Underbody Structural Unit Integrating Battery and Gas Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple drive systems in vehicles, such as electric and fuel cell systems, leads to increased installation space requirements, limiting interior space and necessitating redesigns, as existing solutions do not efficiently utilize available space for components like high-voltage batteries and gas storage means.
Innovation Solution
Combining parts of the gas storage means and battery into a structural unit arranged on the vehicle's underbody, allowing for a compact design that reduces installation space needs and integrates alternative drive systems into conventional vehicle constructions without additional space or redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive systems (electric and fuel cell) are integrated in a vehicle, then the functional capability and range of the vehicle are improved, but the installation space requirements increase significantly, limiting interior space and requiring redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery and gas storage means into a single integrated structural unit mounted on the vehicle underbody. This merging of previously separate components reduces the total installation space required while maintaining all necessary functions of both the electric drive system and fuel cell system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the integrated energy storage unit to the underbody of the vehicle, utilizing the vertical space dimension beneath the vehicle rather than consuming lateral interior space. This dimensional shift allows interior space to remain available for passenger and cargo use
2Ease of operation
If components are arranged in specifically designed installation spaces, then the organization and accessibility of components are improved, but the flexibility and adaptability of the vehicle design are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated structural unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses both the battery and gas storage means, provides structural support, and can be mounted on the underbody of various vehicle types. This multi-functionality maintains component organization while enhancing design flexibility and adaptability across different vehicle platforms
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle (52) is provided having at least one battery (35) for supplying at least one drive of the vehicle (52) with electricity, and having at least one gas storage device (33). At least one part of the gas storage device (33) and at least one part of the battery (35) are combined in a structural unit (32) and arranged on an underbody (31) of the vehicle (52). A method for charging a battery (35) in a vehicle (52) is also provided, in which method at least one part of a battery (35) combined in a structural unit (32) with at least one part of a gas storage device (33) is supplied with electricity by a fuel cell comprised by the vehicle (52).