Motor Mounting Structure with Coupling Member for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor mounting structures in electric vehicles lack durability strength to handle vertical component loads and are vulnerable to direct impact loads during collisions, which can lead to motor damage.
Innovation Solution
A motor mounting structure comprising a pair of side section members, first and second cross members spanning the vehicle width direction, and a coupling member that distributes load up and down between these members, with the coupling member positioned to absorb impact loads before they reach the motor, enhancing durability and preventing direct impact on the motor during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional motor mounting structure with single-level brackets is used, then the structure is simple, but the durability strength to vertical component loads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the mounting structure by employing two cross members positioned at different heights (first cross member and second cross member offset in vehicle top-bottom direction). This multi-level configuration distributes vertical loads across multiple attachment points, transforming a single-plane mounting system into a three-dimensional load-bearing structure that significantly enhances durability strength against vertical component loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is segmented into multiple discrete components: side section members, first cross member, second cross member, and coupling member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific load paths and functions, while the distributed attachment points (multiple brackets at different locations) divide the vertical load into separate force vectors, preventing concentration of stress at any single point.
2Reliability
If the motor is directly mounted to the vehicle body, then the mounting is straightforward, but the motor is vulnerable to direct impact loads during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member acts as an intermediary component between the motor attaching portion and the cross members. It serves as a load-transfer mediator that distributes impact forces from the motor to multiple structural elements (first cross member and second cross member through multiple brackets), preventing direct transmission of collision impacts to the motor while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-level cross member structure with multiple brackets provides inherent load distribution capability that cushions impact forces before they reach the motor. The offset positioning of cross members in the vertical direction creates a load path that absorbs and disperses collision energy, protecting the motor from direct impact loads during frontal or rearward collisions.
3Strength
If load is concentrated at a single mounting point, then the attachment is simple, but the durability strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure divides the load-bearing function into multiple segments: multiple brackets at different locations, two cross members at different heights, and side section members. This segmentation distributes the motor's vertical loads and reaction forces across multiple attachment points, preventing load concentration and enhancing durability strength at each individual attachment location while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor mounting structure including: a left and right pair of side section members disposed at two vehicle width direction sides of a vehicle body with a length direction of the side section members being along a vehicle front-rear direction; a first cross member spanning across a vehicle width direction between the pair of side section members; a second cross member spanning across the vehicle width direction between the pair of side section members, and disposed offset in a vehicle top-bottom direction with respect to the first cross member as viewed from directly in front of the vehicle body; and a coupling member coupling together the first cross member and the second cross member, with an attaching portion of a motor to be mounted to the vehicle body attached to the coupling member.