Vehicle Loading Room Housing for Battery Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo spaces with integrated electrical energy sources, such as batteries, often compromise space utilization and safety due to their design, making it difficult to load other objects efficiently and safely, especially in the event of a collision.
Innovation Solution
A sliding cover system between the housing and the vehicle seat, combined with a second bearing surface at the foot edge of the housing, allows for adjustable loading space volume and enhanced safety by positioning the battery ahead of the rear axle and above the fuel tank, while a rib-like structure in the cladding elements provides stiffness and a visually appealing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a battery housing is integrated into the cargo space, then electrical energy storage is provided, but the loading space volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery housing is positioned in the longitudinal dimension of the vehicle, extending from the front toward the rear seats, rather than occupying transverse or vertical space. This dimensional arrangement allows the cargo area to maintain its width and height while accommodating the energy storage system in the length dimension, thereby minimizing impact on usable loading volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery housing is nested within the structural framework of the vehicle body, specifically positioned behind the rear seats and integrated with the vehicle's existing structural elements. This nesting approach allows the battery system to occupy space that would otherwise be structural or dead space, rather than encroaching on the primary cargo volume.
2Productivity
If the battery housing extends to the rear edge of the cargo area, then space utilization is maximized, but crash safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The battery housing is extracted from the direct load path by positioning it behind the rear seats, separating it from the primary collision zone. This extraction ensures that in the event of a rear-end collision, the battery housing is not directly impacted by crushing forces transmitted through the cargo area, thereby protecting both the battery and occupants while maintaining space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with preliminary protective features including positioning ahead of the rear axle and integration with structural elements that provide crash resistance. This preliminary anti-action approach proactively prevents crash forces from reaching the battery by using the housing structure and vehicle frame as protective barriers before impact forces can affect the battery system.
3Shape
If a sliding cover is added to cover the gap when backrest is folded down, then visual appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding cover is merged with the existing seat backrest structure, utilizing the same mounting points and movement mechanisms already present in the seat assembly. This integration allows the cover to be operated simultaneously with the backrest folding mechanism, providing visual coverage without requiring a completely separate control system or additional actuators, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the housing is positioned above the fuel tank, then space is saved, but collision risk between battery and fuel tank increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure itself serves as an intermediary protective element between the battery and the fuel tank. By positioning the battery within a robust housing that extends ahead of the rear axle, the design creates a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the battery and fuel tank during rear-end collisions, allowing both components to be positioned in space-saving configurations while maintaining safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
The loading space (1) is restricted by a vehicle seat, side panels running in vehicle longitudinal direction, a rear end (6) and a loading compartment floor. A housing (11) is extended between the side panels and is formed within the range of an upper edge of a bearing surface (12) for a loading base cover (13). The loading base cover is extended from the housing to a loading space edge assigned to the rear end.