Liquid Storage Container Layout in Vehicle Deformation Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited space in vehicles, exacerbated by increasing electronic components, results in small and complex-shaped liquid storage containers, necessitating frequent refills and high manufacturing costs, while deformation zones in vehicles are underutilized.

Innovation Solution

Integrating liquid storage containers into vehicle deformation zones, which are typically empty or filled with deformable foam, allowing for larger, simpler containers that can absorb energy during a crash and may rupture to release liquid, with optional integration into functional entities like front phygital shields for easy mounting and heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If liquid storage containers are placed in available vehicle space, then storage volume is limited and container shape becomes complex, but deformation zones are underutilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid storage container volumeVSAvoidcontainer shape complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the liquid storage container from the limited available space (two-dimensional constraint within vehicle interior) to the deformation zone (utilizing the third dimension of vehicle structure). This spatial repositioning allows the container to access the otherwise underutilized deformation zone, enabling larger storage volume with simpler geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If liquid storage containers are made larger to reduce refilling frequency, then available vehicle space is insufficient, but deformation zones remain empty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling frequencyVSAvoidavailable vehicle space

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the liquid storage container from the constrained available space and relocates it to the deformation zone. This extraction allows the container to be made larger without competing with other vehicle components for space, thereby reducing refilling frequency while utilizing previously empty deformation zone volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of stationary object

If deformation zones are left empty to ensure proper crash deformation, then crash safety is maintained, but storage space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation zone utilizationVSAvoidcrash deformation performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the deformation zone multi-functional by placing a liquid storage container within it. The deformation zone now serves dual purposes: maintaining crash safety through controlled deformation and providing storage space for liquids. The container is designed to not interfere with the deformation process, allowing both functions to coexist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If container walls are made rigid to protect liquid storage, then crash energy absorption is reduced, but liquid containment is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer wall strengthVSAvoidcrash energy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the container wall deformable rather than uniformly rigid throughout. The container wall is designed with controlled deformability to allow energy absorption during crashes while maintaining sufficient strength to contain liquid under normal conditions. This localized property optimization resolves the contradiction between strength and energy absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables larger, less frequently refilled liquid storage containers that enhance crash safety and reduce manufacturing costs, with optional heat management through liquid cooling of adjacent components.

Implementation Method 1

at least one liquid storage container arranged in the deformation zone... In case of a crash the container does not adversely affect the deformation of the vehicle body. In contrast, the container wall may also absorb some of the energy upon deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the liquid can exhibit a cooling function on the light source... the light source being arranged relative and/or thermally connected to the container such that the liquid can exhibit a cooling function on the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4660021A1Vehicle and functional entity of or for a vehicle comprising a liquid storage container

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HELLA SATURNUS SLOVENIJA PROIZVODNJA SVETLOBNE OPREME ZA MOTORNA IN DRUGA VOZILA D O O

Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a vehicle (28), comprising a vehicle body (12), at least one deformation zone (20) for absorbing energy in case of a crash, the deformation zone (20) being formed by the vehicle body (12), and a liquid storage container (24) arranged in the deformation zone (20). Beyond that, the present invention relates to a functional entity (30) of or for such a vehicle (28), comprising a liquid storage container (24) arranged in the deformation zone (20) when mounted to the vehicle (28) or the to the vehicle body (12).