and enables automated installation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pipe unit serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses multiple cooling circuits, and acts as a unified fixation point. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixation brackets and simplifies the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If multiple pipes are disposed variously for each vehicle type, then cooling requirements are met, but bracket fixing work becomes difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe unit is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different cooling requirements through internal configuration variations while maintaining a standardized external form. This allows the same basic structure to be used across different vehicle types, enabling automated fixation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for parameter variations within the pipe unit design (such as pipe diameter, length, and internal circuit configuration) to meet different cooling requirements while maintaining the overall unified structure that enables automated fixation.
4Ease of manufacture
If pipes are routed externally in conventional vehicles, then installation is straightforward, but interference with vehicle parts occurs and space for batteries is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the cooling pipes within the lower vehicle body structure itself, utilizing the existing structural space. This eliminates the need for external pipe routing, prevents interference with vehicle parts, and maximizes the space available for battery mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A lower vehicle body structure of the vehicle may include a side member extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, disposed on both sides in a width direction of the vehicle and having a closed cross-section formed therein; a connecting member connected to the side member at a front or a rear based on front and rear directions of the vehicle and having a closed cross-section formed therein; and at least one pipe unit provided inside in the longitudinal direction of the side member or the connecting member to inflow a working fluid therein.