Nested Side Trim Crash Structure for EV Battery Space Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to electrically powered trucks faces challenges due to high unit costs, high development costs for new parts, and space constraints for electrical components, particularly the high-voltage system, which requires additional installation space.
Innovation Solution
A device with a crash structure that protects the energy storage device and is designed to deform in a predetermined manner during impacts, sharing installation space with the side paneling to minimize overall space requirements, allowing for a larger energy storage device while adhering to legal dimensions and enhancing the vehicle's range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crash structure is provided to protect the energy storage device, then safety and protection capability are improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crash structure is arranged at least partially within the receiving space formed by the recess in the side panel's inner side, allowing the crash structure to be nested within the space already defined by the side paneling, thereby providing protection without proportionally increasing overall installation space
Solution Approach 2:
The side panel's inner side is recessed to form a receiving space with a substantially concave or shell-like contour in cross-section, creating a three-dimensional receiving volume that accommodates the crash structure without increasing the external dimensions of the side paneling
2Use of energy by moving object
If the energy storage device is made larger to enable greater vehicle range, then vehicle range is improved, but the vehicle width exceeds legal regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving space is formed by recessing the inner side of the side panel, creating a depth dimension that accommodates the crash structure without increasing the external width of the side paneling, allowing larger energy storage devices to be installed within legal width constraints
3Area of stationary object
If the side panel is made larger to cover the crash structure, then coverage and protection are improved, but installation space and vehicle width increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel's inner side is recessed to form a receiving space with a substantially concave or shell-like contour in cross-section, creating a three-dimensional receiving volume that accommodates the crash structure without increasing the external dimensions of the side paneling
Solution Approach 2:
The crash structure is arranged at least partially within the receiving space formed by the recess in the side panel's inner side, allowing the crash structure to be nested within the space already defined by the side paneling
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
This solution enables a comprehensive crash structure without excessive space usage, allowing for larger energy storage and improved vehicle range while maintaining structural integrity and safety during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a crash structure (16) that protectively covers an outer side of the energy storage device (14) and is designed to deform in a predetermined manner during an impact (e.g., a side impact), dissipating energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for a motor vehicle (10) comprising an energy storage device (14), a crash structure (16), and a side panel (18). An inner side of the side panel (18) is partially recessed towards an outer side of the side panel (18) to form a receiving space (40). The crash structure (16) is at least partially arranged within the receiving space (40). The arrangement thus created is particularly space-saving without impairing the functionality of the crash structure (16).