Vehicle Trim Panel Integrated Battery Cooling Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle traction battery cooling systems require separate ducts for air convection, which can be aesthetically unappealing and necessitate additional installation and fastening, whereas the interior trim assembly integrates a passage for air convection directly into the vehicle's trim panel, eliminating the need for a separate duct.
Innovation Solution
The trim assembly features an indented panel portion that, when combined with a closure member, forms an integrated intake passage for air to flow from the cabin to the traction battery, potentially incorporating a sealing structure to minimize leakage and eliminate the need for a separate closure member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a separate duct is used to convey air from the cabin to the battery, then the cooling function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trim panel and the air passage into a single integrated component. The trim panel includes a passage portion that forms part of the outer boundary of the air passage, eliminating the need for a separate duct. This integration improves aesthetic appearance by removing visible separate components while reducing device complexity by consolidating functions into one assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim panel serves multiple functions: it provides interior decoration/aesthetic appearance and simultaneously forms part of the air passage structure for battery cooling. By making the trim panel multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate aesthetic and functional components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining appearance quality.
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate duct is used for air convection, then the cooling function is provided, but additional fastening and installation are required increasing ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The passage portion is integrated directly into the trim panel as a unified structure. The passage portion forms part of the outer boundary of the air passage and is configured to meet with a closure member to complete the passage. This integration reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby improving ease of manufacture while reducing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the trim panel is made complex to form the passage, then the passage integration is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage outer boundary is divided into multiple portions: the passage portion formed by the trim panel and additional portions formed by closure members. This segmentation allows the trim panel to form only part of the passage structure rather than the entire passage, reducing the manufacturing precision requirements for the trim panel while still achieving integrated passage formation.
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 enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle while simplifying the cooling system by integrating the air passage into the trim assembly, reducing installation complexity and potentially improving thermal management of the traction battery.
Implementation Method 1
Air from the vehicle cabin can be used to cool the battery. A duct is typically used to convey the air from the cabin to the battery.
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle traction battery produces heat when releasing and storing electric energy. Air from the vehicle cabin can be used to cool the battery.
Data Source
AI summary
An interior body trim assembly includes a trim panel and a closure member. The trim panel has an indented panel portion with an outline of part of an outer boundary of a passage. The closure member meets the trim panel with a portion of the closure member extending over the indented panel portion. The portion of the closure member and the indented panel portion complete the outer boundary of the passage and thereby form the passage.