Lateral EV Battery Module Layout for Range Without Taller Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack layouts in electric vehicles compromise passenger space, vehicle height, and range due to volumetric constraints, leading to increased frontal area and drag, which affects performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lateral module is configured to extend perpendicularly between adjacent rows of seats, optimizing the void space and extending vertically above seat cushions, integrated with a compartment that serves as a torsion box for structural reinforcement, minimizing exposure to crashes and reducing vehicle height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery pack volume is increased to improve energy storage capacity and vehicle range, then the vehicle range is improved, but the passenger space and vehicle height are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional longitudinal or underfloor battery pack arrangements to a lateral battery pack configuration that extends between adjacent rows of seats in the lateral direction. This dimensional change allows the battery pack to utilize previously unused lateral void space, thereby increasing energy storage capacity without encroaching on passenger space or increasing vehicle height.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery pack volume is increased to improve energy storage capacity, then the vehicle range is improved, but the vehicle height is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing vehicle height to accommodate larger battery packs, the invention places the battery pack laterally between seat rows, utilizing the lateral dimension of the vehicle interior. This approach maintains the original vehicle height while achieving increased energy storage capacity through lateral expansion.
3Quantity of substance
If the battery pack is positioned to maximize energy storage volume, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but the frontal area is increased leading to increased drag
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple modular units that can be arranged laterally between seat rows. This segmentation allows the battery pack to fit within the lateral void space without protruding into the frontal area of the vehicle, thereby maintaining aerodynamic efficiency while maximizing energy storage capacity.
4Quantity of substance
If the battery pack is configured to optimize energy storage volume, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but the exposure to crashes is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral battery pack configuration merges the battery pack structure with the vehicle's existing structural framework, positioning it between adjacent rows of seats. This integration allows the battery pack to be protected by the vehicle's body structure and crash zones, reducing direct exposure to external impacts while maintaining high energy storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle has an electric motor and a pack for storing energy, with the electric vehicle configured to have: 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.