Structural EMM Enclosure Layout for EV Weight and Space Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining optimal positions for electrical components in electric vehicles without compromising structural integrity, given the challenges of space restriction and the need for efficient arrangement of components.

Innovation Solution

An energy management module (EMM) with an enclosure that provides structural support between the chassis and suspension towers, housing an EMM assembly that includes electronic, power, magnetic, and cooling components, while omitting unnecessary structural components like cross beams to reduce weight and improve space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional structural components (cross beams, braces, gussets) are used to provide structural support, then vehicle structural integrity is maintained, but vehicle weight increases and space efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structural support function with the EMM housing enclosure. The enclosure itself is designed to provide structural support between suspension towers and the chassis, eliminating the need for separate cross beams and braces. This combines multiple functions (housing electronics + providing structural support) into a single component, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The EMM enclosure serves multiple functions: it houses the EMM assembly (electronic components, power components, magnetic components, cooling components), provides structural support between suspension towers and chassis, and acts as a mounting structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated structural components, reducing vehicle weight and improving space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If traditional structural components (cross beams, braces, gussets) are used to provide structural support, then vehicle structural integrity is maintained, but space efficiency and component arrangement flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidspace efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structural support function with the EMM housing enclosure. The enclosure itself is designed to provide structural support between suspension towers and the chassis, eliminating the need for separate cross beams and braces. This combines multiple functions (housing electronics + providing structural support) into a single component, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The EMM enclosure serves multiple functions: it houses the EMM assembly (electronic components, power components, magnetic components, cooling components), provides structural support between suspension towers and chassis, and acts as a mounting structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated structural components, reducing vehicle weight and improving space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If EMM components are distributed in multiple locations, then structural support requirements may be met, but maintenance efficiency and component concentration decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all EMM components (electronic components, power components, magnetic components, cooling components) into a single integrated EMM assembly housed within one enclosure. This concentration of components in one location makes maintenance and repairs more efficient, as all EMM components can be accessed and serviced together rather than being distributed throughout the vehicle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the EMM enclosure is designed to provide structural support, then vehicle dynamics and body torsion are improved, but the complexity of the enclosure design increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle dynamicsVSAvoidenclosure design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The EMM enclosure serves multiple functions: it houses the EMM assembly (electronic components, power components, magnetic components, cooling components), provides structural support between suspension towers and chassis, and acts as a mounting structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated structural components, reducing vehicle weight and improving space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12286067B2Energy management module including an enclosure providing structural support in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.04.29 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC
  • US12286067B2 patent drawing
  • US12286067B2 patent drawing
  • US12286067B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are embodiments generally directed to an energy management module (EMM) that comprises an enclosure that provides structural support in a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle. The EMM can serve both as (1) an enclosure storing an EMM assembly and (2) a structural support member between a chassis and at least one suspension tower associated with a corresponding tire(s). The EMM is positioned between two suspension towers of the vehicle and abuts the chassis of the vehicle. The EMM includes a lid and a housing that forms the enclosure housing an EMM assembly. The EMM assembly includes a collection of electronic and/or cooling components for the vehicle. The chassis includes the base frame or structural framework of the vehicle. The suspension tower includes a frame surrounding suspension components of a tire of the vehicle.