U-Shaped Composite Structural Element Housing Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace vehicles face challenges in storing electric energy due to the high weight of batteries, which limits their range and requires additional structural support, making existing solutions unsuitable for aerospace applications.
Innovation Solution
A structural element with a U-shaped profile, formed from composite materials, that integrates a battery set by housing batteries within its cavity, providing both structural support and energy storage, eliminating the need for additional casing and support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If batteries are used to store electric energy onboard aerospace vehicles, then energy storage capacity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function with the energy storage function by integrating batteries into the hollow structural elements of the aerospace vehicle. The structural elements serve dual purposes: providing mechanical support and housing the batteries, thereby eliminating the need for separate battery casings and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. They provide structural support for the vehicle while also serving as containment structures for the batteries. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and decreases overall system weight.
2Quantity of substance
If heavy batteries are mounted onboard aerospace vehicles, then energy storage is improved, but vehicle range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the structural support function with battery housing, the patent eliminates redundant structural components that would add weight. The integrated design ensures that the same structural elements that support the vehicle also contain the batteries, reducing overall weight and thereby extending vehicle range.
3Reliability
If dedicated support structures are added for batteries, then battery mounting stability is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate support structures by integrating battery mounting directly into the hollow structural elements. The structural elements themselves provide the mounting function through their hollow configuration, which naturally contains and secures the batteries without additional support components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow structural elements are designed to simultaneously provide structural support, battery containment, and battery mounting functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated support structures, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining battery stability.
4Reliability
If conventional battery housing is used, then battery protection is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery housing function with the structural support function. The hollow structural elements serve as both the vehicle's structural framework and the battery containment structure, eliminating the need for separate battery housings and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural elements are designed to perform multiple functions including structural support, battery housing, and battery protection. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces the total weight of the vehicle while maintaining adequate battery protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement of a structural element for an aerospace vehicle and a battery set. The structural element extends along a longitudinal direction and has a main web, a first flange and a second flange. The flanges extend away from the main web and are defined by flange edges extending along the longitudinal direction. The first flange, the second flange and the main web form a U-shaped profile defining a cavity. The battery set includes a baseplate and at least one battery on the baseplate. The structural element and the battery set are formed such that the baseplate can be releasably attached to the structural element. The baseplate extends between flange edges and the battery is received in the cavity when the battery set is mounted to the structural element. Further, an aerospace vehicle including such an arrangement, a structural element for an aerospace vehicle and a battery set are disclosed.