Lateral Battery Pack Layout Between Seats for EV Space Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack layouts in electric vehicles compromise passenger space, vehicle height, and aerodynamic performance, leading to reduced range and increased weight, while conventional seating configurations further restrict packaging space.
Innovation Solution
A compartment is integrated with the vehicle structure behind the seats, configured to house a lateral energy storage module that extends vertically between adjacent seats, forming a torsion box and incorporating reinforcing features to enhance structural integrity and safety, while minimizing exposure to crash zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional underfloor battery pack layout is used, then the energy storage volume is increased, but the passenger space is compromised and vehicle height is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional longitudinal underfloor battery placement to a lateral battery module configuration that extends vertically between adjacent seats. This dimensional change allows the battery pack to utilize vertical space rather than horizontal floor space, thereby increasing energy storage volume without compromising passenger space or vehicle height
2Quantity of substance
If a conventional underfloor battery pack layout is used, then the energy storage volume is increased, but the vehicle height is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension between adjacent seats to house the lateral battery module, rather than extending the battery pack longitudinally under the floor. This approach increases energy storage volume while maintaining the original vehicle height by exploiting previously unused vertical space
3Quantity of substance
If a conventional underfloor battery pack layout is used, then the energy storage volume is increased, but the structural integrity and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral battery module structure serves multiple functions: it provides energy storage while simultaneously acting as a structural reinforcement element. The module is integrated with the vehicle body structure and includes reinforcing features that enhance structural integrity and safety, thereby combining storage and structural support functions
4Volume of moving object
If conventional seating configurations are used, then the passenger space is optimized, but the packaging space for energy storage is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains conventional seating configurations for passenger comfort while exploiting the vertical space between adjacent seats for lateral battery module placement. This dimensional approach allows both passenger space and energy storage volume to be optimized simultaneously by using different spatial dimensions for each function
5Duration of action of moving object
If the battery pack volume is increased, then the range is improved, but the weight is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral battery module is designed to serve dual purposes: energy storage and structural reinforcement. By integrating the battery module with the vehicle body structure and incorporating reinforcing features, the design reduces the need for additional structural components, thereby mitigating the weight increase that would normally accompany increased battery capacity
Data Source
Figure 1d~1e
Figure 1f
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The invention generally relates to an electric vehicle having an electric motor and a pack for storing energy, said vehicle configured having: at least two passenger seats, including a first seat, and a second seat, positioned behind the front seat and configured to face rearward; and the pack having: a lateral module configured to extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle between the first seat and the second seat.