DESC:FRAME ASSEMBLY OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421043760 filed on 06/06/2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to an electric vehicle. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a frame assembly of an electric vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Recently, there has been a rapid development in the automotive technologies. The two-wheeler automobiles are particularly popular due to their affordability and lower cost of running. Particularly, the electric two-wheelers are gaining popularity as they provide economical option for daily commute and can be optimally charged at without necessarily requiring fast charging network infrastructure.
Recently, the electric two-wheelers have gained significant attention as an alternative to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles due to their environmental benefits and operational efficiency. However, one of the inherent challenges in electric vehicle (EV) design lies in the integration and secure placement of heavy and bulky components such as the battery pack. While comparing with the ICE counterparts, the electric two-wheelers are relatively heavier, primarily due to the weight contribution of the battery pack, which is essential for powering the traction motor. The battery pack must be rigidly and securely mounted to the vehicle frame or chassis to withstand dynamic operational conditions, such as vibrations, shocks, and road impacts, thereby preventing unwanted displacement or damage to the battery pack. To achieve this, conventional electric two-wheelers often employ multiple brackets, supports, fasteners, and other mounting fixtures designed to immobilize the battery and other associated powertrain components. However, the use of such redundant mounting components results in increased structural complexity, manufacturing costs, and assembly time. Additionally, these components further add to the overall weight of the electric two-wheeler, which adversely affects the vehicle’s performance parameters such as acceleration, energy efficiency, and range. Furthermore, the additional mounting hardware may lead to design constraints, reduced spatial efficiency, and maintenance difficulties, especially in compact vehicle architectures.
Therefore, there exists a need for an improved structural and mounting arrangement which overcomes the one or more problems associated as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a frame assembly of an electric vehicle.
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a frame assembly of an electric vehicle. The frame assembly comprising a plurality of frame members configured to carry structural load and a bracket mounted on the plurality of frame members. The bracket is configured to secure a battery pack of the electric vehicle and transfers a load of a seat of the vehicle to the plurality of frame members.
The present disclosure provides the frame assembly of the electric vehicle. The frame assembly as disclosed by present disclosure is advantageous in terms of enhanced structural efficiency, integration, and performance of the electric vehicle. Beneficially, the frame assembly optimizes space utilization and reduces the need for additional structural components, thereby contributes to a more compact and lightweight vehicle architecture. Beneficially, the frame assembly provides a rigid and stable platform which enhances the overall vehicle stability and load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, the frame assembly facilitate the ease of assembly and maintenance which improves the weight distribution, thereby promoting the better vehicle balance and handling. Additionally, the frame assembly helps in minimizing the vibrations transmitted to the battery pack which potentially extends the battery life and improving ride comfort. Furthermore, the frame assembly ensures the secure and flexible attachment of the battery pack, thereby enhances the structural integrity and longevity of the frame assembly.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly of an electric vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a frame assembly of an electric vehicle and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms “electric vehicle”, “EV”, and “EVs” are used interchangeably and refer to any vehicle having stored electrical energy, including the vehicle capable of being charged from an external electrical power source. This may include vehicles having batteries which are exclusively charged from an external power source, as well as hybrid-vehicles which may include batteries capable of being at least partially recharged via an external power source. Additionally, it is to be understood that the ‘electric vehicle’ as used herein includes electric two-wheeler, electric three-wheeler, electric four-wheeler, electric pickup trucks, electric trucks and so forth.
As used herein, the term “frame assembly” refers to a structural framework configured to support and interconnect various components of a vehicle, including but not limited to the powertrain, battery pack, seat, suspension, and body panels. The frame assembly typically comprises a plurality of interconnected frame members designed to bear mechanical loads and maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle during operation. The frame assembly may also include mounting provisions, brackets, or interfaces for securing auxiliary components and may be constructed from materials such as metals, alloys, or composites depending on performance requirements.
As used herein, the terms “plurality of frame members” and “frame members” are used interchangeably and refer to two or more structural components that are configured to form part of the main support framework of the electric vehicle. The frame members may include, but are not limited to, longitudinal members, lateral members, cross members, or any other structural elements arranged to collectively bear mechanical loads, provide rigidity, and support various vehicle sub-systems such as the battery pack, seat, drivetrain, or suspension.
As used herein, the term “structural load” refers to the mechanical force or combination of forces exerted on a structural component or assembly, including but not limited to static or dynamic forces resulting from the weight of vehicle components, passengers, payload, or external environmental factors. The structural load is typically transferred and distributed across frame members to ensure the mechanical integrity, stability, and operational safety of the vehicle.
As used herein, the term “bracket” refers to a structural component configured to provide mechanical support and secure attachment between one or more parts of a system. The bracket may be formed from a rigid material such as metal, metal alloy, composite, or equivalent, and may include one or more mounting interfaces, attachment features, or alignment structures. The bracket may be integrally formed with or removably attached to other structural members and may also serve to distribute mechanical loads, absorb vibrations, or facilitate positional accuracy of components during assembly.
As used herein, the term “battery pack” refers to an assembly comprising one or more rechargeable battery cells or modules, electrically connected and housed within a protective enclosure. The battery pack is configured to store and supply electrical energy for powering various components of the electric vehicle, including but not limited to the traction motor and onboard electronic systems. The battery pack may further include associated electrical, mechanical, and thermal management components such as connectors, sensors, control circuitry, insulation materials, cooling elements, and protective casings.
As used herein, the term “rigid support platform” refers to a structural configuration formed by interconnected frame members designed to provide a stable and non-flexing base capable of bearing mechanical loads without significant deformation. The rigid support platform is configured to support components such as a battery pack, seat, or other load-bearing parts of the electric vehicle, and is characterized by its mechanical rigidity, dimensional stability, and resistance to torsional or bending forces during vehicle operation.
As used herein, the term “plurality of mounting interfaces” and “mounting interfaces” refers to two or more structurally defined portions, features, or regions provided on a component (such as a bracket) that are configured to facilitate mechanical engagement, alignment, and secure attachment of another component (such as a battery pack) through the use of fastening means, such as bolts, screws, clamps, or similar fasteners. The mounting interfaces may include holes, slots, recesses, protrusions, or brackets arranged to accommodate the positioning and attachment of the mating component, and may be designed to ensure positional accuracy, load transfer, and ease of assembly or disassembly.
As used herein, the term “at least one fastener” and “fastener” are used interchangeably and refers to one or more mechanical components or devices configured to join, secure, or attach two or more parts together, either permanently or temporarily. The fastener may include, but is not limited to, bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, clips, clamps, pins, or any equivalent fastening means.
As used herein, the term “base frame structure” refers to a foundational structural assembly of a vehicle that comprises interconnected frame members configured to support and integrate various components of the vehicle, including but not limited to the powertrain, battery pack, seating arrangement, and body panels. The base frame structure is typically disposed at the lower portion of the vehicle chassis and is designed to bear and distribute mechanical loads, provide structural rigidity, and maintain overall vehicle integrity during operation.
As used herein, the term “seat receiving surface” refers to a designated portion or area of the bracket that is structurally configured to support, align, and secure a seat of the vehicle. The seat receiving surface is positioned to receive the seat directly or indirectly, and may include features such as mounting points, holes, recesses, or contours that facilitate stable engagement and attachment of the seat to the frame assembly. The seat receiving surface is typically oriented vertically above the battery pack and is designed to transfer seat loads efficiently to the underlying frame members.
As used herein, the term “at least one vibration damping member” and “vibration damping member” are used interchangeably and refer to one or more components or elements incorporated between the bracket and the battery pack, designed to absorb, reduce, or isolate mechanical vibrations and shocks. The vibration damping members may be made from materials such as elastomers, rubber, foam, polymer composites, or other vibration-absorbing substances, and may take the form of pads, bushings, grommets, washers, or similar structures.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment describes a frame assembly 100 of an electric vehicle. The frame assembly 100 comprising a plurality of frame members 102 configured to carry structural load and a bracket 104 mounted on the plurality of frame members 102. The bracket 104 is configured to secure a battery pack 106 of the electric vehicle and transfers a load of a seat of the vehicle to the plurality of frame members 102.
The present disclosure provides the frame assembly 100 of the electric vehicle. The frame assembly 100 as disclosed by present disclosure is advantageous in terms of enhanced structural efficiency, integration, and performance of the electric vehicle. Beneficially, by incorporating the plurality of frame members 102 configured to carry structural loads, the frame assembly 100 provides a robust and rigid support platform that enhances the overall structural integrity of the vehicle. Furthermore, the inclusion of the bracket 104 to secure the battery pack 106 ensures reliable and stable mounting of the critical component and also enables the effective load transfer from the vehicle seat to the frame, thereby improves the occupant safety and structural load distribution. Moreover, the removable mounting of the bracket 104 facilitates easier assembly, maintenance, and potential replacement, which may reduce the manufacturing and service time. Beneficially, the plurality of mounting interfaces 108 allows the precise positioning and secure fastening of the battery pack 106, thereby minimizes the assembly errors and enhancing durability. Furthermore, the central positioning of the bracket 104 within the base frame optimizes vehicle balance, thereby improving handling and stability. Additionally, the presence of a seat receiving surface 112 above the battery pack 106 integrates the seat support directly with the frame, thereby enables the compact and space-efficient design. Furthermore, the use of vibration damping members 114 between the bracket 104 and battery pack 106 effectively reduces the vibrations and mechanical stress, thereby protects the sensitive battery components and extending the battery operational life.
In an embodiment, the plurality of frame members 102 includes a longitudinal and a lateral members arranged to define a rigid support platform. The longitudinal member extends along the length of the vehicle frame which provides the structural support in the front-to-rear direction, while the lateral member extends across the width of the frame, ensuring transverse rigidity. The arrangement of the longitudinal and lateral members forms an interconnected structure that distributes loads effectively and enhances the torsional stiffness of the vehicle frame. Beneficially, the configuration of the frame members 102 provides a stable foundation for mounting the battery pack 106, the bracket 104 and other associated vehicle components, thereby contributing to the overall mechanical robustness and structural integrity of the electric vehicle.
In an embodiment, the bracket 104 is removably mounted to the plurality of frame members 102. Furthermore, the bracket 104 comprises a plurality of mounting interfaces 108 configured to engage with the battery pack 106 via at least one fastener 110. The removable mounting of the bracket 104 enables ease of assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the battery pack 106 or other components associated with the bracket 104. Each of the plurality of mounting interfaces 108 may be adapted to receive the at least one fastener 110, such as a bolt, screw, or equivalent fastening element, thereby enabling the battery pack 106 to be rigidly affixed to the bracket 104. The distribution and positioning of the mounting interfaces 108 may be designed to ensure uniform load transfer from the battery pack 106 to the bracket 104 and, subsequently, to the frame members 102. Beneficially, the configuration provides mechanical stability and prevents undesired displacement of the battery pack 106 during vehicle operation, thereby enhances the serviceability and modularity of the vehicle components.
In an embodiment, the bracket 104 is positioned centrally within a base frame structure to maintain vehicle balance. Furthermore, the bracket 104 includes alignment features for accurate positioning of the battery pack 106 during assembly. The central positioning may be strategically implemented to maintain the lateral and longitudinal balance of the electric vehicle, especially considering the substantial weight contribution of the battery pack 106. By aligning the bracket 104 at the central location relative to the frame assembly 100, the mass distribution of the vehicle is optimized which enhances the vehicle handling, stability, and ride comfort. Beneficially, the configuration also allows for symmetrical load transfer across the plurality of frame members 102, which may include longitudinal and lateral members arranged to form a rigid platform.
In an embodiment, the bracket 104 comprises a seat receiving surface 112 positioned vertically above the battery pack 106. Furthermore, the seat receiving surface 112 engage with the seat and holds the seat securely. The vertical arrangement of the seat receiving surface 112 allows the bracket 104 to serve a dual function, supporting the battery pack 106 from below while simultaneously acting as a mounting base for the vehicle seat from above. The vertical positioning of the seat receiving surface 112 above the battery pack 106 enables efficient utilization of the available space within the frame assembly 100, thereby promoting a compact structural layout. Beneficially, the configuration also facilitates centralized load transfer from the seat to the frame via the bracket 104 which enhances the structural integrity and maintaining balance within the vehicle. The seat receiving surface 112 may be formed integrally with the bracket 104 or attached thereto using conventional fastening means.
In an embodiment, the bracket 104 comprises at least one vibration damping member 114 disposed between the bracket 104 and the battery pack 106. The vibration damping member 114 may be configured to absorb and reduce the mechanical vibrations transmitted from the frame or the road surface to the battery pack 106 during vehicle operation. The arrangement of the vibration damping member 114 ensures the enhanced protection of the battery pack 106 against the vibrational stresses, which may otherwise compromise the structural integrity or performance of the battery cells over time. Furthermore, the vibration damping member 114 may be made from elastomeric materials such as rubber, polyurethane, or other resilient polymers, and may be integrated as pads, bushings, or inserts positioned at the interface between the bracket 104 and the battery pack 106. Beneficially, the vibration damping members 114 enhances the longevity and reliability of the battery pack 106 and also contributes to the improved ride comfort and operational stability of the electric vehicle.
In an embodiment, the bracket 104 is made from a metal and/or a metal alloy. The selection of metal or metal alloy for the bracket 104 provides enhanced structural strength and durability, which may be essential for securely supporting the battery pack 106 and transferring the seat load to the frame members 102. The suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, steel, aluminum, or magnesium alloys, which offer favorable properties such as high load-bearing capacity, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with standard fabrication processes like welding, bolting, or casting. Moreover, the metallic construction contributes to the improved vibration resistance and dimensional stability of the bracket 104 under the operational loads.
In an embodiment, the frame assembly 100 comprising the plurality of frame members 102 configured to carry structural load and the bracket 104 mounted on the plurality of frame members 102. The bracket 104 is configured to secure the battery pack 106 of the electric vehicle and transfers the load of the seat of the vehicle to the plurality of frame members 102. Furthermore, the plurality of frame members 102 includes the longitudinal and the lateral members arranged to define the rigid support platform. Furthermore, the bracket 104 is removably mounted to the plurality of frame members 102. Furthermore, the bracket 104 comprises the plurality of mounting interfaces 108 configured to engage with the battery pack 106 via the at least one fastener 110. Furthermore, the bracket 104 is positioned centrally within the base frame structure to maintain vehicle balance. Furthermore, the bracket 104 includes alignment features for accurate positioning of the battery pack 106 during assembly. Furthermore, the bracket 104 comprises the seat receiving surface 112 positioned vertically above the battery pack 106. Furthermore, the seat receiving surface 112 engage with the seat and holds the seat securely. Furthermore, the bracket 104 comprises the at least one vibration damping member 114 disposed between the bracket 104 and the battery pack 106. Furthermore, the bracket 104 is made from a metal and/or a metal alloy.

In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A frame assembly (100) of an electric vehicle, wherein the frame assembly (100) comprising:
- a plurality of frame members (102) configured to carry structural load; and
- a bracket (104) mounted on the plurality of frame members (102), wherein the bracket (104) is configured to secure a battery pack (106) of the electric vehicle and transfers a load of a seat of the vehicle to the plurality of frame members (102).
2. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame members (102) includes a longitudinal and a lateral members arranged to define a rigid support platform.
3. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (104) is removably mounted to the plurality of frame members (102).
4. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (104) comprises a plurality of mounting interfaces (108) configured to engage with the battery pack (106) via at least one fastener (110).
5. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (104) is positioned centrally within a base frame structure to maintain vehicle balance.
6. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (104) includes alignment features for accurate positioning of the battery pack (106) during assembly.
7. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (104) comprises a seat receiving surface (112) positioned vertically above the battery pack (106).
8. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the seat receiving surface (112) engage with the seat and holds the seat securely.
9. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (104) comprises at least one vibration damping member (114) disposed between the bracket (104) and the battery pack (106).
10. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (104) is made from a metal and/or a metal alloy.