Underbody Bolt-Spacer Assembly for Lightweight Sealed Battery Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underbody vehicle assemblies with underfloor storage compartments are space-consuming and heavy due to structural components like stiffening beams, necessitating a more efficient and lightweight alternative.
Innovation Solution
A bolt assembly with a spacer portion and threaded shafts is used to secure components relative to a floor panel and lateral beams, incorporating a lobed engagement feature and seal groove for efficient assembly and sealing, reducing the need for additional structural components and fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional structural members like stiffening beams are used in the underbody assembly, then structural strength and component location are improved, but the assembly becomes heavier and consumes more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the floor panel itself: it serves as both the floor surface and the structural member for locating and securing components. The floor panel integrates locating features, threaded openings, and support surfaces that traditionally required separate stiffening beams and structural components, thereby eliminating unnecessary weight while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The floor panel is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides the floor surface, structural support, component location, and fastening functions. By making the floor panel universal for multiple purposes, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated stiffening beams and separate structural members, reducing overall assembly weight and space
2Strength
If traditional structural members like stiffening beams are used in the underbody assembly, then structural strength and component location are improved, but the assembly consumes more underbody space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function into the floor panel itself, eliminating the need for separate stiffening beams. The floor panel incorporates locating features and support surfaces directly, consolidating multiple components into one and freeing up underbody space for storage or other purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of the floor panel to provide structural support and component location features. By integrating locating features and support surfaces into the floor panel's thickness and design, the patent achieves structural functionality without adding horizontal space consumption
3Reliability
If multiple separate fasteners and structural members are used, then secure component attachment is achieved, but the part count and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening and structural functions into integrated features on the floor panel. The locating features, threaded openings, and support surfaces are all part of the floor panel itself, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and structural members, thereby reducing part count and simplifying assembly while maintaining secure component attachment
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a first component having a first threaded opening therein, and a second component having a second component opening therethrough. A bolt assembly secures the second component relative to the first component. The bolt assembly includes a first bolt having a spacer portion and a first threaded shaft extending from the spacer portion to engage the first threaded opening. The first bolt includes an internal thread extending axially from the spacer portion. The bolt assembly further includes a second bolt having a head and a second threaded shaft extending from the head. The second threaded shaft extends through the second component opening to engage the internal thread of the first bolt to secure the second component relative to the first component.