Suspendable Energy Storage Module Layout for Twisting Vehicle Frames

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of securely connecting and efficiently assembling large and heavy energy storage modules to the frame of heavy-duty vehicles, while allowing for easy disconnection during maintenance, and minimizing the transmission of frame twisting motions to the modules.

Innovation Solution

An energy storage arrangement with individually suspendable energy storage modules, connected via frame connecting members and protection plates, allowing each module to be securely attached to the vehicle frame without load-bearing structures between them, and enabling easy disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If energy storage modules are connected using load-bearing structures between modules, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage system is divided into modular units (first energy storage module, second energy storage module) that can be independently suspended to the frame arrangement. Each module has its own frame connecting members, allowing independent installation and removal without affecting other modules. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex load-bearing structures between modules while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The load-bearing function is extracted from the inter-module connection structures and transferred to the frame arrangement. The protection plate is used solely for mechanical connection and protection between modules, not for bearing loads. This separation of functions simplifies the overall structure while maintaining strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If energy storage modules are rigidly connected to form a uniform structure, then structural rigidity is improved, but ease of maintenance and module removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidease of maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses individual frame connecting members for each module that attach to the frame arrangement at different locations. This allows modules to be independently suspended and removed while the protection plate maintains the relative position and connection between modules. The segmentation enables easy maintenance without compromising the overall structural rigidity when modules are installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protection plate acts as an intermediary element that connects adjacent energy storage modules while allowing them to be independently suspended. It provides mechanical connection and protection without creating a rigid integrated structure, enabling easy removal of individual modules while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If modules are connected directly to each other, then assembly simplicity is improved, but transmission of frame twist motions to modules increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidframe-induced stresses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The load-bearing connection function is extracted from the protection plate and assigned to the frame arrangement through individual frame connecting members. This allows the protection plate to serve only as a mechanical connector and protector between modules, while the frame arrangement absorbs and isolates twist motions and stresses, preventing their transmission to the energy storage modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame arrangement acts as an intermediary that decouples the modules from direct connection to each other. Each module connects individually to the frame, which absorbs and isolates twist motions and stresses. The protection plate provides additional mechanical connection between modules without creating direct load-bearing paths that would transmit frame-induced stresses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4628336A1Energy storage arrangement with individually suspendable energy storage modules
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4628336A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4628336A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4628336A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an energy storage arrangement for a vehicle, the energy storage arrangement comprising: a first energy storage module (10) comprising a first surface (19) and a second surface (13), the first and second surfaces being arranged transversally offset from each other, and a first frame connecting member (15) arranged on the first surface, a second energy storage module (30) comprising a first surface (39) and a second surface (33), the first and second surfaces being arranged transversally offset from each other, and a first frame connecting member (35) arranged on the first surface, wherein the first and second energy storage modules are arranged side by side with each other forming a geometric gap (90) in a longitudinal direction, and a protection plate (50) extending across the geometric gap and being connected to the second surface of the first energy storage module and to the second surface of the second energy storage module, wherein the first and second energy storage modules are individually suspendable to a frame arrangement (110) of the vehicle by the respective first frame connecting members.