Underfloor Inverter Bracket Shell for Lateral Impact Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid electric vehicles, high-voltage components are vulnerable to damage during lateral collisions due to deformation of the floor panel and potential shearing of attachment bolts, which can lead to the components being crushed or falling between the floor and tunnel side frames.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of high-voltage components between the vehicle structure and floor side frames, surrounded by an outer shell structure formed by an attachment bracket that stretches to absorb impact forces, preventing crushing and maintaining attachment bolt integrity during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If high-voltage components are arranged under the floor panel in a conventional layout, then space utilization is improved, but collision protection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the under-floor space into distinct functional zones: a tunnel section for the high-voltage battery and a lateral section for other components. This segmentation allows the battery to be positioned in a protected central location while other components are arranged in lateral areas that are more accessible and can be better protected during collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional floor plan arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by utilizing the vertical space and lateral dimensions more effectively. The battery is positioned in a recessed tunnel section that extends vertically, creating a protected niche that shields the high-voltage component from lateral impacts.
2Volume of moving object
If the floor panel and attachment brackets are designed for compact component arrangement, then space efficiency is improved, but structural strength during collision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective structures in advance of potential collision events. The tunnel section design creates a cushioning effect by providing a recessed space that absorbs impact forces before they reach the high-voltage battery. Additionally, the attachment brackets are designed with sufficient strength margins to prevent shearing during lateral collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structural designs combining different materials and structural forms. The attachment brackets use a combination of rigid mounting points and flexible mounting regions, integrating structures with different mechanical properties to achieve both compact arrangement and collision resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
The lower structure of an electric vehicle includes: an automatic transmission provided below a floor panel and in an intermediate portion in a right-left direction thereof; an inverter arranged between the automatic transmission and a floor side frame; and an attachment bracket for attaching the inverter to the floor panel. The attachment bracket has an outer shell structure including: an inner wall portion dividing the inverter and the automatic transmission; an outer wall portion dividing the inverter and the floor side frame; an upper wall portion; and a lower wall portion.


